Officials are valued members of Skate Canada who donate their time, knowledge and expertise to assist in the development of our athletes. They are involved in skating because of their love of the sport, volunteerism, and to assist in the development of skaters across the country. There are different types of officials, who fall into three main categories: judges/evaluators, technical panel officials and data specialists.
Officials provide their expertise in various capacities within the organization, including officiating at test days and events, monitoring skaters and leading clinics.
Categories of Officials
Judge/Evaluator
Assess the quality of the elements and performance of a skater or team in a competition/test.
Referee
Acts as chairperson of the judges’ panel and arbiter in policy or procedure disputes. At smaller events, the referee will typically act as both referee and one of the judges.
Technical Controller and Technical Specialist
Working as a team, they are responsible for the correct identification of elements and level of difficulty when attempted by skaters and teams in competition.
Data Specialist
Responsible for calculating the marks awarded by the judges and technical panel and tabulating the final result.
There are many types of officials in skating; therefore there are many pathways to becoming an official. All candidates must be 16 years of age or older, but may be younger than sixteen when they begin their training.
All officials must attend training clinics and pass both written and practical exams at each level. For judges and technical panel officials there is individualized training for each discipline – singles, pairs, ice dance and synchronized skating
STAR 1-4 Judge
Parents, Primary STARSkate certified coaches (with 2 years experience), current and former skaters.
Anyone who loves skating – no previous skating experience required!
STAR 5 Judge/Evaluator and higher
Are usually former skaters or coaches.
Must have a skating background*
Technical Controller and Technical Specialist
Recruited from athletes, coaches, Skate Canada judges and referees.
Must have a skating background*
Data Specialist
Are usually parents, current or former skaters and former coaches.
Anyone who loves skating – no previous skating experience required!
*Skating Background Definitions
- Any two of Junior Bronze Free Skating, Skills, Dance; or
- Any one of Senior Bronze Free Skating, Skills, Dance or a Juvenile Competitive test; or
- Any one higher level test