CANSKATE INDIVIDUAL ELEMENTS
In keeping with the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) plan of providing a platform for coaches to encourage and support athletes/participants at every level to fulfill their potential and remain involved in figure skating, this category is focused on the “Learning to Skate” stage.
Eligibility:
- Open to CanSkate Stages 2 - 5
- Intro/Preliminary skaters eligible for Stage 6
- Skaters who have passed any Skate Canada test must enter STAR categories
Helmet Policy:
- CSA-approved hockey helmets required for Stages 2–5
- Optional for Stage 6 (no deductions)
Coaches:
- Allowed on ice in designated area
- Must be wearing skates
Skaters may NOT enter CanSkate Elements and a Freeskate category.
Stage Requirements
Skaters will be divided into groups and perform the elements. Skaters may NOT enter CanSkate Individual Elements category AND a Freeskate category.
Stage 2 Skaters must have passed the complete Stage 1 badge, but not the complete Stage 2 badge.
- Forward two-foot sculling
- Forward two-foot turn (CW or CCW – skater’s choice)
- Backward two-foot to one-foot glide
Stage 3 Skaters must have passed the complete Stage 2 badge, but not the complete Stage 3 badge.
- Forward circle thrusts (CW or CCW – skater’s choice)
- Backward two-foot jump
- Backward two-foot sculling
Stage 4 Skaters must have passed the complete Stage 3 badge, but not the complete Stage 4 badge.
- Forward one-foot turn (turns are performed on each foot)
- Forward crosscuts (to be performed in each direction)
- Backward circle thrusts or pumps (CW or CCW – skater’s choice)
- Two foot jump forwards to backwards and backwards to forwards (CW or CCW – skater’s choice)
Stage 5 Skaters must have passed the complete Stage 4 badge, but not the complete Stage 5 badge.
- Forward inside edges
- Forward two-foot side stop (both directions)
- Backward push glide sequence, full length of ice
- Forward power jump
Stage 6 Skaters must have passed the complete Stage 5 badge, but not the complete Stage 6 badge.
- Forward outside edges
- Forward one foot side stop (both feet)
- Forward/backward and backward/forward c-steps
- Backward perimeter skating with crosscuts
Skaters have the option to skate up one level with approval from the CanSkate Coordinator. Judges for this event will not necessarily be Star 1-4 qualified.
STARSKATE CATEGORIES
All STAR events follow the 2025–2026 Skate Canada Competition Program Requirements – STAR. (Competition Program Requirements - STAR)
Intro/Preliminary skaters should consult their coach regarding:
- CanSkate Stage 6 Elements
- STAR 1 Elements
- STAR 1 Dance
- Team Event
FREESKATE CATEGORIES
STAR 1–4 Freeskate
(Assessed to Standard / Ranked where applicable)
STAR 1 Elements Assessment
(Assessed to Standard) Must not have passed any part of the STAR 6 Freeskate assessment. Elements scored to standard and skaters may be grouped by age. No Age in restrictions. (Mainly preliminary skaters)
Eight elements include the following:
- Circle Stroking Exercise: Stroking (Crosscuts) in same direction on a circle (one round forward, one round backward); draw for direction
- Waltz Jump
- Single Salchow
- Single Toe Loop
- Forward Upright Spin
- Backward Upright Spin
- Forward Spiral circles: Two Spirals, one on each foot executed on a circle in the same direction; skater chooses direction
- Creative Expression routine (30 seconds – music provided by the Competition Committee, each flight to have a different music selection). This is assessed as “completed” or “incomplete” only
STAR 2 Free Skating Program
Must not have passed any part of the STAR 6 Freeskate Test. Individual elements plus Presentation and Skating Skills assessed to standard. Skaters may be grouped by age. Program Length: 2 minutes 10 seconds maximum. No Age Restrictions. (Mainly Preliminary or Junior skaters)
STAR 3 Free Skating Program
Must not have passed any part of the STAR 6 Freeskate test. One program of 2:00 minutes in length (+/- 10 seconds). Individual elements plus Presentation and Skating Skills, assessed to standard. Skaters may be grouped by age. No age restrictions. (Mainly Junior skaters)
STAR 4 Free Skating Program
May not have passed any part of the STAR 6 Freeskate test. One program of 2:00 minutes in length (+/- 10 seconds). Individual elements plus Presentation and Skating Skills assessed to standard and ranked.Skaters may be grouped by age if numbers warrant. (Mainly Junior or Intermediate skaters)
FREESKATE INDIVIDUAL ELEMENTS
STAR 2 Elements
- Loop Jump
- Waltz Jump + Single Toe Loop
- Back Upright Spin (min. 3 revs)
- Forward Spiral Sequence
Skaters may enter STAR 2 Elements OR STAR 2 Freeskate — not both
Description: Skaters perform 4 required elements in isolation. Each element may only be attempted once. NO RESKATES permitted.
MIX & MATCH TEAM ELEMENTS
- Teams created randomly by the committee, teams may not have the same number of skaters
- Each skater performs one element only
- No re - skates
The skater qualifications and elements will be as follows:
Star 1 – Waltz Jump
Star 2 – Loop Jump
Star 3 – Loop-loop combination
Star 4 – Axel
Star 5 – Combination Spin – must include at least one camel and one sit position and may include a change of foot. Forward entry only, No flying entry or difficult variations.
Star 6 – Any Double Jump
Star 8 and up – Any combination jump containing at least one double jump.
ICE DANCE CATEGORIES
- Skate Canada Series music used
- Same music for all skaters in a category
- Events may be double-paneled if scheduling allows
Special Events
- Family Dutch Waltz – Medals to all participants
- Killer Killian – Open to Intermediate & Senior skaters. Skate until you drop!
Solo Dance Categories
The following categories are open to those skaters who do not meet the criteria for the Adult Classifications. Limit to one dance per skater.
Star 1 Dance – Dutch Waltz, skater will not have passed any Star 2 dance test.
Star 2/3 Dance – Baby Blues (2 sequences), skater must have passed the complete Star 1 dance test
Star 4/5 Dance – Swing (2 sequences), skater must have passed the complete Star 3 dance test.
Star 6/7 Dance – Fourteen step (4 sequences), skater must have passed the complete Star 5 dance test.
Star 8/9 Dance – Tango (2 sequences), skaters must have passed the complete Star 5 dance test.
Star 10/Gold – Quickstep (4 sequences), skater must have passed the complete Star 7 dance test
SHOWCASE & CREATIVE EVENTS
Showcase and creative categories are intended to be entertaining and will be judged on their theatrical and artistic qualities. Programs may tell a story, create a mood or have an obvious theme.
Group Showcase
- 2–6 skaters
- Intermediate/Senior level (based on qualification level at the Fall registration period. Exceptions may be made if a Junior skater is competing at the Star 5 Freeskate level)
- Program length: 1:00 ±10 sec
- Theatrical costumes & hand props permitted (no feathers or boas)
- No lifts, throws, or double jumps (Single jumps permitted)
- Vocal music is permitted
- A maximum of 1 minute will be permitted prior to each performance for the skater(s) to warm-up and set-up any props as necessary
- Programs should not resemble a synchronized skating program; use of team formations and maneuvers should be limited
- Lifts and throws of any kind are not permitted and will be subject to an illegal element violation if included
Create a Skate – Creative Improv
Creative Improv programs are designed only by the skater with minimal preparation. Creative Improv tests the skater’s ability to quickly interpret a given piece of music and entertain the audience. Music is selected by the Competition Committee or designate. Skaters will hear the music three times and then will skate a routine of their own creation. Coaches are not allowed to communicate with skaters after the warm-up has begun. Skaters may be grouped by age and/or skating level depending on number of registrants. Music will be 60 seconds (+/- 10 Seconds)
- Must have passed STAR 1 Skills
- No coaching permitted
- Music provided by competition committee
- Program length: 60 seconds ±10 secComponents assessed: Presentation & Skating Skills
