This is a summary of the changes to the Podium Pathway Singles, Pairs and Ice Dance Program Requirements for the 2026-2027 season. This is not a comprehensive summary of all changes. Please refer to the recently posted Reference Guides for all changes. A complete version of the Requirements Guides will be available later this spring.
These changes aim to continue supporting the benchmarks included in the Podium Pathway of the Skate Canada LTD. All changes for Junior and Senior Singles and Pairs are per the ISU Technical Rules.
Singles
Program Components: The number of Program Components at the Pre-Juvenile and Juvenile levels has increased from two to three.
Jump Requirements and Repetition Rules: The following changes to jump elements have been implemented:
- Total jump elements in the Free Program for Novice, Junior, and Senior categories has been reduced from seven to six.
- Maximum number of jump combinations/sequences in Pre-Novice and higher has been reduced from three to two.
- In Novice and higher, the same jump type (regardless of number of revolutions) may not be included more than three times.
Euler: An Euler will be considered a non-listed jump. It will have no value when used in a jump combination between two listed jumps. It will no longer be counted in the number of jumps included in a jump combination. An Euler cannot be included in the jump combination of the Short Program. When permitted, an Euler can only be executed once in Free Skating.
Spins: The following changes to Spins have been implemented:
- In Juvenile, a maximum of Level 1 can be achieved in the CCoSp. This can only be achieved by 8 revolutions in a sit or camel. This can be in a basic sit or camel position or in a difficult variation.
- In Novice, the number of spins in the Free Program has been reduced from three to two.
- In Junior and Senior, one spin has been replaced with a Choreographic Spin.
Choreographic Sequence: The Step Sequence in Novice has been replaced with a Choreographic Sequence. This matches the requirement for Junior.
Bonus Structure: The bonus for four or more different triple jumps in a Novice Free Program has been removed.
Program Times: With the reduction of elements in the Novice Free Program, the program length has been reduced to 3 minutes (+/- 10 seconds).
Pairs
Program Components: The number of Program Components at the Juvenile level has increased from two to three.
Jump Elements in Juvenile: To give coaches and skaters more time to focus on pair elements, the number of jump elements in the Juvenile Free Program has been reduced from two to one.
Jump Combination and Sequences: The Jump Combination or Sequence in Junior and Senior has been reduced to a maximum of two jumps.
Short Program: The regular rotation of elements in the Short Program has been updated. Please note for Junior and Senior that the spin will be a Pair Combination Spin for the 2026-2027 season.
Increase in Maximum Level: The maximum level for the Solo Spin, Pair Spin, and Death Spiral in Pre-Novice has been increased to Level 4.
Choreographic Elements: In alignment with changes by the ISU, the following changes to Choreographic Elements have been implemented:
- The Choreographic Sequence has been removed from all Pair Free Programs.
- A Choreographic Pair Spin has been added at the Junior and Senior Free Program.
- A Choreographic Pair Lift has been added at the Senior level, replacing one lift.
Bonus Structure: Consult the reference guide for comprehensive information on bonuses and their values. Please note that bonuses have been added at the Novice and Junior level.
Singles and Pairs Choreographic Elements
The ISU has released ISU Communication 2769 which includes the definitions and positive marking guidelines for the Choreographic Elements in Singles and Pairs Free Skating which will apply starting in the 2026-2027 skating season.
Ice Dance
Assessment Requirements: To align with other disciplines and to ensure safety and balance of teams, assessments requirements have been added for the second partner:
- Any Star 6 assessment for Pre Novice
- Any Star 8 assessment for Novice
- Any Gold assessment for Junior and Senior
Per Competitions Rule 6, assessments must be passed at least three weeks prior to the Sectional Championship. In non-Qualifying Competitions, competitors may be permitted to ‘skate up’ a Category without having completed the assessment requirements.
Pattern Dance Rotation: To aid coaches in planning, the pattern dances for the 2026-2027 and the 2027-2028 season are included in the Ice Dance Reference Guide.
Step Sequences: The step sequence requirements in the Pre-Novice Free Dance have been revised to match the requirements at higher levels (i.e. straight or curved).
Synchronized Twizzles: The twizzle requirements in the Juvenile and Pre-Novice Free Dance have been revised to match the requirements at the higher levels (i.e. maximum steps between twizzles, option for contact).
Junior & Senior Categories: Junior and Senior Ice Dance requirements remain subject to the ISU and will be updated per ISU communication once available.
Solo Dance: Requirements for Solo Ice Dance will follow in April.
This Summary of Changes is provided for information purposes only. Officials, coaches, and athletes should consult the full 2026–2027 Program Requirements documents for complete and authoritative requirements.
The Rule Book will be updated with the 2026-2027 requirements on or before July 1st.