What are the rules on costumes, accessories and props?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under Competitions Rule 2.7:

Clothing must be modest, dignified and suited to athletic competition, not garish or theatrical. It may reflect the character of the music.
Accessories and props are not permitted. Judges and the Referee apply a deduction for either.
Costume decorations must be non-detachable. If part of a costume falls on the ice, judges and the Referee apply a deduction.
A CSA-approved hockey helmet is not deducted.
Synchronized skating: no feathers or face rhinestones, and costumes that transform in appearance are treated as props.

Deduction sizes for a costume or prop violation (per program) are 0.20 for Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile and STAR 5-8; 0.50 for Pre-Novice and Novice; and 1.00 for Junior and Senior. Part of a costume falling on the ice carries the same amounts.

Source: Skate Canada Rule Book, Competitions (last updated 14 July 2026); Scoring of Skate Canada Competitions (last updated 30 June 2026).