November is an important month for tests and competitions at all levels.  Best wishes for success and fun to all the skaters, seasoned competitors and those just starting out.  We thought we’d help out with PJ Kwong’s article:

THE SECRET LIFE OF JUDGES EXPOSED     by PJ Kwong

Let’s face it; it’s time to set the record straight.  Judges/evaluators are in the sport of figure skating for the same reason you are…the love of it!

How does a judge become one?  Judges are often former skaters, although not necessarily.  Once they decide that judging is for them, they have to undergo a tremendous amount of training and exams in order to become qualified to judge at test days and competitions.  This is a huge undertaking, and is indicative of the kind of commitment found in these very important (unpaid) people within the skating family.

Some popular myths de-bunked:

“This judge hates me.  They have never passed any of my tests.”

Most judges attend so many different test days and competitions in a year, that it would be impossible for them to remember all of the faces or the performances in front of them.  Why you may have difficulty with a particular judge is that your “style” is not their cup of tea, and this being a subjective sport, that can sometimes be the explanation.  Believe me when I say that judges do not stay up nights thinking can’t wait to see Tiffany and fail her at a test day again.  A disastrous test day is just as difficult and stressful on a judge as it is on kids, parents and coaches; we are ALL working towards the same goal of success and improvement for the skater.

“This judge doesn’t know anything”

Well, given the amount of training that they do that statement is absolutely false.  That said, there is a shortage of qualified judges, and sometimes in test situations out of necessity judges end up judging an area that is not their specialty.  My best advice always to skaters is to go on your own instinct and to trust the expert opinion of your coach; you know whether or not you have done the job, regardless of the result. Your opinion of yourself and what you need to work on is really the measure of what you do.

Next time you are in front of a judge, look your best and smile at them.  It shows that you value, appreciate and respect their time.  We couldn’t do it without them!                                                          

 PJ Kwong, creator and author of “Edgework”, International skating announcer, skating coach and Mom, is writing a series of articles for our newsletter and website.  Be sure to check our last month’s issue from our Archives and watch for next month’s article “Parents and Coaches as Partners”!  

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We are thrilled to be a sponsor for Skate Canada – Western Ontario. 

Click on their logo to link directly to their website at www.skating-wos.on.ca.  There are great articles about everything from the importance of wearing helmets at the Canskate level, up to information about various skating competitions.  We are looking forward to meeting people and supporting their skating at the WOS Sectional competition in Leamington, Ontario November 14 – 16.

Beyond the SHADOW of a Doubt….” the best blade available anywhere in the world”

The newest in blade technology, we’re proud to introduce this ISE blade that is lighter, sleeker, engineered for strength and reduced surface resistance!  The blade has the same rocker as a Comet or Stealth blade with a pick configuration closer to a Pattern 99 or Storm.  It is great for skaters working on all their double jumps. 

Nicole Faulker, Mississauga’s Skating Program Coordinator, is the first in Mississauga to have the blade and she loves it!  The skater’s in her Cardio fitness class are having trouble keeping up with her!

The Christmas count down   is on!
If you’re starting to think of some great gift ideas – check out these new soft fur animal purses!

We’ve also got some new skating Christmas ornaments and decorations.

                                And don’t forget the new SKATE T-shirts that go so well with the SKATE pants that we carry.    The SKATE pants are now also available in youth sizes!

Good Luck, Skate Hard – ‘tll next time!

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905-282-1555

Toll free 1-877-396-6423 info@dresswright.com