There are competitions all over the province that our skaters can enter to compete. Instead of hockey games and tournaments, figure skaters go to competitions, seminars and assessment days (after STAR 5), each time they learn and improve so at the end of the year for the Winter Classic competition (Provincials) they are performing at their best! 

Going to seminars is a great way for skaters to experience a different training environment and learn from other coaches. In Saskatchewan we have 2 main seminars for STARSkaters: The Rising Stars seminar is geared towards skaters transitioning from CanSkate to StarSkate up to Star 5, the STAR seminar is gear towards STARSkaters from Star 3+ with an emphasis on training for higher levels of skating both on ice & off ice. 

At STAR 3 skaters can apply for the Prospects Program that offers opportunities that encompass two training sessions with guest coaches, workshops, and skill-building opportunities.

These events will have a cost associated, registration fees will be set by hosting club/committee and will differ depending on what type of event. Additional costs will be coaching, travel and most competitions have vendors selling skating related items.

Competition and Assessment Tips

For assessment days wear a nice practice or competition dress (or outfit). Dresses or outfits should fit well and not have overly long skirts as the judges will want to see you are making the correct moves with your body. Fix your hair as you would for a competition. 

For competitions selecting an outfit that matches your music is important so it doesn’t distract from your performance but adds to it. Hair must be put up in either a bun if hair is long enough, try to keep stray hairs to a minimum. Make up will help the judges see your face and expression which is part of your overall performance and evaluation.

BEFORE your event:

• Skate in your dress or outfit a few times before the actual day of the event. This way you can get a feel for what it will be like to skate in it and be sure that it will stretch with your jumps, etc. or make adjustments before competition. Repair any holes or loose decorations as you don’t want those falling off on the ice. Pack a sewing kit and safety pins for emergency fixes.
• Your coach will likely receive the competition or test schedule and then forward it on to you, but in the event that you receive it first, give it to your coach as soon as you receive it. 
• Confirm any hotel/travel reservations. Be sure for any construction or road hazards that can cause delays to the rink 
• In your skate bag: Pack skates (make sure you have both of them!), guards, soft guards, blade cloth, skate polish (in a plastic bag), screwdriver, practice and competition outfits(in a dress bag), warm-up jacket (club jacket), extra laces, finger gloves, tights (bring an extra pair), hair accessories, and make-up. Make sure all of your items have your name on them.
• Polish your skates and change your laces to clean ones. If you are wearing over the boot tights you do not need to polish them but still need to change laces to prevent old laces breaking during competition! Most skaters also like to have their blades sharpened a week or two before competing or testing. DO NOT SHARPEN LESS THAN TWO PRACTICES BEFORE
• Make sure you have a back up copy of your music on a USB, test USBs before leaving! Make sure your USB is labelled with Name, Event, Music length. 

AT your event:

• Arrive at least 1 hr early.
• Check in at the registration desk as soon as you arrive then find your coach to begin off ice warm up.
• Be on your best behaviour. Remember that you are not only representing yourself, but also your family, your coach, and your skating club. Be an example for other skaters to look up to. 
• The rink will usually be very quiet at assessment days. Always show respect to the judges. Be sure to listen to the instructions of the assessment organizers and the judges.
• Expect a busy facility at competitions: lobby, dressing rooms, bleachers, vendor shops, snack areas and bathrooms. It is a good idea to have your hair and make-up ready before you get to the rink. 
• Keep track of your belongings. It is easy for items to become mixed up or lost. Always keep your skates with you!
• Don’t eat yourself silly. You can “snack” yourself into nerves, lack of energy, or bloated discomfort. Stick to light snacks like a small muffin or granola bar and water to drink.
• Be warmed up, dressed and ready to skate 20 minutes before your event. Check your appearance in a full-length mirror if it’s available. Hair and makeup should be neat, no stray hairs, buns, bobby pins, and scrunchies must be secure so they don’t fall out while you are skating!
• Keep your legs moving and warm before the announcer calls your group to take the ice. This way you will be ready to jump and spin during the all-too-short warm-up time.
• During your warm-up, remember that this is not a practice session. Be a stand-out. Skate with confidence and a purpose. Avoid the “pack” and skate for your own room on the ice. 
• Don’t rush.
• When it is your turn to skate, take a deep breath. Put on a big smile and give it your best!
• If anything is wrong with your music, go immediately to the judges stand and the referee will speak with you. Don’t be afraid of the referee, they are there to help you.
• Remember that all skaters have good days and bad days. Go out and do the best you can. Remember to smile and enjoy the experience.
• If you are disappointed in how you skated, don’t be too hard on yourself. Don’t forget that you can do something that many other people can’t, and be proud of that.

AFTER your event

• Be a gracious winner as well as a good loser. Results are usually posted within a half hour after your event finishes. It is unsportsmanlike to gloat about high marks but it is okay to be proud and excited about your results! Do not make unkind comments about competitors and judges over low marks.
• Check at the registration table for the time of the medal presentation. Be there on time, in your outfit, with your skates on.
• Don’t rush out of the rink after your event. Take some time to watch the other events and meet the other skaters. Watch events one level above your current level so you can get a good idea of what is expected at the next level. 
• Don’t forget your belongings before leaving the rink.
• Remember to have fun!

Travel to Competitive Events

In many cases, you will have to drive long distances to your competition site. Travel presents a variety of challenges for athletes, especially when a competition is on the line. Select familiar foods with the emphasis on a higher carbohydrate diet (e.g., grain products, vegetables, fruit, milk, yogurt, legumes, sport drinks, and sport bars) to top up energy (i.e. glycogen) stores. When driving to a competition, frequent stops will ensure that you stretch and move around. Predictable driving breaks may encourage you to consume fluids to stay hydrated, because you know there will be bathroom breaks en route. Appropriate healthy, portable snacks are always a good idea for travelling.