Terms used:
Act
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.
Active Officials
An official who has officiated a minimum of one event within the past 24 months.
Board
The board of Directors of Skate Canada.
Category
The name for each level of competition within a discipline. Examples of categories are STAR 1, STAR 2, Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Pre-Novice, etc.
Challenge
A championship that qualifies athletes toward and including, but not limited to, the Canadian Figure Skating Championships.
Club
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.
Competitive Season
July 1 - June 30 of any given year
Data Specialist
An individual sixteen years of age or older who has been trained and appointed to calculate the results of sanctioned figure skating competitions.
Data Specialists
An individual sixteen years of age or older who has been trained and appointed to calculate the results of sanctioned figure skating competitions.
Director
An individual elected or appointed to serve on the Board pursuant to this Bylaw.
Evaluator
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.
Event
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.
Events
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.
Good Standing
The state or condition of 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.
International Skating Union
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.
Judge
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.
Judges
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.
Member
Each person that meets the requirements of any of the three Member classes as defined in Article 3 hereof and that has been duly admitted as a member of Skate Canada.
Officer
The President and such other officers as the Board may determine by Ordinary Resolution.
President
The president of Skate Canada. The President is the chair of the Board.
Referees
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.
Regional Synchronized Skating Championships
A championship that qualifies athletes toward and including, but not limited to, the Canadian Figure Skating Championships or Canada Cup
Section
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.
Skate Canada Challenge
A championship that qualifies athletes toward and including, but not limited to, the Canadian Figure Skating Championships.
Skate Canada Coach
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 professional coach registration requirements as set annually by Skate Canada.
Technical Controllers
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.
Technical Specialists
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.
- 1. 2024-2025 Award Criteria for National Awards
- 2. National STAR Pathway Coach Award
- 3. National Podium Pathway Coach Award
- 4. National Grassroots Official Award
- 5. National Official Award
- 6. National Event Volunteer Award
- 7. National Operational Committee Member Award
- 8. National Athlete Impact Award
- 9. National Volunteer Award
- 10. National Club/School Award
2024-2025 Award Criteria for National Awards
National STAR Pathway Coach Award
The purpose of the National STAR Pathway Coach Award is to recognize dedication and success in coaching learn to skate and learn to figure skate programs. The recipient will be selected based on their outstanding contributions to our sport and to the well-being of skaters in Skate Canada programming; including, FUNdamental, Learn to Train and Active for Life, Long-Term Development (LTD) stages.
Criteria
Nominees must meet the minimum criteria defined below and must consent to the nomination.
- A registered Skate Canada coach in good standing with a minimum NCCP status of CanSkate Coach Certified.
- An active coach who is dedicated to the profession and has a proven track record of coaching excellence within one or more of the following programs and/or skating discipline areas:
- LTD FUNdamentals: CanSkate
- LTD Learn to Train/Active for Life LTD: StarSkate, PowerSkate
- Must contribute to the development of skating through professional and/or volunteer commitment (e.g., serve on a skating-related committee at any level, act as an NCCP Learning Facilitator/ Coach Evaluator or as a Technical Panel official, etc.).
- Must embrace change, encourage an Active for Life philosophy, and inspire everyone to experience the joy of skating.
- Embodies and exemplifies Skate Canada values of safety, integrity, collaboration, excellence, and innovation.
The winner will be selected by a panel that consists of the Skate Canada President, the Chair of the Coaches Committee, the Senior Manager of Coaching, and the Coach Development Coordinator. Skate Canada reserves the right to not present this award in any given year.
Nomination form available here: https://forms.office.com/r/8Rvz1kGCpG
Deadline for nomination: March 15, 2025
National Podium Pathway Coach Award
The purpose of the National Podium Pathway Coach Award is to recognize the dedication and success in coaching podium pathway figure skating disciplines – singles, ice dance, synchronized skating, and pair skating. The recipient(s) will be selected based on their outstanding contributions to our sport and the well-being of Podium pathway athletes in the Train to Train, Train to Compete, and Train to Win Long-Term Development (LTD) stages.
Criteria
Nominees must meet the minimum criteria defined below and must consent to the nomination.
- A coaching team to a maximum of two coaches may be nominated.
- A registered Skate Canada coach in good standing with a minimum NCCP status of Provincial Coach Certified.
- An active coach who is dedicated to the profession and has a proven track record of coaching excellence within one or more of the following:
- LTD Train to Train: Pre-Novice/Novice Skaters
- LTD Train to Compete: Junior Skaters
- LTD Train to Win: Senior Skaters
- An active coach with a proven track record of career excellence at one or more of the following skating events during the current competitive season with one or more skaters/teams:
- Skate Canada Challenge, Canadian National Skating Championships, Skate Canada Trophy or Skate Canada Cup
- ISU Grand-Prix (junior and/or senior) international events
- ISU World Championships (junior and/or senior)
- Canada Winter Games with a Provincial Team
- Winter Youth Olympics Games
- Winter Olympic Games
- A coach who is keen to share accurate information with officials, athletes, other coaches and choreographers, parents/guardians, and administrators with the interest/intent of developing figure skating in Canada.
- A coach who embraces change, encourages an Active for Life philosophy, and inspires everyone to embrace the joy of skating.
- A coach who has demonstrated excellence in helping their athlete(s) achieve a personal best performance or notable competitive result.
- Embodies and exemplifies Skate Canada values of safety, integrity, collaboration, excellence and innovation.
This award will be presented to one or more coaches. The recipient(s) will be selected by a panel which consists of the Skate Canada President, Chair of the Coaches Committee, and the Senior Manager of Coaching. Skate Canada reserves the right to not present an award in any given year.
Nomination form available here: https://forms.office.com/r/F0DjB08DVg
Deadline for nomination: March 15, 2025
National Grassroots Official Award
Active officials (judges, referees, technical controllers, technical specialists and data specialists) who have only been active at the section level or lower (or regional level or lower for synchronized skating) are eligible. Nominations should be made by officials, coaches, team managers, or any member of the Skate Canada Board of Directors, Section Board of Directors, Section Judge/Evaluator Chairs or Section Data Specialist Chairs.
Criteria
Nominees must meet the minimum criteria defined below and must consent to their nomination.
- An official who is currently registered and in good standing with Skate Canada
- Only officiated at the section level or lower (or the regional level or lower for synchronized skating)
- Officiated at a minimum of one event or assessment day in the current season
- Demonstrated knowledge of Skate Canada programs philosophies, vision and mission
- An official who is keen to share accurate information with other officials, athletes, coaches, parents/guardians and coaches with the interest of developing skating in Canada
- An official who has given, and will continue to provide, quality service at the club or section level
- Embodies and exemplifies Skate Canada values of safety, integrity, collaboration, excellence and innovation
This award will be presented to one individual. The Skate Canada President, chair of the OJET Committee and Senior Manager Performance Excellence and Officials will select the winner. Skate Canada reserves the right to not present an award in any given year.
Nomination form available here.
Deadline for nomination: March 15, 2025
National Official Award
Active officials (technical representatives, judges, referees, technical controllers, technical specialists and data specialists) are eligible for this award. Nominations should be made by officials, coaches, team managers, or any member of the Skate Canada Board of Directors, Section Board of Directors, Section Judge/Evaluator Chairs or Section Data Specialist Chairs.
Criteria
Nominees must meet the minimum criteria defined below and must consent to their nomination.
- An official who is currently registered and in good standing with Skate Canada
- Officiated at a minimum of one national* (or international) event in the current season
- Demonstrated knowledge of Skate Canada programs philosophies, vision and mission
- An official who is keen to share accurate information with other officials, athletes, coaches, parents/guardians and coaches with the interest of developing skating in Canada
- An official who has given, and will continue to provide, quality service at the section, national and/or international level
- Embodies and exemplifies Skate Canada values of safety, integrity, collaboration, excellence and innovation
*National events include Skate Canada Challenge, Canadian National Skating Championships, Skate Canada Trophy, Skate Canada Cup, and the Regional Synchronized Skating Championships.
This award will be presented to one individual. The Skate Canada President, chair of the Officials Assignment and Promotion Committee, and staff lead of the Officials Assignment and Promotion Committee will select the winner. Skate Canada reserves the right to not present an award in any given year.
Nomination form available here.
Deadline for nomination: March 15, 2025
National Event Volunteer Award
The purpose of the National Event Volunteer Award is to recognize the dedication and achievements of the volunteer in this category. The recipient will be selected for his/her unique advancement and outstanding contributions to our sport in the successful execution of an international or domestic event hosted by Skate Canada during the past year.
Criteria
Nominees must meet the minimum criteria defined below and must consent to their nomination.
- Must have volunteered (in an LOC or local volunteer capacity) at least once in an international or national* event hosted by Skate Canada in the current event season
- Must have gone above and beyond the assigned volunteer role at the event, making a positive difference
- Must be keen to mentor and is an exemplary role model for other volunteers
- Must show an awareness and interest in the future direction of the sport
- Must inspire everyone to experience the joy of skating
- Embodies and exemplifies Skate Canada values of safety, integrity, collaboration, excellence and innovation
*National events include Skate Canada Challenge, Canadian National Skating Championships, Skate Canada Trophy and Skate Canada Cup.
Nominations may be submitted by the Local Organizing Committee and any volunteer of an international or domestic event hosted by Skate Canada as well as the Skate Canada Organizing Committee event execution staff.
This award will be presented to one individual. The winner will be selected by a panel which consists of the Skate Canada President, Senior Director Events and Production Services, Event Execution Staff, and Event Volunteer Program Coordinator. Skate Canada reserves the right to not present this award in any given year.
Nomination form available here.
Deadline for nomination: March 15, 2025
National Operational Committee Member Award
This award will recognize a current Operational Committee Member who reinforces and embodies Skate Canada’s values and provides exemplary service to the organization.
Criteria
Nominees must meet the minimum criteria defined below and must consent to their nomination.
- An individual who is currently registered and in good standing with Skate Canada
- A current member of a national operational committee
- Demonstrated knowledge of Skate Canada programs philosophies, vision and mission
- An individual who has provided exemplary service to Skate Canada
- Reinforces and embodies Skate Canada’s values of safety, integrity, collaboration, excellence and innovation
This award will be presented to one individual. The Skate Canada President, Skate Canada Chief Executive Officer, Senior Director Operations, Senior Director Events and Production Services, and Senior Director Performance Excellence will select the winner. Skate Canada reserves the right to not present this award in any given year.
Nomination form available here.
Deadline for nomination: March 15, 2025
National Athlete Impact Award
This award will recognize a National Team or Nextgen athlete (in any discipline) who demonstrates exceptional behavior, leadership or a performance that inspires and galvanizes their teammates, the skating community or the public. This individual must have competed at an international event that season and demonstrated the Skate Canada values of excellence, integrity, collaboration and/or innovation.
Criteria
Nominees must meet the minimum criteria defined below and must consent to their nomination.
- A National Team or NextGen athlete in any discipline
- Demonstrated exceptional behavior, leadership or a performance that inspires and galvanizes their teammates, the skating community or the public.
- Must have competed at an international event that season
- Embodies and exemplifies Skate Canada values of integrity, collaboration, excellence and innovation
This award will be presented to one person or team. The Skate Canada President, chair of the High-Performance Development Committee, Senior Director Performance Excellence, High-Performance Director and NextGen Director will select the winner. Skate Canada reserves the right to not present this award in any given year.
Nomination form available here.
Deadline for nomination: March 15, 2025
National Volunteer Award
This award will be presented to one person from each of the ten Sections who meets the following criteria:
Criteria
- Active and currently registered adult volunteer in good standing whose efforts have produced specific, positive results in his/her section
- An individual whose contributions reflect passion for the sport and its participants
- An individual who is an exemplary role model for other volunteers, skaters and/or coaches
- Has a minimum of ten years volunteer work in the sport of skating
- Shows an awareness and interest in the future direction of the sport
- Embodies and exemplifies Skate Canada values of safety, integrity, collaboration, excellence and innovation
Contact your section for nomination forms and deadlines. Each section will use its own selection process and will select one winner.
National Club/School Award
This award will be presented to one club or school in each Section that demonstrates exceptional performance, exemplifies Skate Canada values, maintains or increases its registration, meets or exceeds all program delivery standards, demonstrates strong collaboration among its volunteers, coaches and administrators, employs innovative marketing and social media strategies and cultivates a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.
Criteria
- An active and operational, registered club or school in good standing
- Demonstrates that it supports, and meets or exceeds all program delivery standards
- Demonstrates strong collaboration among its volunteers, coaches, and administrators
- Demonstrates effective and innovative marketing and social media strategies
- Cultivates and maintains a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment
- Embodies and exemplifies Skate Canada values of safety, integrity, collaboration, excellence and innovation
Contact your section for nomination forms. Each section will use its own selection process and will select one winner.
