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STAR Assessments Print Version History Details Category: Rules of sport Created: 30 July 2017 Last Updated: 10 August 2026 Skaters Coaches Officials Terms used: Axel An edge jump with natural rotation that takes off from a forward outside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of rotations. Unlike other single jumps which are one rotation, a single Axel has one-and-a-half rotations. Board The board of Directors of Skate Canada. Brackets A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an inside edge or an inside edge to an outside edge, with the exit curve continuing on the same lobe as the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction opposite to the curve. C Step A turn from one foot to the other in which the entry and exit curves are continuous and of equal depth. The change of foot is from an outside edge to an outside edge or from an inside edge to an inside edge. C Steps A turn from one foot to the other in which the entry and exit curves are continuous and of equal depth. The change of foot is from an outside edge to an outside edge or from an inside edge to an inside edge. Camel Spin A spin in which the skater remains in a camel position while rotating. The free leg (including the knee and foot) must be held at hip level or higher. Categories The name for each level of competition within a discipline.  Examples of categories are STAR 1, STAR 2, Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Pre-Novice, etc. Category The name for each level of competition within a discipline.  Examples of categories are STAR 1, STAR 2, Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Pre-Novice, etc. Challenge A championship that qualifies athletes toward and including, but not limited to, the Canadian Figure Skating Championships. Change Of Edge The visible tracing of a skate on one foot that changes from one curve and edge to another curve and edge. Chassés A series of two edges (usually outside, inside) in which on the second edge the free foot is placed on the ice beside the skating foot, but not ahead of or behind it, and the free foot is lifted with the blade parallel to the ice. Club A not-for-profit organization that is operating for the general purpose of providing Skate Canada skating programs and is managed by a volunteer board of directors. Clubs A not-for-profit organization that is operating for the general purpose of providing Skate Canada skating programs and is managed by a volunteer board of directors. Combination Spin A spin which includes a change of position. A combination spin must include a minimum of two different basic positions with two revolutions in each of these positions anywhere within the spin. To receive full value, a spin combination must include all three basic positions. Counters A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an outside edge or an inside edge to an inside edge, with the exit curve on a different lobe from the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction opposite to the entry curve (i.e. in the direction of the exit curve). Cross Roll (Forward/Backward) A roll started with the action of the free foot approaching the skating foot from the side and passing continuously the skating foot on ice to the next outside curve. At the same time, the body weight transfers from one outside curve to the new outside curve to create a rolling movement.  Following this action, an outside edge is required. Edge May refer either to part of the skate blade, or the visible tracing of a skate blade on one foot that is on one curve. An edge may be either inside (towards the body) or outside (away from the body), and forward or backward, for a total for four different edges. Edges May refer either to part of the skate blade, or the visible tracing of a skate blade on one foot that is on one curve. An edge may be either inside (towards the body) or outside (away from the body), and forward or backward, for a total for four different edges. Evaluator An individual sixteen years of age or older who is responsible for evaluating assessments in the STAR 6-Gold structure.  Evaluators are qualified to assess in one or more disciplines. Evaluators An individual sixteen years of age or older who is responsible for evaluating assessments in the STAR 6-Gold structure.  Evaluators are qualified to assess in one or more disciplines. Event The name given to a group of skaters entered in a category. There may be one event per category or several events per category depending on the number of total entries. Each event is independent of the other events within the category. Events The name given to a group of skaters entered in a category. There may be one event per category or several events per category depending on the number of total entries. Each event is independent of the other events within the category. Fall Defined as a loss of control by a skater with the result that the majority of the skater's body weight is on the ice being supported by any other part of the body other than the blades. e.g. hand(s), knee(s), back, buttock(s) or any part of the arm. Flip A toe jump with natural rotation that takes off from a backward inside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of revolutions. Good Standing The state or condition of a person who has paid all dues outstanding to Skate Canada, a Club, or a Skating School (as applicable) and whom the Board has not declared not to be in good standing and in the case of Members, a Member whose Membership has not been terminated pursuant to Article 3 hereof. Ina Bauer A two-footed movement in which the skater travels along the ice with one foot on a forward edge/tracing and the other on a matching backward edge on a different but parallel edge/tracing. International Skating Union The International Skating Union (ISU) is the exclusive international sport federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee administering the sports of Figure Skating and Speed Skating throughout the world. The ISU is composed of a number of national associations called ISU Members that administer ISU sports at the national level and recognize that all international matters are under the sole jurisdiction and control of the ISU. Introductory Steps In Ice Dance, optional steps performed prior to the first step of a pattern dance. Jump Combination Singles and Pairs: Two or more jumps in which the landing foot of the first jump is the take-off foot of the next jump and so on. There is no change of foot or turn between the jumps, although the toe may be used to assist the take-off. One full revolution on the ice between the jumps (free foot can touch the ice, but no weight transfer) keeps the element within the definition of a jump combination. Synchronized Skating: Any number of jumps of at least one revolution that may be linked with turns, steps or with a slight touch down. Jump Elements An individual jump, a jump combination or a jump sequence. Loop Turn:  A one-foot movement where the skater skates an oval pattern using the same edge. The entry and exit of the loop must cross. The loop must be clean cut without scrapes or points. Jump:  An edge jump with natural rotation that takes off from a backward outside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of revolutions. Loop Jump An edge jump with natural rotation that takes off from a backward outside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of revolutions. Loops Turn:  A one-foot movement where the skater skates an oval pattern using the same edge. The entry and exit of the loop must cross. The loop must be clean cut without scrapes or points. Jump:  An edge jump with natural rotation that takes off from a backward outside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of revolutions. Lutz A toe jump with counter rotation that takes off from a backward outside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of revolutions. Member Each person that meets the requirements of any of the three Member classes as defined in Article 3 hereof and that has been duly admitted as a member of Skate Canada. Members Each person that meets the requirements of any of the three Member classes as defined in Article 3 hereof and that has been duly admitted as a member of Skate Canada. Membership That status of being in one of the classes as outlined in section 3.1 hereof. One-foot Sit Glide A one-foot movement in which a skater travels along the ice with one leg in a strongly bent position and the other leg directed forward parallel to the ice. One-foot Turn A rotational movement on one foot in which the skater moves from forward to backward or backward to forward. Pivoting A two-footed movement in which the toe picks of one foot are inserted into the ice by a skater as a central pivoting point while the other foot travels in a circular pattern around the pivot point. Program Component The mark given by a judge to assess the different aspects of a skater’s performance. There are three PCs: Composition, Presentation and Skating Skills. The Program Components marking range is from 0.25 to 10.0. Program Components The mark given by a judge to assess the different aspects of a skater’s performance. There are three PCs: Composition, Presentation and Skating Skills. The Program Components marking range is from 0.25 to 10.0. Progressive A step or sequence of steps in which the free foot passes the skating foot before is it placed on the ice, thereby bringing the new free foot off the ice trailing the new skating foot. Progressives A step or sequence of steps in which the free foot passes the skating foot before is it placed on the ice, thereby bringing the new free foot off the ice trailing the new skating foot. Rhythm The regularly repeated pattern of accented and unaccented beats which gives the music its character. Rhythm Dance A dance created by an ice dance team to dance music with designated rhythm(s) and/or theme(s) selected annually by the ISU Ice Dance Technical Committee. Rocker A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an outside edge or an inside edge to an inside edge, with the exit curve on a different lobe from the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction of the entry curve. Rockers A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an outside edge or an inside edge to an inside edge, with the exit curve on a different lobe from the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction of the entry curve. Roll A short or long forward or backward edge skated on a curve. S Steps A turn from one foot to the other in which the curve of the exit edge is in the opposite direction to that of the entry edge. The change of foot is from outside edge to inside edge or inside edge to outside edge. In ice dance, unless otherwise specified in the dance description, the free foot is placed on the ice close to the skating foot. The entry and exit edge are of equal depth. Salchow An edge jump with natural rotation that takes off from a backward inside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of rotations. Section An organization incorporated or organized in a particular province or territory (and in some cases, a combination thereof) strategically aligned with Skate Canada, that may receive funds from provincial or territorial Governmental Authorities and be subject to applicable sport recognition programs and transfer payment arrangements. Each Section is held to the governance and operating requirements of their respective province and / or territory(ies) and is responsible for skating in their respective jurisdictions. Sequence The set order of the prescribed steps that compose one pattern of a Pattern Dance. Sit Spin A spin in which the skater remains in a sit position while rotating.  The supporting leg must be bent at least to a ninety-degree angle.  The thigh of the skating foot must be parallel to the ice surface. Skating School An organization other than a Club that is operating for the general purpose of providing Skate Canada skating programs. Solo Dance The term used when a skater skates the full pattern of a dance alone. Spin An element where the skater rapidly revolves, centred on a single point on the ice, while holding one or more body positions.  In singles and pairs, a spin must have at least three revolutions to be considered a spin. The minimum number of revolutions in a position is two without interruption. Spin In One Position In singles and pairs, any spin which has only one of the three basic positions and no non-basic positions.  In spins in one position and flying spins in one position, the concluding upright position at the end of the spin is not considered to be another position independent of the number of revolutions, as long as the skater is executing only the final wind-up without any enhancements. Spins An element where the skater rapidly revolves, centred on a single point on the ice, while holding one or more body positions.  In singles and pairs, a spin must have at least three revolutions to be considered a spin. The minimum number of revolutions in a position is two without interruption. Spiral A gliding position executed on one foot with free leg extended (including knee and foot) above hip level. Spiral Sequence A collection of at least two spirals executed on different feet.  The spirals must not be separated by other elements such as jumps or spins.  Some categories have requirements for the number of steps between the spirals, supported/unsupported and/or skating direction of the spirals. Spread Eagle A curving, two-footed movement in which the skater skates with one foot on a forward edge and the other on a matching backward edge on the same curve (eg. outside and outside). Step The visible tracing on the ice that is executed on one foot. A step is counted each time there is a change of foot. Steps The visible tracing on the ice that is executed on one foot. A step is counted each time there is a change of foot. Style Characteristics of levels of step sequences in ice dance. Swing Roll A roll held for several beats of music during which, when skating backward, the free leg lifts and then first swings forward, then backward past the skating foot, then back beside to skate the next step. When skating forward, the free leg first swings backward, then forward and then back beside to skate the next step. The swing of the leg gives the sense of a rolling movement. Tempo The speed of the music in beats or measures per minute. Three-turn A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an inside edge or an inside edge to an outside edge, with the exit curve continuing on the same lobe as the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction of the curve. Three-turns A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an inside edge or an inside edge to an outside edge, with the exit curve continuing on the same lobe as the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction of the curve. Toe Loop A toe jump with natural rotation that takes off from a backward outside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of rotations. Transition A term used to describe sections of the program that occur within elements, during entrances and exits of elements and as connecting elements and executed in-between the required/optional elements. Turn A rotational movement in which the skater moves from forward to backward or backward to forward using one foot and on an edge and axis (e.g. Three-turn, Bracket). In a two-foot turn the rotational movement from forward to backward or backward to forward is from one foot to the other foot (e.g. C step, S step). Turns A rotational movement in which the skater moves from forward to backward or backward to forward using one foot and on an edge and axis (e.g. Three-turn, Bracket). In a two-foot turn the rotational movement from forward to backward or backward to forward is from one foot to the other foot (e.g. C step, S step). Twizzles A traveling turn on one foot with one or more rotations which is quickly rotated with a continuous, uninterrupted action. The weight remains on the skating foot with the free foot in any position during the turn then placed beside the skating foot to skate the next step. United States Figure Skating National governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States. U.S. Figure Skating is a member of the International Skating Union (ISU), the international federation for figure skating, and is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC). Upright Spin The skater is spinning in an upright position, a minimum of three revolutions.  The arms and free foot may be held in a variety of positions. Waltz Jump An edge jump with natural rotation taken off from a forward outside edge.  This jump is one half a rotation and is included as a listed jump in the Skate Canada Scale of Values but is not included in the ISU Scale of Values. Contents [ Hide ] 1. Overview 2. Freeskate Assessments 2.1. STAR 1 - Elements 2.2. STAR 2 - Elements 2.3. STAR 2 - Program 2.4. STAR 3 - Elements 2.5. STAR 3 - Program 2.6. STAR 4 - Elements 2.7. STAR 4 - Program 2.8. STAR 5 - Elements 2.9. STAR 5 - Program 2.10. STAR 6 - Elements 2.11. STAR 6 - Program 2.12. STAR 7 - Elements 2.13. STAR 7 - Program 2.14. STAR 8 - Elements 2.15. STAR 8 - Program 2.16. STAR 9 - Elements 2.17. STAR 9 - Program 2.18. STAR 10 - Elements 2.19. STAR 10 - Program 2.20. Gold Program 3. Order of Freeskate Assessments 4. Freeskate Assessments in Competitions 5. Conduct of a Freeskate Assessment 5.1. Re-skating a Portion of a Freeskate Elements Assessment 5.2. Scale for Evaluating a Freeskate Assessment 6. Dance Assessments 6.1. STAR 1 Dance Step Elements 6.2. STAR 2 – 3 Pattern Dance Assessments 6.3. STAR 3B Dance Step Elements 6.4. STAR 4 – 5 Pattern Dance Assessments 6.5. STAR 5B Dance Step Elements 6.6. STAR 6 – 7 Pattern Dance Assessments 6.7. STAR 8 - Pattern Dance Assessments 6.8. STAR 9 - Gold Dance Assessments 7. Music for Pattern Dance Assessments 8. Dance Assessments in Pattern Dance Competitions 9. Partners for Dance Assessments 10. Introductory Steps 11. Conduct of Pattern/Rhythm Dance Assessments 12. Criteria for Evaluating Pattern/Rhythm Dance Assessments 12.1. Dance Rhythm 12.2. Diamond Dance Test 13. Artistic Program Assessments 13.1. STAR 5 13.2. STAR 7 13.3. STAR 9 13.4. Gold 14. Order of Artistic Assessments 15. Skills Assessments 15.1. STAR 1 15.2. STAR 2 15.3. STAR 3 15.4. STAR 4 15.5. STAR 5 15.6. STAR 6 15.7. STAR 7 15.8. STAR 8 15.9. STAR 9 15.10. STAR 10 15.11. Gold 16. Synchro 16.1. STAR 2 16.2. STAR 3 16.3. STAR 4 16.4. Re-skating a Portion of a Synchro Assessment 17. General Qualifications for STAR Assessments 17.1. Eligibility for Assessment 17.2. Assessment Fees 17.3. Order of Assessment 17.4. Conduct/Evaluation of STAR Assessments 18. Evaluators and Coach Assessors 18.1. Evaluating Assignments 18.2. Evaluators for Specific Assessments 1. Overview The Skate Canada STAR consists of STAR assessments, STAR competition categories and supplementary events . For detailed information regarding competition please refer to refer to the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. A skater may choose to wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet during an assessment. STAR 1-5 assessments are coach assessed and include Skills, Freeskate , Artistic and Dance. STAR 6-Gold assessments for Skills and Artistic may be coach assessed or Evaluator assessed. STAR 6-Gold assessments for Freeskate and Dance are Evaluator assessed. 2. Freeskate Assessments Freeskate assessments are divided into two parts, elements, and programs. STAR 1-5 Freeskate Assessments STAR 1-5 Freeskate assessments are coach assessed on Club sessions. 2.1. STAR 1 - Elements Waltz Jump Single Salchow Single Toe Loop Forward Upright Spin Backward Upright Spin Passing requirements: four of five elements rated silver or better There is no program assessment at the STAR 1 level. 2.2. STAR 2 - Elements Single Salchow Single Loop Jump Single Flip Waltz + Single Toe Loop combination Forward Sit Spin Forward Camel Spin Change foot Upright Spin Passing requirements: Five of seven elements rated silver or better 2.3. STAR 2 - Program Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. Passing requirements: mandatory program content successful and two of three Program Components criteria rated silver or better. 2.4. STAR 3 - Elements Single Flip Single Lutz Waltz + Single loop combination Single loop + Single loop combination Backward Upright Spin Backward Sit Spin Forward camel/Sit Combination Spin Passing requirements: Five of seven elements rated silver or better 2.5. STAR 3 - Program Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. Passing requirements: mandatory program content successful and two of three Program Components criteria rated silver or better. 2.6. STAR 4 - Elements Single Lutz Single Axel Single Flip + single Toe Loop combination Single loop + single loop combination Backward Camel Spin Change foot Sit Spin Combination Spin with forward entry and two changes of position (change of foot optional) Flying Camel Spin or flying Sit Spin Passing requirements: six of eight elements rated silver or better 2.7. STAR 4 - Program Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. Passing requirements: mandatory program content successful and two of three Program Components rated silver or better including variety and clarity of edges , steps , turns , movements, and body control. 2.8. STAR 5 - Elements Single Axel Any double jump (2S, 2T, 2Lo, 2F or 2Lz) Single Lutz + Single Toe Loop combination Sit Spin or Camel Spin (entry optional) Spin In One Position with any variation Combination Spin (optional change of foot) Flying Camel Spin or Flying Sit Spin Passing requirements: Five of seven elements rated Silver or better 2.9. STAR 5 - Program Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. Passing requirements: mandatory program content successful (single Axel or one double jumps must be successful) and all three Program Components criteria rated silver or better. 2.10. STAR 6 - Elements Axel + combination Two different double jumps Sit Spin or Camel Spin (one feature permitted) Layback or Crossfoot Spin Combination Spin with change of foot Passing requirements: Four of six silver or better including one double jump and one Spin 2.11. STAR 6 - Program Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. Passing requirements: 9 of 11 assessments rated silver or better, including: Six elements, including: Four jumps, one of which must be a double jump, One Combination Spin with change of foot All three Program Component criteria 2.12. STAR 7 - Elements Three different double jumps Jump Combination (single + double, double + double or double + single) Flying Spin including camel and sit positions Sit or Camel Spin with one feature Change Combination Spin (one feature per foot optional) Passing requirements: Five of seven elements rated silver or better, including two different double jumps and two Spins 2.13. STAR 7 - Program Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. Passing requirements: 7 of 9 assessments rated silver or better, including: Four elements, including: Two Jump Elements , one of which must be a double jump, One Combination Spin with change of foot All three Program Component criteria 2.14. STAR 8 - Elements Four different double jumps Jump Combination (single + double or double + double) Sit Spin with one feature Flying change Combination Spin Passing requirements: Six of eight elements rated silver or better, including three different double jumps and two Spins 2.15. STAR 8 - Program Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. Passing requirements: 10 of 15 assessments rated silver or better, including: Seven elements, including: Four Jump Elements , including two different double jumps one of which must be in combination Two Spins Three of five Program Component criteria, including: Expression/Projection Variety and clarity of edges , steps , turns , movements, and body control 2.16. STAR 9 - Elements Single Axel One double jump Jump Combination (double + double, must be different, may not repeat solo jump) Spin of any nature with one feature (all Spins must have different codes) Two Spins of any nature (all Spins must have different codes) Change Combination Spin Passing requirements: 5/7 silver or better including 3 different double jumps and 2 Spins 2.17. STAR 9 - Program Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. Passing requirements: 8 of 11 assessments rated silver or better, including: Four elements, including: Two Jump Elements , one of which must be double-double combination One Combination Spin with change of foot Four of five Program Component criteria, including: Expression/Projection Variety and clarity of edges , steps , turns , movements, and body control 2.18. STAR 10 - Elements Single Axel Five different double jumps Jump Combination (double + double) Spin of any nature Change Combination Spin Passing requirements: 7/9 silver or better including 4 different double jumps and 2 Spins 2.19. STAR 10 - Program Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. Passing requirements: 13 of 15 assessments rated silver or better, including: Eight elements, including: Five Jump Elements , including three different double jumps Two Spins All five Program Component criteria 2.20. Gold Program Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. Passing requirements: 13 of 15 assessments rated silver or better, including: Eight elements including: Five Jump Elements , including four different double jumps Two Spins All five Program Component criteria There is no elements assessment at the Gold level. 3. Order of Freeskate Assessments With the exception of the Gold Freeskate program, a skater may try all of the elements parts of Freeskate assessments in order before trying any of the program parts in order and vice versa. In order to receive credit for the full level the skater must complete both the element’s part and the program part. A skater must have completed the STAR 10 elements and program prior to being assessed for the Gold Freeskate program. The candidate may try the Gold Freeskate assessment without having passed the previous assessments in either part (known as challenging the assessment).  In this case, the skater must challenge the STAR 10 elements and the Gold program. Unless one portion has already been successfully completed, the candidate challenging the Gold Freeskate must try both portions on the same assessment day. A challenge fee applies in addition to the regular assessment fees. 4. Freeskate Assessments in Competitions Skaters may apply to take any STAR 6 – Gold Freeskate Program assessment in competition where offered by the organizing committee. The assessment must be done by a qualified Evaluator .  The Evaluator at the competition should be separate from the officiating panel of the Category in which the assessment is being conducted. The assessment may be taken in any appropriate Singles Freeskate Category (STAR or podium pathway) per the chart below. STAR or podium pathway skaters with a successful assessment will be given credit for the program portion of the corresponding level. The skater must pay the same assessment fee as a standard assessment day. The following chart indicates the applicable competition categories that a skater may attempt a STAR Program assessment during competition. Skaters must enter the appropriate competition Category for assessment. STAR Assessment Competition Category for Assessment STAR 6 Program STAR 6 Freeskate, Pre-Juvenile Singles Free Program, Juvenile Singles Free Program STAR 7 Program STAR 7 Freeskate STAR 8 Program STAR 8 Freeskate STAR 9 Program STAR 9 Freeskate, Pre-Novice Singles Short Program, Novice Singles Short Program STAR 10 Program STAR 10 Freeskate Gold Program Gold Freeskate, Novice Singles Free Program Skaters may be assessed by their coach for STAR 4 and/or STAR 5 Freeskate program during a STAR event . In this case the coach must notify the skater's home Club assessment coordinator and ensure all fees are paid in advance of the assessment. 5. Conduct of a Freeskate Assessment 5.1. Re-skating a Portion of a Freeskate Elements Assessment At the request of the Evaluator or coach assessor (as applicable), a maximum of two elements in a Freeskate Elements assessment may be re-skated, if necessary, to improve the overall assessment to pass or pass with honors. Each element may only be re-skated once. In all cases the better attempt will be counted. The candidate may elect to re-skate an unsuccessful element immediately or at the end of the portion of the assessment. 5.2. Scale for Evaluating a Freeskate Assessment STAR 1-Gold Freeskate assessments will be assessed using a scale of Gold, Silver, or Bronze, with Silver being the passing standard. 6. Dance Assessments Dance at STAR 2 – Gold consists of pattern dances, dance Step assessments and a Gold Rhythm Dance . Note: STAR 1, STAR 3b and STAR 5b are dance Step element assessments. Pattern dances are the skating of prescribed Steps on patterns to music, the type and Tempo for which is defined. These dances may be performed solo, shadow or with a partner. 6.1. STAR 1 Dance Step Elements Forward Progressives Forward Chassés Forward slide Chassés Forward outside swing roll sequence Forward outside cross rolls Passing Requirement: Four of Five elements rated Silver or better 6.2. STAR 2 – 3 Pattern Dance Assessments STAR 2a - Dutch Waltz STAR 2b - Canasta Tango STAR 3a - Baby Blues Passing requirement for each pattern dance: The candidate must successfully complete three of four mandatory requirements including timing In addition, two of the three criteria for full pattern assessment must be Silver or better 6.3. STAR 3B Dance Step Elements Backward Progressives Backward Chassés Backward swing roll sequence Forward inside Open C Steps Right forward outside cross roll , cross behind Forward outside three-turn /backward outside Edge Passing Requirement: Five of six elements rated Silver or better, Accuracy must be Silver or better 6.4. STAR 4 – 5 Pattern Dance Assessments Pattern dances: STAR 4a - Swing Dance STAR 4b - Fiesta Tango STAR 5a - Willow Waltz Passing requirement for each pattern dance: The candidate must successfully complete three of four mandatory requirements including timing In addition, two of the three criteria for full pattern assessment must be Silver or better 6.5. STAR 5B Dance Step Elements Left forward outside Open C Step Forward outside double knee bend Forward Progressive - swing roll sequence Backward Progressive - swing roll sequence Ten-Fox Progressive Left forward outside cross-behind Forward outside cross rolls Forward outside cross roll three-turn Backward outside rolls Passing Requirements: Seven of nine elements rated Silver or better, Accuracy must be silver or better 6.6. STAR 6 – 7 Pattern Dance Assessments Pattern dances: STAR 6A - Ten-Fox STAR 6B - European Waltz STAR 6C - Fourteenstep STAR 7A - Foxtrot STAR 7B - Tango STAR 7C - American Waltz Passing requirement for each dance: The candidate must successfully complete three of four of the mandatory requirements including timing In addition, two of four criteria for full pattern assessment must be Silver or better 6.7. STAR 8 - Pattern Dance Assessments Pattern dances: STAR 8A – Killian STAR 8B – Rocker Foxtrot STAR 8C – Starlight Waltz Passing requirement for each dance: The candidate must successfully complete three of three (8A and 8C) or three of four (8B) of the mandatory requirements including timing In addition, three of four criteria for full pattern assessment must be Silver or better. 6.8. STAR 9 - Gold Dance Assessments Skater must complete two of three dances at each level of STAR 9, STAR 10 and Gold STAR 9A – Paso Doble STAR 9B – Blues STAR 9C – Silver Samba STAR 10A – Cha Cha Congelado STAR 10B – Westminster Waltz STAR 10C – Quickstep Gold A – Viennese Waltz Gold B – Argentine Tango Gold C – Gold Rhythm Dance Passing requirement for each dance: The candidate must successfully complete all mandatory requirements including timing In addition, all four criteria for full pattern assessment must be Silver or better Re-skating a Portion of a Dance Step Elements Assessment At the request of the coach assessor, a maximum of two elements in a Dance Step Elements assessment may be re-skated, if necessary, to improve the overall assessment to pass or pass with honors. Each element may only be re-skated once. In all cases the better attempt will be counted. The candidate may elect to re-skate an unsuccessful element immediately or at the end of the portion of the assessment 7. Music for Pattern Dance Assessments For assessments, the candidate has the choice of skating to any Skate Canada Series music, Skate Canada Approved Additional Dance Music, or ISU music. 8. Dance Assessments in Pattern Dance Competitions Skaters may apply to take any STAR 6-Gold dance assessment in competition where offered by the organizing committee. The assessment must be completed by a qualified Evaluator . The Evaluator at the competition should be separate from the officiating panel of the Category in which the assessment is being conducted the assessment may be taken in the appropriate partnered or Solo Dance categories . The skater must pay the same assessment fee as that of a standard assessment day. For assessments done in competition all competition rules apply. 9. Partners for Dance Assessments Dance partners (if applicable) must be Skate Canada Registrants in Good Standing or must meet the requirements in the Coach Membership Procedure . It is the responsibility of the candidate to have a partner who complies with the rules and is present and ready to skate at the time designated for the assessment. 10. Introductory Steps The Evaluator may request that the dances start at a specific location. All pattern dances may be started with optional Introductory Steps . The opening poses may reflect the character of the given dance. 11. Conduct of Pattern/Rhythm Dance Assessments The dances within a level can be tried in any order. Except as listed below, a candidate must pass all dances in STAR 1-8, and two of three dances per level in STAR 9-Gold before progressing to the next level. A candidate may try the STAR 8 dances without passing the previous pattern dance assessments (known as challenging the assessment).  In this case, the candidate must pay the challenge fee in addition to the regular assessment fee. In the case of a STAR 8 dance challenge assessment, the candidate must try all the dances in the level.  A candidate may try the STAR 10 and Gold dances together without passing the previous pattern dance assessments (known as challenging the assessment).  In this case, the skater must challenge the STAR 10 dances (two of three dances) and the Gold dances (two of three dances). The candidate challenging the STAR 10 and Gold dances must try all portions on the same assessment day. A challenge fee applies in addition to the regular assessment fees. All pattern dance assessments may be skated solo, shadow or with a partner. After skating the dance with a partner or shadow, a candidate for a pattern dance assessment may be requested by the Evaluator to skate the dance solo. The Evaluator will not record an additional evaluation but use this as a check on the candidates’ knowledge of Steps , accuracy in timing and/or sureness of skating. Evaluators may not request that candidates skate solo when a candidate is 25 years of age or older. Scale for Evaluating Dance Assessments STAR 1-Gold Dances are rated as Bronze, Silver, or Gold, with Silver being the passing standard. 12. Criteria for Evaluating Pattern/Rhythm Dance Assessments During assessments, evaluations will be given under two categories , the first for focus areas and timing, the second for full pattern execution. It must be realized that certain aspects of dancing do not fall clearly into a single subdivision. The definitions are intended to summarize the requirements and must be followed as closely as possible. 12.1. Dance Rhythm Timing STAR 2-3: The skater must demonstrate the ability to perform all Steps on time throughout the entire pattern dance. Two timing errors of no more than four steps off time in a pattern/ sequence are permitted. STAR 4-Gold: The skater must demonstrate the ability to perform all the Steps on time throughout the entire pattern dance. Only one timing error is permitted through the assessment. A timing error is defined as steps performed that do not match the musical timing identified. These steps may not exceed 25% of a pattern/ sequence . Focus Area Focus areas are a Step or series of Steps that have been identified in each dance as areas of significant importance. There are two or three Focus Areas in each pattern dance that must successfully completed. The Focus Areas are Steps or series of Steps that introduce new skills to the skater and are highlights of the dance . Full Pattern Execution Criteria for assessing STAR 2 – 5 Pattern Dances The candidate must achieve Silver or better in the prescribed number of criteria. The criteria for assessing STAR 2-5 Pattern dance are: Accuracy Edge Quality Carriage/Clarity Criteria for assessing STAR 6 – Gold Pattern Dances The candidate must achieve Silver or better in the prescribed number of criteria. The criteria for assessing STAR 6 – Gold Pattern dance is: Accuracy Edge Quality Carriage/Clarity Character Dance Element Execution Criteria for assessing STAR 1, STAR 3 and STAR 5 Dance elements The candidate must achieve Silver or better in the prescribed number of criteria and elements. The criteria for assessing Dance elements are: Accuracy Edge Quality Carriage/Clarity 12.2. Diamond Dance Test Pattern Dances Ravensburger Waltz Tango Romantica Yankee Polka Rhumba Austrian Waltz Golden Waltz Passing requirement for the Diamond Dance Test: The skater must achieve Satisfactory or better in all six criteria for partnered dances and all except unison for dances performed solo. The criteria for Diamond Dance tests are: Dance Rhythm : Timing Timing Expression Unison Execution: Accuracy/Flow Style /Form Pattern/Placement Skaters must pass four of the six pattern dances to pass the complete Diamond Dance test. 13. Artistic Program Assessments Artistic programs consist of a program skated to music with required program content. Program Length The STAR 5, 7, and 9 programs must be a maximum of two minutes and 10 seconds in length. The Gold program must be a maximum of two minutes and 40 seconds in length. 13.1. STAR 5 Content requirements: Choreographic Step sequence Field moves sequence or Spiral Sequence Artistic Spin Passing requirements: Two of three content requirements rated silver or better and two of three Program Component criteria rated silver or better, including Variety and clarity of edges , steps , turns , movements, and body control. 13.2. STAR 7 Content requirements: Choreographic Step sequence Field moves sequence Artistic Spin Passing requirements: Two of three content requirements rated silver or better and two of three Program Component criteria rated silver or better, including Variety and clarity of edges , steps , turns , movements, and body control and Expression/Projection. 13.3. STAR 9 Content requirements: Choreographic Step sequence Field moves sequence Artistic Spin Passing requirements: Two of three content requirements rated silver or better and four of five Program Component criteria rated silver or better, including Variety and clarity of edges , steps , turns , movements, and body control, Power & Speed, and Expression/Projection. 13.4. Gold Content requirements: Choreographic Step sequence Field moves sequence or 360 field moves Artistic Spin Passing requirements: Two of three content requirements rated silver or better and all five Program Component criteria rated silver or better 14. Order of Artistic Assessments The candidate may try the Gold Artistic assessment without having passed the previous assessments (known as challenging the assessment). In this case, the skater must have successfully completed a Gold assessment in another discipline or the STAR 8 Skills assessment. A challenge fee applies in addition to the regular assessment fees. 15. Skills Assessments Skills assessments consist of Edges , Turns , exercises, and field moves. 15.1. STAR 1 Forward outside and Forward inside Edges Forward Three-turns Forward inside C Step sequence Skills exercise - basic Forward Spiral circles Choice of field move: Forward one-foot sit glide Inside Spread Eagle Inside Ina Bauer Passing requirements: Five of six elements rated silver or better 15.2. STAR 2 Backward outside and backward inside Edges Backward Three-turns Forward circle on circle Two foot to one foot multi Turns Forward outside Turn sequence Passing requirements: Four of five elements rated silver or better 15.3. STAR 3 Skills exercise - power Forward Spiral circles Choice of Field move: Backward one-foot sit glide Spread Eagle Y- Spiral Ina Bauer Passing requirements: Two of three elements rated silver or better 15.4. STAR 4 Forward Brackets Backward Brackets Forward double threes Backward circle on circle Forward Change of Edge Passing requirements: Four of five elements rated silver or better 15.5. STAR 5 Skills exercise 1 - quick Edges Skills exercise 2 - backward slalom Spiral Sequence Passing requirements: Two of three elements rated silver or better 15.6. STAR 6 Backward double threes Forward Rockers Backward Rockers Forward Counters Backward Counters Skills exercise – Forward change threes Passing requirements: Five of six elements rated silver or better 15.7. STAR 7 Forward loops Backward loops Forward inside S Steps Backward outside S Steps Forward and backward Twizzles Skills exercise – Backward change threes Passing requirements: Five of six elements rated silver or better 15.8. STAR 8 Forward Rocker - Three-turn sequence Backward Rocker - Three-turn sequence Forward Counter-Bracket sequence Backward Counter-Bracket sequence Two field moves (must be different) Skills exercise – Rolling Edges Passing requirements: Five of six elements rated silver or better 15.9. STAR 9 Forward Loop change Loop Backward Loop change Loop 360-degree Spiral challenge Skills exercise – Rockers Skills exercise – S Steps Passing requirements: Four of five elements rated silver or better 15.10. STAR 10 One-Foot Turn sequence 360-degree field move challenge Step sequence Skills exercise – Counters Passing requirements: All elements rated silver or better 15.11. Gold Nine Turn challenge Step sequence Field moves sequence Skills exercise challenge Passing requirements: All elements rated silver or better Re-skating a Portion of a Skills Assessment At the request of the Evaluator or coach assessor, an assessment may be reskated, if necessary, to improve the overall assessment to pass or pass with honors. The number of possible re-skates is listed on the assessment for the level. Each element may only be re-skated once. In all cases the better attempt will be counted. The candidate may elect to re-skate an unsuccessful element immediately or at the end of the portion of the assessment. If the re-skate element contains more than one item, for example four Turns , the skater only needs to re-skate the item within the element that was unsuccessful. For Gold each Turn re-skated as part of the nine Turn challenge counts as a re-skate. 16. Synchro Synchro assessments consist of synchronized skating elements performed by 6-12 skaters. 16.1. STAR 2 Linear Element (Block) Linear Element (Line) Intersection Rotating Element Circle or Wheel Passing requirements: Three of four elements rated silver or better 16.2. STAR 3 Pivoting Element (Block) Linear Element (Line) Intersection Rotating Element (Circle) Rotating Element (Wheel) Passing requirements: Four of five elements rated silver or better 16.3. STAR 4 Transition Exercise #1 Pivoting or Linear Element (Block) and Rotating Element (Circle) Transition Exercise #2 Linear Element (Line) and Rotating Element (Wheel) Intersection Moves Element ( Spiral ) Passing requirements: Three of four elements rated silver or better 16.4. Re-skating a Portion of a Synchro Assessment At the request of the coach assessor, an assessment may be re-skated, if necessary, to improve the overall assessment to pass or pass with honors. The number of possible re-skates is listed on the assessment for the level. Each element may only be re-skated once. In all cases the better attempt will be counted. The candidate may elect to re-skate an unsuccessful element immediately or at the end of the portion of the assessment. 17. General Qualifications for STAR Assessments 17.1. Eligibility for Assessment The assessment coordinator must ensure a skater participating in an assessment is currently registered with Skate Canada and all eligibility requirements have been verified prior to the assessment taking place. Proof of registration must be provided to the assessment coordinator and the Skate Canada number must be recorded on all assessment and summary sheets. 17.2. Assessment Fees Assessment fees are determined by the Board of Directors and are subject to change. The fee for each assessment is $15 and must be paid prior to the assessment taking place. Fees must be paid for each assessment (e.g., each individual Dance or Freeskate element or program). Skaters who apply to take challenge assessment without having passed the previous assessments must pay the applicable assessment fee plus a challenge fee of $60 per part (i.e., $60 for freeskate elements and $60 for freeskate program and $60 for each pattern dance). Member Clubs and Skating Schools are not permitted to charge a skater more than the official Skate Canada assessment fee as determined according to these rules for assessments. An exception is that an additional administrative charge may be levied where necessary to recover the actual expenses of conducting the assessment day, provided no profit is made in the process and provided the skater is advised of the estimated cost prior to the assessment day. No additional administration fees may be added to assessments at the STAR 1- 5 level or to a Skills assessment done by a coach assessor on the skaters regular skating session. All fees are payable to Skate Canada regardless of the result of the assessment (pass with honors, pass or retry). 17.3. Order of Assessment A candidate for an assessment must have passed all the preceding assessments in the same Category in all disciplines except as permitted by the special provisions outlined below: Any assessment, including a single pattern dance, which has been completed, according to the rules in force at the time of completion, will be credited to the candidate regardless of any subsequent changes in the assessment system. USFS members who have passed the USFS Gold Free Skating or Dance test may apply to take the Skate Canada Gold Freeskate assessment, STAR 10/Gold Dance assessment or Gold Artistic assessment respectively without further qualification . Challenge fees and Skate Canada assessment fees will apply. Retrying of an Unsuccessful Assessment It is recommended a candidate wait 24 hours prior to retrying an unsuccessful assessment. 17.4. Conduct/Evaluation of STAR Assessments Conduct of Assessments in General A candidate with a disability may request exemption from certain technical rules on the basis that such rule penalizes them in the marking of the assessment and that such rule is peripheral to the skating skill to be demonstrated. Application must be made in writing to Skate Canada ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) on behalf of the candidate by the candidate's home Club and must be supported by suitable medical or other testimony that specifically relates to the nature of the disability to the rule(s) in question. An assessment session is a period of time during which STAR assessments are conducted.  An assessment session may be a few hours on the same day in one rink or it may be divided over several days and ice surfaces. Regardless of the format, skaters can register only once for the same assessment at one assessment session. Administration of STAR Assessments Assessments must be administered according to the STAR: Assessment Resource Guide . Reporting of Assessments The Club or Skating School where assessment occurred must submit the results of assessments accompanied by the applicable fees to Skate Canada within three weeks of the date of the assessments. 18. Evaluators and Coach Assessors 18.1. Evaluating Assignments Evaluators must be selected from qualified active Skate Canada Evaluators . All assessments will be evaluated by one Evaluator or Coach Assessor (for STAR 6-Gold, qualified coach assessors may evaluate in the discipline of Skills and Artistic only). All STAR 1-5 assessments must be coach-assessed. The appropriate Section officials committee will be responsible for the process of selection of Evaluators . Requests for an Evaluator from another Section must be made through the appropriate Section official’s chair. 18.2. Evaluators for Specific Assessments All evaluators and coach assessors must hold the appropriate discipline qualification in order to assess. You are here: Home Rule Book STAR Assessments