In conjunction with the implementation of the new Components Program, Skate Canada reviewed all Program Components factors. This review had two goals:
1. Technical Element Score (TES) vs Program Element Score (PCS):
The percentage contributed by TES and PCS to the overall score was revised for all categories and sections with the aim of contributing more equally. In general, this resulted in PCs being weighted more heavily in relation to the overall score. Here’s a summary of the changes:
Singles and couples: Pre-Junior, Juvenile, Pre-Novice, Novice and STAR 5 to 9: PC factors increased by about 15%. This represents a 5% to 9% increase in overall score. STAR 10 and Gold: Previously these tiers used the same PC factors as STAR 5, 6 and 8. This resulted in a significant imbalance between TES and PCS. Therefore, the coefficients for STAR 10 and Gold have increased accordingly and represent an average increase of 19% in the overall score. Ice dancing: Pattern dance: at all levels there was a significant imbalance between TES and PCS in the pattern dance sections. To reduce this difference, the PC factors have been increased accordingly, representing approximately a 10-15% increase in dance pattern score. Free Dance: PC factors for all levels have been increased by approximately 20%. This represents approximately a 7% increase in the free dance score. Together, increases in PC factors for dance pattern and free dance represent an average 10% increase in total score. Synchronized Skating: no changes to PC factors were required for synchronized skating
The resulting increases in overall rating due to the increased Program Elements factors will be significant when comparing any ratings to previous seasons.
2. Relative weights of PC factors:
As outlined in Skate Canada LTD, the development of fundamental skating skills is critical in the Learn to Train stage of development (Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile and STAR levels 5 to 8). To support this essential aspect of development, the weight of the Skills of the Component Skating Program has been increased significantly. Additionally, Learn to Train categories (except dance pattern) are evaluated using only skating skills and presentation. Composition is not evaluated at this level. These changes aim to support the focus on learning key skills at the Learn to Train level. Pattern Dances will be evaluated using Timing, Presentation and Skating Skills. As a skater progresses through the Train to Train stage all three components of the Program are evaluated: Composition, Presentation and Skating Skills. All Program Item factors are published in the Scoring of Skate Canada Competition Rule.
