There are some major changes Skate Canada and ESC are implementing this season!
Please take a few minutes to read up on and/or visit Skate Canada HERE!
STAR 1-5
Parent Guide
Congratulations on being the parent of a figure
skater; the STAR 1-5 competition program is where figure
skating begins! The STAR competition program is comprised of five
different levels of events for skaters who have completed the CanSkate
program. It introduces participants to key components of figure skating
including performance, assessment, and competition. STAR 1-5 fits into the
Learn to Train level of Skate Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development Model
(LTADM).
Each stage of this national program emphasizes key
skills such as turns, stroking, jumps, spins, and different aspects of
performance that have been designated by figure skating experts as necessary
for development and progression in our sport. It is important to note that
every skater is unique and will advance at different rates due to various
factors such as growth spurts and participation. To accommodate
individual needs, the STAR 1-5 competition program is designed to be fluid and
allow skaters to progress at their own pace, even skipping levels if
appropriate; skaters may move through several levels in a season or stay at the
same level – it’s all dependent on individual athlete development! At all
stages and levels, parents should discuss their skater’s progress with their
coach to determine the best options for them. The chart below provides a brief
description of each level:
|
STAR
|
Format
|
Description
|
|
1
|
Group Elements Event
|
Introduces skaters to performing elements like jumps and spins in a
fun group environment with their coaches. Skaters are evaluated and receive a
report card and ribbon based on their performance.
|
|
2
|
Evaluated Program
|
Skaters now take many of the elements they learned in STAR 1 as well
as new skills and perform them in a program in front of judges. Many skaters
may learn a program in a group and even share music. Like STAR 1, skaters are
evaluated and receive a report card and ribbon.
|
|
3
|
Evaluated Program
|
STAR 3 continues to build on the skills learned in STAR 1 and 2. More
difficult elements like an axel jump are added and judges evaluate the
programs based on more challenging criteria. Skaters also receive a
report card and ribbon.
|
|
4
|
Ranked Program
|
Axels are encouraged at this level and receive a bonus for successful
completion. STAR 4 serves as a transition point between evaluated levels and
competition incorporating a points system. Assessments are used to produce a
ranking for each group of competitors. Each skater receives a report card
with top finishers in each group receiving either a ribbon or medal.
|
|
In STAR 1-4, skaters are evaluated against a national standard by a
panel of certified judges. Each element they perform receives an assessment
of Gold, Silver, Bronze or Merit as well as an overall standing.
|
||
|
5
|
Ranked Program
|
Skaters may perform double jumps at this level. STAR 5 is the first
time skaters are rewarded points for elements and performance; it is the same
scoring system used to judge top competitive figure skaters. Skaters are
ranked based on total points and are provided a detailed report card. Top
finishers receive medals.
|
What Happens After STAR 1-5?
Skaters may choose to continue in
higher levels of the STARSkate program (Senior Bronze, Junior Silver, etc.) or
transition into in CompetitiveSkate (Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, etc.). Skaters may
also explore ice dancing, pair skating, interpretive skating, or synchronized
(team) skating. There are many opportunities for skaters and the best
path for athletes to take should be a decision made collaboratively (child,
parent and coach).
Helping your skater get the most
out of STAR 1-5
There are a lot of options within
figure skating and that can sometimes be overwhelming; here are some tips to
make this a positive and fun experience for parents and children.
·
Keep it Fun. The focus of STAR 1-5 should be on enjoyment and developing figure
skating specific skills. Encourage skaters to have fun, try their best, and
learn to find joy in all aspects of the sport. Remember this is their sport.
·
Ask Questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the way the skating world
works! Your coach is a good place to start as are experienced parents and
club volunteers. You can also find excellent information on-line at www.skatecanada.ca, as well as your section and club
websites.
·
Reward Effort. Do not get hung up on results; instead, focus on personal
progress and effort. Rankings only reflect the performances on the ice and not
who skaters are as individuals. Skaters are not machines and top world skaters
have bad days too.
·
Provide Emotional Support. This is a really challenging sport. Even in
the STAR 1-5 competition program skaters attempt fairly complex movements on a
tiny blade and slippery surface; that’s enough to make anyone nervous!
Being anxious before competition is normal and it can be helpful to explain to
your children that their nerves just show they care about how much they want to
do their best.
·
Model Healthy Eating and Physical Activity. Even beginner athletes need
the right fuel to help them perform at their best. Modeling healthy
eating behavior and providing meals that are nutritious and balanced will
benefit your entire family. Encourage participation in a range of
physical activities in addition to skating - can you find physical activities
that you can do together as a family?
·
Communicate with your Coach. Your coach is there to help you as
well as your child. Communicate with them regularly about the progress of
your skater and to chart a course for development that works for your family
and your budget.
