StarSkate
The STAR program is a test stream program where skaters learn how to figure skate. Skaters with recreational or competitive figure skating aspirations both enter the STAR program after completing our CanSkate program. "STAR" is an acronym that stands for Skills, Tests, Achievement, and Recognition. Skaters of all ages can pursue their recreational figure skating goals in the STAR program.
The STAR program is a test stream program where skaters learn how to figure skate. "STAR" is an acronym that stands for Skills, Tests, Achievement, and Recognition. Skaters of all ages can pursue their recreational figure skating goals in the STAR program.
The STAR assessment structure is divided into five disciplines:
|
Discipline |
Content |
|
SKILLS |
Includes the development of turns in figure form, as well as skill exercises to develop power and control. Field moves are also included in this discipline. |
|
FREESKATE |
ELEMENTS: includes the development of jumps and spins in isolation. PROGRAMS: includes the development of program components and element success in a performance situation. |
|
DANCE |
Includes the development of skating technique while promoting timing, accuracy, and musicality through pattern dances. |
|
ARTISTIC |
Includes the development of movement, creativity, projection, and interpretation through programs. |
|
SYNCHRO Not currently offered at ZSC |
Includes the development of synchronized skating elements through a variety of skating skills and teamwork. |
PROGRAMMING
The StarSkate Figure Skating program is divided into a number of sessions:
Junior Passed CanSkate Stage 5
Skaters have passed CanSkate Stage 5. Skaters will be working on CanSkate Stage 6.
This session includes group instruction.
This session is geared to skaters who show an interest in pursuing the sport of figure skating and possibly trying Skate Canada Tests and participating in recreational competitions.
Junior with Dance Passed CanSkate Stage 6 and Star 1 Skills
Skaters have passed CanSkate Stage 6 and Star 1 Skills.
This session includes group instruction.
This session is geared to skaters who show an interest in pursuing the sport of figure skating and possibly trying Skate Canada Tests and participating in recreational competitions.
Intermediate Passed Star 1, Star 2 Skills and Star 3a Dance
Skaters will have passed their Star 1, Star 2 Skills and 3a Dance (Baby Blues)
This session includes limited group instruction so skaters should be under the direction of a private coach.
Advanced Intermediate Passed Star 2, Star 3 Skills and Star 4a&4b Dances
Passed Star 2, Star 3 Skills, and Star 4a Dance (Fiesta) and 4b Dance (Swing)
This session includes limited group instruction so skaters should be under the direction of a private coach. Skaters will have a private coach to skate at this level.
Senior Passed Star 3, Star 5 Skills and Star 5a Dance
Skaters will have passed Star 3, Star 5 Skills, and Star 5a Dance (Willow Waltz).
Skaters will have a private coach to skate at this level.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What happens after CanSkate?
After CanSkate comes StarSkate. This program allows skaters to further develop skating skills in the disciplines of Skating Skills, Freeskate (jumps and spins etc.) and Ice Dancing in either semi-private or private lesson format. Skaters may take tests against a national standard and/or start competing.
Skaters who have not yet achieved a CanSkate level 5 report card must register in CanSkate.
What session should my skater sign up in?
Registration for new skating season is generally launched in August, and can be found on our website.
Session offered may vary each season depending on interest, coaching and ice time. Check the session description before signing up. For skaters new to StarSkate; skaters should register for the junior session (50 mins), followed eventually by the junior with dance (70 mins) which includes 20 mins of dance.
Questions about registration can be directed to zorraskatingclubregistrar@gmail.com
How many times a week to skate?
A minimum of twice per week; however, three sessions per week is recommended to optimize learning.
How do I care for my skates?
How often do skates need to be sharpened?
What should Starskaters wear?
GIRLS: a skating dress or skirt with warm tights, or stretch leggings or warm-up pants. Long hair needs to be tied back.
BOYS: straight-legged stretch pants and sweater. This enables the coach to see proper body positions.
No loose fitting clothing or heavy winter coats. Form fitting athletic sweaters/jackets preferred. Warm gloves are preferred over mitts.
What are the expectations on the ice?
Why does my skater need a private coach?
All skaters in the CanSkate and StarSkate programs are entitled to group lessons. These are included in your registration fee. As you advance through the StarSkate levels, there is less group coaching. In addition to these lessons, you can arrange private or semi-private lessons with a coach. You may consider looking into extra lessons if...
★ Your skater would like to progress through the badges and test program at a faster rate because they love the sport.
★ Your skater is having difficulty accomplishing an element on their badge and could benefit from the extra one on one instruction.
★ Your skater would like to participate in competitions.
★ Your skater is having difficulty working in a group setting.
How do I arrange for private lessons?
All of ZSC Professional coaches are well qualified to teach your skater. You must contact the coach of your choice and all scheduling of lessons and costs are between you and the coach. Check out our Coaches page to find a coach.
How does the relationship between the club and private coaches work?
Our coaches are club contractors when teaching on group programs such as CanSkate and StarSkate. However, they are independent contractors when teaching private lessons where you become their customer directly. You are billed directly by your coach for the lesson time you select, while paying the club a registration fee for everything else (ice cost, fitness classes, etc.). Selecting the right coach for your skater is an important responsibility, so we suggest you interview two or three. Before you decide, you might want to ask questions such as: What is your style of teaching? What is your hourly rate? Do you teach all skating seasons? Are you available to teach any day of the week? Do you work as part of a coaching team?
What is the parent's role in their child's training?
It is critical that the parent know the exact goals and timelines for their skater and are comfortable with their coach's direction, so their input is needed. Parents create the most important role of supporter in the team.
Parents know their child better than anyone and should be very open with coaches about learning opportunities and challenges. Parents are always encouraged to take the initiative and speak to their coach when needed.
What is Off-Ice?
These sessions are an important component of figure skating training. They help to improve on ice performance and to reduce injury risk. The sessions are taught by our team of Club Coaches and are designed to teach skaters the basics of warm-up, cool-down, stretching, & strengthening as well as balance and technique for jumps and spins, and creative expression.
How should I care for my skates?
CHOOSING BOOTS AND BLADES
1. To properly perform basic skating moves the boots must provide firm support. The support around the heel should be strong and extend well down towards the front of the boot.
2. The heel should be pocketed to conform to the natural heel.
3. All skaters require strong, well supported boots. Beginners needs are not the same as those of a competitive or test skater.
4. Leather boots are the best choice, providing durability, strength and “breathe-ability”. Boots with blades that are “screwed” on rather than “riveted” are preferable.
HOW SHOULD BOOTS FIT?
1. Place foot in an unlaced boot. Have skater force foot forward in the boot until toe(s) touch the front. At this point, tip of finger should fit behind the skater’s heel at the top of the heel cup (up to ½”)
2. Lace boots snugly up to eyehooks, lace the boots looser through lace hooks. The lacing process should force heels into the heel cups and draw toes back from front of boot.
3. Skater should stand straight with weight evenly distributed. Toes should be able to move (wiggle). Width of foot (at ball) should be snug, but lie flat and comfortable.
4. When heel of boot is held firm to the floor, the skater’s heel when raised should have little or no movement.
CARE OF BOOTS AND BLADES
1. Boots and blades should be dried after every use. Skate guards should NOT be left on the blades when the skates are not being worn.
2. When not in use, boots should be allowed to dry in an open area (not in closed skate bag). This should stop premature deterioration of the leather.
3. DO NOT remove toe picks from the skates, even for a beginner.
HOW BLADES SHOULD FIT BOOTS
1. The blade should not be more than ¼” less than the length of the boot (to heel).
2. The front of the sole plate should be right to the front of the boot. This ensures that the toe picks are located at the sole of the boot and blades balance point is well forward.
3. Blades should be mounted to the boots by a competent figure skate sharpener/mounter.
HOW LONG SHOULD A SHARPENING LAST?
This is mainly a case of how sharp a skater wishes his/her skates to be. A rule of thumb, which seems to satisfy most skaters is 25 to 30 hours of ice time. Skates should be sharpened approximately two weeks prior to Carnival. Skaters should skate on newly sharpened skates at least once or twice before trying a test.
ASSESSMENTS
What does a GOLD level assessment look like?
To view a video demonstration of each element, please visit Skate Canada's development video page.
What are tests and how am I assessed? STAR 1-5
Tests are the progression markers in skating and are typically only tried after at least several months of skating.
★ Tests are assessed by the coach and can take place any time as discussed between the coach and skater.
★ A ZSC Coach is responsible for printing and filling out the Skate Canada Assessment Sheet and collecting test money from the skater/parent/guardian in advance of the test.
★ Each test attempted costs $12, which must be paid by the parent in advance of the test.
★ The club will then forward the test form and payment to Skate Canada.
What are tests and how am I assessed? STAR 6+
Assessors in the STAR 6 – Gold structure include both evaluators and coach assessors. These individuals must be trained and qualified to assess each discipline. The assessment coordinators must ensure the evaluator or coach assessor has the necessary credentials to assess the levels and disciplines assigned to them. To facilitate this, assessment coordinators should follow the process outlined by their section to obtain evaluators or coach assessors for STAR 6-Gold assessment days. This may vary from section to section.
Assessment coordinators should connect directly with the section to ensure the proper protocol is understood and followed.
★ Tests are conducted on scheduled club test days in front of external judges.
★ The Test Day schedule will be posted both online and around the rink once it is received from the ZSC test chairperson.
★ Each test attempted costs $17, which must be paid by the parent in advance of the test.
★ The club will then forward the test form and payment to Skate Canada.
STAR ASSESSMENTS
The most current STAR Assessment rules can be found here. Below is a general guide of the assessment requirements for each level.
★ STAR 1
★ STAR 2
★ STAR 3
|
SKILLS |
FREESKATE Elements |
FREESKATE Program |
DANCE |
|
· Skills exercise - power · Forward Spiral circles · Choice of Field move: · Backward one-foot sit glide · Spread Eagle · Y-Spiral · Ina Bauer
|
· Single Flip · Single Lutz · Waltz + Single loop combination · Single loop + Single loop combination · Backward Upright Spin · Backward Sit Spin · Forward camel/Sit Combination Spin |
Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. |
· STAR 3a - Baby Blues
· STAR 3b – Dance 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 requirements: Two of three elements rated silver or better
|
Passing requirements: Five of seven elements rated silver or better |
Passing requirements: mandatory program content successful and four of five Program Components criteria rated silver or better. |
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
Passing Requirement (3b): Five of six elements rated Silver or better, Accuracy must be Silver or better |
★ STAR 4
|
SKILLS |
FREESKATE Elements |
FREESKATE Program |
DANCE |
|
· Forward Brackets · Backward Brackets · Forward double threes · Backward circle on circle · Forward Change of Edge |
· 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 |
Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. |
· STAR 4a - Swing Dance · STAR 4b - Fiesta Tango |
|
Passing requirements: Four of five elements rated silver or better
|
Passing requirements: six of eight elements rated silver or better |
Passing requirements: mandatory program content successful and four of five Program Components rated silver or better including edge quality and power. |
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 |
★ STAR 5
|
SKILLS |
FREESKATE Elements |
FREESKATE Program |
DANCE |
ARTISTIC |
|
· Skills exercise 1 - quick Edges · Skills exercise 2 - backward slalom · Spiral Sequence
|
· 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 |
Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. |
· STAR 5a - Willow Waltz
· STAR 5b – Dance 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 |
· Content requirements: · Choreographic Step sequence · Field moves sequence or Spiral Sequence · Artistic Spin |
|
Passing requirements: Two of three elements rated silver or better
|
Passing requirements: Five of seven elements rated Silver or better |
Passing requirements: mandatory program content successful and four of six Program Components criteria rated silver or better including edge quality and carriage/clarity. |
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
Passing Requirements (5b): Seven of nine elements rated Silver or better, Accuracy must be silver or better |
Passing requirements: Two of three content requirements rated silver or better and four of seven Program Component criteria rated silver or better, including edge quality and power |
★ STAR 6
|
SKILLS |
FREESKATE Elements |
FREESKATE Program |
DANCE |
ARTISTIC |
|
· Backward double threes · Forward Rockers · Backward Rockers · Forward Counters · Backward Counters · Skills exercise – Forward change threes |
· Axel + combination · Two different double jumps · Sit Spin or Camel Spin (one feature permitted) · Layback or Crossfoot Spin · Combination Spin with change of foot |
Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. |
· STAR 6A - Ten-Fox · STAR 6B - European Waltz · STAR 6C - Fourteenstep |
None |
|
Passing requirements: Five of six elements rated silver or better
|
Passing requirements: Four of six silver or better including one double jump and one Spin |
Passing requirements: 10 of 15 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 Four Program component criteria: - Edge quality - Power - Carriage/clarity - Projection |
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 |
N/A |
★ STAR 7
|
SKILLS |
FREESKATE Elements |
FREESKATE Program |
DANCE |
ARTISTIC |
|
· Forward loops · Backward loops · Forward inside S Steps · Backward outside S Steps · Forward and backward Twizzles · Skills exercise – Backward change threes |
· 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) |
Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. |
· STAR 7A – Foxtrot · STAR 7B – Tango · STAR 7C - American Waltz |
Content requirements: · Choreographic Step sequence · Field moves sequence · Artistic Spin |
|
Passing requirements: Five of six elements rated silver or better
|
Passing requirements: Five of seven elements rated silver or better, including two different double jumps and two Spins |
Passing requirements: 8 of 13 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 Four Program Component criteria: -Edge quality -Power -Carriage/clarity -Projection |
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 |
Passing requirements: Two of three content requirements rated silver or better and five of seven Program Component criteria rated silver or better, including edge quality, power, carriage/clarity, and projection |
★ STAR 8
|
SKILLS |
FREESKATE Elements |
FREESKATE Program |
DANCE |
ARTISTIC |
|
· 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 |
· Four different double jumps · Jump Combination (single + double or double + double) · Sit Spin with one feature · Flying change Combination Spin |
Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. |
· STAR 8A – Killian · STAR 8B - Rocker Foxtrot · STAR 8C - Starlight Waltz |
None |
|
Passing requirements: Five of six elements rated silver or better
|
Passing requirements: Six of eight elements rated silver or better, including three different double jumps and two Spins |
Passing requirements: 12 of 17 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 Five Program Component criteria, including: -Edge quality -Power -Carriage/clarity -Projection |
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. |
N/A |
★ STAR 9
|
SKILLS |
FREESKATE Elements |
FREESKATE Program |
DANCE |
ARTISTIC |
|
· Forward Loop change Loop · Backward Loop change Loop · 360-degree Spiral challenge · Skills exercise – Rockers · Skills exercise – S Steps |
· 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 |
Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. |
· STAR 9A - Paso Doble · STAR 9B – Blues · STAR 9C - Silver Samba |
Content requirements: · Choreographic Step sequence · Field moves sequence · Artistic Spin |
|
Passing requirements: Four of five elements rated silver or better
|
Passing requirements: 5/7 silver or better including 3 different double jumps and 2 Spins |
Passing requirements: 9 of 13 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 Five Program Component criteria: -Edge quality -Power -Carriage/clarity -Projection-Edge quality -Power -Carriage/clarity -Projection |
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 |
Passing requirements: Two of three content requirements rated silver or better and six of seven Program Component criteria rated silver or better, including edge quality, power, carriage/clarity, projection, and character/rhythm |
★ STAR 10
|
SKILLS |
FREESKATE Elements |
FREESKATE Program |
DANCE |
ARTISTIC |
|
· One-Foot Turn sequence · 360-degree field move challenge · Step sequence · Skills exercise - Counters |
· Single Axel · Five different double jumps · Jump Combination (double + double) · Spin of any nature · Change Combination Spin |
Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. |
· STAR 10A - Cha Cha Congelado · STAR 10B - Westminster Waltz · STAR 10C - Quickstep |
None |
|
Passing requirements: All elements rated silver or better
|
Passing requirements: 7/9 silver or better including 4 different double jumps and 2 Spins |
Passing requirements: 14 of 17 assessments rated silver or better, including: Eight elements, including: -Five Jump Elements, including three different double jumps -Two Spins Six Program Component criteria, including: -Edge quality -Power -Carriage/clarity -Projection -Character/rhythm |
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 |
N/A |
★ GOLD
|
SKILLS |
FREESKATE Elements |
FREESKATE Program |
DANCE |
ARTISTIC |
|
· Nine Turn challenge · Step sequence · Field moves sequence · Skills exercise challenge (effective January 1, 2022)
|
None |
Content follows program detailed in the Competition Program Requirements – STAR rule. |
· Gold A - Viennese Waltz · Gold B - Argentine Tango · Gold C - Gold Rhythm Dance |
Content requirements: · Choreographic Step sequence · Field moves sequence or 360 field moves · Artistic Spin |
|
Passing requirements: All elements rated silver or better
|
N/A |
Passing requirements: 16 of 18 assessments rated silver or better, including: · Nine elements · Seven (all) Program Component criteria |
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 |
Passing requirements: Two of three content requirements rated silver or better and all seven Program Component criteria rated silver or better |
COMPETITIONS
How do competitions work and how often do skater's attend?
How do I know if I should register my child for a competition?
PLEASE check with your Skater’s coach BEFORE registering for any competitions. Once you have some direction, it is the parent’s responsibility to sign up/register for a competition. Instructions will be sent. You will need to know your child’s Skate Canada number which can be found in your ZSC account.
Where do I sign up for Skate Ontario competitions?
Here you can find and view upcoming competitions, look up event results & access any technical information as well as host hotels. https://skateontario.org/events/
Start orders and competitions schedules will also be posted here a few weeks before each competition.