Adult figure skating is a term used by skating organizations to refer to tests and competitions for amateur ice skaters over 21. The category was originally aimed at skaters who had taken up the sport as adults, but more recently has expanded to include adult skaters performing and competing at an 'elite' level (Adult Masters), many of whom had skated competitively as children or adolescents. Adults who are learning to skate without prior experience are also included. In addition, a "Young Adult" category (ages 18 – 20) has been added to many Adult events. United States US Figure Skating was the earliest sport governing body to codify tests and competition standards for adult skating. Adult freeskate tests were introduced in the mid-1996s, and adult moves in the field (MITF) tests followed in 2002. Testing Standard track tests are open to skaters of any age, but because adults who take up skating have more limitations than young beginners, the U.S. Figure Skating introduced special tests for this category. The tests have roughly the same elements as the standard track Pre-Preliminary through Juvenile, but with a more relaxed judging standard and some moves rearranged. There are both moves in the field and freeskate tests at the following levels: Skaters must pass the moves in the field test before testing the corresponding freeskate test. There is also an adult component to ice dancing and pair skating tests. Beginning with the pre-bronze dances, adult skaters may switch to the adult track (age 21+) or masters track (age 50+). Effective September 2, 2010, USFS has added an adult test track to Intermediate - Senior moves in the field tests. The patterns in these tests are identical to standard tests, however, the tester is marked on a lower passing average. Adult and masters dance tests are identical to standard tests, but do not require the tester to also perform a solo pattern of the dance, and the tester is marked on a lower passing average. Preliminary dances are tested standard track. Adult Pairs tests are the Adult Bronze, Adult Silver and Adult Gold. Competitions For competitions, skaters are grouped in events by age. (The age groups may be merged depending on the number of entries). In May 2014, the age ranges in US Figure Skating were changed to the following: Many Adult events now include a "Young Adult" category for skaters from 18 – 20 years