STARSkate Competitions
Skating at competitions exposes the skater to an exciting component of figure skating. Typically, a coach will recommend that skaters take part in a competition when they feel that the skater is ready to participate. Competitions can be held locally as well as out of town. Coaches will charge a fee for the time spent with the skater at the competition. For out of town competitions, generally, the coaches’ travel expenses will be shared amongst their competing skaters. It is recommended you discuss specifics with your coach prior to entering the competition.
Competition registration and payment is done through Skate Ontario, where you will also find event series information, categories, criteria, deadlines, schedules and results. Actual skate times are confirmed approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the competition. Skaters should arrive one hour prior to their skate time to ensure that they have checked-in and have enough time to warm up.
STAR 1-5 Competitions
STAR 1-5 competitions are comprised of five different levels of events for skaters who have completed the CanSkate program. These competition levels introduce participants to key components of figure skating including performance, assessment, and competition. STAR 1-5 fits into the Learn to Train level of Skate Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development Model (LTADM).
Each stage emphasizes key skills such as turns, stroking, jumps, spins, and different aspects of performance that have been designated by figure skating experts as necessary for development and progression in our sport. It is important to note that every skater is unique and will advance at different rates due to various factors such as growth spurts and participation. To accommodate individual needs, STAR 1-5 competitions are designed to be fluid and allow skaters to progress at their own pace, even skipping levels if appropriate; skaters may move through several levels in a season or stay at the same level – it’s all dependent on individual athlete development! At all stages and levels, parents should discuss their skater’s progress with their coach to determine the best options for them.
A brief description of each level:
STAR 1: Group Elements Event
This event introduces skaters to performing elements like jumps and spins in a fun group environment with their coaches. Skaters are evaluated and receive a report card and ribbon based on their performance. This category is geared to those skaters who have not mastered more than 3 single jumps.
STAR 2: Evaluated Program
Skaters now take many of the elements they learned in STAR 1 as well as new skills and perform them in a program in front of judges. Many skaters may learn a program in a group and even share music. Like STAR 1, skaters are evaluated and receive a report card and ribbon. This category is geared to those skaters who have not mastered more than 5 different single jumps.
STAR 3: Evaluated Program
STAR 3 continues to build on the skills learned in STAR 1 and 2. More difficult elements like an axel jump are added and judges evaluate the programs based on more challenging criteria. Skaters also receive a report card and ribbon. This category is geared to skaters who have not yet mastered double jumps.
STAR 4: Ranked Program
Axels are encouraged at this level and receive a bonus for successful completion. STAR 4 serves as a transition point between evaluated levels and competition incorporating a points system. Assessments are used to produce a ranking for each group of competitors. Each skater receives a report card with top finishers in each group receiving either a ribbon or medal. This category is geared to skaters who have not yet mastered double jumps.
In STAR 1-4, skaters are evaluated against a national standard by a panel of certified judges. Each element they perform receives an assessment of Gold, Silver, or Bronze as well as an overall standing.
STAR 5: Ranked Program
Skaters may perform double jumps at this level. STAR 5 is the first time skaters are rewarded points for elements and performance; it is the same scoring system used to judge top competitive figure skaters. Skaters are ranked based on total points and are provided a detailed report card. Top finishers receive medals. This category is geared to skaters who are working on double jumps but not yet ready for Pre-Juvenile/STAR 6 categories.
Helping your skater get the most out of STAR 1-5
There are a lot of options within figure skating and that can sometimes be overwhelming; here are some tips to make this a positive and fun experience for parents and children.
Keep it Fun. The focus of STAR 1-5 should be on enjoyment and developing figure skating specific skills. Encourage skaters to have fun, try their best, and learn to find joy in all aspects of the sport. Remember this is their sport.
Ask Questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the way the skating world works! Your coach is a good place to start as are experienced parents and club volunteers. You can also find excellent information online at Skate Canada and Skate Ontario.
Reward Effort. Do not get hung up on results; instead, focus on personal progress and effort. Rankings only reflect the performances on the ice and not who skaters are as individuals. Skaters are not machines and top world skaters have bad days too.
Provide Emotional Support. This is a really challenging sport. Even in the STAR 1-5 competition program skaters attempt fairly complex movements on a tiny blade and slippery surface; that’s enough to make anyone nervous! Being anxious before competition is normal and it can be helpful to explain to your children that their nerves just show they care about how much they want to do their best.
Model Healthy Eating and Physical Activity. Even beginner athletes need the right fuel to help them perform at their best. Modeling healthy eating behavior and providing meals that are nutritious and balanced will benefit your entire family. Encourage participation in a range of physical activities in addition to skating - can you find physical activities that you can do together as a family?
Communicate with your Coach. Your coach is there to help you as well as your skater. Communicate with your coach regularly about the progress of your skater and to chart a course for development that works for your family and your budget.
What Happens After STAR 1-5?
Skaters may choose to continue in higher levels of the STARSkate program (STAR 6 through Gold) or transition into the Podium Pathway (Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Pre-Novice, Novice, Junior, and Senior). Skaters may also explore ice dancing, pair skating, interpretive skating, or synchronized (team) skating. There are many opportunities for skaters and the best path for athletes to take should be a decision made collaboratively (child, parent and coach).
Competition registration and payment is done through Skate Ontario, where you will also find event series information, categories, criteria, deadlines, schedules and results. Actual skate times are confirmed approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the competition. Skaters should arrive one hour prior to their skate time to ensure that they have checked-in and have enough time to warm up.
STAR 1-5 Competitions
STAR 1-5 competitions are comprised of five different levels of events for skaters who have completed the CanSkate program. These competition levels introduce participants to key components of figure skating including performance, assessment, and competition. STAR 1-5 fits into the Learn to Train level of Skate Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development Model (LTADM).
Each stage emphasizes key skills such as turns, stroking, jumps, spins, and different aspects of performance that have been designated by figure skating experts as necessary for development and progression in our sport. It is important to note that every skater is unique and will advance at different rates due to various factors such as growth spurts and participation. To accommodate individual needs, STAR 1-5 competitions are designed to be fluid and allow skaters to progress at their own pace, even skipping levels if appropriate; skaters may move through several levels in a season or stay at the same level – it’s all dependent on individual athlete development! At all stages and levels, parents should discuss their skater’s progress with their coach to determine the best options for them.
A brief description of each level:
STAR 1: Group Elements Event
This event introduces skaters to performing elements like jumps and spins in a fun group environment with their coaches. Skaters are evaluated and receive a report card and ribbon based on their performance. This category is geared to those skaters who have not mastered more than 3 single jumps.
STAR 2: Evaluated Program
Skaters now take many of the elements they learned in STAR 1 as well as new skills and perform them in a program in front of judges. Many skaters may learn a program in a group and even share music. Like STAR 1, skaters are evaluated and receive a report card and ribbon. This category is geared to those skaters who have not mastered more than 5 different single jumps.
STAR 3: Evaluated Program
STAR 3 continues to build on the skills learned in STAR 1 and 2. More difficult elements like an axel jump are added and judges evaluate the programs based on more challenging criteria. Skaters also receive a report card and ribbon. This category is geared to skaters who have not yet mastered double jumps.
STAR 4: Ranked Program
Axels are encouraged at this level and receive a bonus for successful completion. STAR 4 serves as a transition point between evaluated levels and competition incorporating a points system. Assessments are used to produce a ranking for each group of competitors. Each skater receives a report card with top finishers in each group receiving either a ribbon or medal. This category is geared to skaters who have not yet mastered double jumps.
In STAR 1-4, skaters are evaluated against a national standard by a panel of certified judges. Each element they perform receives an assessment of Gold, Silver, or Bronze as well as an overall standing.
STAR 5: Ranked Program
Skaters may perform double jumps at this level. STAR 5 is the first time skaters are rewarded points for elements and performance; it is the same scoring system used to judge top competitive figure skaters. Skaters are ranked based on total points and are provided a detailed report card. Top finishers receive medals. This category is geared to skaters who are working on double jumps but not yet ready for Pre-Juvenile/STAR 6 categories.
Helping your skater get the most out of STAR 1-5
There are a lot of options within figure skating and that can sometimes be overwhelming; here are some tips to make this a positive and fun experience for parents and children.
Keep it Fun. The focus of STAR 1-5 should be on enjoyment and developing figure skating specific skills. Encourage skaters to have fun, try their best, and learn to find joy in all aspects of the sport. Remember this is their sport.
Ask Questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the way the skating world works! Your coach is a good place to start as are experienced parents and club volunteers. You can also find excellent information online at Skate Canada and Skate Ontario.
Reward Effort. Do not get hung up on results; instead, focus on personal progress and effort. Rankings only reflect the performances on the ice and not who skaters are as individuals. Skaters are not machines and top world skaters have bad days too.
Provide Emotional Support. This is a really challenging sport. Even in the STAR 1-5 competition program skaters attempt fairly complex movements on a tiny blade and slippery surface; that’s enough to make anyone nervous! Being anxious before competition is normal and it can be helpful to explain to your children that their nerves just show they care about how much they want to do their best.
Model Healthy Eating and Physical Activity. Even beginner athletes need the right fuel to help them perform at their best. Modeling healthy eating behavior and providing meals that are nutritious and balanced will benefit your entire family. Encourage participation in a range of physical activities in addition to skating - can you find physical activities that you can do together as a family?
Communicate with your Coach. Your coach is there to help you as well as your skater. Communicate with your coach regularly about the progress of your skater and to chart a course for development that works for your family and your budget.
What Happens After STAR 1-5?
Skaters may choose to continue in higher levels of the STARSkate program (STAR 6 through Gold) or transition into the Podium Pathway (Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Pre-Novice, Novice, Junior, and Senior). Skaters may also explore ice dancing, pair skating, interpretive skating, or synchronized (team) skating. There are many opportunities for skaters and the best path for athletes to take should be a decision made collaboratively (child, parent and coach).