COMPETITIVE STREAM
This program is for skaters in singles, pairs and dance wishing to compete in Skate Canada qualifying events. Skaters take tests specific to the discipline in which they wish to compete. Skaters may enter the competitive stream at anytime, and may choose to switch back to the STARSkate stream at any time. However, skaters competing in certain competitive qualifying events may not be able to skate in the
STARSkate stream competitions. There are no prerequisites for competitive tests, meaning that a skater may begin testing at the level at which they wish to compete.
THE COMPETITIVE FREE SKATE LEVELS ARE :
- Pre-Juvenile
- Juvenile
- Pre-Novice
- Novice
- Junior
- Senior
Competitive tests are judged by a panel of three individuals. Judges award two marks for each competitive test as follows:
- Singles (Free Program)-Technical Merit, Presentation
- Pairs (Short Program)-Required Elements, Presentation
- Pairs (Free Program)-Technical Merit, Presentation
Skaters must receive minimum marks in each category to pass; for example, for the Pre-Novice Competitive Singles test, passing marks are 3.5 or higher on each of Technical Merit and Presentation, for a passing total mark of 7.0 or greater.
There are far fewer competitive tests, competitions, and qualifying events, than in the test program, because of the need for a panel of three qualified judges. Skaters may have to travel in the Section for a competitive test. Competitive tests are sometimes held in conjunction with competitions. The main qualifying events and competitions are Eastern Ontario Sectionals (EOS) which is held in November; the Eastern Challenge, from which qualifying skaters from Eastern Canada will compete held in December; and Junior Canadians which is held in late January, and Canadian Championships which will be held in January 2002 If a skater chooses to switch to the STARSkate program from Skate Canada's competitive program they can continue testing from the level to which they have been granted equivalency. Skaters passing competitive tests are granted the corresponding Skate Canada STARSkate level. For example,
- Juvenile Competitive Singles test is granted the Sr. Bronze Free Skate test;
- Pre-Novice Competitive Singles test is granted the Junior Silver Free Skate test;
- Novice Competitive Singles test is granted the Senior Silver Free Skate test; and
- Junior Competitive Singles test is granted the Gold Free Skate test.