2023-2024 Provincial Series/STAR 1-4 Events

It is that time of year where we are planning for the upcoming season and are asking you to indicate your availability for the upcoming season. This survey will be used in the selection and assignment of Officials for the Provincial Series (this includes some events with STAR 1-4 categories) events in the 2023/2024 season.

We ask that you not book anything else for the dates that you are providing availability for. This version of the survey is for events scheduled in November and December 2023. January - March 2024 events will be on a subsequent survey that will be sent out in August. Based on feedback from last season, we are adding extra time to the planning of events to ensure that everyone has information as soon as possible. 

Provincial Series Availability Survey

 The deadline for survey responses is July 30, 2023. A copy of your responses will be sent to the email used to complete the survey.  Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments that you may have. 

In the spirit of transparency, the principal goals of the Skate Ontario Provincial Assignment Working Group are:

- To have high quality officiating at all Provincial Series events

- To have well-balanced event panels including both experienced and progressing Officials

- Priority for assignment to Provincial Series events will be given according to the following criteria:

- Preference given to qualified Officials with the closest proximity to the event

- Preference given to Officials with the most availability for an event

- Preference given to Officials with fewer conflicts

- Multi-discipline Officials preferred (both qualified and those working towards promotion)

 To be considered for assignment at Provincial Championships in March, officials must have officiated at a minimum of one Provincial Series event (or higher) in the 2023-2024 season.

The Provincial Series Working Group will work closely with the Promotions & Pathway Working Group to prioritize the following Officials for assignment at Provincial Series events:

• Section level promotion candidates
• Section level Phase 2 candidates
• Officials working on a second or third discipline

Please note: Provincial Series events have defined travel budgets for Officials. The Provincial Assignments Working Group strives to balance the needs/requests of Officials with the established travel budget for each event. For those Officials travelling to events from a distance, any efforts you can make to reduce your travel expenses (i.e. carpooling with other officials close to you) would be greatly appreciated.  

2023-2024 Synchronized Skating Series

As we prepare for the 2023-2024 Synchronized skating season we ask all SYS officials to complete the availability survey for the SYS Series and Provincial/Sectional Series events which feature SYS.

Responses from the availability survey determine event invitations and assignments, and must be completed to be invited to events. As always, our goal is to assign as many of our officials as we can to SYS events, while striving for high quality officiating and balancing experience and development needs. We value all of our officials, and are doing our best to provide as many meaningful opportunities as possible throughout the season.

Synchro Series Availability Survey

A copy of your responses will be sent to the email used to complete the survey. Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments that you may have. 

In the spirit of transparency, the principal goals of Skate Ontario and the Synchronized Skating Working Group are:

- To have high quality officiating at all synchro events

- To have well-balanced panels including both experienced and progressing Officials

- To strive for panels of at least five judges at Synchro Series events

Priority for assignment to Synchro events will be given using the following criteria:

- Officials with the most availability for an event

- Officials with fewer conflicts

- Officials with most needed qualifications and experience

- Geographic proximity

- Promotion and experience needs (including phase 2 candidates, on-panel judging experience, and Canadian exam candidates)

Please note: Synchro Series events have defined travel budgets for Officials. The Synchro Working Group and Tech Reps strive to balance the promotion & pathway needs/requests of Officials with the established travel budget for each event. For those Officials travelling to events from a distance, any efforts you can make to reduce your travel expenses (i.e. carpooling with other officials close to you) would be greatly appreciated.

Requirements to Officiate

All Officials must complete the following in order to be in good standing with Skate Ontario/Skate Canada and be eligible to officiate in the 2023/2024 season:

·   Update their Skate Canada membership registration with their home club.

·   Complete Respect in Sport, Rowan’s Law & Code of Conduct for Officials online modules. 

Sterling Backcheck Screening is required for all officials. Screening must be completed through Skate Canada. Further information can be found on the Skate Canada member portal<official. The screening is valid for 3 years.

·   Know their login credentials for the Skate Canada Member portal. This is required to login to the CSS program at competitions.

Recordings & Presentations

We are in the process of setting up a JET SharePoint to facilitate access to recording of our Officials’ webinars and presentations. As you are added to the group, you will receive an email from Skate Ontario JET referencing how to participate. Click the wording “Go to SharePoint” and this will allow you access to the videos and presentations.

Please reach out to Therese, [email protected] with any questions that you may have.  

Upcoming Education & Development Opportunities

1.     Pair and Novice Ice Dance Clinics

Thank you to those who completed the Expression of Interest surveys sent out with the last JET Communication. 

Based on the Expression of Interest responses for the Pair Judge Seminar a decision has been made to deliver this seminar in a hybrid manner – Two 3 hr sessions online in early August and a third in-person session at either the August or October Sectional Series.

To confirm your commitment your participation for the Pair Judge Seminar – please complete the Pair Judge – Commitment of Participation by July 21.

Pair Judge – Commitment of Participation – Hybrid Format – August, September/October 2023

For the Novice Ice Dance Clinic, we are targeting late September/early October should interest increase. If you still want to participate in this clinic, please complete the Expression of Interest form by Novice Dance Judge Clinic – Hybrid Format - September & October 2023

2.     2023-2024 Season Kick-Offs

Thank you to those who attended the Season Kick-Off sessions this week and provided valuable input for future programming. A special thank you to our session leaders: Judging – Erin Chellew, Ron Conacher, Sabrina Wong and Limin Lao. Technical Officials – Andrea Derby and Rock Lemay.

We will be scheduling a follow up session in early September to update, clarify and address questions arising from the Sectional Series events of the summer and any additional communications that may come from the ISU and Skate Canada. 

Therese will be forwarding information regarding how to access the recordings for those that were unable to attend sessions or wish to revisit the information.

3.    Not Officiating Right Away - Practice with Streamed Events 

Take advantage of an opportunity to practice online before your first event! This season all Sectional Series events will be live streamed. This is a great opportunity for everyone to take some time and brush off the rust after a few months away from the rink. From the comfort of your own home, you can practice online, see what’s coming for the season and strengthen your assessment skills. Links to the competition schedules, live streaming links and detailed results will be available at Skate Ontario Detailed Events.

For any questions regarding evaluating and Assessment Days, please reach out to Dia Sue-Wah-Sing, Coordinator, Officials.

For any questions regarding Officials development or event support, please reach out to Therese Bilsborough, Manager, Officials.

#SkateOntarioProud

Skate Ontario | [email protected] | www.skateontario.org