Rules and Regulations

Please see Competition Regulations, Section 3.1 - Age Restrictions.

The non-specialized adult levels, such as Amateur, Semi-Pro, Hoop 1, etc., are open to all genders and ages (16+ or 18+). Our specialized categories offer those 40+ or male-identifying a separate category which they can elect to compete in, but there is not a requirement that they must. An athlete aged over 40 is welcome in other divisions or levels, not only Masters.

There is no restriction for registration based on your address. You are welcome to register at the competition of your choice.

There is no limit of the number of competitions, divisions, or levels you may register for. However, a competitor can only receive 1 invitation per division/level to Nationals. For example, if a competitor placed 3rd in Amateur in both Centrals and Easterns, they would receive 1 invitation to compete in Amateur at Nationals, and the extra invitation may be provided to the competitor with the next highest score.

You are welcome to enroll in the same division/level as last year, provided you do not fall under any of the posted restrictions (see Rules - Division and Levels). Champions from each level are invited to either defend their title in the same level or move up a level.

There is no specific requirement to "level up" based on your placements in other competitions, which use different judging criteria. However placing at a higher level in another competition may restrict you from applying for entry or amateur levels, or indicate you should be competing at a professional level, as per listed Restrictions (see Rules - Divisions and Levels).

We understand that various athletes will be returning to competitions after hiatus, for various reasons. You are able to register in the level which feels most appropriate to your current skill set and goals for the competition.

Please refer to the Judging Criteria document found on our Rules and Regulations page for full details on what competitors are judged on. The CPAC does not follow a Code of Points or have mandatory compulsory movements, therefore athletes have the opportunity to choose to put their best skills forward, that they can execute to the best of their abilities. An athlete who chooses to include a skill for which they do not have a strong level of execution, will score lower on the Execution continuum than if they chose a skill they can execute cleanly.

While we would love to accommodate all kinds of aerial performances, there are some technical limitations that prevent us from allowing Fabpole/polesilks in our Aerial Specialties level. This is not a new rule for CPAC when using our equipment and rigging for in-person events. Specifically towards Aerial Specialty, poles are not installed during Aerial Sport competition. Installing the poles takes a considerable amount of time and effort that would disrupt the flow of the competition if we had to make this change between performers in the Aerial Specialty category. For consistency between all performers, as per Competition Regulations, Section 5.1.6 Aerial Specialty Technical Specs: "The specialty aerial apparatus will be rigged from the center point on the stage and will be 8 feet from front and back of the stage and 12 feet from each side. The connection point will be a carabiner to a single swivel, from a single rigging point approximately 14 feet above the stage."

“All skills must begin and end with a minimum of 1 body part in contact with the floor.” This means that each individual skill must either start or end in contact with the floor. If describing an aerial combination of multiple skills, (example: invert – outside leg hang – jade split – inverted cross – handstand on the floor) each transition between skills must include contact with the floor.

There is not a specific skill set which defines Semi-Pro vs Professional divisions. These levels are typically differentiated by the overall uniqueness, quality and execution of the performance as a whole. Selecting between these levels is a competitor's choice. You are able to register in the level which feels most appropriate to your current skill set and goals for the competition, provided you do not fall under any of the posted restrictions (see Rules - Division and Levels).

Yes, our events are open to all individuals! You can read full details under Competition Regulations, Section 1.1: Regulations Governing Competition Applicants. Please note that for Professional divisions only: Applicants for PROFESSIONAL level must self-certify at the time of application, their status as a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident OR as a non-Canadian Citizen. Only applicants self-certified as a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident will be permitted to hold the title of Professional Canadian Pole and Aerial Champion to represent Canada in world competitions.

For event-specific dates and timing, such as schedule release, you should review the event web page under "Important Dates", as well as the event-specific Competitor Packet available through the event webpage. Athletes are only required to attend the event on the date of their division. All stage rehearsals, divisions and awards are run on the same day, for example Aerial Sport stage rehearsal, followed by Aerial Sport competition and Aerial Sport awards ceremony. Each division (Aerial Sport, Pole Sport and Artistic) are run separately. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide detailed schedules as to timing of individual competitors until the close of registration, when final numbers are known. To facilitate travel arrangements, Division allocations may be released early for select events (for example Aerial Sport on Saturday, Pole Sport and Artistic on Sunday).

Props are permitted, and do not require approval for all Artistic Divisions, but we will note those provided if submitted by the competitor. If Artistic competitors would like your props approved prior to the event you are always welcome to submit a prop submission video for pre-approval following the Prop Pre-Approval Process (See Competition Regulations, Props).

Doubles and Troupes are separate divisions, with distinctly separate scorecards. Only one registration is required for doubles or troupes. A separate registration link will be sent by email for additional competitors so they can complete the required waivers. If one photo and video package is purchased, this is for the performance as a whole, rather than for each competitor. By purchasing one media package, you receive one video and twelve (12) photos of your routine.

Ask yourself, is your routine based on showcasing your tricks, or are your tricks included to tell a story? Pole Sport is weighted higher on technical elements, such as individual skills and combinations; with artistry and presentation to complement in order to create a cohesive performance. Pole Art is weighted higher on artistic elements, such as storytelling and theme; with skills and combinations incorporated to further communicate the theme in order to create a cohesive performance.

An open wrap drop consists of a drop wherein the drop does not end in a position wrapped, locked or in the sling of the hammock. This may require a hand catch to complete the drop and would typically be conducted on the exterior of the hammock or higher on the pole of the fabric. At this time the CPAC does not have the height or safety measures in place to support the inclusion of these skills in our events

We do not have a list of words which are considered profanity. The highest consideration should be the context of the wording.

While we cannot guarantee the suitability of a move based on name alone (as naming and interpretation can vary across studios and regions), where skills are regarding a dismount, wherein one body part is connected to the pole throughout the maneuver, and the final position is standing on the floor maintaining connection to the pole. This would be considered a jumpoff, and acceptable in amateur pole sport.

We do not have any Artistic levels for our Aerial Divisions at this time. We encourage you to express interest so we can consider additional categories for future competition seasons.

We are not able to offer projections or lighting effects at this time. We are committed to offering consistency and equal stage experience for all competitors nation-wide For this reason, we do not include projections or lighting queues in our contracts with venues.

You would be welcome to compete in either the Amateur/Level 1 or Semi-Professional levels, depending on your self-assessment. Amateur is still an appropriate level while competitors are a newer instructor. Instructors are not permitted in Entry, while instructors who teach at a high level are required to compete in Semi-Pro and Professional. Amateur is an appropriate level for someone newer to instructing, or solely instructing at a lower level.

While we cannot guarantee the suitability of a move based on name alone (as naming and interpretation can vary across studios and regions), we note the difference between Ayesha to Leg Hang (NOT permitted) versus Inverted D to Leg Hang (Permitted):

• Ayesha to Leg Hang: Wherein the starting position of Ayesha has NO contact between the pole and legs/ankle and is held in a handspring position, a descent dropping directly to leg hang would not be permitted as the hips would pass below the shoulders through the handspring position.
• Inverted D to Leg Hang: Wherein the starting position of Inverted D maintains contact between the pole and legs/ankle and is NOT held in a handspring position, a descent transitioning directly to leg hang would be permitted as the hips would pass below the shoulders without being held in a handspring position.

No, they do not. For Aerial Speciality you may use grip products of choice on your personal apparatus. The grip restrictions listed are specific to shared, standardized apparatuses.

Yes, the crucifix position is permitted from your basic side mount inversion.

Unfortunately, we cannot list and provide approval for every grip product available, so we do ask our competitors to make a reasonable assessment of whether their grip product may leave a sticky residue which is difficult to remove from the apparatus. This product is reported to be easily wiped off. If you find that this is consistently a product which easily wipes off with alcohol-only, this would be acceptable to try in our 2024 events.

The aerial specialty division includes any apparatus which does not follow the Apparatus Technical Specs. Competitors are permitted to provide their own apparatus to the CPAC event. Apparatus may include, but is not limited to: Aerial Pole, Chains, Chandelier, Corde Lisse, Crescent, Cube, Static Trapeze, Ladder, Mini Lyra, Net, Straps, etc.

You are welcome to submit any apparatus for approval prior to registration if your apparatus is unique. Please be aware of the rigging and proof of manufacture requirements as listed in the regulations.

“All skills must begin and end with a minimum of 1 body part in contact with the floor.” This means that each individual skill must either start or end in contact with the floor.

• A fan kick which ends in contact with the floor, such as a drop split, would be permitted
• A spin on the spin pole which ends in contact with the floor, such as landing on the ground, or a hand touching the floor, would be permitted
• A spin on the spin pole which does NOT end in contact with the floor, such as a back hook to an invert or a sit, would not be permitted

Yes, this is permitted, we support competitors on the side of caution / safely.

No, this would not be considered a neck hang. A single point hang (neck, heel, elbow, etc) is considered when a single point bears the full body weight.

At this time we only offer virtual viewing options for our National event, where a larger majority of friends and family are located outside the venue region. Our regional events offer in-person attendance only, however competitors are welcome to have friends capture a video with their personal device (phone) to share online for those unable to attend in person.

In CPAC events, an athlete has the right to consistent apparatus and mats which conform to specifications and apparatus norms, set for all athletes, at all events across Canada. Athletes are not permitted to modify/supply their own apparatus with the exception of Aerial Specialty. The Aerial Specialty level is specifically available for those competitors who would prefer to present a routine on a non-standardized apparatus.

Sticky fabric (tops, bottoms) follow the same restrictions as indicated for Gloves (Section 3.5 Grip Aids), being allowed on bar apparatuses but not permitted on fabrics.

While we do not have direct experience with this product in our events, based on the ingredients list this would be acceptable in our events in 2024.

Unfortunately, we cannot list and provide approval for every grip product available, so we do ask our competitors to make a reasonable assessment of whether their grip product may leave a sticky residue which is difficult to remove from the apparatus. If you find that this is consistently a product which easily wipes off with alcohol-only, this would be acceptable in our events.

Based on the ingredients list Monkey Hands Classic and Monkey Hands Sticky would be acceptable in our events in 2024. Monkey Hands Gluey, which contains resin, would not be permitted.

Unfortunately we cannot list and provide approval for every grip product available, so we do ask our competitors to make a reasonable assessment of whether their grip product may leave a sticky residue which is difficult to remove from the apparatus. If you find that this is consistently a product which easily wipes off with alcohol-only, this would be acceptable in our events.

Nude fabrics, cut-outs, mesh and/or see-through materials are all acceptable provided that they satisfy the Costume Regulation stipulation that private parts are not visible, for example, through the fabric.

Please note we understand that costumes shift during performance, and cannot guarantee a costume's suitability based on a static photograph. We recommend referring to the Costume Regulations and any posted Clarifications. The competitor is responsible for sufficiently securing the costume in place if there is a concern for movement and potential exposure of private parts during the performance.

Regrips/grip switches which consist of a dynamic release of one body part from the apparatus, to catch / regrip in a new position wherein the body position CANNOT be held without regrip are considered extreme strength and therefore not permitted in Amateur. For example, regrip from true grip to cup grip in a handspring position would not be permitted, whereas changing the grip from true grip to twisted grip in a caterpillar/butterfly position would be permitted as the legs are still in contact with the pole and holding the body position.

Stage left and stage right refer to the performer's perspective facing the audience.

Please see Divisions and Levels, Section 2.4 - Definitions. In Aerial Sport Level 1, no release skills are permitted, including full release, partial release, and drops. Slides and rollouts are permitted.

While we cannot guarantee the suitability of a move based on name alone (as naming and interpretation can vary across studios and regions), we can offer the following clarifications:
• If the entry was from a climb, the only aerial skills allowed are pole sits or armpit holds. No other positions are allowed aerially on the pole.
• Where the move is performed as a sit, with the pole between the legs with one or both hands connected and head above or in line with hips and supine, this would be acceptable in Entry.
• Where the move is performed as an armpit hold, feet can be free of pole, head must remain above hips.
• If the skills are not 1) a pole sit or 2) an armpit hold, then they would not be permitted aerially from a climb.
• Where the move is performed from an invert, followed by climbing up to a head over hips position, this would be NOT be acceptable in Entry.
• If an athlete feels comfortable executing restricted moves, they should be considering a higher level than Entry.
• If an athlete feels comfortable performing or competing skills which significantly exceed the strength/flexibility of said restricted moves, they must register for a higher level. See Competition Regulations, Section 1.7.2 for full definition of Sandbagging.

Our technical and rigging specialist endeavor to ensure our decisions are in alignment with other inquiries we have received for aerial specialty competitors and the technical design of the rig.

We have deemed that we are unable to accept an aerial specialty registration which requires a web setter or secondary individual for apparatus manipulation. We have similarly declined competitors inquiring as to bringing their own rigger to complete pulls in their routine. We must decline in order to consistently apply the regulations to all competitors.

A doubles routine would fall under the doubles category, while a troupe has 4 or more persons. Those two routines as described would not be in the same category, so competing in both is perfectly acceptable.

A person could participate in more than one troupe routine, yes. Note that this may heavily impact your performances, as you may be performing back-to-back or quite close together, as all routines of the division/level perform one after another.

In the context of the new Movement and Theme Regulations, audio overlay or costume to reflect domestic violence, would be considered a reference or depiction of violence and acceptable in Artistic as a Mature Theme, not in Pole Sport.

While we cannot guarantee the suitability of a move based on name alone (as naming and interpretation can vary across studios and regions), we can offer the following clarifications:
• Handspring is defined in Divisions and Levels, Section 2.1.6 Amateur, Move Caps - Handsprings & Handstands. Descending versions are acceptable aerially, while non-deadlifting versions (kick up) are acceptable from the floor. No deadlifting or lever positions are permitted.
• Chest Press would be acceptable in Amateur where there are no level/lever positions, hips must stay above shoulders in presentation.
• Russian Split is not permitted in Pole Sport Amateur as it is considered a levering skill.

While we cannot guarantee the suitability of a move based on name alone (as naming and interpretation can vary across studios and regions), we can offer the following clarifications:
• Janeiro would be subject to the degree of difficulty and execution displayed, as this skill can be presented in a range of positions. In the amateur level, skills should NOT demonstrate extreme strength, such as deadlifting or lever positions, nor extreme flexibility, such as a position where the leg is fully extended behind the head/back/shoulder. Janeiro would be acceptable if the competitor should lower into the position (keeping the hips above the shoulders, no deadlift up into the skill), and the torso remains in contact with the pole (no lever), and no extreme flexibility is demonstrated in the body/leg positioning.
• Machine Gun would be subject to the degree of difficulty and execution displayed, as this skill can be presented in a range of positions. In the amateur level, skills should NOT demonstrate extreme flexibility, such as a position where the leg is fully extended behind the head/back/shoulder. For example, machine gun would not be acceptable if the leg was hooked behind the shoulder and the leg straightened into a fully extended or an oversplit position, but would be acceptable if the leg held in front of the body or in a Y position.
• Eagle would be considered extreme flexibility if the leg is brought fully behind the back/head in an extended position
• Extended Allegra would be considered extreme flexibility if the leg is brought fully behind the back/head in an extended position

While we cannot guarantee the suitability of a move based on name alone (as naming and interpretation can vary across studios and regions), we can offer the following clarifications:
• Alien split would be subject to the degree of difficulty and execution displayed, as this skill can be presented in a range of positions. In the amateur level, skills should NOT demonstrate extreme flexibility, such as a position where the leg is fully extended behind the head/back/shoulder. Alien split would be acceptable if the competitor had the leg hooked on the lower arm with the leg presented in a "Y" shape or stag shape, and no extreme flexibility is demonstrated in the body/leg positioning. Alien split would not be acceptable if the leg was hooked behind the shoulder and the leg straightened into a fully extended or an oversplit position.
• Hocks Drop which is typically demonstrated as a single or double knee hook on the top bar with hands on the bottom bar, releasing the knee hook and rapidly descending by force of gravity to a hip hang, and is not appropriate in Level 1.
• A split would be considered extreme flexibility if the leg is brought behind the shoulder and the leg straightened into a fully extended or an oversplit.
• A backbend would be considered extreme flexibility if the leg is brought fully behind the back/head in an extended position.

• Elbow and handstands in contact with the floor are approved in amateur levels, including Floor Flow 1.
• While inverts are allowed in Floor Flow, any combinations must ensure that each skill begins and ends in contact with the floor. “All skills must begin and end with a minimum of 1 body part in contact with the floor.” This means that each individual skill must either start or end in contact with the floor. If describing an aerial combination of multiple skills, (example: invert – outside leg hang – jade split – inverted cross – handstand on the floor) each transition between skills must include contact with the floor.”
• Inverts to handstands or drops are permitted in amateur levels, including Floor Flow 1.
• Drops and kips are permitted in amateur levels, including Floor Flow 1.

Pole Art does not have a judging continuum for balance in choreography, so you are not required to use the full height of the pole. That said, if use of the full height would be appropriate in your theme (such as a theme representing scaling a mountain), judges may offer feedback such as that using the full height of the pole could positively increase expression of the theme.

At this time the Aerial Specialty level is only open to adult competitors (ages 16+) at the semi-professional/professional. However, we have had several inquiries regarding aerial silks performances for the Novice Elite and Junior Elite age group & level. We consider expanding divisions and levels each year. Based on significant demand, we anticipate adding this for the 2026 season.

Troupes would be limited to the working load limits of the truss design. At this time, our truss system is designed for the maximum of two individuals on one apparatus from a single rigging point for the Aerial Doubles - Hoop/Hammock level. For an aerial troupe, we would similarly be limited, at this time, to one apparatus and two persons off the ground at any given moment. If you would be interested in a specialty apparatus, that would need to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

A body lever is considered a body position where the body is lowered or raised unsupported by any other body part than the fulcrum point. A body lever can be presented with the competitor facing in any direction (up, down, side). The competitor may demonstrate a lever without attaining a static hold in a fully horizontal position, however the correct or intended execution of the skill would present as such. Examples may include planche or russian split positions.

Please assess the performance level you are at, if you have performed recreationally in an exhibit or showcase, then you are welcome in Level 1; however if you have been paid for a semi-professional or professional type performance, you would be required to register at level 2.

• Drops which are supported by the sling throughout the descent and landing are permitted.
• Skills which are restricted in the Entry/Amateur/Level1 are those skills that go beyond the average level of flexibility or require abnormal amounts of strength to perform.
• If an athlete feels comfortable performing or competing skills which mimic or exceed the strength/flexibility of said restricted moves, they should be considering a higher level.
• If an athlete feels comfortable performing or competing skills which significantly exceed the strength/flexibility of said restricted moves, they must register for a higher level. See Competition Regulations, Section 1.7.2 for full definition of Sandbagging.

A full release would be considered a skill wherein the competitor lets go of the apparatus (having no point of contact with the apparatus) and then proceeds to execute a flip, rotation or other skill while in the air. The competitor would then either return to the apparatus by catching or dismount to a landing on the floor.

For the Virtual event, there is no specification as to backdrop or lighting. Rigging specifications and music do not need to be submitted, as the CPAC is not rigging/playing music on their behalf.