As the provincial governing body, Skate Ontario has the responsibility for the sanctioning of skating activities in Ontario. Sanctioning supports the goal of staging quality sport and physical activities throughout the province. “The quality of sport and physical activity is achieved when good people do the right thing at the right times. Quality sport and physical activity is developmentally appropriate, well run, safe and inclusive.”

Skate Ontario promotes the execution of developmentally and stage appropriate activities and events that are: participant centered and developmentally appropriate, progressive and challenging, well planned and designed to create meaningful opportunities in a safe, inclusive environment.

The purpose of sanctioning:

To ensure the commitment of the event organizer and to confirm that the event will be conducted in accordance with Skate Ontario sanctioning guidelines, meeting all quality standards.

What types of activities REQUIRE sanctions?

• Inter-Club* Events including Competitions, Seminars/Clinics, Performance Opportunities
• In-Club Events involving Officials
• OUA Events

* Inter-Club refers to any event that includes skaters from another club

Please note that any use of officials requires a sanction. Officials can be used for all activities, except for Ice Show/Carnivals.

Sanction Application Fees

• Inter-club activities and events – $20
• In-club activities and events – no fee

How to apply for a Sanction

1. Please consult the Pre-Application Checklist and have all requested information ready. 

2. Select Sanction type and complete application.

A. Seminar/Clinic 

B. Simulation or Ice Show/Carnival 

C. Club/Inter-Club Event

D. OUA Event

3. Skate Ontario staff will review the application and contact you with any follow-up questions and confirm sanction status. Please allow 1-2 weeks for this process to be completed.

4. *NEW for 2025-2026*: A Post-Event Survey will be sent to you following your event.

This survey is being used to assist us with gathering information to help better support Clubs/Skating Schools moving forward. For any questions, please contact Michelle Swan at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of activities REQUIRE a sanction?

1. Inter-Club Events Requiring a Sanction: *Inter-Club events refers to any activity that includes skaters from another club

– Example: Seminars/Clinics, Inter-Club Competitions, Simulations/Feedback sessions, Performance Opportunities

2. In-Club Events Requiring a Sanction: *In-Club events refers to any activity where all skaters are members of the host club

– Any event that requires the use of OFFICIALS

What types of activities do NOT REQUIRE a sanction? 

Events NOT Requiring a Sanction:

•  Two (2) Bring-a-friend days per season
• Two (2) family skates per season *See Skate Canada guidelines for Bring-a-Friend and Family Skate days

In-Club events NOT requiring a Sanction: *In-Club events refer to any activity where all participants are members of the host club

• Regularly scheduled programs (including On & Off-Ice) 

• Any in-club activity, not involving officials, including: 

• Prep/Information sessions 

• Skill Development sessions 

• Motivational sessions 

• Simulations 

• Challenge Days 

• Performance Opportunities including Ice Shows