There are three levels of competition in skating.
Recreational Competition - These competitions offer a fun, social environment for skaters of all levels to gain experience, from basic skills to more advanced categories. These are often area competitions run by clubs.
Skate Ontario STAR and Provincial Series - STAR Competitions, sanctioned by Skate Ontario, are events for skaters in the Skate Canada STAR program, offering them a little more challenging but fun, fair, and safe environment without the pressure of the competitive, or "pre-competitive," track. These events cater to skaters of all ages.
The Provincial Series are for STAR 5-Gold who want to qualify for the Provincial Championships. See link below for more information.
Competitive Stream - The Skate Canada competitive stream is the path for skaters who have advanced beyond the recreational STARskate levels to compete in higher-level events like sectional championships, the Skate Canada Challenge, and the Canadian National Skating Championships. It is structured through a series of qualifying events that determine advancement to the next stage. These skaters can still compete in the Provincial Series competitions. A list of cross-over events permitted can be found here.
Recreational Competition - These competitions offer a fun, social environment for skaters of all levels to gain experience, from basic skills to more advanced categories. These are often area competitions run by clubs.
Skate Ontario STAR and Provincial Series - STAR Competitions, sanctioned by Skate Ontario, are events for skaters in the Skate Canada STAR program, offering them a little more challenging but fun, fair, and safe environment without the pressure of the competitive, or "pre-competitive," track. These events cater to skaters of all ages.
The Provincial Series are for STAR 5-Gold who want to qualify for the Provincial Championships. See link below for more information.
Competitive Stream - The Skate Canada competitive stream is the path for skaters who have advanced beyond the recreational STARskate levels to compete in higher-level events like sectional championships, the Skate Canada Challenge, and the Canadian National Skating Championships. It is structured through a series of qualifying events that determine advancement to the next stage. These skaters can still compete in the Provincial Series competitions. A list of cross-over events permitted can be found here.
Skate Ontario STAR and Recreational competition categories
Supplementary categories
Skate Ontario Events
- Singles: Includes the STAR 1-5 levels and the higher STAR 6-Gold levels.
- Ice Dance: Includes both Pattern Dance and Solo Dance events.
- Pairs: Competitions for skaters performing in pairs.
- Synchronized Skating: Specifically, the STAR 6 and 8 Synchro teams are mentioned for qualifying events.
- Artistic: A specific category for artistic performances.
- Adult: Categories specifically for adult skaters.
- Special Olympics: Categories for Special Olympics skaters.
Supplementary categories
- Showcase, Elements, and Creative Improv: These are supplementary categories that are not part of the standard STAR assignment process and are typically offered in the recreational competitions.
Skate Ontario Events
- STAR 1-4:
Skaters are assessed to standard. Each required element is given bronze, silver, or gold ratings and an overall assessment is awarded. They receive a report card and ribbons for their performances. (So there could be multiple Gold, Silver and Bronze results in each category). A new assignment process is used for skaters to attend competitions sanctioned by Skate Ontario. See link below. - STAR 5-Gold:
Skaters in these higher levels have specific requirements and assessments and are ranked (1st, 2nd, 3rd etc. with medals). They will need to have passed certain tests to compete at different levels.
2025-2026 Area Competition Dates
Nov. 29&30, 2025 - Collingwood Winter Glitters
Jan. 24, 2026 - Walkerton Challenge and Cheer
Feb. 6, 2026 - Meaford Lutz Skate
Mar. 14, 2026 - Tara Just for the Fun of It
*Links to competition pages will be added once they become available.
Nov. 29&30, 2025 - Collingwood Winter Glitters
Jan. 24, 2026 - Walkerton Challenge and Cheer
Feb. 6, 2026 - Meaford Lutz Skate
Mar. 14, 2026 - Tara Just for the Fun of It
*Links to competition pages will be added once they become available.