Officials are valued members of the Association who donate their time, knowledge and expertise to assist in the development of our athletes. In figure skating there are two main categories of officials judges/evaluators and data specialists
In the sport of figure skating all officials are volunteers and they are involved in skating because of their love of the sport and to assist in the development of both skaters and skating in this country. Their reward is to see skaters grow and improve throughout the years. The officials are ordinary people trained for a specific role in the sport of figure skating.
If you decide you want to become a Skate Canada official, you will have to meet certain criteria and complete certain tasks and activities to become To move up through the system, an official must follow the rules which have been established for promotion. This is to ensure that every judge who officiates at competitions is both qualified and competent.
The training that the Skate Canada Nova Scotia provides to its officials is held in high regard by other figure skating federations around the world and Canadian officials are widely considered as the best trained in the business!
If you are interested in becoming a Skate Canada Nova Scotia official, please contact the Skate Canada Nova Scotia office 902-425-5454 ext 336 or send an email to skatecanadans@sportnovascotia.ca
Evaluator
Evaluators assess skaters at test days which are arranged periodically by Skate Canada member clubs, so that their skaters can be assessed and move on to the next level or test. Evaluators are responsible for assessing the following tests:
- Preliminary to Gold Freeskate Tests
- Preliminary to Gold Dance Tests
- Skating Skills Preliminary to Gold
- Dance Variation/Bronze Rhythm/Silver and Gold Interpretive Dance Tests
- Diamond Dance Tests
- Bronze to Gold InterpretiveTests
At a test session, the evaluator coordinates and evaluates the tests to which they have been assigned. During the tests, the evaluator acts as the assessor and referee controlling the on-ice activities. When training to be an evaluator, candidates will be taught how to manage test days where the importance of making decisions in the best interests of the skater is emphasized.
Once a skater's test is completed and the test summary sheet has been signed and given to the skater, coach and parent, the skater can go to the evaluator for clarification on any points or with any questions they have. Although evaluators are usually very busy on test days, it is important to talk to them if there are any questions. If approached, evaluators will be happy to discuss any questions a coach, skater or parent has. Communication is encouraged, as this is the only way to ensure that everyone is receiving the same information.
Judges
Judges officiate at all levels of competitions, and also assess competitive tests. Potential judges must be at least 16 years old and are required to attend clinics and seminars, trial judge and take exams as they work their way up through the system. As their knowledge and experience increases, they qualify to judge higher levels of competition.
Data Specialists
Data Specialists are the individuals who are responsible for calculating the marks awarded by the judges and tabulating the final result. At other events they will be in the result calculation centre. Generally, each event will have a chief data specialist. The chief data specialist ensures that all accounting rules are followed when determining the result of an event. They work with the technical representative or referee to post results, attend draws.
Currently, most competition results are calculated using a computer. Some smaller or local competitions may do manual calculations. In both cases, data specialists check and re-check all calculations in order to ensure the accuracy of the results posted.
Data Specialists are required to attend clinics, write examinations and complete practical assignments in order to secure promotions.
Technical Representatives/Chief Referee
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The Technical Representative or the Chief Referee is responsible for all the technical aspects of a competition. He or can be responsible for the following items:
- development or review of competition announcement
- judging assignments (may also be responsible for acquiring judges for an event in conjunction with the applicable Section personnel)
- conduct of draws for practice groups, skating order, compulsory dances etc., generally in conjunction with the Chief Accountant
- development or review of competition schedule (all practices and events, ice resurfacing and, for synchronized skating, dressing room assignments)
- facility review and room allocation for officials (judges and accountant
- location of judges, accountants and music personnel by the ice surface on-site trouble shooting
- liaison between coaches, judges, parents, organizing committee, accountants, media
The technical representative's role demands time and expertise. The individual must be available to all stakeholders on-site, and to the officials and organizing committee before, during and after the event. He or she is a key contact between skaters, coaches, parents and the judges and referees.
Judges are available to discuss aspects of events, once the event is officially complete. If a coach, skater or parent has questions about a particular placing, or the rationale behind marks awarded, the coach should approach the technical representative to arrange a time for discussion. This open dialogue is encouraged to ensure that all players are on the same page, and to share knowledge from all points of view. Judges are willing to discuss their own placings and marks awarded, but cannot comment on the marks or placings awarded by their peers.
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