Figure skating competitions occur at various levels throughout the year, with events organized regionally, nationally, and internationally. Here's a general breakdown of some key competitions and levels:
Regional Level:
- Regional Championships: These are typically organized within specific regions or districts, serving as qualifiers for higher-level competitions.
Sectional Level:
- Sectional Championships: Held within larger geographic areas, sectional championships serve as qualifiers for national competitions.
National Level:
- National Championships: Each country hosts its own national championships to determine the national champions in various categories (singles, pairs, ice dance).
International Level:
- Grand Prix Series: A series of international events sanctioned by the International Skating Union (ISU), including:
- Skate America
- Skate Canada International
- Cup of China
- NHK Trophy
- Rostelecom Cup
- Internationaux de France
- Four Continents Championships: A prestigious competition for skaters from the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
- European Championships: An annual event for skaters from Europe.
- World Championships: The pinnacle event in figure skating, determining world champions in each category.
- Olympic Games: Held every four years, the Winter Olympics feature figure skating as a core sport, including singles, pairs, and ice dance disciplines.
These competitions provide platforms for skaters to showcase their skills, earn rankings, and qualify for higher-level events based on their performances.