Category Archives: FiguresNow
How to draw circles for roller figures
In roller skating, the circles are standardized. Everyone skates circles 6 meters in diameter for the big figures and 2.4 meters in diameter for loops. This means there is no need for a scribe: the circles are painted on the … Continue reading
USFS figure tests statistics
Every year, US Figure Skating releases statistics on the tests passed in the previous year as part of the Report of the Technical and Officials Group. Here are the statistics on figures tests for the last 6 years. The first … Continue reading
Some resources for ice figures
These resources will help you learn how to skate figures. One day, I hope to create a more exhaustive database. This is a start. Online groups and websites The Compulsory Figures Project on Facebook Memories of Patch on Facebook Bring … Continue reading
Skates for roller figures
This post is about equipment for figures on roller skates. It focuses on skates for circle figures (the big ones), not loops (the small ones)—many roller skaters have separate skates for figures and loops. Roller skates have five components that … Continue reading
What is a scribe, and where do I get one?
A scribe is a giant compass that draws circles on the ice. You can use one to draw your circles before skating your figures or to check your work after you’ve done them. They’re no longer common in stores, but … Continue reading
New figure tests from the RSA
Roller Skating Association International (RSA) has revised its figure tests. The old program is available until 12/31/2021, and the new one starts immediately. The new and old programs are the same at the lower levels. The revised tests include the … Continue reading
Testing & competing with Inclusive Skating
Inclusive Skating makes figures and other types of skating (on both ice and roller skates) accessible to skaters with challenges through events at the World Figure Championship and around the world.
Testing & competing with the World Figure Sport Society
This organization runs the annual World Figure & Fancy Skating Championship & Festival as well as numerous workshops. Upcoming events that offer figures are included on this site’s calendar. WFS exams differ from ISI and USFSA tests in that the … Continue reading
Testing & competing with US Figure Skating (USFSA)
USFSA figure tests were the standard for many years, and are still the most commonly discussed. They are still on the books and can be offered by request. You have to take all the figures in a test at once … Continue reading
Testing & competing with the ISI
The ISI (Ice Sports Industry, formerly Ice Skating Institute) focuses on recreational skating and stresses participation and inclusion; tests and competition are meant to encourage participation. Figure tests are available on demand—ask the skating director at your nearest ISI rink. … Continue reading