A spin in which the skater’s body is bent forward at the waist so that the head is near the skating knee.  The free leg is held near the supporting leg.  The free leg and/or the supporting leg may or may not be held.

The Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act S.C. 2009, c.23 including the regulations made pursuant to the Act, and any statute or regulations that may be substituted, as amended from time to time.

An official who has officiated a minimum of one event within the past 24 months.

A Director appointed by the Board in accordance with section 5.20 to 5.22 hereof [of the bylaws].

Refers to technical content in synchronized skating that increases the difficulty of an element, such as step sequences, free skating moves, free skating elements and points of intersection. 

Defines with which Section a Club or Skating School, a Registrant or a Coach has an association.

A three-turn from an outside edge in which the free leg is extended and the toe and hip are well turned out and held over the tracing.  The instep of the free foot is drawn close to the heel of the skating foot as the turn is made. After the turn onto an inside edge, the free foot is extended back of the tracing before being brought back beside the skating foot in time for the next step.

The annual meeting of Members.

A Director appointed by the Board in accordance with Article 5 hereof [of the bylaws].

The original or restated articles of incorporation or articles of amendment, amalgamation, continuance, reorganization, arrangement, or revival of Skate Canada.

Athlete A is equivalent to the “woman” in ISU regulations.

Athlete B is equivalent to the "man" in the ISU regulations.

In principle, a clear preparation for a take-off for a jump, stepping to the entry edge or placing the toe pick into the ice and leaving the ice with or without a turn; receives no value and blocks a jump element box. 

A position in which the free leg is bent, and brought up, out and behind at a ninety-degree angle to the leg of the skating foot.

A Public Accountant, as defined in the Act, appointed by the Members by Ordinary Resolution at the Annual Meeting to audit the books, accounts, and records of Skate Canada for a report to the Members at the next Annual Meeting.

An edge jump with natural rotation that takes off from a forward outside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of rotations. Unlike other single jumps which are one rotation, a single Axel has one-and-a-half rotations.

Either a waltz jump or axel jump of any number of rotations.

Refers to the imaginary line(s) which divide(s) the ice surface (e.g. long axis, short axis).  

In synchronized skating, refers to the axis where the skaters are passing/intersecting with one another. In the case of a collapsing intersection (box, triangle, etc.), the axis of intersection is defined as the area within the shape once the corners have started to intersect and before the skaters exit the intersection and pass through at the final corners.

These spins generally enter with a forward inside spiraling edge on the same foot on which the skater lands.  The spin is initiated by a forward inside three-turn creating a backward outside spinning edge. 

An individual sixteen years of age or older who is responsible for accurate technical panel process and for authorizing, correcting, deleting and adding elements to the list of elements performed during an event. The BLTO assists with the identification of elements in competition. The BLTO also assists with the identification of falls and illegal elements where appropriate to the level. The BLTO is qualified to act on a panel at or below a specified level of competition in singles only and can only be assigned to events where elements can be called no higher than base level and juvenile singles.

The value attributed to each element based on its level of difficulty assuming no additions or reductions for grades of execution.  Base values are listed in the scales of values (SOV). 

Refers to the three basic spin positions – camel, sit and upright.

A note defining the regular recurring divisions of a piece of music.

A spin in which the skater’s free foot is pulled, by one hand or both, from behind to a position higher than the head towards the top of the head close to the central axis of the skater.

The board of Directors of Skate Canada.

A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an inside edge or an inside edge to an outside edge, with the exit curve continuing on the same lobe as the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction opposite to the curve.

A skating movement in which the body is already in nearly horizontal position at the take-off.  The free leg makes a wide, powerful rotational swing upwards so that it is higher than the upper part of the body and head.  During the flight and on the landing, the body remains in a horizontal position.  There is no number of revolutions required after the landing.

An exemption that permits a skater to pass to the next level of competition without competing at a prerequisite level. 

These by-laws and any other bylaw of Skate Canada as amended and which are, from time to time, in force and effect.

A turn from one foot to the other in which the entry and exit curves are continuous and of equal depth. The change of foot is from an outside edge to an outside edge or from an inside edge to an inside edge.

Singles and Pairs: A basic spin position with the free leg backwards with the knee higher than the hip level, however Layback and Biellmann are still considered as upright positions.

Ice Dance: Performed on one foot with skating leg straight or slightly bent and body bent forward and free leg extended or bent upward on a horizontal line or higher.

A spin in which the skater remains in a camel position while rotating. The free leg (including the knee and foot) must be held at hip level or higher.

A championship that qualifies athletes toward and including, but not limited to, the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, the ISU World Figure Skating Championships, ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships, and the Olympic Winter Games.

The name for each level of competition within a discipline.  Examples of categories are STAR 1, STAR 2, Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Pre-Novice, etc.

A spin that has a change(s) of foot with a minimum of three revolutions on each foot.

In synchronized skating, when the number of lines, spokes, or circles changes during an element.

The visible tracing of a skate on one foot that changes from one curve and edge to another curve and edge.

A series of two edges (usually outside, inside) in which on the second edge the free foot is placed on the ice beside the skating foot, but not ahead of or behind it, and the free foot is lifted with the blade parallel to the ice.

The data specialist who oversees the team of data specialists at a competition.

In ice dance, a listed or unlisted movement or series of movement(s) as specified by the ISU Ice Dance Technical Committee.

Consists of at least two different movements like spirals, arabesques, spread eagles, Ina Bauers, hydroblading, any jumps with maximum of two revolutions, spins, etc. Steps and turns may be used to link the two or more different movements together. The pattern is not restricted, but the sequence must be clearly visible.

An experienced judge or technical panel official who has been specifically trained by the section and appointed by the Skate Canada Officials Development Committee to deliver training clinics and/or facilitate updates and seminars.

A C Step in which the instep of the free foot is held at the heel of the skating foot until the free foot is placed on the ice behind the heel of the skating foot. Following the weight transfer, the immediate position of the new free foot is in front of the new skating foot (e.g. steps 11 and 12 of the Rocker Foxtrot).

The partners are directly opposite each other. One partner faces forward while the other partner faces backward. The lead's right hand is placed firmly on the follow's back at the shoulder blade with the elbow raised and the arm bent sufficiently to hold their partner close. The left hand of the follow is placed at/on the shoulder of the lead so that the arm rests comfortably, elbow to elbow, on the lead's upper arm. The left arm of the lead and the right arm of the follow are extended comfortably at shoulder height. Their shoulders remain parallel.

A S Step in which the instep of the free foot is held at the heel of the skating foot until the free foot is placed on the ice behind the heel of the skating foot. Following the weight transfer the immediate position of the new free foot is in front of the new skating foot (e.g. steps 12 and 13 of the Blues).

Husband, wife (or common law spouse), mother, father, grandfather, grandmother, daughter, son, granddaughter, grandson, sister, brother, niece or nephew and such similar relationships created at law.

A not-for-profit organization that is operating for the general purpose of providing Skate Canada skating programs and is managed by a volunteer board of directors.

A competition for which only members of the holding club are eligible.

A dance lift which does not exceed 12 seconds in duration.  This lift combines two rotational lifts in different directions or two curve lifts on two different curves forming a serpentine pattern or two different types of short lifts.

A spin which includes a change of position. A combination spin must include a minimum of two different basic positions with two revolutions in each of these positions anywhere within the spin. To receive full value, a spin combination must include all three basic positions.

July 1 - June 30 of any given year

In synchronized skating, a configuration is the number of lines, spokes and circles in an element (for example Block or Wheel, etc.).

An imaginary line running around the ice surface that serves as a basis for a dance pattern. Usually the continuous axis consists of two lines running parallel to the long axis of the ice surface, approximately halfway between the long axis and the perimeter of the rink. These lines are joined at each end of the ice surface by a semi-circle.

A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an outside edge or an inside edge to an inside edge, with the exit curve on a different lobe from the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction opposite to the entry curve (i.e. in the direction of the exit curve).

In the air, the body rotates in the direction opposite to the way it does on the take-off edge.

A movement in which the free foot is held up in contact with the skating leg from an open hip position so that the free foot is parallel to the leg of the skating foot.

(Forward/Backward) A roll started with the action of the free foot approaching the skating foot from the side and passing continuously the skating foot on ice to the next outside curve. At the same time, the body weight transfers from one outside curve to the new outside curve to create a rolling movement.  Following this action, an outside edge is required.

In ice dance, a step started with the feet crossed so that the impetus or power is gained from the outside edge of the foot that is becoming the free foot. (Note - legs cross above the knees.)

An upright spin position where both feet of the skater(s) are on the ice while spinning.  The feet may be crossed in front or behind.

The same as chassé except that on the second step the free foot crosses the skating foot (crossing behind the skating foot when skating forward or crossing in front when skating backward).

The partners are in the same position as the Foxtrot Hold except that the lead's right arm passes behind the follow and the lead's right hand is on the follow's right hip. The follow's left arm passes behind the lead and the follow's left hand is on the lead's left hip.

The follow's left arm is extended across the front of the lead's body to the lead's left hand, while the lead's right arm is extended across in front of the follow's body with both partners' right hands resting clasped over the follow's hip. This hold may also be reversed.

A S Step in which the outside of the free foot is held in front of and at right angles to the skating foot. The hip is open after the turn. It may be wide-stepped (e.g. Steps 11-12 of the Rhumba).

A step in which the free foot is placed on the ice on the outer edge side of the skating foot with the free leg tightly crossed behind the skating leg. (Note - the legs cross below the knees.)

A step in which the free foot is placed on the ice on the outer edge side of the skating foot with the free leg tightly crossed in front of the skating leg. (Note - legs cross below the knees.)

A step or sequence of steps (push + cross) in which the free foot crosses the skating foot completely before it is placed on the ice.

The Cumulative Points Calculation Judging System is a method for the calculation of results in the sport of figure skating. This system is based on the principle that a performance can be divided into elements (of difficulty) and program components, each of which can be evaluated individually. The total of the marks for all of the elements and components forms the score for each skater or team in a competition. The highest scoring skater or team is declared the winner. The second highest places second and so on.

In ice dance, a Short Lift in which the lifting partner travels on one curve (lobe) in any position on one foot or two feet.

A jump of not more than one revolution

A movement in which one of the partners is elevated with active and/or passive assistance of the other partner to any permitted height, sustained there and set down on the ice. Any rotations and positions and changes of such positions during the lift are permitted. Any variation or combinations of dance lifts as determined by the ISU Ice Dance Technical Committee are published in an ISU Communication.

The pattern of any dance is the design of the dance on the ice.  The diagram of a pattern dance includes all the information needed to execute one complete pattern (sequence) of the dance.

A spin skated by the team together in any hold. It should be performed on the spot around a common axis on one foot with or without change(s) of foot by one or both partners.

An individual sixteen years of age or older who has been trained and appointed to calculate the results of sanctioned figure skating competitions.

Athlete B performs a pivot, holding one hand of Athlete A with their arms fully extended.  Athlete A circles around Athlete B on one foot in a position nearly parallel to the ice. The edge skated by Athlete A determines the name of the death spiral. i.e. backward outside, backward inside, forward outside, forward inside.

A delegate of a Club or Skating School to a Members Meeting.

All elements in synchronized skating are divided into groups of difficulty based on the number of features included. Lists of difficulty groups of elements are determined each or every second year and published in a Skate Canada and ISU communication.

An individual elected or appointed to serve on the Board pursuant to this Bylaw.

A jump that is missing rotation of one half of a revolution or more. It is shown with the symbol << after the element code.

A movement in which a skater travels along the ice with one leg bent and the other leg directed behind with the boot/blade touching the ice.

May refer either to part of the skate blade, or the visible tracing of a skate blade on one foot that is on one curve. An edge may be either inside (towards the body) or outside (away from the body), and forward or backward, for a total for four different edges.

A general term that refers to jumps that take off from an edge (i.e. waltz jump, salchow, loop, axel).

Any of Director (West), Director (Ontario), Director (Quebec), Director (Atlantic), Director (Coach), or Director at Large duly elected pursuant to Article 5 hereof. “Elected Director” includes a person appointed to fill a vacancy resulting from the departure of an Elected Director.

A three-turn from an outside edge in which the free leg is extended and the toe and hip are well turned out and held over the tracing.  The instep of the free foot is drawn close to the skating foot as the turn is made. After the turn, the back inside edge is held for one beat before the weight is transferred to the free foot as it becomes the skating foot.

An individual sixteen years of age or older who is responsible for evaluating assessments in the STAR 6-Gold structure.  Evaluators are qualified to assess in one or more disciplines.

The name given to a group of skaters entered in a category.  There may be one event per category or several events per category depending on the number of total entries.  Each event is independent of the other events within the category. 

Defined as a loss of control by a skater with the result that the majority of the skater's body weight is on the ice being supported by any other part of the body other than the blades. e.g. hand(s), knee(s), back, buttock(s) or any part of the arm.

Technical content that increases the difficulty of an element which may become part of the difficulty group of an element.  Features such as pivoting, travelling, body movements, etc. are determined annually and published in a Skate Canada and ISU Communication.

A decision that is taken by an official (referee, judge, technical controller, technical specialist) in the live setting of the competition, and that the official considers to be a fair and correct interpretation of the rules given the particular circumstances at the time.

The visible double tracing of a skate that is straight (imprinted by the skater skating on one foot on both edges of the blade).

A toe jump with natural rotation that takes off from a backward inside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of revolutions.

• A spin with a flying entrance with no change of foot or position. The name of the flying spin corresponds to its landing position.

Spin with a flying entrance:

•  All flying spins that are not as defined above.

These spins generally enter with a forward outside spiraling edge on the opposite foot the skater lands on. The spin is initiated by a forward outside three-turn creating a backward inside spinning edge.

The hand and arm positions are similar to those of the Closed or Waltz Hold. The partners simply turn slightly away from each other so that they both skate in the same direction.

A program of a specified length, skated to music of the skater’s choice. The skater is free to choose the number and the type of elements to be included, subject to the requirements outlined in the requirements for individual assessments and competitions.

A person who has paid all dues outstanding to Skate Canada, a Club, or a Skating School (as applicable) and whom the Board has not declared not to be in good standing and in the case of Members, a Member whose Membership has not been terminated pursuant to Article 3 hereof [of the bylaws].

The mark given by a judge to evaluate the quality of an element in a program.  There are 11 GOEs ranging from +5 to -5.

Facing in same direction – The partners face in the same direction and are skating side by side or one behind the other with their arms extended and their hands clasped. A variation of this is the arm-in-arm side by side hold.

Facing in opposite directions – The partners usually face each other while one skates backward and the other skates forward with the arms extended to the side but sometimes the hold can be skated back to back (e.g. steps 22-25 in the Cha Cha Congelado).

A Kilian Hold in which one pair of the joined hands are elevated to slightly above shoulder height with the elbows slightly bent (e.g. steps 3-12 in the Yankee Polka).

A term used in synchronized skating when one skater performs a movement that is away from and in contrast with the rest of the team.

An individual who has distinguished him or herself through exceptional service to Skate Canada and has been recognized by the Board as an “Honorary Associate.”

A small jump without rotation.

The skaters are in a low sit-like position that is counter-balanced, where the supporting leg is bent to at least ninety degrees (parallel to the ice) and the free leg and hands are not resting on the ice surface.  The skaters’ torsos, including the shoulders, are leaning far in towards the centre of the circle and the free leg is placed to the outside of that circle.  The move is executed on an edge and on one foot.

A two-footed movement in which the skater travels along the ice with one foot on a forward edge/tracing and the other on a matching backward edge on a different but parallel edge/tracing.

In synchronized skating, when a skater in a circle passes in-between at least two other skaters of the other circle.

In synchronized skating, when a spoke of a wheel passes in-between at least two spokes of the other wheel(s).

Within Canada, these are defined as competitions/championships conducted according to the rules of the International Skating Union, where teams from at least one foreign country are invited by Skate Canada.

The International Skating Union (ISU) is the exclusive international sport federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee administering the sports of Figure Skating and Speed Skating throughout the world. The ISU is composed of a number of national associations called ISU Members that administer ISU sports at the national level and recognize that all international matters are under the sole jurisdiction and control of the ISU.

The period of time starting immediately when the competitor stops performing the program or is ordered to do so by the referee, whichever is earlier, and ending when the competitor resumes the performance.

In Ice Dance, optional steps performed prior to the first step of a pattern dance. 

A competition that is open to competitors and/or teams from more than one club and may include members of other foreign associations. There may be a selection process whereby skaters qualify to advance to higher levels of competition based on their results at the club/regional/sectional level.

An individual sixteen years of age or older who has been trained and appointed to officiate at or below a specified level of competition in one or more of singles, pairs, ice dance or synchronized skating.

Singles and Pairs: Two or more jumps in which the landing foot of the first jump is the take-off foot of the next jump and so on. There is no change of foot or turn between the jumps, although the toe may be used to assist the take-off. One full revolution on the ice between the jumps (free foot can touch the ice, but no weight transfer) keeps the element within the definition of a jump combination.

Synchronized Skating: Any number of jumps of at least one revolution that may be linked with turns, steps or with a slight touch down.

An individual jump, a jump combination or a jump sequence.

Singles and Pairs: Two or three jumps of any number of revolutions, in which the second and/or third jump is an axel-type jump with a direct step from the landing curve of the first/second jump to the take-off curve of the axel jump. One full revolution on the ice between the jumps (free foot can touch the ice, but no weight transfer) keeps the element within the definition of a jump sequence Synchronized Skating: Consists of any number of jumps of any number of revolutions that may be linked with small hops and dance jumps, immediately following each other while maintaining the jump rhythm (knee); there can be no crossovers or stroking between jumps during the sequence.

The partners face in the same direction with the follow to the right of the lead and the lead's right shoulder behind the follow's left. The left arm of the follow is extended across the front of the lead's body to hold the lead's left hand. The lead's right arm crosses behind the follow's back to clasp the follow's right hand. Both right hands rest over the follow's hip bone.

An upright spin in which head and shoulders are leaning backward with the back arched. The position of the free leg is optional.  Sideways leaning spin is an upright spin in which head and shoulders are leaning sideways and the upper body is arched.  The position of the free leg is optional.  The sideways leaning spin is classed as a layback spin.

In ice dance, the leading hand of the lead partner is the right hand except in the case of reversed hold when it is the left hand. The leading hand must remain in the prescribed position for the hold.

The term given to certain features of elements that increase the value of an element. There are 5 levels of difficulty ranging from Level Base to Level 4.

A jump that is included in the Scale of Values.

A curve that is representative of a part of a circle.  In ice dance, a lobe is any sequence of steps on one side of the continuous axis that is approximately semi-circular in shape.

Turn:  A one-foot movement where the skater skates an oval pattern using the same edge. The entry and exit of the loop must cross. The loop must be clean cut without scrapes or points.

Jump:  An edge jump with natural rotation that takes off from a backward outside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of revolutions.

An edge jump with natural rotation that takes off from a backward outside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of revolutions.

A toe jump with counter rotation that takes off from a backward outside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of revolutions. 

A unit of music which is defined by the periodic recurrence of the accent. Such units are of equal number of beats.

Each person that meets the requirements of any of the three Member classes as defined in Article 3 hereof [of the bylaws] and that has been duly admitted as a member of Skate Canada.

Annual Meetings and/or Special Meetings.

The status of being in one of the classes as outlined in section 3.1 hereof [of the bylaws].

An annual period commencing each year on September 1^st on a given calendar year and expiring on August 31^st of the following year.

In synchronized skating, a mirror image pattern is shown when one half of the team simultaneously uses a combination of both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.

In the air, the body rotates in the same direction as it does on the take-off edge.

Any spin position which is not one of the three defined basic spin positions (camel, sit, upright).

A jump that is not listed in the Scale of Values; does not count as a jump element.

The President and such other officers as the Board may determine by Ordinary Resolution.

A one-foot movement in which a skater travels along the ice with one leg in a strongly bent position and the other leg directed forward parallel to the ice.

A rotational movement on one foot in which the skater moves from forward to backward or backward to forward.

A C step in which the heel of the free foot is placed on the ice at the inner side of the skating foot, the angle between the two feet being optional. Following the weight transfer, the immediate position of the new free foot is behind the heel of the new skating foot (e.g. lead’s steps 8 and 9 and the follow’s steps 12 and 13 in the Fourteenstep).

The lead’s left hand holds the follow’s left hand, with the lead’s right hand resting over the follow’s left hip or behind the back. The follow’s right arm is extended. The hold may also be reversed.

A S step in which the free foot is placed on the ice at the inner side of the skating foot. Following the weight transfer the immediate position of the new free foot is behind the heel of the new skating foot.

A step started close beside the skating foot without crossing in front or behind. On all forward edges, the free leg is held behind before coming to the skating foot for the next step. On all backward edges the free leg is held forward before returning to the skating foot for the next step.

A dance for which the pattern may be altered by a team/skater provided that the original step sequences, positions and timing are maintained. Each repetition of the altered pattern must be executed in the same manner and the restart must be commenced from the same place.

A resolution passed by the majority of votes cast on that resolution.

A pair spin which consists of at least one change of foot and one change of position of both partners. The pair spin combination must include a minimum of two different basic positions with two revolutions in each of these positions by both partners anywhere within the spin. To receive full value, a spin combination must include all three basic positions by both partners.

A term in ice dance for a movement in which the free foot is held up to the side of the skating leg from a closed hip position so that the free foot is parallel to the leg of the skating foot.

A series of prescribed steps, turns and movements in a rhythm dance consisting of a sequence of a pattern dance or a section of a pattern dance or a combination of steps/turns from pattern dances

A two-footed movement in which the toe picks of one foot are inserted into the ice by a skater as a central pivoting point while the other foot travels in a circular pattern around the pivot point.

In synchronized skating, the point of intersection is an additional feature for the intersection element and is a type of movement/rotation that the skaters execute at the axis of intersection.

The president of Skate Canada. The President is the chair of the Board.

The mark given by a judge to assess the different aspects of a skater’s performance. There are three PCs: Composition, Presentation and Skating Skills. The Program Components marking range is from 0.25 to 10.0.

A step or sequence of steps in which the free foot passes the skating foot before is it placed on the ice, thereby bringing the new free foot off the ice trailing the new skating foot.

A type of Progressive skated in Open Hold by a team on the same or opposite feet derived from a similar forward walking movement in some ballroom dances (e.g., steps 9-11 in the Blues and steps 16-19 in the Tango).

Has the meaning attributed to it in the Act.

A qualifying event is any competition or any event that qualifies skaters to the sectional championships and higher. These include, without limitation, Sectional Championships, Skate Canada Challenge, Synchronized Regional Championships, Canadian Figure Skating Championships and Canada Cup.

An inside three-turn with the free leg extended over the tracing and left behind during the turn.  After the completion of the turn, the free leg swings through in front of the tracing before being brought back beside the skating foot in time for the next step; e.g., lead’s step 1 in Ravensburger Waltz).

A referee of an event within a competition is an experienced judge who has received further training to conduct an event and monitor the performance of the panel of judges. Referees are qualified to referee or judge at or below a specified level of competition in one or more of singles, pairs, ice dance or synchronized skating.

A championship that qualifies athletes toward and including, but not limited to, the Canadian Figure Skating Championships or Canada Cup

Includes (i) an individual who is registered by a Club or Skating School with Skate Canada and who is subject to all applicable rules, regulations and policies of Skate Canada but who is not a Member; and (ii) an individual who is engaged in any activity provided, sponsored, supported, sanctioned or recognized by Skate Canada and registered directly with Skate Canada but who is not a Member.

September 1 to August 31 of any given year.

This position is similar to the Kilian position but with the follow at the lead's left.

The regularly repeated pattern of accented and unaccented beats which gives the music its character.

A dance created by an ice dance team to dance music with designated rhythm(s) and/or theme(s) selected annually by the ISU Ice Dance Technical Committee.

A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an outside edge or an inside edge to an inside edge, with the exit curve on a different lobe from the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction of the entry curve. 

A short or long forward or backward edge skated on a curve.

In ice dance, a short lift in which the lifting partner rotates in one direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) while travelling across the ice.

A turn from one foot to the other in which the curve of the exit edge is in the opposite direction to that of the entry edge. The change of foot is from outside edge to inside edge or inside edge to outside edge. In ice dance, unless otherwise specified in the dance description, the free foot is placed on the ice close to the skating foot. The entry and exit edge are of equal depth.

An edge jump with natural rotation that takes off from a backward inside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of rotations.

Contains Base Values and Grades of Execution of all listed elements. The scales of values are published by the ISU and Skate Canada.

An organization incorporated or organized in a particular province or territory (and in some cases, a combination thereof) strategically aligned with Skate Canada, that may receive funds from provincial or territorial Governmental Authorities and be subject to applicable sport recognition programs and transfer payment arrangements. Each Section is held to the governance and operating requirements of their respective province and / or territory(ies) and is responsible for skating in their respective jurisdictions.

The chair of any Section.

A championship that qualifies athletes toward and including but not limited to Skate Canada Challenge and the Canadian Figure Skating Championships.

The name given to a portion of an event.  Some categories have two segments (e.g., short program and free program) and some categories have only one segment.

The set order of the prescribed steps that compose one pattern of a Pattern Dance.

In ice dance, a series of two twizzles with up to one step between twizzles.

In ice dance, a series of two twizzles with up to three steps between twizzles.

A dance for which the location, direction and curvature of all edges to be skated are designated in the applicable pattern dance diagram. This diagram must be followed as closely as possible. 

The term used when a skater skates the full pattern of the dance with another skater, coach or program assistant using a “shadow” formation. The partners face in the same direction and are skating side by side with no more than one arm’s length distance between them.

A straight line that divides the ice surface into two halves crosswise (midline). On an ice surface that is 100’ x 85’, the short axis runs the width of the 85’ side through the middle of the ice.

A dance lift which does not exceed seven seconds in duration.

Singles and Pairs: A basic spin position with the upper part of the skating leg at least parallel to the ice.

Ice Dance: A basic spin position performed on one foot with skating leg bent in a one-legged crouch position and free leg forward, to the side or back.

A spin in which the skater remains in a sit position while rotating.  The supporting leg must be bent at least to a ninety-degree angle.  The thigh of the skating foot must be parallel to the ice surface.

A championship that qualifies athletes toward and including, but not limited to, the Canadian Figure Skating Championships.

A skating expert with the required National Coaching Certification Program qualifications to provide a remunerated service at Skate Canada sanctioned clubs and skating schools, both on- and off-ice. These individuals shall have registered, provided full payment and have met all coach registration requirements as set annually by Skate Canada.

Skating direction refers to skating either forwards or backwards (e.g. forward spirals and backward spirals).

An organization other than a Club that is operating for the general purpose of providing Skate Canada skating programs.

The same as chassé except that on the second step the free foot slides off the ice in front of the skating foot when the skater is skating forward, and to the back when the skater is skating backward (e.g. steps 7 & 10 in the Canasta Tango).

A step skated in a straight line with the blades of both skates being held flat on the ice. The weight is over the skating leg that may be well bent or straight while the free foot slides forward on the ice to full extension.

The term used when a skater skates the full pattern of a dance alone.

In ice dance, a spinning movement performed on one foot on the spot by one partner alone (with or without the assistance of the other partner) or by both partners simultaneously (around separate centres).

A special meeting of Members.

A resolution passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast on that resolution.

An element where the skater rapidly revolves, centred on a single point on the ice, while holding one or more body positions.  In singles and pairs, a spin must have at least three revolutions to be considered a spin. The minimum number of revolutions in a position is two without interruption.

In singles and pairs, any spin which has only one of the three basic positions and no non-basic positions.  In spins in one position and flying spins in one position, the concluding upright position at the end of the spin is not considered to be another position independent of the number of revolutions, as long as the skater is executing only the final wind-up without any enhancements.

A gliding position executed on one foot with free leg extended (including knee and foot) above hip level.

A collection of at least two spirals executed on different feet.  The spirals must not be separated by other elements such as jumps or spins.  Some categories have requirements for the number of steps between the spirals, supported/unsupported and/or skating direction of the spirals.

A curving, two-footed movement in which the skater skates with one foot on a forward edge and the other on a matching backward edge on the same curve (eg. outside and outside).

The first step after the introductory steps.

In ice dance, a Short Lift that is executed on the spot (stationary location) by the lifting partner who may or may not be rotating.

The visible tracing on the ice that is executed on one foot. A step is counted each time there is a change of foot.

In ice dance, a Short Lift in which the lifting partner travels in a straight line in any position on one foot or two feet.

The first beat of the measure or group of two measures supporting the skating count of the rhythm.

Characteristics of levels of step sequences in ice dance.

In synchronized skating, sub-grouping refers to a subordinate or smaller group(s) without a close relationship to the rest of the team; a division of the team into several smaller groups.

An open or closed C step in which the free leg swings forward closely past the skating leg, and then back to the skating foot to execute the turn (e.g. steps 20 and 21 of the Harris Tango).

A type of rocker or counter in which the free foot swings smoothly past close to the skating foot before the turn and after the turn is either moved past the skating foot and held behind over the tracing or allowed to swing forward.

A roll held for several beats of music during which, when skating backward, the free leg lifts and then first swings forward, then backward past the skating foot, then back beside to skate the next step. When skating forward, the free leg first swings backward, then forward and then back beside to skate the next step. The swing of the leg gives the sense of a rolling movement.

An open or closed S step in which the free leg swings forward closely past the skating leg and then back to the skating foot to execute the turn (e.g. steps 5 and 6 [first part] of the Quickstep).

An action in which the skater(s) is(are) lifted to any height either by the lifting skaters or by the lifted skater(s) themselves using body support from other skaters and is counted as a lift when a skater is held off the ice for more than three seconds.

• Pair lift used in synchronized skating is an action in which one skater is lifted and sustained by one other skater.

• Group lift used in synchronized skating is an action in which one or more skater(s) is (are) lifted and sustained to any height by two or more skaters. A lifting skater must have at least one skate on the ice at all times.

• Stationary Lift is a lift that is executed on the spot (stationary location) by the lifting skater(s) who may or may not be rotating.

• Gliding Lift (during the preparation, lift/execution and exit): All lifting/supporting skater(s) in a group/pair lift must be skating or gliding as they prepare for the lift. The lifting/supporting skater(s) must continue to glide as the lift is executed. All skaters must continue to glide during the exit of the lift. Skater must be set down (only if required) and after the lifted skater has been set down all skaters must continue to skate/glide.

• Rotational lift that glides and rotates at the same time: A lift in which lifting skater(s) rotate while gliding/traveling across the ice. The lifting skaters must continue to glide as the lift is executed (while rotating). All skaters in a group/pair must be skating or gliding as they prepare for the lift and during the rotation. The lifting/supporting must turn from forward to backwards or vise versa using a two-footed turn. All skaters must continue to skate/glide during the exit of the lift. Skater must be set down (only if required) and after the lifted skater has been set down all skaters must continue to skate/glide.

• Acrobatic lifts are moves in which the skater is held only by either the blade(s), foot(feet) or leg(s) and is swung around or is held in a sustained vertical position with the head down. These lifts are illegal in competition.

In synchronized skating, choreography or elements that have a rhythmic time delay in movement.

The partners face in opposite directions with one partner skating forward and the other partner skating backward. The partners are offset with the lead to the right or left of the follow so that the front of the lead's hip is in line with the front of the follow's corresponding hip.

An individual sixteen years of age or older who is responsible for accurate technical panel process and authorizes, corrects, deletes and adds elements to the list of elements performed during an event. Technical controllers are qualified to act on panels at or below a specified level of competition in one or more of singles, pairs, ice dance or synchronized skating.

An individual sixteen years of age or older who identifies elements and levels of difficulty of elements in competition. The technical specialist also identifies falls and illegal elements. Technical specialists are qualified to act on panels at or below a specified level of competition in one or more of singles, pairs, ice dance or synchronized skating.

The speed of the music in beats or measures per minute.

A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an inside edge or an inside edge to an outside edge, with the exit curve continuing on the same lobe as the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction of the curve.

A partner-assisted jump in which a skater is launched into the air by a partner on the takeoff. and lands without assistance from the partner. Throw jumps are named after the basic solo jump which is initiated and executed only by the skater being assisted. 

A general term that refers to jumps that take off with the assistance of the toe pick (i.e. Toe Loop, Flip, Lutz).

A toe jump with natural rotation that takes off from a backward outside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of rotations. 

A step where the skater steps from one toe pick to the other toe pick without jumping, with or without using rotations.

The sum of the judging panel’s scores for all sections/elements.

A three-turn in which the weight is almost immediately transferred to the free foot as it becomes the skating foot for the next step. The turn is made from a forward outside three to the backward outside edge of the opposite foot without full weight transfer, then the skater immediately steps forward onto the original foot (e.g., Austrian Waltz steps 1-2). Such a sequence may be skated with the forward or backward, inside or outside three-turns. May be skated alone or as a team side by side.

The spatial relationship of two skaters moving together on a curve or a straight line.  The tracings left on the ice represent each skater’s tracking pattern.

A term used to describe sections of the program that occur within elements, during entrances and exits of elements and as connecting elements and executed in-between the required/optional elements.

An imaginary line intersecting the continuous axis of a dance at the right angles.

A person who is training to become qualified as a judge or a judge who is training to become qualified at a higher level.

A rotational movement in which the skater moves from forward to backward or backward to forward using one foot and on an edge and axis (e.g. Three-turn, Bracket). In a two-foot turn the rotational movement from forward to backward or backward to forward is from one foot to the other foot (e.g. C step, S step).

A hand-to-waist lift in which a skater is lifted into the air on the take-off. At the top of the lift the lifted partner is released and completes a twist, rotating freely in the air, during which time the lifting partner turns a half turn to catch the lifted partner at the waist for an assisted landing. The twist lift is named after the basic solo jump take-off - Axel, Toe Loop, Flip or Lutz – and by the number of rotations the lifted partner completes in the air before being caught. 

A traveling turn on one foot with one or more rotations which is quickly rotated with a continuous, uninterrupted action. The weight remains on the skating foot with the free foot in any position during the turn then placed beside the skating foot to skate the next step.

A jump that is missing more than one quarter of a revolution, but less than one half of a revolution. It is shown with the symbol < following the element code.

National governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States. U.S. Figure Skating is a member of the International Skating Union (ISU), the international federation for figure skating, and is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC).

Singles and Pairs: Any spin position with the skating leg extended or slightly bent which is not a camel position.

Ice Dance: A basic spin position performed on one foot with skating leg straight or slightly bent and upper body upright (on a nearly vertical axis), arched back or bent to side.

The skater is spinning in an upright position, a minimum of three revolutions.  The arms and free foot may be held in a variety of positions.

A move of not more than one revolution, in which a skater(s) provides passive assistance (in a non-lifting manner) to another skater(s) who turn/revolves, head over heels (or vice versa) in a cartwheel or somersault action.  In this action, there is a continuous ascending and descending movement, where the vaulting skater(s) rotate/revolve.  The hands of a skater(s) providing the passive assistance may rise higher than shoulder level height.

Three-turns turned by a team at the same time around a common axis. The partners skate these turns in Waltz hold (e.g., Austrian Waltz steps 29-31, Ravensburger Waltz steps 39-40) or offset in partial tango hold (e.g., Golden Waltz steps 1-5).

An edge jump with natural rotation taken off from a forward outside edge.  This jump is one half a rotation and is included as a listed jump in the Skate Canada Scale of Values but is not included in the ISU Scale of Values.

The minor accent of a piece of music. For rhythms with a skating count on two measures, the first beat of the second measure is the weak beat (e.g., skating count 3 of the Quickstep; skating count 4 of the American Waltz).  The skating count of each rhythm is explained in the ISU Ice Dance Rhythms Booklet and CD.