CanSkaters and STARSkaters who want to challenge their figure skating skills and show potential as competitive skaters can participate in the competitive program.
What is CompetitiveSkate?
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 pre-requisites)
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:
- access to provincial and national funding programs (as applicable)
- the opportunity to be selected to Skate Canada's National Team , Junior National Team , or Synchronized Skating National Team
- the opportunity to compete at BMO Financial Group Sectional, Challenge, Junior Nationals and/or Canadian Championships
- opportunity and potential to be selected to represent Canada internationally at one of more than 30 competitions each year
- access to sport science services
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.