Podium Pathway Competitions

Podium Pathway is designed for competitive skaters aiming to compete at the Provincial, National, or International level in Singles, Pairs, and Ice Dance. These competitions follow Skate Canada's rules and guidelines, ensuring a fair and structured environment for participants.

Purpose and Goals: The Podium Pathway aims to develop high-performance athletes who can represent their regions and countries at the highest levels of competition. It provides a clear progression for skaters, starting from regional competitions and advancing to national and international arenas. The pathway is structured to nurture talent, enhance skills, and prepare skaters for elite competition.

Competition Categories:

1. Singles Competitions:

   • Description: Skaters perform individually, showcasing their skills in both short and free skate programs. Performing a full program set to music, incorporating jumps, spins, and other elements.

   • Levels: Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Pre-Novice, Novice, Junior, Senior

   • Elements: Programs include jumps, spins, step sequences, and artistic components.

2. Pairs Competitions:

   • Description: Pairs perform lifts, throws, synchronized spins, and side-by-side jumps within a program set to music. This discipline requires a high level of coordination and trust between partners.

   • Levels: Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Pre-Novice, Novice, Junior, Senior

   • Elements: Emphasize harmony, unison, and difficult pair elements.

3. Ice Dance Competitions:

   • Description: Couples perform set patterns and original dances, focusing on rhythm, interpretation, and edge quality. Programs include compulsory dances, rhythm dances, and free dances.

   • Levels: Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Pre-Novice, Novice, Junior, Senior

   • Elements: Compulsory dances, rhythm dances, and free dances.

Podium Pathway Levels:

1. Pre-Juvenile:

   • Age Requirements: Skaters must be under 12 years old as of July 1 preceding the competition.

   • Test Requirements: Must have passed at least one STAR 5 freeskate assessment.

   • Focus: Introductory level for skaters to gain competitive experience.

   • Programs: Skaters typically perform one program. The program has specific requirements for the length of the music cuts to ensure skaters perform within a standardized time frame. Additionally, there are specific element requirements that skaters must include in their programs to meet the standards.

2. Juvenile:

   • Age Requirements: Skaters must be under 14 years old as of July 1 preceding the competition.

   • Test Requirements: Must have passed at least one STAR 5 freeskate assessment.

   • Focus: Develop skills and prepare for higher competition levels.

   • Programs: Skaters typically perform one program. The program has specific requirements for the length of the music cuts and elements to ensure skaters perform within a standardized time frame.

3. Pre-Novice:

   • Age Requirements: Skaters must be under 16 years old as of July 1 preceding the competition.

   • Test Requirements: Must have passed the full STAR 6 freeskate assessment.

   • Focus: Intermediate level focusing on refining technical skills and performance.

   • Programs: Skaters typically perform two programs – short and free skate. The program has specific requirements for the length of the music cuts and elements to ensure skaters perform within a standardized time frame.

4. Novice:

   • Age Requirements: Skaters must be under 17 years old as of July 1 preceding the competition.

   • Test Requirements: Must have passed the full Gold freeskate test.

   • Focus: Advanced level preparing skaters for national and international competitions.

   • Programs: Skaters typically perform two programs – short and free skate. The program has specific requirements for the length of the music cuts and elements to ensure skaters perform within a standardized time frame.

5. Junior:

   • Age Requirements: Skaters must be under 19 years old as of July 1 preceding the competition.

   • Test Requirements: Must have passed the full Gold freeskate test.

   • Focus: Elite level aiming for high-performance outcomes and international exposure.

   • Programs: Skaters typically perform two programs – short and free skate. The program has specific requirements for the length of the music cuts and elements to ensure skaters perform within a standardized time frame.

6. Senior:

   • Age Requirements: No age restriction.

   • Test Requirements: Must have passed the full Gold freeskate test.

   • Focus: Highest competitive level with potential pathways to National Team, World, and Olympic Teams.

   • Programs: Skaters typically perform two programs – short and free skate. The program has specific requirements for the length of the music cuts and elements to ensure skaters perform within a standardized time frame.

Event Recognition:

• Ranked Placement: All events receive a ranked placement, with the top three skaters receiving medals.

• Awards: Medals are awarded to the top three finishers in each category, celebrating their achievements and dedication.

Eligibility:

• Age and Test Requirements: These events are limited by age and test requirements. Skaters who do not meet the requirements are unable to compete at the desired level.

• Progression: Skaters progress through the levels based on their performance in competitions and assessments.

Testing and STAR Skate Integration:

• Skaters who compete in Podium Pathway also take tests in Skate Canada's STAR Skate program to ensure a well-rounded development in all figure skating disciplines.

Development and Support: Podium Pathway provides skaters with access to high-quality coaching, training facilities, and support services, including sports science and medicine. This holistic approach ensures that skaters receive comprehensive support as they strive for excellence.

Join the Podium Pathway and take your skating to new heights, aiming for prestigious opportunities like the National Team, World, and Olympic Teams! ⛸️✨

Competition Requirements