2026 In-House Competition: Basic 1 to Intermediate 2
Darwin Ice Skating Centre is pleased to announce its 2026 In-House Skating Competition.
Competition categories are available for skaters of all levels. A skater’s highest level passed at the close of entries will determine the level they are eligible to enter in each category. Skaters may enter multiple categories.
Competition Date: Friday 14 August 2026, from 5pm
Entry Fee: $30 per skater, per category
Eligibility: Competitors must be enrolled in Term 3 group lessons and be registered with Aussie Skate.
Judges: Accredited judges invited from interstate
Medals: Gold, Silver, and Bronze will be awarded to the top three places.
Photography and Videography: Parents and guardians may photograph or video only their own skater.
Special Notes
- Basic 1 skaters may compete in the Basic 1 level, as there is no preceding level.
- New Free Skate 1 students enrolled in Term 3 may compete in the Intermediate 2 level while continuing their regular group lessons.
Skills Category
Basic 1 (Level 1)
Competitors will be assessed on:
- The highest number of consecutive forward swizzles up the ice;
- The highest number of consecutive rocking horses performed in a row; and
- Overall skating quality.
Basic 2 (Level 2)
Competitors will be assessed on:
- The highest number of consecutive forward half-swizzle pumps up the ice;
- The highest number of consecutive backward swizzles down the ice; and
- Overall skating quality.
Novice 1 (Levels 3 and 4)
Competitors will be assessed on:
- Forward stroking the length of the rink;
- Forward slaloms down the length of the rink; and
- Overall skating quality.
Novice 2 (Levels 5 and 6)
Competitors will be assessed on:
- The highest number of consecutive forward crossovers in the clockwise direction;
- The longest backward one-foot glide (on either foot), measured in seconds; and
- Overall skating quality.
Intermediate 1 (Levels 7 and 8)
Competitors will be assessed on:
- The longest backward outside edge around a red circle on both the right and left foot (combined time in seconds);
- The longest backward inside edge around a red circle on both the right and left foot (combined time in seconds); and
- Overall skating quality.
Intermediate 2 (Levels 9 and 10)
Competitors will be assessed on:
- Forward outside circle stroking in the clockwise direction for two laps of a circle;
- A two-foot spin from three backward crossovers with a minimum of three rotations; and
- Overall skating quality.
Competition Practice Sessions
Dedicated practice sessions will be available for competition participants. Please note that these sessions are in addition to regular group lessons.
Dates: Sunday 26 July, and Sunday 2 August 2026
Time: Any 30-minute session between 5pm and 6:30pm
Training fee: $40 per skater
Solo and Duo Categories
These categories are open to all skaters.
Competitors will compete within their own level and may wear an appropriate skating outfit, costume, or unitard.
These events are judged on overall presentation and audience appeal. Judges will be looking for skaters who:
- Interpret and connect with their music;
- Engage with the audience;
- Demonstrate confidence and performance quality; and
- Present an enjoyable and entertaining routine.
While artistic programs are welcome, this is not an artistic event. Technical difficulty is not the primary judging criterion.
Program Requirements
Basic 1, Basic 2 and Novice 1
- Program length: 1 minute
Novice 2 to Intermediate 2
- Program length: 1 minute 30 seconds (±10 seconds)
Preparing Your Program
If you would like to participate in these categories, the usual process is:
- Select your preferred music (please provide two options).
- Ask a coach to assist with music editing (fee: $30).
- Book private coaching lessons to develop your routine:
- $55 for a 30-minute lesson during public skating sessions; or
- $65 for a 30-minute lesson during session breaks.
- Remember that school holidays provide an excellent opportunity to get a head start on routines and competition preparation.
- We encourage the competitors to participate in the practice sessions during Term 3 to help them practise and refine their program routines.
Jumps and Spins
- Maximum of two jumps (no more than a half rotation each);
- Maximum of one spin.
All elements should be performed confidently and should complement the music and overall presentation.
Duos
Depending on entry numbers, Duo entries may be judged separately from solo competitors.
Props
Props are permitted provided they can be carried onto the ice without assistance.
A deduction will apply if any part of a costume or prop falls onto the ice during the performance.
The following are prohibited:
- Feathers;
- Fire;
- Dry ice;
- Any material that may damage, contaminate, or alter the ice surface; and
- Any other hazardous materials.
Please click the link below to complete the registration form and register your interest by Sunday 28 June 2026.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/V2htV4Gp6fBatxEe8
