Our 2007 - 2008
Session will start on Oct 1, 2007. The Competitive Test Program is a testing program for skaters in singles, pairs and dance wishing to compete in qualifying events within Skate Canada. Skaters take tests specific to the discipline (Singles, Pairs and Dance) in which they wish to compete. A skater or team may begin testing at the level at which they wish to compete (there are no test prerequisites).
It's more than just skating! Skaters enrolled in CompetitiveSkate learn a variety of life skills as they progress up the competitive ladder. These include goal setting, focus, ability to deal with success/failure, time management and principles of fair play and sportsmanship. In addition to the life skill benefits, skaters in this program receive:
If I Participate in the Competitive Program, is that All I Can Do? No! Many skaters who compete in the qualifying event structure also take tests in Skate Canada's STARSkate Program or participate on Synchronized Skating teams. The only events that you may not be able to compete in are club, Interclub and National STARSkate events, some which restrict entry of skaters who have competed in the qualifying event system. The Qualifying Event structure There are several opportunities throughout the season for skaters to participate in competitive events. The Skate Canada Competitive Program offers nationally standardized competitions to competitive skaters. These events are the stepping stones to other Skate Canada programs such as the developmental team, Junior and Senior National Teams and the World and Olympic teams. Skaters competing in the qualifying event structure can do so at the Juvenile, Pre-Novice, Novice, Junior and Senior levels in Singles, Pairs and Dance. BMO Financial Group Sectional Skating Championships The 13 BMO Financial Group Sectional Skating Championships are the first of the Skate Canada qualifying competitions. Skaters can compete in events from Juvenile to Senior. Those who finish in the top four places in the Pre-Novice, Novice and Junior events are eligible to compete at the BMO Financial Group Canadian Qualifying Event (Eastern or Western). Juvenile champions qualify automatically for the BMO Financial Group Junior National Skating Championships and the top four Senior skaters qualify for the BMO Financial Group Canadian Championships. Each of the 13 Sectional events takes place in November.
BMO Financial Group Canadian Qualifying Events - Eastern and Western There are two Canadian Qualifying Events held each year - Eastern and Western. The Western event includes British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northern Ontario and Western Ontario. The Eastern event includes Central Ontario, Eastern Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. These events are held in December. Junior skaters qualify through these events for the BMO Financial Group Canadian Championships and Pre-Novice and Novice skaters qualify for the BMO Financial Group Junior National Skating Championships. BMO Financial Group Canadian Championships The BMO Financial Group Canadian Championships are held every January in a different city. Competition is offered in singles, pair and ice dancing at the Junior and Senior levels. The Fours event is also offered. Junior competitors qualify for this national event through the Canadian Qualifying Events, while Senior skaters qualify through their respective Sectional championship. Skaters who are representing Canada at international events at the time of the Sectional or Qualifying Event are granted a "bye" to the Canadian event. In addition, skaters placing in the top three at the previous national championship at the Senior level, are granted a "bye" to the event. After completion of the Championships, the Skate Canada Board of Directors selects the teams that will represent Canada at the ISU Junior World and World Figure Skating Championships as well as the ISU Four Continents team. Results from this event are also used to help determine what skaters will be on the Junior National and National teams. Canadian Men's and Women's Champions Jeffery Buttle and Joannie Rochette
BMO Financial Group Junior National Skating Championships Juvenile, Pre-Novice and Novice skaters compete at this national level event. It is typically held in January of each year, and is hosted by a different city. The first-place finishers from the Juvenile category of BMO Financial Group Sectional Skating Championships and the top four Pre-Novice and Novice skaters from the BMO Financial Group Qualifying Events (Eastern and Western) are eligible to compete. The age of the competitors ranges from 10 - 17 years of age. |
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