Competitions & How they Work
STAR 1–4 Competitions
STAR 1–4 competitions introduce skaters to performing in front of officials in a fun, supportive, low‑pressure environment. These events use “Assess to Standard” judging, which focuses on development rather than placements.
STAR 1 Element event performed in small groups with coaches on the ice. Skaters receive a report card and ribbon.
STAR 2 Short program with required elements. Skaters receive a detailed assessment.
STAR 3 Program event with increased difficulty, including jumps, spins, and a step sequence.
STAR 4 First level with placements. Programs are assessed to standard and converted into rankings.
STAR 5–Gold Competitions
STAR 5–Gold competitions use full programs, advanced elements, and formal judging. Skaters may enter Freeskate, Dance, Artistic (STAR 7, STAR 9, Gold), Skills (when offered), or Competitive categories if eligible.
These events prepare skaters for higher‑level competition and long‑term development.
There are two Skate Canada competition pathways:
STAR Pathway For skaters progressing through STAR 1–Gold tests. Events include Freeskate, Dance, and Artistic. Focus is on skating skills, performance, and technical execution. These events may lead to qualification to provincials.
Competitive Pathway For skaters who meet the technical requirements for competitive categories (Pre‑Juvenile and higher). These events follow stricter standards and may lead to Sectionals and Provincials. Coaches advise when skaters are ready.
How Our Club Handles Registration
Our club organizes competition entries so most skaters attend the same three Provincial Series qualifiers. This keeps travel simple, ensures coaching coverage, and gives skaters a consistent competitive experience.
Skate Ontario uses a two‑step system:
1. Pre‑Registration (July/August) Every STAR 5+ skater completes a Competition Assignment Survey. This collects your skater’s top four competition choices, Skate Canada number, intended category, and availability.
2. Assignment & Registration We assign skaters to three Provincial Series events:
Two events through pre‑registration
One event first‑come, first‑served
Any additional events also first‑come, first‑served
your skater’s recommended competition choices
step‑by‑step directions for each part of the form
reminders about Skate Canada numbers and category selection
examples of how to rank your four choices
instructions for notifying the office and your base coach once submitted
The PSAP survey requires skaters to list their top four Provincial Series competition choices for the season. Our instruction email will include the recommended order for these events.
You will also need to enter:
your skater’s correct Skate Canada number
the category they will compete in ranked competition choices (#1–#4)
any additional information requested by Skate Ontario
The Provincial Series Assignment Process (PSAP) survey is how Skate Ontario assigns STAR 5+ skaters to their Provincial Series competitions for the season. The survey opens each August and must be completed before the deadline.
Please do NOT complete the PSAP survey on your own. Our club sends out a detailed instruction email as soon as the survey opens. This email includes the exact steps to follow, how to enter your skater’s information correctly, how to rank your four competition choices, and how to select the correct categories.
Completing the survey without our instructions may result in missing information, incorrect entries, no event assignments, or assignments to competitions you did not choose.
When the PSAP opens, families will receive an email with:
the opening date and deadline
the list of Provincial Series events
The Assignment Process Survey (PSAP)
Provincial Championships
The Provincial Championships take place in March. Skaters who qualify should maintain regular training and consistent attendance. We recommend keeping full training schedules for 2–3 weeks leading up to Provincials.