For many of our StarSkaters, this season will mark their first experience with Skate Canada Assessments.  As this experience can be a little overwhelming (for both parents and skaters), the information included on this site will answer some of the questions.  For all other skaters, it will act as a reminder of the procedures and time lines to be followed when taking assessments.

2026-2027 SCBC ASSESSMENT DAYS

  • Thursday, October 29, 2026
  • Wednesday, December 16, 2026
  • Thursday, January 28 2027
  • Tuesday, March 9, 2027
  • Thursday, April 15, 2027
  • Saturday, June 19, 2027

STAR 1-5 program consists of assessments in skills, freeskate, dance, and synchronized skating.

Assessments in the STAR 1-5 program are designed to be introduced in a semi-formal format and progress in formality to prepare the skaters for external evaluation in the Learn to Compete stage of development.

STAR 1 and 2 is the Introduction Format whereby the assessments will occur in the skater’s natural training environment, during their lesson time. This may be in group, semi or private lessons.  Practice attire is acceptable for this assessment.

STAR 2, 3 and 4 is the Transitional Format. These assessments also occur in the skater’s natural training environment, during their regular lesson time and may also be conducted in group, semi or private lessons. To increase the formality, proper skating attire is required for this type of assessment.

STAR 4 and 5 is the Classic Format.  There are 2 assessments in the STAR 5 level that require the Classic Format: STAR 5a Dance and STAR 5 Freeskate Program.  All other STAR 4 and 5 assessments have the option of being performed in either the Transitional or Classic Format. For Classic Format, coaches will stand off the ice for the assessment to simulate an external evaluation and skaters will perform their assessment on clear ice.  Proper skating attire is required for this type of assessment.

As of August 1, 2026, the fees are $15 per assessment. This should be paid prior to the assessment taking place. This fee is provided to Skate Canada.

SKILLS FREESKATE (Elements and Program) DANCE
STAR 1 Edges, Turns, Field Move, Stroking Elements STAR 1: Elements
STAR 2 Edges, Turns Elements

Program: STAR 2 event requirements

STAR 2a: Dutch Waltz

STAR 2b: Canasta Tango

STAR 3 Field Move, Stroking Elements

Program: STAR 3 event requirements

STAR 3a: Baby Blues

STAR 3b: Elements

STAR 4 Edges, Turns Elements

Program: STAR 4 event requirements

STAR 4a: Swing Dance

STAR 4b: Fiesta Tango

STAR 5 Field Move, Stroking Elements

Program: STAR 5 event requirements

STAR 5a: Willow Waltz

STAR 5b: Elements

After completing all STAR 1-5 assessments, the skater would have passed 23 assessments in total: 5 skills, 5 freeskate elements, 4 freeskate program, 9 dance assessments.

Once a skater reaches STAR 6, freeskate and dance assessments are conducted on formal Assessment Days, sanctioned by Skate Ontario and evaluated by Skate Canada certified evaluators. (Skills assessments may be evaluated by a certified coach evaluator or a Skate Canada certified evaluator.)

Assessment Day dates are scheduled prior to the start of the season and posted on the SCBC website in advance. The detailed schedule, including session times, is posted on the website and the arena bulletin board as soon as available, typically about one week before each Assessment Day — this depends on evaluator availability and may change after initial posting, so it’s advisable to check regularly. Sessions are subject to cancellation based on the day’s schedule and time available, and may occasionally be held during the daytime, affecting regular skating.

At least 3 weeks before an Assessment Day, please check with your coach on whether you/your skater is ready to test, and for which assessment. It’s your responsibility to discuss any scheduling issues with your coach, as coaches must submit assessments by a specific deadline. These submission deadlines will be clearly posted and must be respected, as they are Skate Canada rules that all clubs must follow.

Assessment fees must be paid online one week before the assessment date. The fee includes the Skate Canada portion (forwarded to Skate Canada) and the SCBC administrative fee, which covers food, a small gift, and a mileage allowance for evaluators (who volunteer their time and are not paid), as well as any office supplies needed for Assessment Days. Effective September 1, 2018, the SCBC administrative fee is $20 per skater per Assessment Day; as of August 1, 2026, the Skate Canada fee is $15 per assessment.

If a skater is ill and unable to test, a doctor’s note must be given to the Assessment Chair before Assessment Day. Lack of attendance or late “pulls” will unfortunately result in a “Retry” being assigned, and assessment fees will not be refunded.

ASSESSMENTS

  • Star 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Gold Freeskate Elements
  • Star 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Gold Freeskate Program
  • Star 6 Dances: Ten-Fox (6A), European Waltz (6B), Fourteenstep (6C)
  • Star 7 Dances: Foxtrot (7A), Tango (7B), American Waltz (7C)
  • Star 8 Dances: Killian Killian (8A), Rocker Foxtrot (8B), Starlight Waltz (8C)
  • Star 9 Dances: Paso Doble (9A), Blues (9B), Silver Samba (9C)
  • Star 10 Dances: Cha Cha Congelado (Star 10A), Westminster Waltz (10B), Quickstep (10C)
  • Gold Dances: Viennese Waltz (A), Argentine Tango (B), Gold Rhythm Dance (C)
  • Singles Artistic: Star 7, Star 9, Gold

Once informed by your base coach that your skater is ready to attempt an assessment, here are the steps to register and pay for your skater’s assessment:

  1. Access the Assessment Fees page.
  2. Assessments are organized by Star level. Enter quantity and select ADD TO CART beside each assessment you are selecting. Star 1 to 5 assessments can now skip to step 4.
  3. For Star 6 to Gold Assessments: once all assessments for the upcoming Assessment Day have been added to your cart, make sure you have also selected ADD ADMIN FEE (Quantity 1 per skater per assessment day).
  4. Proceed to checkout

All skaters should be at the arena and ready to skate at least 1 hour prior to their scheduled skate time.

  • Scheduling is not an “exact science” and we do sometimes run ahead or behind schedule.
  • Skaters should register with the Ice Captain and their Coach on arrival.
  • Skaters waiting for their assessment should remain in Dressing Room area until time for their warm up.
  • Skaters should be courteous of other skaters taking assessments by keeping the volume of noise to a minimum while in the Dressing Room and by the boards.
  • Parents are welcome and are strongly encouraged to attend and support the skaters. We request that you view your skater outside of the sliding doors or upstairs in the stands.
  • Parents with young skaters, we ask that you put on skates (don’t forget hard guards) outside of the sliding door and proceed to the Ice Captain for check in. Only skaters are permitted past the Ice Captains’ desk.
  • To minimize spectators and traffic, only skaters awaiting their assessment, coaches and Ice Captains are permitted near the boards for the security and safety of the skaters.
  • When the skater’s assessment is complete, skaters are to wait in the dressing room or outside of the sliding doors for the Assessment results.
  • Skaters and parents should not communicate with the evaluators. If the skater requires feedback or clarification on their assessment sheet, cons

Proper Assessment Day Attire

  • Please consult your coach for guidance on appropriate attire for assessments.
  • Please make sure your skates and laces are clean
  • Warm sweaters and gloves may be worn during the warm-up period immediately prior to an assessment.

Care of Skates Prior to Assessment Day

  • When a skater knows that he/she will be trying an assessment, ask the coach if their skates need sharpening.
  • Sharpening should be done a few days prior to the Assessment Day to allow the skater to get used to the sharpening.

 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Assessment Chair, Irma Orzeck at assessments@skatescbc.ca.