Synchro Categories and Ages will be updated in the Skate Canada Rules for the start of the new season (July 1st). Program Requirements are currently under review and will be communicated as soon as they are approved.
SYNCHRO STAR 3 & 4
STAR 3 and 4 Synchronized Skating categories are being introduced for the 2022-2023 season. These categories replace Beginner and Elementary. They were developed based on the STAR synchronized skating assessment structure launched in 2020. Together with the assessments these categories aim to support the entry to the Learn to Train stage of development in the Skate Canada Long Term Development (LTD) Framework by focusing on synchronized skating fundamentals.
STAR 3 is an elements event that is assessed to standard for teams of 6 to 12 skaters. STAR 4 is a program that is assessed to standard with ranking for teams of 8 to 16 skaters. Both categories do not have age restrictions, however clubs may choose to group skaters of similar age together if they have more than one team. In STAR 4, if numbers warrant the Section may choose to divide the event into two age groupings:
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- U12: At least 75% of skaters must not have reached the age of 12 as of July 1st preceding the competition.
- Over 12: At least 75% of skaters must have reached the age of 12 as of July 1st preceding the competition.
Starting in the 2023-2024 season, to compete in either STAR 3 or STAR 4 synchronized skating all skaters must have completed their STAR 1 Skills assessment. This requirement has been added to ensure a focus on individual fundamental skating skills prior to starting elements in hold. This aligns with other disciplines that have an assessment entry requirement.
Skaters at the STAR 1-5 level must be introduced to all disciplines.