Official's Guide to Skate Canada Judging and Technical Panels 2026-27

• A technical controller is 16 or older and is responsible for accurate technical panel process. The technical controller authorizes, corrects, deletes and adds elements on the list of elements performed during an event.
• Technical controllers are qualified to act on panels at or below a specified level of competition in one or more of singles, pairs, ice dance or synchronized skating.
• Before the event: prepares and moderates the pre-event panel meeting, and does a sound check with each panel member 10 minutes before the start.
• During the program: checks the data screen periodically to make sure the panel's calls are being entered correctly, and can call a review if an error is found.
• In a review: leads the process, makes sure both technical specialists give an opinion, and breaks the tie if they split. If the TC disagrees with a consensus of both specialists, the TC voices that opinion but does not attempt to change the view of any panel member. The TC confirms the replay speed with the data and replay operator and summarizes the final call back to the operator for input.
• Authorizing: after the read-back, and once TS1 and TS2 say "Agree", the TC instructs "Elements Authorized". The referee and the technical controller must authorize the release of results and any later revisions.
• Afterwards: moderates the post-event technical panel discussion at international competitions when there is no technical panel assessor.

Sources: Skate Canada, https://info.skatecanada.ca/index.php/en-ca/rules-of-sport/52-marking-of-skate-canada-competitions.html; ISU Technical Panel Handbook, Single Skating 2026-2027, https://isu-d8g8b4b7ece7aphs.a03.azurefd.net/isudamcontainer/CMS/Corporate-Site/Sports-Rules/Figure-Skating-Rules/Handbooks-Single-&-Pair-Skating/TP-HandbookSingles-26-27-15-July-2026-1784641784-3364.pdf

• A technical specialist is 16 or older and identifies the elements and their levels of difficulty in competition. The technical specialist also identifies falls and illegal elements.
• Technical specialists are qualified to act on panels at or below a specified level of competition in one or more of singles, pairs, ice dance or synchronized skating.
• A technical panel has two technical specialists (TS1 and TS2) working as a team with one technical controller.
• TS1 makes the calls as the skater performs each element, so judges have time to register their GOE. TS2 makes the pre-calls from the skater's first movement.
• In a review, TS1 and TS2 each give an opinion on the element. For spins, TS1 marks and counts the revolutions aloud so the whole panel can agree or disagree with the call. After the read-back, both TS1 and TS2 say "Agree" before the technical controller authorizes the elements.
• Where the skater attempts a flying spin and fails, the panel should call it a flying spin rather than just "spin", so the asterisk (no value) is assigned to the right spin.

Sources: Skate Canada, https://info.skatecanada.ca/index.php/en-ca/rules-of-sport/52-marking-of-skate-canada-competitions.html; ISU Technical Panel Handbook, Single Skating 2026-2027, https://isu-d8g8b4b7ece7aphs.a03.azurefd.net/isudamcontainer/CMS/Corporate-Site/Sports-Rules/Figure-Skating-Rules/Handbooks-Single-&-Pair-Skating/TP-HandbookSingles-26-27-15-July-2026-1784641784-3364.pdf

• Skate Canada role: a data specialist is 16 or older, and is trained and appointed to calculate the results of sanctioned competitions. Skate Canada data specialists are appointed at introductory, Level I, Level II and Level III.
• On the technical panel (ISU handbook, where the role is called Data and Replay Operator): the operator inputs the panel's calls, runs the video replay at the speed the technical controller instructs, and reads back "the list" of elements, all deductions and the total number of falls at the end of the review. The technical controller then instructs the operator to authorize the elements, and the operator confirms once the authorization has been sent.
• The operator takes part in the sound check before the event. If a fall is called outside an element, the replay operator must make sure it is not included in that element's video clip.
• At international competitions, ISU events and the Olympics, data and replay operators attend the pre-event panel meeting, and the post-event discussion when possible.
• Skate Canada data specialists are trained in the Competition Scoring System (CSS) for the Cumulative Points Calculation (CPC) judging system.

Sources: Skate Canada Officials Appointment and Qualification Procedure, https://info.skatecanada.ca/index.php/en-ca/procedures/501-officials-appointment-qualification-procedure.html; ISU Technical Panel Handbook, Single Skating 2026-2027, https://isu-d8g8b4b7ece7aphs.a03.azurefd.net/isudamcontainer/CMS/Corporate-Site/Sports-Rules/Figure-Skating-Rules/Handbooks-Single-&-Pair-Skating/TP-HandbookSingles-26-27-15-July-2026-1784641784-3364.pdf

This follows the ISU Technical Panel Handbook for Single Skating 2026-2027 (15 July 2026), the calling procedure recommendations it sets out.

• Before the event: the technical controller (TC) prepares a pre-event meeting covering the Code of Ethics and conflicts of interest, new rules for the season, who does what, calling and review processes, and the practice schedule. Panels are encouraged to attend official practice together and discuss grey zone elements, but element calls must not be pre-determined: final calls are based solely on what is performed in the competition.
• Ten minutes before the start: the TC does a sound check with each panel member.
• During the program: technical specialist 2 (TS2) makes pre-calls from the skater's first movement ("First element: jump / spin / step / choreo"). TS1 makes clear calls as the skater performs the element, so judges have time to register their GOE. Calls are of the elements actually performed rather than the required elements.
• Falls: a fall during an element is called with the element ("3F, Fall"). A fall outside an element is called "Fall outside", and the replay operator keeps it out of that element's video clip. Falls are reviewed at normal speed.
• Starting late: an element started after the required time plus the 10 seconds allowed must not be identified and has no value.
• Review: TS1, TS2 or the TC may call "REVIEW" (only that word, with no reason spoken). In the review, TS1 gives an opinion first, then TS2, then the TC (jumps). If TS1 and TS2 split, the TC breaks the tie. Video should not be replayed more than twice. Recommended speeds: regular for falls and jump take-offs, slow for take-off edge checks and for checking minimum spin revolutions, super slow for jump landings.
• Finishing: the data operator reads back the list of elements, all falls and deductions. Anyone who sees an input error says "STOP". TS1 and TS2 each say "Agree", then the TC instructs "Elements Authorized".
• After the event: at international competitions the panel holds a closed post-event discussion covering teamwork, difficult decisions and grey zone calls.

Source: ISU Technical Panel Handbook, Single Skating 2026-2027, https://isu-d8g8b4b7ece7aphs.a03.azurefd.net/isudamcontainer/CMS/Corporate-Site/Sports-Rules/Figure-Skating-Rules/Handbooks-Single-&-Pair-Skating/TP-HandbookSingles-26-27-15-July-2026-1784641784-3364.pdf

• Each judge gives an element a GOE on an 11-point scale from -5 to +5. A GOE of 0 means the element is worth its normal Base Value.
• Step 1, starting GOE from the positive bullets (ISU Communication 2788, season 2026/27): +1 needs 1 bullet, +2 needs 2, +3 needs 3, +4 needs 4, and +5 needs 5 or more. For a starting GOE or final GOE of +4 or +5, the first two bullets (highlighted in bold in the communication) must be present. For example, the jump bullets include very good height and length, good take-off and landing, effortless throughout, unexpected or creative entry/exit, very good body position and the element matching the music.
• Step 2, reductions for errors: the judge then reduces the GOE using the error charts, and the result is the final GOE. If there is any mistake that requires a reduction, the starting GOE cannot be higher than +4.
• Multiple errors: the reductions are added. In Pair Skating, a mistake by one partner or the same mistake by both partners gives the same reduction.
• Fixed values: a fall is -5. An element performed fully or partly when music is not playing is -1 to -4. In the short program a jump element with an asterisk (not according to requirements) must have a final GOE of -5.
• Starting GOE capped at +2 for: fall, landing on two feet, stepping out of landing, wrong edge (e), downgraded jump (<<), poor take-off, two three turns between jumps, unequal number of revolutions by partners, serious problems during a lift or on the catch of a twist, short program spins with missing revolutions, spins with a poor change of foot, and spins with a poor fly and/or incorrect take-off or landing.
• Examples from the chart: jump under-rotated (<) -2 to -3; step out of landing, landing on two feet or downgraded (<<) -3 to -4; spin missing 1 or 2 revolutions -1 to -2, 3 or more -3 to -4.

Sources: ISU Communication 2788 (Season 2026/27), https://isa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2788-SP-Levels-and-GOE-2026-Updated-MAY-19-1779351385-9626.pdf (national federation copy of the ISU communication); Skate Canada, https://info.skatecanada.ca/index.php/en-ca/rules-of-sport/52-marking-of-skate-canada-competitions.html

• Three components: Composition, Presentation and Skating Skills (Pattern Dances use Timing in place of Composition). Each is marked from 0.25 to 10.0 in 0.25 steps.
• Mark bands (ISU Communication 2788): 10 Outstanding, 9.75 Excellent, 9.00-9.50 and 8.00-8.75 Very good, 7.00-7.75 Good, 6.00-6.75 Above average, 5.00-5.75 Average, 4.00-4.75 Below average, 3.00-3.75 Weak, 2.00-2.75 Poor, 1.00-1.75 Very poor, 0.25-0.75 Extremely poor.
• Serious errors: falls and mistakes that break the delivery of the program. With one serious error, the maximum for each component is 9.50. With two or more, the maximum is 8.75. A mistake by both partners (for example a fall by two skaters) counts as two errors, inside or outside an element. Each mark must still meet the criteria for its range even when there are serious errors.
• Pairs: the criteria must be demonstrated equally by both skaters. If there are notable differences between them, the mark should reflect the unit as a whole, for example the middle mark between the two skaters. Unison is a Skating Skills criterion.
• Interruptions not caused by the skater (for example music problems, lights or a fire alarm) should not affect the Program Components score.
• Referee checks: the ISU handbook suggests reviewing a judge's marks across the whole competition. Questions include whether differences between skaters are shown (for example a 7 for good composition and a 4 for fair), whether one component is always highest, and whether starting order or the previous segment result has affected the marks.

Sources: ISU Communication 2788 (Season 2026/27), https://isa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2788-SP-Levels-and-GOE-2026-Updated-MAY-19-1779351385-9626.pdf (national federation copy of the ISU communication); ISU Handbook for Referees and Judges 2026-27, https://isu-d8g8b4b7ece7aphs.a03.azurefd.net/isudamcontainer/CMS/Corporate-Site/Sports-Rules/Figure-Skating-Rules/Handbooks-Single-&-Pair-Skating/Handbook-for-Referees-and-Judges-2026-27-1779278300-9402.pdf; Skate Canada, https://info.skatecanada.ca/index.php/en-ca/rules-of-sport/52-marking-of-skate-canada-competitions.html

• Panel GOE: the trimmed mean of the judges' GOEs. The highest and lowest values are deleted and the rest averaged. If fewer than five scores are entered for an element or component, all entered values are used. The result is rounded to two decimal places.
• Element score: the element's Base Value plus the panel GOE. The Total Element Score is the sum of all element scores.
• Program components: each component's panel score is also a trimmed mean, rounded to two decimals, then multiplied by a factor and rounded to two decimals. The three factored results are added to give the Program Component score.
• Junior and Senior factors (applied to each of the three components):
  • Short program: Women and Pairs 1.33, Men 1.67.
  • Free skating: Women and Pairs 2.67, Men 3.33.
• Segment score: Total Element Score plus factored Program Component scores, plus any bonuses, minus any deductions.
• Second-half bonus: in Junior and Senior singles the Base Value (not the GOE) of the last jump element in the second half of the short program, and of the last three jump elements in the second half of the free skate, is multiplied by 1.1 and rounded to two decimals. The second half starts in the middle of the required time, ignoring the 10-second allowance.

Source: Skate Canada, Scoring of Skate Canada Competitions, https://info.skatecanada.ca/index.php/en-ca/rules-of-sport/52-marking-of-skate-canada-competitions.html

Skate Canada's rule on the marking of competitions sets these deductions for singles and pairs (Junior and Senior values shown, with Novice in brackets):

Applied by the technical panel

• Falls: 1.00 each at Junior and Senior (0.50 at Novice). In Senior singles the deduction rises with the number of falls: 1.00 for the 1st and 2nd, 2.00 for the 3rd and 4th, 3.00 for five or more. In pairs and ice dance falls are counted per skater.
• Illegal element: 2.00 per violation (1.00).

Applied by the referee

• Program time violation: 1.00 for every five seconds lacking or in excess (0.50).
• Part of the costume or decoration falls on the ice: 1.00 per program (0.50).
• Interruption of up to 40 seconds: 1.00 for 11-20 seconds, 2.00 for 21-30, 3.00 for 31-40 (0.50 / 1.00 / 1.50).
• Three-minute interruption allowance: 5.00 (2.50).
• Late start: 1.00 for 1-30 seconds late (0.50). A skater 31 or more seconds late is withdrawn.

Applied by a majority of the judges plus the referee

• Costume or prop violation: 1.00 (0.50).

The referee and the technical controller must authorize the release of results and any later revisions.

Source: Skate Canada, Scoring of Skate Canada Competitions, https://info.skatecanada.ca/index.php/en-ca/rules-of-sport/52-marking-of-skate-canada-competitions.html

• You must be 16 or older. You contact or apply to the Section Officials Committee in your province or territory, which handles initial appointments and promotions.
• Each judging level is a prerequisite for the next. The pathway is STAR 1-4 Event Assessor, then Singles, Pairs, Ice Dance or Synchronized Skating Judge, then Challenge Judge (singles, pairs, ice dance), then Canadian Judge, then International or ISU Judge. The Canadian and International levels include a written exam at the Canadian Championships.
• Where the Section Officials Committee considers it necessary, video exercises may stand in for actual or demonstrated exercises.
• Referees follow a separate pathway: Invitational/Section Referee (Regional Referee for synchronized skating), then Challenge Referee, then Canadian Referee, then International or ISU Referee. A referee is an experienced judge with further training who conducts the event and monitors the performance of the judging panel.
• Challenge, Canadian and International appointments are made by the Officials' Assignment and Promotion Committee. Applications for Challenge exams are due March 1 each year.
• The Section Officials Committee can require extra seminars, clinics or exams as a condition of continued appointment.

Source: Skate Canada Officials Appointment and Qualification Procedure, https://info.skatecanada.ca/index.php/en-ca/procedures/501-officials-appointment-qualification-procedure.html

Technical officials (technical controller, technical specialist, Base Level Technical Official)

• You must be 16 or older.
• The pathway runs Base Level Technical Official (singles only), then Section (singles, pairs, ice dance) or Regional (synchronized skating), then Challenge, then Canadian, then International or ISU. Canadian and International levels include a written exam at the Canadian Championships.
• Technical controllers and technical specialists have separate appointments at each level.
• Base Level Technical Officials can only be assigned to events where elements are called no higher than base level and juvenile singles.
• A candidate can go on a panel before completing Phase II as long as there are two other Section-level qualified people on the panel for practice. A candidate who wants to officiate in between must do the Base Level Phase II first.
• Phase II Technical Panel Assessor appointments are separate for each discipline and each position (technical controller or technical specialist). The prerequisites are at least section-level qualification in that position and discipline, and satisfactory activity as a controller or specialist for at least two consecutive seasons. Assessors are judged on technical knowledge, communication, deportment and leadership skills.
• "Skating background" means any two STAR 5 free skate, skills or dance assessments, or any one STAR 6 or higher assessment.

Data specialists

• You must be 16 or older and trained and appointed to calculate results of sanctioned competitions.
• Section Data Specialist Committees run training clinics based on need (location, discipline and level). Levels run from introductory through Level I, II and III, and a new clinic and new assessment are required for each promotion.

Source: Skate Canada Officials Appointment and Qualification Procedure, https://info.skatecanada.ca/index.php/en-ca/procedures/501-officials-appointment-qualification-procedure.html

Who approves

• The Section Officials Committee approves section-level promotions, including STAR 1-4 Event Assessor to senior judge, invitational to section referee, Base Level Technical Officials, and section-level technical controllers and technical specialists. These take effect on the date of approval.
• The Officials' Assignment and Promotion Committee approves Skate Canada Challenge and Canadian Championship judges, referees, technical controllers and technical specialists. It also selects candidates for Canadian and International exams.
• Introductory and Level I data specialists are approved by the Section Data Specialist Committee. Level II and III data specialists are approved by the National Office.
• Applications for Challenge exams are due March 1 every year.
• Training requirements are valid for three years from the date of completion. Extensions are requested in writing to the Section Officials Committee.

After inactivity

• Officials inactive for more than 24 months must apply to their Section Officials Committee to be reappointed, at a level no higher than their previous one.
• Judges (juvenile to senior sectional or regional) inactive 24 to 36 months provide at least two satisfactory trial-judging reports at the level sought. For novice and senior these cover complete events, with a total of two short/rhythm and two free segments. Over 36 months they follow the full promotion procedure.
• Referees inactive 24 to 36 months are reappointed as a judge and satisfactorily referee at least one complete invitational event (one short/rhythm and one free). Over 36 months they follow the promotion procedure.
• Technical officials inactive 24 to 36 months pass the Phase I Technical Rules Written Exam (online) and complete Phase II assessments. Over 36 months they follow the appointment procedure again.
• Data specialists (introductory, Level I and II) inactive 24 to 36 months confirm prior Competition Scoring System training (or complete a section clinic), complete the data specialist workbook (Levels I and II) and assist at one competition with satisfactory assessments from the chief data specialist.

Appeals of a Section Officials Committee decision go in writing to the staff lead of the Officials' Assignment and Promotion Committee, with the section chair copied.

Source: Skate Canada Officials Appointment and Qualification Procedure, https://info.skatecanada.ca/index.php/en-ca/procedures/501-officials-appointment-qualification-procedure.html