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.

Bye

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

Byed

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

Byes

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

Canadian Figure Skating Championships

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.

Categories

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

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.

Chief Data Specialist

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

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.

Club Competitions

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

Clubs

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

Cumulative Points Calculation

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.

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.

Delegate

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

Director

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

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. 

Falls

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.

Free Skating Program

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.

Free Skating Programs

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.

Good Standing

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].

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.

Interruption

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.

Interruptions

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.

Invitational Competition

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.

Invitational Competitions

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.

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.

Level Of Difficulty

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.

Levels Of Difficulty

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.

Member

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.

 

Members

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.

 

President

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

Qualifying Competition

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.

Qualifying Competitions

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

Qualifying Event

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.

Qualifying Events

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.

Referee

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.

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 Championship

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

Regional Synchronized Skating Championships

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

Regionals

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

Registrant

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.

Registration Year

September 1 to August 31 of any given year.

Rhythm

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

Rhythm Dance

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.

Rocker

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. 

Run

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.

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.

Section Chair

The chair of any Section.

Sectional Championship

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

Sectional Championships

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

Sectionals

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

Segment

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.

Segments

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.

Sequences

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

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 coach registration requirements as set annually by Skate Canada.

Skating School

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

Step

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

Steps

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

Technical Controller

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 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 Specialist

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.

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.

Tempo

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

United States Figure Skating

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).

Contents[Hide]

1. Control of Competitions 

All sanctioned figure skating competitions held in Canada other than ISU competitions and championships, the Olympic Winter Games or other international events shall be governed by the rules of Skate Canada. 

Skate Canada reserves the right to alter the overall procedures to be followed during any part of the competitions. The technical representative or Referee present shall act as the agent of Skate Canada. 

1.1. Sanctions 

With the exception of Club Competitions, all competitions conducted under the jurisdiction of Skate Canada require a sanction issued by the Skate Canada Section that is hosting the competition. Such sanctions grant permission for the holding of the competition or championships and to allow Skate Canada Registrants to participate in them. 

Any exhibition held by the host authorities within forty-eight hours after the close of the competition shall be considered as part of the competition, and the sanction for the competition shall specify that such an exhibition is approved. The host shall indicate on the sanction application that such an exhibition will take place. 

If the competition is to include USFS skaters, a sanction shall also be obtained from U.S. Figure Skating. If other foreign skaters are to be included, additional sanctions may be necessary. In this latter case, details may be obtained from Skate Canada or the Skate Canada Section that is hosting the competition. 

All programs and advertisements regarding a sanctioned competition must state that the competition is sanctioned by Skate Canada. 

1.2. Competition Announcements

Each competition must publish an announcement which shall include the following information: 

  • Name of host Club(s)/Section 
  • Fact that the competition is sanctioned by Skate Canada (except in the case of Club Competitions
  • Fact that the competition is held under the rules of Skate Canada 
  • Location and dates of the competition 
  • Dimensions of the ice surface 
  • Date of closing of entries 
  • Applicable entry fees 
  • Specifications for each Event and the qualifications for entry 
  • For competitions held between January 1 and June 30, specific reference to which season's competitive competition requirements will be used 
  • Music requirements 
  • Any supplementary regulations of the host Club(s)/Section if these do not conflict with the rules of Skate Canada 

1.3. Entries

Entry fees, if any, shall be set by the organizing committee of the competition. 

Entry fees shall be refunded only if the Event is not held or if the entry is withdrawn before the date of closing of entries, or otherwise at the discretion of the organizing committee. 

Entries filed after the date of closing of entries specified in the announcement may be accepted only at the discretion of the organizing committee. 

1.4. Jurisdiction of the Referee

The Referee’s interpretation of the rules and decision on all questions not covered by the rules will be final. 

There will be no appeal from the decision of the Referee except for those items outlined in Protests in this rule. 

2. Eligibility to Participate

2.1. Competitors

Competitors must be Skate Canada Registrants in Good Standing

Qualifying Events

Entrants in all Qualifying Events leading to Skate Canada Challenge and/or the Canadian Figure Skating Championships must be Canadian citizens within the meaning of the Citizenship Act, R.S.C., 1985. Unless waived by the High Performance Director, non-Canadian citizens who wish to compete in Qualifying Events must follow the procedures listed in Non-Canadian Citizens: Eligibility to Compete. 

For synchronized skating Qualifying Events leading to the Canadian Figure Skating Championships or Canada Cup, up to 25% of the team (four skaters on a team with sixteen skaters and three skaters on a team with twelve skaters) may be members of different ISUmembers than Canada, provided that they have a respective permit from the ISUmember to which they belong. For these skaters, the Canadian citizenship/residency requirements do not apply. Alternates are not included for the calculation of percentage purposes. 

2.2. Coaches

Resident coaches must be registered Skate Canada coaches in Good Standing and must hold the required National Coaching Certification Program qualification status as outlined in the Coach Accreditation Policy to accompany and coach competitors at competitions. 

Non-resident coaches must meet the requirements outlined in the Coach Accreditation Policy

2.3. Eligibility for Coaches to Compete

A registered coach who wishes to compete must enroll as a Registrant with Skate Canada through a Club or Skating School. Note that a registered Skate Canada Coach in Good Standing is eligible to take Skate Canada assessments without having to enroll as a Registrant

2.4. Officials

All Judges, Referees and Data Specialists must be qualified Active Officials who are Registrants of Skate Canada. 

All STAR 1-4 Event Assessors, Technical Controllers and Technical Specialists must be qualified Aactive Officials who are Registrants or Members of Skate Canada. 

For all events the panel shall consist of officials qualified at the appropriate level. 

Officials on the current ISU list who are members in Good Standing with other ISUmembers may officiate at Skate Canada Invitational, Qualifying Competitions, and championship events without further qualification. 

Officials who are members in Good Standing of other ISUmember federations may officiate at Skate Canada Invitational, Qualifying Competitions, and championship events to the level equivalent with their qualifications upon confirmation of qualifications by the ISUmember federation of which the official is a member

2.5. Eligibility for Officials to Compete

An official may not compete in a competition if also officiating in that same competition, except in the following cases: 

  • Competing in an Adult Category at an Invitational competition or below 
  • Officiating events that are assessed to standard or standard with ranking 

2.6. Behaviour of Participants

Participants are bound to obey the instructions of the officials in charge of the competition. 

Competitors who, directly or indirectly, express themselves in improper manners regarding the officials or their decisions or regarding the marking of the officials, may be suspended and/or excluded from further competition. 

2.7. Clothing

Singles, Pairs, Ice Dance, and Artistic 

In all disciplines, clothing of the competitors must be modest, dignified, and appropriate for athletic competition – not garish or theatrical in design. Clothing may, however, reflect the character of the music chosen. The clothing must not give the effect of excessive nudity inappropriate for the discipline. For domestic competition, clothing requirements are gender neutral. There are no restrictions on skaters choosing to wear skirts, dresses, pants, or tights. 

The Judges and the Referee will apply a deduction for clothing that does not adhere to these rules. 

Accessories and props are not permitted. The Judges and the Referee will apply a deduction for use of either one. 

The decorations on costumes must be non-detachable. If part of the costume falls on the ice the Referee will apply a deduction. 

A skater who chooses to wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet during a competition or assessment will not be subject to any deduction in relation to the use of this helmet. 

Synchronized Skating

Clothing rules for singles, pairs and ice dance apply in addition to the rules listed here that are specific to synchronized skating.

Makeup must be modest, dignified, and appropriate for athletic competition and not garish or theatrical in design. 

Feathers are not permitted. 

Rhinestones adhered to the face are not permitted. 

Costumes that transform in appearance will be considered as props. 

2.8. Disciplines

Figure skating competitions must consist of one or more of the following disciplines:

Ice Dance

Only groups of similar constitution may compete against each other. 

For Qualifying Competitions, all ice dance teams must consist of two athletes. 

Events may consist of pattern dances, Rhythm Dance, and free dance separately or together. 

In a combined Event, the pattern dances or Rhythm Dance will be skated first, and free dance will be skated last. 

The different Segments of an Event may be held on the same day. 

Pair Skating

For Qualifying Competitions, all pair’s teams must consist of two athletes. 

Events may consist of a short program and Free Skating Program separately or together. 

In a combined Event, the short program shall precede the Free Skating Program

The different Segments of an Event may be held on the same day. 

Single Skating 

Events may consist of short program and Free Skating Program separately or together. 

In a combined Event, the short program must precede the Free Skating program

The different Segments of an Event may be held on the same day. 

Synchronized Skating

The short program must be skated first in an Event where both short program and Free Skating Programs are skated. 

The different Segments of an Event may be held on the same day. 

2.9. Music

All programs must be skated to music. 

Programs are to be skated in harmony with the music chosen by the competitor. Music for all disciplines may contain vocals. 

3. Conduct of an Event

3.1. Panel of Officials

With the exception of pattern dance without key points and Events that are assessed to standard, the following officials are required for a competition: 

  • A Technical Representative who in minor competitions may also act as an Official on panel 
  • One or more Referees who in minor competitions may also act as Judges 
  • Not fewer than three Judges 
  • Two or more Data Specialists 
  • For competitions with categories marked using the Level of Difficulty scale: 
  • One Technical Controller 
  • One Technical Specialist; however, two Technical Specialists are preferred 

If there are no qualified Technical Specialists available to assign as Technical Specialist 2, a Technical Controller with qualifications in the same discipline may be assigned as Technical Specialist 2. 

While technical panels of three are preferred, if there are no additional qualified Technical Specialists or additional qualified Technical Controllers available to act as Technical Specialist 2, the panel for that Event may consist of two members only: a Technical Controller and a Technical Specialist. On panels of two where there is disagreement during review of a call, the Technical Specialist will determine final identification of the element. 

For singles categories where elements can be called no higher than base level and juvenile, if there are no qualified Technical Specialists available, a Technical Controller with at least Section level qualifications in that discipline may be assigned as a Technical Specialist

A technical panel is not required for Artistic skating categories. A technical judge can be used to identify elements and verify minimum requirements. 

A technical panel is not required for Showcase or Creative Improv categories. The panel will be composed of three judges one of which will be designated as the Referee

For pattern dance Segments without key points and associated Levels of Difficulty the following officials are required on the panel: 

  • A Referee 
  • A minimum of three Judges 
  • A Technical Controller 
  • When possible, two Technical Specialists, however pattern dances without key points may be assessed with a Technical Controller only 

For Events that are assess to standard, the panel will be composed of three event assessors who work as a team to determine the individual assessments. 

Requests for a Judge, Refereem Technical Controller, Technical Specialist, or Data Specialist from another Skate Canada Section must be made through the appropriate Section Official’s chair. 

At all Skate Canada Qualifying Competitions and championship events with the exception of the Canadian Figure Skating Championships and Canada Cup, the technical panel (Technical Controller and both Technical Specialists), Referee and Judges may be different for each Segment of an Event

For events scored using electronic scoring, a data input operator (DIO) is required to input the elements as called by the Technical Specialists. The DIO takes direction from the Technical Controller. If the competition has video replay, a video replay operator (VRO) is required to record the elements of the program. The VRO plays back elements as requested by the Technical Controller during the review process. The data input operator and video replay operator have specific roles on the technical panel and although are not included in the rules of Officials, must respect the confidentiality of all technical panel decisions. 

3.2. Draws

Draw for Starting Order for the First Segment of the Event

With the exception of Senior Events at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships, the starting order of the competitors for each Event will be randomly drawn by the Data Specialist in cooperation with the technical representative. The draw may be done manually or by computer. 

For the first or only Segment of an Event, the draw may be done up to 30 days in advance. The draw will be made once, then is posted/announced. 

Draw for Starting Order for Subsequent Segments of an Event

Determination of warm-up groups and the starting order of competitors’ subsequent Segments of an Event is determined from the result of the preceding part of the competition concerned and should be drawn as soon as is practical following the completion of the first Segment

  • Singles and Pairs: From the results of the short program 
  • Ice Dance: From the results of the pattern dances/Rhythm Dance 
  • Synchronized Skating: From the results of the short program or the first skate of the Free Skating Program, where applicable 

For each succeeding Segment of an Event, as soon as possible after the determination of the results of the preceding Segment, the competitors will be divided (in the order in which they finished in the first part) into the smallest possible number of equal groups, each group being no larger than the applicable warm-up group. If the number of competitors is not evenly divisible, the last group to skate (and as many preceding groups as necessary) must contain one more competitor than the first group. The lowest placed group must skate first, the next lowest second, and so on. 

If two or more competitors are tied for the same place at the end of the preceding Segment, they will be placed in the same group. If necessary, the immediately preceding group will be smaller than the number of competitors added to the following group. 

There are three methods of determining starting order in subsequent Segments once warm-up groups have been established. In all cases, the method of draw for subsequent Segments must be included in the announcement of the competition. 

Random

Within each of the warm-up groups, the starting order of the competitors will be randomly drawn by the Data Specialist in cooperation with the Technical Representative. The draw may be done manually or by computer.

Sub-groups Within a Warm-up Group 

The order of skating for the final two warm-up groups will be drawn in four sub-groups (two sub-groups per warm-up group). If the number of competitors is not equally divisible, the second sub-group to skate will contain one more competitor than the first sub-group. Competitors placing higher will be placed in the later of the two sub-groups within a warm-up group. Within each sub-group a random draw for start order will occur. 

All competitors placed into all additional warm-up groups will be drawn randomly. 

Reverse Order 

Competitors will be assigned to skate the second Segment in reverse order of the results from the first Segment

General for Draws for all Segments

For either the random, or sub-groups within a warm-up group method of draw, the order of the draw between tied competitors will first be determined by a separate draw prior to the draw for starting order. 

The starting order for the subsequent Segment of an Event is posted as soon as possible after the results from the previous Segment are posted. 

For both the first and subsequent Segment, the committee in charge of the competition may permit the competitors to draw their own starting order. In such case the draw will be made at the time listed for the posting of the draw. 

Exception to Draw for all Segments

If a competitor is participating in more than one Event within a competition, and the schedule precludes their full participation, the technical representative of the competition has discretion to assign the competitor to a specific starting order in either the first or subsequent Segment. This is to allow the competitor to fully participate in all of their Events within the competition. When this discretion is used, every effort must be taken to place a competitor earlier in the Event than they would have normally competed, based on the draw. In addition, the committee in charge of the competition is required to keep record of the affected start orders and rationale for application of this exception. 

Draw for Dances to be Skated

The dances to be skated for Qualifying Events will be announced by Skate Canada annually. 

For all competitions, pattern dances will be skated in Skate Canada numerical order(see chart below) unless otherwise specified in the announcement. 

3.3. Starting Orders

Refer to this chart for size of starting order groups.

Number of Competitors/Teams

Singles Short Program
Singles Free Skating
Pattern Dance
Synchronized Short Program
Synchronized Free Skating (if ties)

Pairs Short Program
Pairs Free Skating


Rhythm Dance

Free Dance
Synchronized Free Skating

Maximum 6 Maximum 4  Maximum 5 
2 1+1 1+1 1+1
3 1+2 1+2 1+2
4 2+2 2+2 2+2
5 2+3 2+3 2+3
6 3+3 3+3 3+3
7 3+4 3+4 3+4
8 4+4 4+4 4+4
9 4+5 3+3+3 4+5
10 5+5 3+3+4 5+5 
11 5+6  3+4+4 3+4+4 
12 6+6  4+4+4 4+4+4 
13 4+4+5 3+3+3+4  4+4+5
14  4+5+5  3+3+4+4 4+5+5
15  5+5+5  3+4+4+4  5+5+5 
16  5+5+6  4+4+4+4 4+4+4+4 
17 5+6+6 3+3+3+4+4 4+4+4+5
18 6+6+6 3+3+4+4+4 4+4+5+5
19 4+5+5+5 3+4+4+4+4 4+5+5+5
20 5+5+5+5 4+4+4+4+4 5+5+5+5
21 5+5+5+6 3+3+3+4+4+4 4+4+4+4+5
22 5+5+6+6 3+3+4+4+4+4 4+4+4+5+5
23 5+6+6+6 3+4+4+4+4+4 4+4+5+5+5
24 6+6+6+6 4+4+4+4+4+4 4+5+5+5+5
25 5+5+5+5+5 3+3+3+4+4+4+4 5+5+5+5+5
26 5+5+5+5+6 3+3+4+4+4+4+4 4+4+4+4+5+5
27 5+5+5+6+6 3+4+4+4+4+4+4 4+4+4+5+5+5
28 5+5+6+6+6 4+4+4+4+4+4+4 4+4+5+5+5+5
29 5+6+6+6+6 3+3+3+4+4+4+4+4 4+5+5+5+5+5
30 6+6+6+6+6 3+3+4+4+4+4+4+4 5+5+5+5+5+5
31 5+5+5+5+5+6 3+4+4+4+4+4+4+4 4+4+4+4+5+5+5
32 5+5+5+5+6+6 4+4+4+4+4+4+4+4 4+4+4+5+5+5+5
33 5+5+5+6+6+6 3+3+3+4+4+4+4+4+4 4+4+5+5+5+5+5
34 5+5+6+6+6+6 3+3+4+4+4+4+4+4+4 4+5+5+5+5+5+5
35 5+6+6+6+6+6 3+4+4+4+4+4+4+4+4 5+5+5+5+5+5+5
36 6+6+6+6+6+6 4+4+4+4+4+4+4+4+4 4+4+4+4+5+5+5+5

3.4. Rotation of Order of Skating for Pattern Dances

If two pattern dances are to be skated, the competitors, in the drawn order, are divided into two groups. If the number of competitors is not evenly divisible, the last group will contain one more competitor than the first. 

The first dance will be skated in the drawn order. 

The first skater of the second dance will be the first skater of the second group, with the first group of skaters moving to the end but retaining their order within the group. An exception may be made when there are only two competitors in an Event, but only with the consent of both. 

Any one dance will be skated by all competitors before any may skate the next dance.

3.5. Pattern Dance Sequences

Each dance will be skated by one competitor at a time.

All pattern dances will be started so that the Steps of the first side of the pattern are skated in front of the Judges unless otherwise communicated by the Referee.

The number of Sequences to be skated for each pattern dance is as follows:

Numerical Order Pattern Dance Number of Sequences
1
Dutch Waltz
2
2
Canasta Tango
3
3
Baby Blues
3
4
Swing Dance
2
5
Fiesta Tango
3
6
Willow Waltz
2
7
Ten-Fox
3
8
European Waltz
2
9
Fourteenstep
4
10
Foxtrot
4
11
Tango
2
12
American Waltz
2
13
Rocker Foxtrot
4
14
Kilian
4
15
Starlight Waltz
2
16
Paso Doble
3
17
Blues
3
18
Silver Samba
2
19
Cha Cha Congelado
2
20
Westminster Waltz
2
21
Quickstep
4
22
Viennese Waltz
3
23
Argentine Tango
2
24
Ravensburger Waltz
2
25
Tango Romantica
2
26
Yankee Polka
2
27
Rhumba
4
28
Austrian Waltz
2
29
Golden Waltz
2

The number of Sequences may be reduced with the approval of the Referee.

3.6. Withdrawal of a Competitor

If a skater(s) withdraws from an Event after the starting order is drawn and posted, the order will not be changed. The withdrawn skater(s) will be announced as having withdrawn. If there is an alternate skater, the alternate skater will take the start position of the withdrawn skater. In Senior categories at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships, the alternate skater will take the first start position with a re-calculation of warm-up groups as necessary. 

At Skate Canada Challenge and the Canadian Figure Skating Championships, if a skater withdraws from an Event after the start of that competition (i.e. competes in at least one Segment), that skater must withdraw from all other Eventcategories entered. In the case of a pair or ice dance team withdrawing due to injury, only the uninjured skater will be permitted to skate in any other Event(s) entered. 

3.7. Start of an Event

A non-qualifying Event starts when the technical representative notifies the officials and competitors present that the Event is in progress. 

A Qualifying Event starts at the commencement of the last official practice before the beginning of the first part of the competition. 

A competition will be held if at least two entrants appear at the start, unless otherwise prescribed under the rules for a specific Event

3.8. Call to Start

A competitor must take their starting position within 30 seconds of the competitor's name being called for each Segment of the Event. For singles, pairs, ice dance and artistic skating, a deduction will be applied by the Referee if the competitor is not in starting position within 30 seconds. If 60 seconds have expired since being called to start, the competitor will be considered withdrawn. 

For synchronized skating: 

  • Prior to each performance, the names of those teams about to compete must be clearly called on the ice and in the dressing rooms. 
  • Prior to the announcement, the next team to skate must enter the ice surface for its warm-up at the sign of the Referee’s assistant at ice level. Following the warm-up period of at least one minute, the team is announced. 
  • Each team must take the starting position and make a signal to the Referee of each Segment of the competition (short program and free skating) within 30 seconds after the team's name has been announced. If this time has expired and the team has not yet taken the starting position, a deduction will be applied by the Referee. If 60 seconds have expired since the name has been announced and the team has not yet taken the starting position, they will be considered withdrawn. 

3.9. Warm-Up

Warm-Up Periods

The warm-up periods must immediately precede the competitive skating of those in that warm-up group. 

If the number of entries exceeds the maximum warm-up group size, the competitors will be divided into the smallest possible number of equal groups, each group being no larger than the applicable warm-up group size. If the number of competitors is not evenly divisible, the last group to skate (and as many preceding groups as necessary) must contain one more competitor than the first group. 

The duration of each warm-up and the maximum number of skaters for warm-up periods will be: 

  • Pattern Dances: Three minutes duration. The first thirty seconds without music followed by two minutes 30 seconds of the sixth (last) tune of the ISU Dance music series or Skate Canada Series 8 (for STAR). If Skate Canada Contemporary Music selections and/or ISU music selections are permitted, the warm-up will still consist of the one tune of music - maximum six teams. 
  • Rhythm Dance/Free Dance: Five minutes duration – maximum five teams 
  • Single Skating: Six minutes duration – maximum six skaters (this may be increased to eight skaters at the discretion of the Referee
  • Pair Skating: Six minutes duration – maximum four pairs 
  • Synchronized Skating:Each team is permitted a warm-up of at least one minute in duration. The first team of each starting group is granted a two minute warm-up. 
  • STAR 1: Three minutes duration - maximum 12 skaters (two groups of six) 
  • STAR 2: Three minutes duration - maximum eight skaters 
  • STAR 3-4: Four minutes duration - maximum eight skaters 
  • STAR 5: Five minutes duration - maximum six skaters (this may be increased to eight skaters at the discretion of the Referee
  • STAR 6-Gold: Six minutes duration - maximum six skaters (this may be increased to eight skaters at the discretion of the Referee
  • Showcase: Each skater/group has one minute prior to their performance to warm up and set any props 
  • Creative Improv 1 and 2: Three minutes duration - maximum eight skaters 
  • Creative Improv 3 and 4: Four minutes duration - maximum eight skaters 
  • Artistic: Four minutes duration – maximum eight skaters 
  • Adult Intro Open Free Skating: Four minutes duration – maximum eight skaters 
  • Adult Bronze Free Skating: Five minutes duration – maximum eight skaters 
  • Adult Silver, Gold, Masters, Masters Elite Free Skating: Six minutes duration – maximum eight skaters 
  • Artistic Skating (Adult): Four minutes duration – maximum eight skaters (four teams) 
  • Special Olympics Singles Level 1 – 5: Four minutes duration – maximum eight skaters 
  • Special Olympics Singles Level 6 and Open: Five minutes duration – maximum eight skaters 
  • Special Olympics Pairs Level 1 and 2: Four minutes duration – maximum four teams 
  • Special Olympics Pairs Level 3: Five minutes duration – maximum four teams 
  • Special Olympics Masters Freeskate: Four minutes duration – maximum eight skaters 

Timing of the warm-up will begin when all competitors in the warm-up have entered the ice surface. For synchronized skating warm-ups, the timing of the one-minute warm-up will begin when the team enters the ice at the signal of the Referee's assistant at ice level. A synchronized skating team must not take more than 30 seconds for exiting the ice surface.

In a singles Event in which one or more tied competitors are included in the same group, the maximum number permitted to warm up at the same time may be exceeded by one competitor. However, if the maximum number permitted is exceeded by two or more competitors, then the group in question will be divided into two subgroups with a separate warm-up for each of them. In a pairs or ice dance Event in which one or more tied competitors are included in the same group, if the maximum number permitted is exceeded by one or more teams, then the group in question will be divided into two subgroups with a separate warm-up for each of them. 

The duration of the warm-up periods may be reduced to a minimum of three minutes at the discretion of the Referee or Technical Representative, with the exception of synchronized skating. All warm-up periods for one Event must be equal. 

In case of an Interruption in the competition due to unforeseen circumstances of more than ten minutes, the competitors concerned will be permitted a second warm-up period of the duration according to the discipline. 

Size of Warm-Up Groups

Refer to this chart for size of warm-up groups.

Number of Competitors Singles Short Program
Singles Free Skating
Pattern Dances
Maximum 6 (8 at STAR Events)
Pairs Short Program
Pairs Free Skating
Maximum 4
Rhythm Dance
Free Dance
Maximum 5
4 4 4 4
5 5 2+3 5
6 6 3+3 3+3
7 3+4 3+4 3+4
8 4+4 4+4 4+4
9 4+5 3+3+3 4+5
10 5+5 3+3+4 5+5
11 5+6 3+4+4 3+4+4
12 6+6 4+4+4 4+4+4
13 4+4+5 3+3+3+4 4+4+5
14 4+5+5 3+3+4+4 4+5+5
15 5+5+5 3+4+4+4 5+5+5
16 5+5+6 4+4+4+4 4+4+4+4
17 5+6+6 3+3+3+4+4 4+4+4+5
18 6+6+6 3+3+4+4+4 4+4+5+5
19 4+5+5+5 3+4+4+4+4 4+5+5+5
20 5+5+5+5 4+4+4+4+4 5+5+5+5
21 5+5+5+6 3+3+3+4+4+4 4+4+4+4+5
22 5+5+6+6 3+3+4+4+4+4 4+4+4+5+5
23 5+6+6+6 3+4+4+4+4+4 4+4+5+5+5
24 6+6+6+6 4+4+4+4+4+4 4+5+5+5+5
25 5+5+5+5+5 3+3+3+4+4+4+4 5+5+5+5+5
26 5+5+5+5+6 3+3+4+4+4+4+4 4+4+4+4+5+5
27 5+5+5+6+6 3+4+4+4+4+4+4 4+4+4+5+5+5
28 5+5+6+6+6 4+4+4+4+4+4+4 4+4+5+5+5+5
29 5+6+6+6+6 3+3+3+4+4+4+4+4 4+5+5+5+5+5
30 6+6+6+6+6 3+3+4+4+4+4+4+4 5+5+5+5+5+5
31 5+5+5+5+5+6 3+4+4+4+4+4+4+4 4+4+4+4+5+5+5
32 5+5+5+5+6+6 4+4+4+4+4+4+4+4 4+4+4+5+5+5+5
33 5+5+5+6+6+6 3+3+3+4+4+4+4+4+4 4+4+5+5+5+5+5
34  5+5+6+6+6+6 3+3+4+4+4+4+4+4+4 4+5+5+5+5+5+5
35  5+6+6+6+6+6 3+4+4+4+4+4+4+4+4 5+5+5+5+5+5+5 
36  6+6+6+6+6+6 4+4+4+4+4+4+4+4+4 4+4+4+4+5+5+5+5

3.10. Duration of Skating

The time of the program will run from the moment the competitor (any competitor for pairs, ice dance, synchronized skating) begins to move until arriving at a complete stop at the end of the program. 

For programs with a maximum time limit and no minimum, if the competitor(s) fail to finish the program within the time limit, there will be a deduction applied by the Referee for up to every five seconds in excess. 

For programs with a maximum and a minimum time limit, if the competitor(s) fail to finish the program within the time range, there will be a deduction applied by the Referee for up to every five seconds in excess or lacking. 

For Pattern Dances, after the completion of the last Step of the Pattern Dance, the competitor must reach their final pose within 20 seconds. If this time limit is exceeded, a deduction will be applied by the Referee for up to every five seconds in excess. 

Any element started after the time limit (plus the ten seconds allowed, if applicable) must not be identified by the technical panel and will have no value. 

For programs with a maximum and a minimum time limit, if the duration of the program is thirty seconds or more under the required time range, no marks will be awarded. 

3.11. Interruptions, Music Deficiencies, Adverse Conditions and Incomplete Programs

An Interruption is 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. The Interruption ends when the competitor resumes the performance. The Referee will decide and communicate to the competitor, the Judges, and the Technical Controller where the point of Interruption is. The technical panel will decide if the Interruption occurred at the entrance to or during an element, and the Technical Controller will inform the Referee accordingly. 

Music Deficiencies

If the Tempo or quality of the music is deficient, or if for any reason there is an interruption or stop in the music, the competitor must stop skating when they become aware of the problem or at the acoustic signal (such as a whistle) of the Referee whichever is earlier.

If any of these problems regarding the music occurs within 20 seconds after the start of the program, it is the choice of the competitor to continue from the point of the Interruption of the music or restart the program. If the competitor decides to restart the program, the Judges and Technical Panel evaluates the program from the beginning, disregarding the previous evaluation. If the competitor decides to continue from the point of Interruption, the Judges and Technical Panel continues evaluating the program from the moment the competitor resumes the program and the prior evaluation remains. 

If any of these problems regarding the music occurs more than 20 seconds after the start of the program, the competitor will resume the program from the point of interruption. However, if the problem occurs at the entrance to or during an element, the competitor will resume the program at the point immediately preceding this element. If this element was identified and called by the Technical Panel before the interruption, the Technical Panel will delete it from the list of the performed elements. The competitor is allowed to repeat this element when resuming the program. 

There is no deduction for Interruptions due to music deficiencies. 

Adverse Conditions Unrelated to the Competitor and/or their Equipment

If there is an adverse condition unrelated to the competitor or their equipment, such as lighting, ice condition, item thrown onto the ice etc., the competitor (or team captain in synchronized skating) may stop skating and report to the Referee when the competitor becomes aware of the problem. The competitor must stop skating at the acoustic signal of the Referee

When the problem is solved, the competitor will continue from the point of Interruption or, if the problem occurs at the entrance to or during an element, the competitor will resume the program at the point immediately preceding this element. If this element was identified and called by the Technical Panel before the interruption, the Technical Panel will delete it from the list of the performed elements. The competitor is allowed to repeat this element when resuming the program. If the Interruption lasts longer than ten minutes, there will be a second warm-up period of the duration according to the applicable discipline. In this case, after the second warm-up, the competitor must still continue from the point of Interruption

There is no deduction for Interruptions unrelated to the competitor or their equipment. 

Adverse Conditions Related to the Competitor and/or their Equipment Occurring During the Program 

If a competitor is injured during the program or another adverse condition related to the competitor or competitor's equipment occurs, the competitor must stop skating when they become aware of the problem, or at the acoustic signal of the Referee, whichever is earlier. Health problems, nose bleed, lace undone, or damage to clothing or skates are examples of adverse conditions related to the competitor. The music will be stopped only if the Referee instructs the music technician to do so.

Duration of Interruption up to 40 seconds: 

If the adverse condition can be remedied without delay, the competitor does not need to report to the Referee and the music continues to play. If the competitor resumes skating the program within 40 seconds, the Referee will apply a deduction for Interruption depending on the duration of the Interruption. See Scoring of Skate Canada Competitions > Deductions. 

In synchronized skating, if the rest of the team has continued skating and the affected competitor(s) resumes skating the program without reporting to the Referee, the same applies.

Duration of Interruption up to Three Minutes

If the competitor does not resume skating within 40 seconds, the Referee will instruct the music technician to stop the music and will allow the competitor three additional minutes. If the competitor resumes skating within the additional period, the Referee will apply a deduction for the whole Interruption. See Scoring of Skate Canada Competitions > Deductions. This deduction also covers an interruption of up to 40 seconds immediately preceding the allowance of 3 additional minutes. 

When the problem is solved, the competitor will continue from the point of Interruption, or, if the Interruption occurred at the entrance to or during an element, which was called by the Technical Panel before the Interruption, at the point immediately following this element. The call made prior to the Interruption will stay.

Only one resumption per program is allowed upon an allowance of an additional three minutes. If there is a second Interruption of more than 40 seconds due to an adverse condition related to a competitor or their equipment the competitor shall be considered withdrawn.

Medical Attention

If medical attention is required, the Referee must stop the performance by an acoustic signal and instruct the music technician to stop the music. The Referee will allow a break of up to three minutes for the competitor to be assessed. If the Referee, on advice of medical, permits the competitor to continue skating, no deduction will apply. 

When the problem is resolved, the competitor will continue from the point of Interruption or, if the Interruption occurred at the entrance or during an element, which was called by the Technical Panel before the Interruption, at the point immediately following this element. The call made prior to the Interruption will stay. 

Synchronized Skating: Once a Short Program or Free Skating has started, no substitution of a skater will be permitted (if there is no visible reason i.e., injury/equipment failure, etc.). However, registered team alternates may be substituted if the team's program is stopped by the Referee due to injury or equipment problems. If a team substitutes a skater without the authorization of the Referee, the team will be disqualified. 

Adverse Condition Prior to the Beginning of the Program with Allowance for up to Three Minutes

If any adverse condition related to the competitor or to their equipment occurs after entering the ice but before the call to the start, and time before the start of the program is not sufficient to remedy such condition, the Referee will allow the competitor three additional minutes before being called to the start. The Referee will apply a deduction for a three-minute allowance. See Scoring of Skate Canada Competitions > Deductions

If any adverse condition related to the competitor or to their equipment occurs between being called to the start and taking the starting position which cannot be remedied within 60 seconds, the Referee will allow the competitor three additional minutes and apply a deduction for a three-minute allowance. See Scoring of Skate Canada Competitions > Deductions

Adverse Condition Occurring During the Warm-Up

If an adverse condition related to the competitor or their equipment (with the exception of synchronized skating) with the first starting number in the warm-up group occurs during the warm-up, and time before the start of the program is not sufficient to remedy such condition, the Referee will allow the competitor three additional minutes before being called to the start. No deduction will be applied, and this will not be considered as a resumption of the program. 

Limit of the Permitted Interruptions

Only one interruption with an allowance of up to 3 minutes is permitted whenever it takes place (prior or during the program). If there is a second interruption of more than 40 seconds due to an adverse condition related to a competitor (including medical problems) or their equipment the competitor shall be considered withdrawn.

Incomplete Program

If the competitor does not complete the program, no marks will be awarded, and the competitor will be considered withdrawn. 

Interruption in a Pattern Dance

An interrupted pattern dance will be resumed from the nearest technically practical point in the Pattern Dance after the point of Interruption. The competitor must not skate the Steps missed due to the Interruption

3.12. Publication of Results

Summary of Results (Protocol): Copies of the “Detailed Classification” for each Event will be made available by the host Club within two weeks after the completion of the competition: 

  • to each of the Referees if requested 
  • to the Section office of the host organizer 

3.13. Awards

Awards will be presented to the top three places in each Event. In the case of only two entries, each entry will receive an award. In the case of only one entry in an Event, an exhibition skate may be performed but no award will be presented. Presenting of awards at Non-Qualifying Competitions is at the discretion of the organizing committee. 

3.14. Protests

For events using the Cumulative Points Calculation scoring system, protests must be made as per the Skate Canada Protest Procedure. Decisions of the officials categorized as field of play may not be protested, except as noted in the Protest Procedure. 

Items that can be protested: 

  • Participation of a competitor in the competition 
  • Composition of panels of officials 
  • Determination of the results of a competition 

Persons Entitled to File a Protest

Competitors (team captains in Synchronized Skating), the coach, team leader, section representative of the competitor, or any official of the competition may file a protest.

Time Limits for Filing of an Official Protest

Protests regarding the participation of a competitor in the competition or regarding the composition of the panels of officials must be made in writing before the start of the Event.

All protests regarding the determination of the result for a competitor(s), except those covered below, in the competition must be filed immediately after, but within no more than one hour, of the posting of the full and detailed results for the Segment in question.

Protests against incorrect mathematical calculation may be filed until 24 hours after the completion of the Event.

The Chief Data Specialist for the competition will attest to the time at which the full and detailed results have been posted.

No protest filed after the maximum allowed time will be accepted or considered.

4. Club and Invitational Competitions 

Placings are determined by the methods outlined in Scoring of Skate Canada Competitions

The composition of competitions will be at the discretion of the organizing committee. 

Competitions may be organized by any Club, group of Clubs (this may include USFSclubs) or Skate Canada Section, providing that the appropriate sanction is obtained. 

4.1. Officials

For all Events the panel will consist of no fewer than three qualified Judges of the appropriate level except as noted below: 

  • In those events consisting of skaters from CanSkate or PowerSkate programs, "Judges" may be selected from program assistants and coaches of those programs 
  • Club "fun" events may use "Judges" who are not qualified Skate Canada officials 

For Invitational Competitions, the list of Judges, Referees, Data Specialists, and technical panel officials selected, and a list of Events must be submitted to the appropriate Section officials chair for approval. 

An official from another Section may be appointed for one or more events subject to the approval of the chair of the applicable Section officials committee of the invited official. 

4.2. Judge Qualifications for STAR Events

Free Skate

Category Judge Qualifications Singles
STAR 1-4 STAR 1-4 Event Assessor
STAR 5 Juvenile
STAR 6  Juvenile
STAR 7  Juvenile (Pre-Novice recommended)
STAR 8  Juvenile
STAR 9  Pre-Novice
STAR 10  Pre-Novice
Gold Pre-Novice

Artistic

Category Judge Qualifications  
STAR 5 Juvenile Recommended that the majority of Judges on the panel have completed the STAR 6-Gold Training: Artistic eLearning module
STAR 7 Juvenile
STAR 9 Juvenile
Gold Novice

Pattern Dance

Category Judge Qualifications Ice Dance
STAR 2-3 STAR 1-4 Event Assessor 
STAR 4-5  Juvenile
STAR 6-7  Juvenile
STAR 8-9  Juvenile
STAR 10  Pre-Novice
Gold Pre-Novice
Diamond Pre-Novice

Pairs

Category Judge Qualifications Pairs
Open Primary (Juvenile recommended)

Showcase

Category Judge Qualifications
Showcase 1 STAR 1-4 Event Assessor
Showcase 2 STAR 1-4 Event Assessor
Showcase 3 Juvenile
Showcase 4 Juvenile

Creative Improv

Category Judge Qualifications
Creative Improv 1 STAR 1-4 Event Assessor
Creative Improv 2 STAR 1-4 Event Assessor
Creative Improv 3 Juvenile
Creative Improv 4 Juvenile

Element Events

Category Judge Qualifications
Individual STAR 1-4 Event Assessor
Team STAR 1-4 Event Assessor

4.3. Judge Qualifications for Synchronized Skating Events

Judges for Novice and below and all Adult synchronized skating categories must be qualified at the Novice level or higher.

Judges for Gold (Intermediate) synchronized skating categories must be qualified at the Junior level or higher.

Judges for Open synchronized skating categories must be qualified at the Senior level or higher.

Judges for assess to standard synchronized skating categories must be qualified at the STAR 1-4 level or higher.

4.4. Judge Qualifications for Adult Events

Free Skate

Category Judge Qualifications Singles
Intro Open Juvenile
Adult Bronze Juvenile
Adult Silver Juvenile
Adult Gold Juvenile
Adult Masters Pre-Novice
Adult Masters Elite Pre-Novice

Artistic

Category Judge Qualifications
Introductory Juvenile
Bronze Juvenile
Silver Juvenile
Gold Pre-Novice
Elite Pre-Novice
Open Partner Pre-Novice
Open Masters Partner Pre-Novice

Partnered Pattern Dance

Category Judge Qualifications Dance
Junior Bronze Juvenile
Senior Bronze Juvenile
Junior Silver Juvenile
Senior Silver Pre-Novice
Gold Pre-Novice
Elite Pre-Novice

Solo Pattern Dance

Category Judge Qualifications Dance
Bronze Juvenile
Silver Juvenile
Gold Pre-Novice
Elite Pre-Novice
Open Pre-Novice

Free Dance

Category Judge Qualifications Dance
Silver Juvenile
Gold Pre-Novice

Pairs

Category Judge Qualifications Pairs
Adult Pairs Juvenile
Adult Masters Pairs Juvenile (Pre-Novice recommended)

4.5. Judge Qualifications for Special Olympics Events

Free Skate

Category Judge Qualifications Singles
Level 1 STAR 1-4 Event Assessor
Level 2 STAR 1-4 Event Assessor
Level 3 (STAR 1) STAR 1-4 Event Assessor
Level 4 (STAR 2) STAR 1-4 Event Assessor
Level 5 (STAR 3) STAR 1-4 Event Assessor
Level 6 Juvenile
Open Juvenile
Masters Level 1/2 STAR 1-4 Event Assessor
Masters Level 3/4 STAR 1-4 Event Assessor

Dance 

Category Judge Qualification Dance
Introductory Dance STAR 1-4 Event Assessor
Level 1 Juvenile
Level 2 Juvenile
Level 3 Juvenile
Level 4 Juvenile
Level 5 Juvenile
Level 6 Pre-Novice

Pairs

Category Judge Qualification Pairs
Level 1 STAR 1-4 Event Assessor
Level 2 STAR 1-4 Event Assessor
Level 3 STAR 1-4 Event Assessor

5.  Age Requirements for Qualifying Competition Categories

Competitors wishing to enter Qualifying Events leading to a Skate Canada Challenge and/or a Canadian Figure Skating Championships, or the Canada Cup must meet the age requirements to compete as specified in the Competition Program Requirements rules for each discipline. These age requirements are also applicable to Non-Qualifying Competitions

6. Assessment Requirements for Qualifying Competition Categories

Competitors wishing to enter Qualifying Events leading to a Skate Canada Challenge and/or a Canadian Figure Skating Championships must have passed the assessments as outlined in the competition program requirements for each discipline at least three weeks prior to the Section Championships preceding those competitions. In non-Qualifying Competitions, competitors may be permitted to ‘skate up’ a Category without having completed the assessment requirements. 

The High Performance Director may waive this requirement on an individual basis for skaters from other federations who have competed internationally in Junior and/or Senior categories

7. Registration for Qualifying Competitions

Unless otherwise listed in the event announcement competitors must register for the competition before their official practice session immediately prior to the first Segment of their Event.

This rule is applicable to all Qualifying Events including Regional/Sub-Sectional, Sectional, Skate Canada ChallengeCanadian Figure Skating Championships and Canadian Synchronized Skating Championships. 

8. Sectional Championships

Full authority over the planning, organization and conduct of the Sectional Championships is delegated to the Section, except for those matters specifically given to the technical representative. The Section may delegate all or any part of its authority and responsibility as necessary. 

The Section may choose to hold two Sectional Championships and/or hold the Sectional Championships in conjunction with an invitational event

Sectional Championships will be held annually for at least the obligatory Events and must conclude a minimum of seven days prior to the applicable Skate Canada Challenge in the current Competitive Season. The closing date for entries for all Events will be as prescribed by the relevant Section

The announcement of the Sectional Championships will be communicated to all Clubs and Skating Schools in the Section not later than six weeks before the date of the first Event

Registration rules apply. 

8.1. Entries

The following disciplines are mandatory for all Skate Canada Sectionals: men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance in each of the four categories – Senior, Junior, Novice, Pre-Novice. All specifications at Sectional Championships will be identical to the corresponding Events at the applicable Skate Canada Challenge and Canadian Figure Skating Championships

If there are fewer entries than the normal quota of entries to the applicable Skate Canada Challenge in any Sectional competition, the Section may dispense with the competition and approve the entry of the competitors to the Skate Canada Challenge competition of the same Category (if applicable). 

The entry fees, if any, for the Skate Canada Sectionals and other Section-sponsored competitions will be set by the Section

The host Section/Club must verify the eligibility of all competitors. The Section must submit the names and registration numbers of all competitors entering Qualifying Events to Skate Canada no later than October 3 (Junior and Senior) or November 15 (Pre-Novice and Novice) or the next business day following that date. 

For other than Qualifying Events, entries may be restricted with the approval of the Board of Directors of the relevant Section. For competitions that qualify skaters or teams for Skate Canada national events, entries may be restricted but only on the following basis: 

  • A Section may, subject to the approval of Skate Canada as outlined below, institute minimum technical score requirements for entry into such Events 
  • Such minimum technical scores will be proposed by a Section to the Skate Canada CEO on or before July 15 in each year for the following year together with a list of competitions where the skaters may obtain such scores 
  • Such minimum technical scores and list of competitions will be reviewed by Skate Canada on or before July 31 of such year 
  • The purpose of the review is to ensure that in the sole discretion of Skate Canada the scores are reasonable and that skaters have a reasonable opportunity to obtain such scores 
  • The Skate Canada CEO will advise the relevant Section on or before July 31 of the relevant year whether the proposal by the Section to restrict entries is approved 

Sub-sectional competitions may be held to reduce the number of competitors in a Sectional event. Where the number of competitors warrants, the sub-sectional Qualifying Events for the Sectionals may be based on either combined Events identical to the respective Sectional Events, or on Free Skating Programs only. Rules governing Sectional Championshipevents will also apply to any sub-sectional or other Sectional elimination rounds unless otherwise stated in the Sectional announcement. 

In Events that do not qualify competitors for a Skate Canada Challenge and/or a Canadian Figure Skating Championships, competitors may be eliminated at any stage of the competition as determined by the host Section

A competitor may compete in singles Events only in the championships of the Section in which that competitor's home organization is a member

A pair or ice dance team composed of competitors having Clubs in different Sections may enter the Event of the Sectional Championships of anyone, but only one, of the Sections represented by its members. The chair of each Section concerned must be advised as to which championships the team will enter. 

Competitors may not enter more than one Category in the same discipline in the same championship or its qualifying event. The number of categories entered at non-qualifying competitions is at the discretion of the Section as specified in the competition announcement. 

If there is no competition in any Senior or Junior Sectional Event and the previous winner has entered, the previous winner will retain the title; otherwise, the title will be declared vacant. 

A previous winner of a Qualifying Event for a Canadian Figure Skating Championships is eligible to re-enter the same Qualifying Event if the competitor is still eligible to enter the corresponding Canadian Figure Skating Championships competition, or in the case of Pre-Novice, the corresponding Skate Canada ChallengeEvent

Skate Canada’s Sectional medals will be awarded to winners of first, second and third places. 

8.2. Selection of Entries from Skate Canada Sectionals

All entries must be approved and filed by the Section Chair or the Section Chair's nominee.

8.3. Normal Quota of Entries

Selection of entries from Skate Canada Sectionals to Skate Canada Challenge is as follows:

Section BC/YK AB/NT/NU SK MB ON QC NB NS PE NL/LAB
Pre-Novice/Novice 4 16  3
Junior/Senior  15  2

The normal quota of entries will be reviewed on a periodic basis. 

Each entry that meets the requirements may be selected to represent the Section in the respective Skate Canada Challenge, but the selection of fewer than the normal quota of entries will be at the discretion of the Section Executive. 

8.4. Additional Requirements for Entries from Skate Canada Sectionals

Competitors must also meet a minimum qualifying score according to the guidelines announced annually by the High Performance Development Committee on or before July 1. In the case that a Section has no competitors who have met the minimum score guidelines for a given Category, the Section has the right to enter one competitor in the Category. In Senior, this entry must achieve the minimum score prior to or at Skate Canada Challenge to advance to the Canadian Figure Skating Championships

8.5. Byed Skaters

Those who have been granted Byes through Sectional Qualifying Events (see Byes in this Rule) may enter their Skate Canada Challenge Event as applicable without further qualification.

8.6. Alternates

In the case of withdrawal of an entry before the start of the first official practice at Skate Canada Challenge, an alternate entry will be invited if the withdrawal was originally entered as part of the section normal quota, the section may enter the next eligible athlete as the replacement. Alternates will be called up to fill a withdrawal up to 48 hours prior to the first official practice of the event

9. Skate Canada Challenge

Skate Canada Challenge (Junior and Senior) will be held annually for the obligatory Events and will be completed on or before December 15 of the current Registration Year. Skate Canada Challenge (Pre-Novice and Novice) will be held annually for the obligatory Events and will be completed no later than the first Sunday following January 31 of the current Registration Year

The locations and dates of the competitions will be announced at the Skate Canada Annual General Meeting. 

The following Events are mandatory for the applicable Skate Canada Challenge provided that the number of skaters entered in the Event exceeds the maximum quota to progress to the applicable Canadian Figure Skating Championships: men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs and ice dance in each of four Categories – Pre-Novice, Novice, Junior and Senior. The Pre-Novice champions are declared the applicable Skate Canada Challenge and do not progress to a Canadian Figure Skating Championships

All Events will be conducted in the same manner as the Event in the Canadian Figure Skating ChampionshipsEvent to which they correspond. 

Registration rules apply. 

9.1. Selection of Entries from Skate Canada Challenge

Final Result

The final result in each Skate Canada Challenge Event will determine the competitors eligible to enter the equivalent Canadian Figure Skating Championship Event as follows:

Novice Events

The Skate Canada Novice Challenge is entitled to enter the top 18-placed singles competitors in each of the men’s and women’s Events, top 12 placed pairs competitors and top 15 placed ice dance competitors, which include any Byes awarded in each respective Event at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships in the same Competitive Season.

Junior Events 

The Skate Canada Junior Challenge is entitled to enter the top 18-placed singles competitors in each of the men’s and women’s Events, top 12 placed pairs competitors and top 15 placed ice dance competitors, which include any Byes awarded in each respective Event, at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships in the same Competitive Season.

Senior Events

The maximum number of competitors in the Senior singles Events is 18.

The maximum number of competitors in the Senior pairs Event is 12.

The maximum number of competitors in the Senior ice dance Event is 15.

Determining Senior Entries

The Senior Events at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships will be filled in accordance with the following priority until such time as the maximum number of competitors for the relevant Event has been reached:

  1. Firstly, those competitors who have received an automatic or individual Bye
  2. Secondly, the balance of the entries will be determined in accordance with the results of the Skate Canada Senior Challenge Event, as applicable 

9.2. Alternates

The entry with the next highest score from the applicable Skate Canada ChallengeEvent may replace an entrant at the applicable Canadian Figure Skating Championships who has withdrawn before the start of an Event. Alternates will be called to fill a withdrawal up to 48 hours prior to the first official practice of the Event

9.3. Normal Quota at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships Not Exceeded

When the normal quota at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships is not exceeded, that Event will be held, but may not be compulsory at Skate Canada Challenge

10. Regional Synchronized Skating Championships 

A regional competition will be held for each of the following groups of Sections: 

  • Atlantic: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland/Labrador 
  • Quebec: Quebec 
  • Ontario: Ontario 
  • Prairie: Manitoba, Saskatchewan 
  • Mountain: British Columbia/Yukon, Alberta/Northwest Territories/Nunavut 

Full authority over the planning, organization and conduct of the championships is delegated to the host Section, except for those matters specifically given to the technical representative and Skate Canada. The host Section may delegate all or any part of its authority and responsibility as necessary. 

Regions may choose to hold two Regional Synchronized Championships and/or hold the Regional Championship in conjunction with an invitational event

Regional Synchronized Skating Championships must be held annually for at least the obligatory Events and must conclude a minimum of seven days prior to the applicable Canadian Figure Skating Championships or the Canada Cup for the respective disciplines.

The announcement of the Regional Synchronized Skating Championships must be distributed to all Clubs in the Section belonging to the defined regional event not later than six weeks before the date of the first Event

There is no qualification process to enter this competition, however a qualifying round may be held if entry numbers warrant. 

The registration rules apply. 

10.1. Entries 

The following categories are mandatory Novice, Gold (Intermediate), Open, Junior and Senior. All specifications at the Regional Synchronized Skating Championships must be identical to the corresponding Events at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships (Novice, Junior, and Senior) or the Canada Cup (Gold (Intermediate) and Open). Other Events may be added at the discretion of the Regional Synchronized Championships committee. Details for such Events must be included in the announcement. 

If there are fewer entries than the normal quota of entries to the applicable Canadian Figure Skating Championships or the Canada Cup in any Regional competition, the Region may dispense with the competition and approve the entry of the competitors to the applicable Canadian Figure Skating Championships or the Canada Cup of the same Category (if applicable).

The entry fees, if any, for the Regional Synchronized Skating Championships will be set by the host Section

The host Section must verify the eligibility of all competitors. The Section must submit all teams entering Qualifying Events to Skate Canada no later than October 3 (Junior and Senior) or December 15 (Novice, Gold (Intermediate), and Open) or the next business day following that date. 

10.2.  Team Composition Requirements 

The following composition requirements apply for teams competing at Regional Synchronized Skating Championships, at the applicable Canadian Figure Skating Championships and the Canada Cup: 

  • Teams may consist of members from different Clubs; Clubs may join together to form a synchronized skating team if there is not a sufficient number of skaters from one Club to make a team 
  • A team must represent at least oneSkate Canada Club and members of the team must be Registrants of Skate Canada 
  • Skaters may skate with as many Clubs as they wish but can only represent one Club in the same Event 
  • A Club may enter teams in more than one EventCategoryprovided that for each additional Category entered, 50% of the skaters are different (the calculation does not include alternates), different music is used, and a different routine is skated 
  • There shall be no substitution of registered team members or additional names added; only those skaters who competed at the Regional Synchronized Skating Championships will be allowed to skate in the applicable Canadian Figure Skating Championships or the Canada Cup 
  • Each team may have up to four alternates listed on the Event team roster 

10.3. Selection of Entries from Regional Synchronized Skating Championships 

Final Result 

The final result in each Regional Event will determine the competitors eligible to enter the applicable Canadian Figure Skating Championships or the Canada Cup based on normal quota of entries 

Normal Quota of Entries 

Selection of entries from Regional Synchronized Skating Championships to the applicable Canadian Figure Skating Championships or Canada Cup is as follows: 

REGION 

Mountain 

Prairie 

Ontario 

Quebec 

Atlantic 

Novice, Gold (Intermediate), Open 

Junior and Senior

The normal quota of entries will be reviewed on a periodic basis. 

Alternates: The next placed entry in each regional Event may be nominated as an alternate entry and may replace an entrant who has withdrawn before the start of the Event

If the maximum quota at a Regional Synchronized Skating Championship is not filled due to insufficient entries, that Event may be held, but is not mandatory. 

10.4.  Ice Resurfacing 

For both the Regional Synchronized Skating Championships, Canadian Figure Skating Championships and the Canada Cup, it is recommended that the ice be resurfaced after every six teams for the Short Program and after every five (or six in the case of a tie) for the Free Skating Program

11. Canadian Figure Skating Championships

The Canadian Figure Skating Championships will be completed no later than the first Sunday following January 31 (Junior and Senior) or February 28 (Novice) of the current Registration Year. The dates of the Canadian Figure Skating Championships will be announced to all Clubs not later than July 1 preceding the championships. 

The following Events will comprise the Canadian Figure Skating Championships: men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs, ice dance and synchronized skating. It will be divided into two competitions: Junior/Senior, and Novice.

No one may compete in the same discipline (singles, pairs, ice dance) in the same Novice Event at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships more than three times.

The winner or the winning pair or ice dance team of a Novice Event discipline at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships is not eligible for the same Event discipline again.

One of a pair or ice dance team placing first, second or third in a Senior Canadian Event discipline may not enter the same Event discipline in the Junior Category at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships with a different partner in a subsequent year.

If there is no competition for a Senior Canadian Figure Skating Championship Event, the most recently declared champion(s) shall retain the title if that skater(s) has entered the Event, otherwise the title shall be declared vacant. 

Registration rules apply. 

11.1. Alternates

Alternates will be called to fill a withdrawal up to 48 hours prior to the first official practice of the Event.

11.2. Starting Order for Short Program/Rhythm Dance for Senior Events

Senior competitors in singles, pairs and ice dance will be assigned to skate the short program/Rhythm Dance of the Canadian Figure Skating Championships as follows: 

  1. Senior competitors receiving a Bye to the short program/Rhythm Dance at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships will be assigned in reverse order according to their final placement at the previous Senior Canadian Figure Skating Championships. The highest-placed competitor from the previous Canadian Figure Skating Championships will be last to skate, the second-highest placed competitor will be second last to skate, and so on. 
  2. Next, Byed competitors who do not have a final placement from the preceding Senior Canadian Figure Skating Championships will be assigned by a random draw. These competitors will skate prior to those listed in (a) and following those listed in (c). 
  3. The remaining competitors will be assigned in reverse order according to their final placements at Skate Canada Challenge in the same Competitive Season
  4. In the case that Skate Canada Challenge is optional and some competitors elect not to compete and are therefore not ranked coming into the Canadian Figure Skating Championships, a random draw will be conducted to determine the start order of all competitors with the exception of the Byed competitors. 
  5. If two or more competitors are tied in the assignment of (a) and (c) above, a random draw between the tied competitors will be conducted to determine the starting order. 

Senior competitors in synchronized skating will be assigned to skate the short program of the Canadian Figure Skating Championships as follows: 

  1. Senior teams at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships will be assigned in reverse order according to their final placement at the previous Senior Canadian Figure Skating Championships. The highest-placed team from the previous Canadian Figure Skating Championships will be last to skate, the second-highest placed competitor will be second last to skate, and so on. 
  2. Next, teams who do not have a final placement from the preceding Senior Canadian Figure Skating Championships will be assigned by a random draw.

11.3. Markings on Clothing

Competitors, team officials and coaches may display the following markings on their persons and on their clothing (except for boots and blades) when in the “kiss-and-cry” area, the television interview area, during the official warm-up before the competitive performance and during practice sessions: 

  • Their own name and the name and/or logo of the Skate Canada organization being represented with letters at a maximum height of 15 cm 
  • Up to four advertising markings, trademarks, logos, or other distinguishing signs at a maximum of sixty square centimeters each 
  • One additional marking of the clothing supplier at a maximum of thirty square centimeters 
  • Boots and blades may carry only the boot manufacturer’s name on the heel at a maximum of ten square centimeters and one engraved identification of the manufacturer at a maximum of 20 square centimeters on each blade and blade guard. 
  • Markings must not be offensive and must not refer to tobacco or alcohol. 

In off-ice areas not mentioned above, additional markings with no limitation in size are allowed. 

During the competitive performance, the exhibition at the end of an event and the medal award ceremony, no markings on skaters’ costumes are allowed except for the skater‘s name, the name and/or logo of the Skate Canada organization being represented and the above-referenced markings on boots and blades. 

Markings may be measured by the officials for compliance while being worn. 

12. Canada Cup

The Canada Cup will be completed no later than the first Sunday following February 28 of the current Registration Year for the Gold (Intermediate) and Open categories. The dates of the Canada Cup will be announced to all Clubs not later than July 1 preceding the championships. 

The rules for Regional Synchronized Skating Championships apply to the Canada Cup. 

The Registration rules apply. 

Alternates will be called to fill a withdrawal up to 48 hours prior to the start of the Event

13. Byes

The granting of a Bye permits a competitor to pass to the next level of competition without competing at a prerequisite level. Byes may be granted through the relevant Sectionals/Regional competition or Skate Canada Challenge. To be considered for a Bye, competitors must register for their Sectional/Regional competitions. 

Those who have been granted Byes through Sectional Qualifying Events may enter the applicable Skate Canada Challenge or the Canadian Figure Skating ChampionshipsEvent as applicable without further qualification. 

A list of Byes will be determined by the High Performance Development Committee in consultation with the President of Skate Canada, CEO, the High Performance Director and NextGen Director as appropriate.

13.1. Byes Due to International Assignments to Skate Canada Challenge and the Canadian Figure Skating Championships

 Singles, Pairs, and Ice Dance 

Competitors who register for an Event(s) at the relevant Sectionals competition and who in the same Competitive Season have been assigned by Skate Canada to an ISU Junior Grand Prix and/or a Junior or Senior International Event will be granted an automatic entry into Skate Canada Challenge for each discipline for which they were assigned by Skate Canada to compete internationally.
 
Competitors who register for Junior and/or Senior Events at the relevant Sectionals competition and who have been assigned or qualified as follows will be granted an automatic entry into the Canadian Figure Skating Championships

  • Those who have been assigned by the ISU Grand Prix selection group (or by Skate Canada in the case of home entries to Skate Canada International) to a Senior Grand Prix 
  • Those who have been assigned by Skate Canada to a Senior International within seven days of Skate Canada Challenge 
  • Those who have qualified for the Junior Grand Prix Final Event 

Byes are applicable in the discipline for which the competitor(s) was assigned by Skate Canada to compete internationally in the same Competitive Season. If an international assignment by Skate Canada in one discipline precludes the skater from competing in their Sectional Championship in another discipline they may be granted a bye to Skate Canada Challenge in their second discipline.

Synchronized Skating 

Only teams assigned by Skate Canada to represent Canada at international synchronized skating competitions during the current Competitive Season will be eligible for consideration for a Bye

If a Senior and/or Junior team is assigned or invited by Skate Canada to represent Skate Canada at an international competition contained on the ISU calendar, a Bye to the team(s) through a Regional Event when there are ten days or fewer between the scheduled team travel day to/from one Event and the first official practice day for the next competition. 

No Byes will be granted to any team wishing to participate in "invitational" competitions unless the team is assigned to compete by Skate Canada. 

13.2. Complement of Skaters to Skate Canada Challenge

In all cases where a Sectional Bye has been granted, the Section may send the full complement plus the Byed competitor(s) to Skate Canada Challenge

13.3. Complement of Skaters to the Canadian Figure Skating Championships

In all cases where a Skate Canada Challenge or Regional Bye has been granted to a competitor(s), such Bye(s) will reduce the number of competitors who may qualify for the Canadian Figure Skating Championships through Skate Canada Challenge or Regionals such that the maximum number of competitors as designated in such Event discipline as specified in Skate Canada rules will be maintained. Once all Byes through Skate Canada Challenge or Regionals have been granted, the balance of the entries will be determined in accordance with the results of Skate Canada Challenge or Regionals, as applicable. For example, where the maximum number of entries in an Event discipline at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships has been set at 12 and there are three Byes through Skate Canada Challenge or Regionals, an additional nine entries may qualify for the Canadian Figure Skating Championships through Skate Canada Challenge

13.4. Byed Skaters Electing to Compete

In the event that a competitor is Byed through a Sectionals competition, Skate Canada Challenge or Regionals but elects to compete, the Bye will be retained by the competitor regardless of the result achieved by such competitor. In this case, the numbers of competitors advancing to the next level of competition will be determined as if the competitor activated their Bye

13.5. Automatic Byes to the Canadian Figure Skating Championships for Senior Competitors

Automatic Byes are granted through their respective Sectionals, Regionals and/or Skate Canada Challenge to Senior competitors placing first, second or third in the previous year's Canadian Figure Skating Championships in the same Event discipline and/or to Senior competitors who place first, second or third at any of the previous three ISU World Figure Skating Championships and/or the immediately prior Olympic Winter Games in each case in the same Event discipline. In the case of pairs and ice dance a Bye is earned by the team not by the individual skaters, and as such the Bye will be granted provided that the skaters are continuing to compete as a team.In synchronized skating, a Bye is earned by a team, however the skaters may change between season and retain the Bye.

13.6. Extraordinary Circumstances and Medical Byes

Extraordinary circumstance Byes to Skate Canada Challenge or the Canadian Figure Skating Championships at any level may be granted by the High Performance Development Committee in consultation with the Skate Canada President, Skate Canada CEO, Director(s) of High Performance and NextGen, as appropriate. Such Byes will only be granted in extraordinary circumstances where the skater has demonstrated worthiness for a Bye. Such a Bye is extraordinary and will generally be related to medical conditions. In this case, such Byed competitor(s) will be in addition to the designated maximum number of competitors in the relevant Canadian Figure Skating ChampionshipsEvent. Requests for consideration for a Bye must be made in writing to the Skate Canada CEO and must contain a description of the grounds upon which such Bye is being requested. 

13.7. "Guest" Competing at Sectional Competitions

In the case that a Sectionals competition has registered no more than its maximum Skate Canada Challenge complement of entries in any Pre-Novice, Novice, Junior or Senior discipline, one or more competitors/teams in the event may be allowed to "guest compete" at another Sectionals competition under the following conditions: 

  • The other Section must be in agreement 
  • The other Section is more logical because of geographical location and/or training site of the athlete 

The Event results included in the final protocol from the accepting Section do not reflect the "guest" entry's placement; however, an unofficial result may be produced at the Event which does incorporate the "guest" entry's placements. 

Competitors representing another ISUmember are ineligible to “guest compete” at any Qualifying Event. 

14. Officials for Qualifying Competitions and National Championships

14.1. Composition of the Panel of Officials

Use of Referee as a Judge

A Referee of an Event may not be used as a Judge in the same Event except in the case of an emergency, but such officials may be used as Judges in other Events in which they have not been appointed to act as Referee.

Qualifications of Judges on Panels

Sectional Championships

If possible, in Pre-Novice, Novice, Junior and Senior Events at least one member of the panel of Judges should be a Challenge (or higher) level Judge.

Regional Synchronized Skating Championships

If possible, in Novice and higher Events a majority of the panel of Judges should be Senior level Judges. If possible, for Senior Events a majority of the panel should be Canadian level Judges.

Skate Canada Challenge

Judges must be qualified at the Challenge level or higher. For examination purposes, the Skate Canada Officials Assignment and Promotion Committee may assign senior Section level Judges to be a member of the panel for the appropriate discipline. 

Canadian Figure Skating Championships

Junior and Senior (all disciplines), and Novice (synchronized skating) 

Judges must be qualified at the Canadian level or higher. For examination purposes, the Skate Canada Officials Assignment and Promotion Committee may assign a Challenge/Regional level Judge to be a member of the panel for the appropriate discipline. 

Novice (Singles, Pairs, and Ice Dance) 

Judges must be qualified at the Challenge level or higher. Panels must include judges qualified at the Canadian level or higher.

Canada Cup 

Judges must be qualified at the Canadian level or higher. For examination purposes, the Skate Canada Officials Assignment and Promotion Committee may assign a Regional level Judge to be a member of the panel. 

Qualifications of Technical Officials on Panels

Sectional Championships 

Technical Controllers and Technical Specialists must be qualified at the Section level or higher. If possible, in Novice, Junior and Senior Events at least one member of the technical panel should be qualified at the Challenge level or higher. 

Regional Synchronized Skating Championships 

Technical Controllers and Technical Specialists must be qualified at the Regional level or higher. If possible, in Novice, Gold (Intermediate), Open, Junior and Senior Events at least one member of the technical panel should be qualified at the Canadian level or higher. 

Skate Canada Challenge 

Technical Specialists and Technical Controllers must be qualified at the Challenge level or higher. If possible, at least one member of the technical panel should be qualified at the Canadian level or higher. For examination purposes, the Skate Canada Officials Assignment and Promotion Committee may assign a Section level Technical Controller or Technical Specialist

Canadian Figure Skating Championships

Junior and Senior (all disciplines), and Novice (synchronized skating) 

Technical Controllers and Technical Specialists must be qualified at least at the Canadian level. If possible, at least one technical official on a Senior panel should be qualified at the International or ISU level. For examination purposes, the Skate Canada Officials Assignment and Promotion Committee may assign a Challenge/Regional level Technical Controller or Technical Specialist . 

Novice (Singles, Pairs, and Ice Dance) 

Technical Specialists and Technical Controllers must be qualified at the Challenge level or higher. If possible, at least one member of the technical panel should be qualified at the Canadian level or higher.

Canada Cup 

Technical Controllers and Technical Specialists must be qualified at the Canadian level or higher. For examination purposes, the Skate Canada Officials Assignment and Promotion Committee may assign a Regional level Technical Controller or Technical. 

Qualifications of Referees

Sectional Championships 

Referees must be qualified at a minimum at the Sectional level. If a qualified Sectional ChampionshipReferee is not available, an experienced Senior SectionJudge may be used. 

Regional Synchronized Skating Championships 

Referees must be qualified at a minimum at the Regional level. If a qualified Regional championship Referee is not available, an experienced Senior Regional Judge may be used. 

Skate Canada Challenge 

Referees must be qualified at a minimum at the Challenge level. If a qualified Challenge level or higher Referee is not available, an experienced Challenge level Judge who is also qualified as a Section level Referee may be used. For examination purposes, the Skate Canada Officials Assignment and Promotion Committee may assign a Section level Referee

Canadian Figure Skating Championships

Junior and Senior (all disciplines), and Novice (synchronized skating) 

Referees must be qualified at a minimum at the Canadian level. If a qualified Canadian championship or higher Referee is not available, an experienced Canadian level Judge who is also qualified as a Challenge/Regional level Referee may be used. For examination purposes, the Skate Canada Officials Assignment and Promotion Committee may assign a Challenge/Regional level Referee

Novice (Singles, Pairs, and Ice Dance) 

Referees must be qualified at a minimum at the Challenge level. 

Canada Cup 

Referees must be qualified at a minimum at the Canadian level. If a qualified Canadian championship or higher Referee is not available, an experienced Canadian level Judge who is also qualified as a Regional level Referee may be used. For examination purposes, the Skate Canada Officials Assignment and Promotion Committee may assign a Regional level Referee

Qualifications of Data Specialists

Sectional Championships and Regional Synchronized Skating Championships 

The Chief Data Specialist must be qualified at a minimum as a Level II Data Specialist

Skate Canada Challenge, Canadian Figure Skating Championships and Canada Cup 

All Data Specialists must be qualified at Level II or III. The Chief Data Specialist must be qualified at a minimum as a Level III Data Specialist

Qualifications of the Technical Representative 

To be eligible for appointment the technical representative for all championships must be an individual who has demonstrated skills in competition organization, management and leadership. 

Representation of Sections on Panels 

At Challenge/Regional, Canadian Championships and Canada Cup, if possible, the appointed Technical Controller and Technical Specialists for a particular Category should be from different Skate Canada Sections; however, this is not mandatory. If possible, the Referee and Technical Controller should be from different Skate Canada Sections. 

15. Determining Assignments of Officials

Sectional Championships, Regional Synchronized Skating Championships 

A technical representative will be approved by the hosting Section Officials Committee or equivalent at least six months prior to the holding of the event. The technical representative together with the applicable host Section officials chair or equivalent will select the Judges and technical panels and create the working assignments for the officials. 

The Chief Data Specialist and Data Specialists will be assigned by the hosting SectionData Specialists Committee. 

The technical representative, Referees, Judges, Technical Controllers, Technical Specialists, and all Data Specialists will be assigned by the host Section

Skate Canada Challenge, Canadian Figure Skating Championships and Canada Cup 

The technical representative, Referees, Judges, Technical Controllers, Technical Specialists, and all Data Specialists will be assigned by Skate Canada. 

16. Size of Officials Panel

For all Qualifying Events, there must be a Technical Controller, two Technical Specialists, a Referee and at least five Judges on each panel (with the exception of pattern dance panels where details listed under Panel of Officials within this rule apply). In exceptional circumstances, a Technical Controller with qualifications in the discipline may be assigned as Technical Specialist 2. If there is no qualified Technical Controller to assign as Technical Specialist 2 the technical panel may be composed of only a Technical Controller and a Technical Specialist. If there are not five qualified Judges, there may be fewer than five, but no fewer than three Judges. If any such case arises, the staff lead of the Skate Canada Officials Assignment and Promotion Committee must grant approval.

Skate Canada Challenge

There must be between five and eight Judges on a Skate Canada Challenge officials panel. The normal quota of Judges on the panel is seven.

Canadian Figure Skating Championships

Junior and Senior (Singles, Pairs, and Ice Dance) 

There must be between six and twelve Judges on a Canadian Figure Skating Championships officials panel. The normal quota of Judges on the panel is nine. 

Junior and Senior (Synchronized Skating) 

There must be between six and ten Judges on a Canadian Figure Skating Championships officials panel. The normal quota of Judges on the panel is seven. 

Novice (all disciplines) 

There must be between six and ten Judges on a Novice Canadian Figure Skating Championships officials panel. The normal quota of Judges on the panel is seven.

Canada Cup 

There must be between six and ten Judges on a Canada Cup officials panel. The normal quota of Judges on the panel is seven. 

17. Officials Unable to Complete Their Duties

Replacement of a Judge 

If after the start of an Event a Judge becomes unable to complete the duties of the position, that Judge’s marks will be counted until the time at which officiating by that Judge was no longer possible. A replacement Judge will be appointed for that Judge for the remaining Segments of the Event (if applicable). 

Sectional Championships, Regional Synchronized Skating Championships 

If, in an emergency, the panel is reduced to two Judges, the Referee will also Judge. If the Referee is already judging, the technical representative will appoint a replacement Judge from those Judges present and qualified to officiate. If no such replacement exists, the competition will be suspended. 

Skate Canada Challenge, Canadian Figure Skating Championships, Canada Cup 

If, in an emergency, the panel is reduced to four (Skate Canada Challenge) or five (Canadian Figure Skating Championships and Canada Cup) Judges, the technical representative will appoint a replacement from those Judges present and qualified to officiate. If no such replacement exists, the Referee will also Judge. If the Referee is already judging, the competition may be suspended at the discretion of the technical representative in consultation with the Skate Canada representative. 

Replacement of a Referee 

If during an Event, the Referee becomes unable to officiate, the technical representative will appoint a qualified replacement. 

Sectional Championships, Regional Synchronized Skating Championships 

If no qualified replacement Referee is present and available, a Sectional or higher level Judge who is also qualified as an Invitational Referee may be appointed as a replacement. If no replacement Referee can be found, the Event will be suspended. 

Skate Canada Challenge, Canadian Figure Skating Championships, Canada Cup 

If no qualified replacement Referee is present and available, a Judge qualified at the corresponding championship level or higher who is also qualified as a Referee at the level below the corresponding championship may be appointed as a replacement. 

Replacement of a Technical Controller

Sectional Championships, Regional Synchronized Skating Championships 

If during an Event, the Technical Controller becomes unable to officiate, the technical representative will appoint a qualified replacement. If no qualified replacement Technical Controller is present and available, a Sectional or higher level Technical Specialist may be appointed as the replacement. At championships higher than Section level, if no such person is present and available, the Technical Specialist 2 will assume the duties of the Technical Controller and the technical panel will be composed of two people. 

Skate Canada Challenge, Canadian Figure Skating Championships, Canada Cup 

If during an Event, the Technical Controller becomes unable to officiate, the technical representative will appoint a qualified replacement. If no qualified replacement Technical Controller is present and available, a Technical Specialist qualified at the corresponding championship level or higher may be appointed as the replacement. If no such person is present and available, a Technical Controller qualified at the level below the corresponding championship may be appointed as a replacement. If no such person is present and available, the  Technical Specialist 2 will assume the duties of the Technical Controller and if possible, a Technical Specialist qualified at the level below the corresponding championship will be appointed Technical Specialist 2. If this is not possible, the technical panel will be composed of two people. 

Replacement of a Technical Specialist

Sectional Championships, Regional Synchronized Skating Championships 

If during an Event, either Technical Specialist  become unable to officiate, the technical representative will appoint a qualified replacement. If no qualified replacement Technical Specialist is present and available, a Sectional or higher level Technical Controller may be appointed as a replacement. If no such person is present and available, the technical panel will be composed of two people and, if necessary, the Technical Specialist 2 will assume the duties of the Technical Specialist 1. 

Skate Canada Challenge, Canadian Figure Skating Championships, Canada Cup 

If during an Event, either Technical Specialist become unable to officiate, the technical representative will appoint a qualified replacement. If no qualified replacement Technical Specialist is present and available, a Technical Controller qualified at the corresponding championship level may be appointed as a replacement. If no such person is present and available, a Technical Specialist or Technical Controller qualified at the level below the corresponding championship level may be appointed. If no such person is available, the technical panel will be composed of two people. If necessary, the Technical Specialist 2 will assume the duties of the Technical Specialist 1. 

If a replacement Referee, Technical Controller or Technical Specialist is appointed, that person will assume those duties for the remaining Segments of the Event

If, due to extraordinary circumstances the technical panel is reduced to only one official, the Event may be suspended at the discretion of the technical representative. At championships higher than Section level, the Event may be suspended at the discretion of the technical representative in consultation with the Skate Canada representative.

18. Reporting Procedures

Officials Reporting Procedures

Sectional Championships and Regional Synchronized Skating Championships

Within three weeks of the completion of events the technical representative will submit a written report to the applicable Section Officials Committee.

Skate Canada Challenge, Canadian Figure Skating Championships and Canadian Synchronized Skating Championships

Within three weeks of the completion of events all Referees and Technical Controllers will submit a written report of the championship to the staff lead of the Officials Assignment and Promotion Committee.

Chief Data Specialist Reporting Procedures 

Sectional Championships and Regional Synchronized Skating Championships 

Within three weeks of the completion of events the Chief Data Specialist will prepare and submit the Report of the Chief Data Specialist to the chair of the SectionData Specialist Committee. Part B of the report shall be submitted to the technical representative to be completed and returned to the chair of the SectionData Specialist committee. 

Skate Canada Challenge, Canadian Figure Skating Championships and Canada Cup 

Within three weeks of the completion of events the Chief Data Specialist will prepare and submit the Report of the Chief Data Specialist to Skate Canada.