FS tests? Those are notoriously well below the skaters skill level. I didn’t realize you could pass with distinction and honors on those. I’m keeping that fun fact from my younger skater, the perfectionist.
I do know that my older skater will get super anxious and all of a sudden look like Bambi on ice during a test session. Literally. She skidded into the wall and couldn’t control her edges. Her coach does everything to help, including over preparing her. For her most recent MIF test she actually did worse the second time taking it. Nearly passed the first time and didn’t even come close the second.
And yes they are both in therapy. Looking at a sports specific one now!
Apparently your coach has your skaters taking their tests then when they are past those skill levels, if you are saying the tests are "notoriously well below the skaters skill level"
For many this is not true, some live in places where they have to test whatever they can when there will be judges in the area for the tests, and this means some are testing higher than skill set is for at time.
Just saying.