Rules and Regulations
Version: 2025
All the details you need to know!
Clarifications
Please see below for any clarifications to the Rules and Regulations, as well as frequently asked questions.
1Is there an age range for the Masters division? Junior division?
Please see Competition Regulations, Section 3.1 - Age Restrictions.
2If someone is an amateur, or a semi-pro, but over the age of 40, do they have to compete only in the Masters division?
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.
3Must I compete in the competition located in my province, or in closest proximity to my address?
There is no restriction for registration based on your address. You are welcome to register at the competition of your choice.
4Is an athlete limited to attending one regional competition?
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.
5Last year I competed in / placed in my level in CPAC – does that require me to level up with CPAC?
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.
6Last year I placed at a certain level in another competition? Does that require me to level up with CPAC?
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).
7What level should I compete in after a long hiatus from training and/or competitions?
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.
8How will I be judged and compared to other athletes?
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.
9Are Fabpole/polesilks allowed in Aerial Specialty?
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."
10Are aerial combinations permitted in Floor Flow?
“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.
11Can you tell me how you'd differentiate someone at the Semi Pro vs Professional or Level 1 vs Level 2?
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).
12May I compete if I am NOT a Canadian Citizen/resident?
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.
13How do I know the event schedule / which day I am competing?
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).
14Can I submit my prop for pre-approval in Artistic Division?
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).
15How does registration work for additional competitors in doubles or troupe?
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.
16Is my routine more appropriate for Pole Sport or Pole Art?
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.
17What is the definition of an Open Wrap Drop?
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
18Is this word considered profanity?
We do not have a list of words which are considered profanity. The highest consideration should be the context of the wording.
19Is this skill (gemini flip, butterfly flip, jasmine flip, brass monkey flip) considered a flip, and permitted in Amateur?
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.
20Do you offer any Aerial levels in the Artistic Division?
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.
21Do you offer projections or custom lighting in Artistic Division?
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.
22I am an instructor but have only recently started teaching / only teach low levels. Am I able to compete in Amateur?
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.
23Is the Ayesha (or Inverted D) to inside leg hang drop permitted in Amateur/Level 1?
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.
• 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.
24Do the Grip Aid restrictions apply to Aerial Specialty?
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.
25Is the Crucifix position allowed in Entry?
Yes, the crucifix position is permitted from your basic side mount inversion.
26Is Trick-Tac approved as a grip aid, though it is beeswax-infused?
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.
27Does the Aerial Specialty include Trapeze? Straps? Silks?
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.
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.
28In Floor Flow is a fan kick / drop to floor / spins on spin pole permitted?
“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
• 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
29Is athletic tape / KT tape permitted (such as if recovering from an injury)?
Yes, this is permitted, we support competitors on the side of caution / safely.
30Is a move considered a neck hang if another body part (arm, leg, etc) is also supporting the body weight?
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.
31Do you offer a livestream for regional events, or only the National event.
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.
32Can I bring my own apparatus / different length of strop and still compete in Aerial Hoop / Aerial Hammock?
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.
33Are sticky fabrics permitted? Such as grippy knee pads, grippy leggings?
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.
34Is Grip & Glow grip product permitted in CPAC events?
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.
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.
35Is Monkey Hands grip product permitted in CPAC 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.
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.
36Are nude fabrics, cutouts, mesh or see-through materials permitted in Costuming?
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.
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.
37Are regrips permitted in Amateur?
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.
38What are Stage Left and Stage Right?
Stage left and stage right refer to the performer's perspective facing the audience.
2024-2025 Revision History
Please see below for the list of updates to the Rules and Regulations
Divisions and Levels
12024-11-01 - 2025 Version Update
- Section 2.2.5 Aerial Hoop 1 aligned move cap restrictions for extreme flexibility with wording of other amateur-level sections
- Section 2.2.13 Aerial Hammock 1 aligned move cap restrictions for extreme flexibility with wording of other amateur-level sections
- Section 2.2.13 Aerial Hammock 1 aligned move cap restrictions for extreme flexibility with wording of other amateur-level sections
22024-10-15 - 2025 Version Release
- Added Language Precedence to indicate the English language origin of any translations
- Section 1 revised references to reflect code of conduct
- Section 1.6 added to reflect requested accommodations are to be discussed in advance of competition
- Section 1.7.1 revised to clarify nonadherence to costume regulations
- Sections 1.7.1 and 1.7.2 modified to clarify nonadherence to prop regulations
- Sections 1.7.1 and 1.7.2 revised bullets to reflect new Movement and Theme section
- Section 1.7.2 added clarification on sandbagging
- Section 3.2 elaborated on aerial fabric damage
- Section 3.3 modified music length for Novice Elite and Junior Elite competitors
- Added Section 3.4 Movements and Themes
- Section 3.6 point added regarding where Grip Aid regulations apply
- Section 3.7.1 bullet added to reflect distinction for Aerial Specialty competitors
- Section 5.2.2 added tabless for virtual aerial hoop technical specs
- Section 1 revised references to reflect code of conduct
- Section 1.6 added to reflect requested accommodations are to be discussed in advance of competition
- Section 1.7.1 revised to clarify nonadherence to costume regulations
- Sections 1.7.1 and 1.7.2 modified to clarify nonadherence to prop regulations
- Sections 1.7.1 and 1.7.2 revised bullets to reflect new Movement and Theme section
- Section 1.7.2 added clarification on sandbagging
- Section 3.2 elaborated on aerial fabric damage
- Section 3.3 modified music length for Novice Elite and Junior Elite competitors
- Added Section 3.4 Movements and Themes
- Section 3.6 point added regarding where Grip Aid regulations apply
- Section 3.7.1 bullet added to reflect distinction for Aerial Specialty competitors
- Section 5.2.2 added tabless for virtual aerial hoop technical specs
32023-10-07 - 2024 Version Release
- Section 1 revised for 2024 season new levels
- Added Section 2.1.2 Novice Elite Pole Sport
- Added Section 2.1.4 Junior Elite Pole Sport
- Section 2.1.5 distinction added for Allowed Moves: wrist seat, armpit hold
- Section 2.1.7 and 2.1.8 distinction added to clarify Semi-Professional vs Professional Pole Sport
- Added Section 2.2.2 Novice Elite Aerial Hoop
- Added Section 2.2.4 Junior Elite Aerial Hoop
- Added Section 2.2.7 Aerial Hoop Professional
- Added Section 2.2.10 Novice Elite Aerial Hammock
- Added Section 2.2.12 Junior Elite Aerial Hammock
- Added Section 2.2.15 Aerial Hammock Professional
- Section 2.3 added description for distinction between Pole Art and After Hours Artistic Division levels
- Added Section 2.3.3 Pole Art Professional
- Added Section 2.3.9 After Hours Professional
- Added Section 2.4 Definitions
- Added Section 2.1.2 Novice Elite Pole Sport
- Added Section 2.1.4 Junior Elite Pole Sport
- Section 2.1.5 distinction added for Allowed Moves: wrist seat, armpit hold
- Section 2.1.7 and 2.1.8 distinction added to clarify Semi-Professional vs Professional Pole Sport
- Added Section 2.2.2 Novice Elite Aerial Hoop
- Added Section 2.2.4 Junior Elite Aerial Hoop
- Added Section 2.2.7 Aerial Hoop Professional
- Added Section 2.2.10 Novice Elite Aerial Hammock
- Added Section 2.2.12 Junior Elite Aerial Hammock
- Added Section 2.2.15 Aerial Hammock Professional
- Section 2.3 added description for distinction between Pole Art and After Hours Artistic Division levels
- Added Section 2.3.3 Pole Art Professional
- Added Section 2.3.9 After Hours Professional
- Added Section 2.4 Definitions
Competition Regulations
12024-10-15 - 2025 Version Release
- Section 2.1.5 Entry reorganized for clarity on Entry move caps. No change to move caps.
- Section 2.1.6 Amateur added lever position restriction to extreme flexibility move caps
- Section 2.1.6 Amateur (pole) aligned wording for instructor restrictions with wording of other amateur-level sections
- Section 2.2.5 Aerial Hoop 1 aligned wording for instructor restrictions with wording of other amateur-level sections
- Section 2.2.13 Aerial Hammock 1 aligned wording for instructor restrictions with wording of other amateur-level sections
- Section 2.3.1 Pole Art 1 aligned wording for instructor restrictions with wording of other amateur-level sections
- Section 2.3.4 After Hours Floor Flow 1 aligned wording for instructor restrictions with wording of other amateur-level sections
- Section 2.3.6 After Hours Pole 1 aligned wording for instructor restrictions with wording of other amateur-level sections
- After Hours Sections 2.3.6, 2.3.7, 2.3.8 and 2.3.9 removed phrasing regarding vulgar or offensive to align with new Movement and Theme section
- Section 2.1.6 Amateur added lever position restriction to extreme flexibility move caps
- Section 2.1.6 Amateur (pole) aligned wording for instructor restrictions with wording of other amateur-level sections
- Section 2.2.5 Aerial Hoop 1 aligned wording for instructor restrictions with wording of other amateur-level sections
- Section 2.2.13 Aerial Hammock 1 aligned wording for instructor restrictions with wording of other amateur-level sections
- Section 2.3.1 Pole Art 1 aligned wording for instructor restrictions with wording of other amateur-level sections
- Section 2.3.4 After Hours Floor Flow 1 aligned wording for instructor restrictions with wording of other amateur-level sections
- Section 2.3.6 After Hours Pole 1 aligned wording for instructor restrictions with wording of other amateur-level sections
- After Hours Sections 2.3.6, 2.3.7, 2.3.8 and 2.3.9 removed phrasing regarding vulgar or offensive to align with new Movement and Theme section
22023-10-07 - 2024 Version Release
- Section 1.1 revised to reflect relaxed rules for non-Citizens
- Section 1.3 bullet added to reflect Professional level champion rule for non-Citizens
- Section 2.1 deadline added for new Apparatus Specification option
- Added Section 2.3 to reflect National Championship prizes
- Section 3.1 ages adjusted for Novice and Junior competitors
- Section 3.2 relaxed guidance for Costume Bottoms - Artistic Divisions
- Section 3.3 modified music file naming structure
- Section 3.3 new online submission for Competition Music
- Added Section 5.1.2 Truss Technical Specs
- Section 5.1.4 revised to reflect new Apparatus Specification options for Aerial Hoop
- Section 5.1.5 revised to reflect new Apparatus Specification options for Aerial Hammock
- Section 5.1.7 added WLL and MBS for CPAC-provided aerial equipment
- Section 1.3 bullet added to reflect Professional level champion rule for non-Citizens
- Section 2.1 deadline added for new Apparatus Specification option
- Added Section 2.3 to reflect National Championship prizes
- Section 3.1 ages adjusted for Novice and Junior competitors
- Section 3.2 relaxed guidance for Costume Bottoms - Artistic Divisions
- Section 3.3 modified music file naming structure
- Section 3.3 new online submission for Competition Music
- Added Section 5.1.2 Truss Technical Specs
- Section 5.1.4 revised to reflect new Apparatus Specification options for Aerial Hoop
- Section 5.1.5 revised to reflect new Apparatus Specification options for Aerial Hammock
- Section 5.1.7 added WLL and MBS for CPAC-provided aerial equipment
Judging Criteria
12024-10-15 - 2025 Version Release
- No updates
22023-10-07 - 2024 Version Release
- No updates
Judging Procedures
12025-10-15 - 2025 Version Release
- Added Section 1.1 subsection JUDGE’S SELECTION to provide transparency on the CPAC judge selection process
- Section 1.2.2 bullet modified to reflect new Movements and Themes section
- Sections 1.2.2 and 1.3 updated bullet regarding use of photo/video footage to verify head judge deductions or disqualifications.
- Section 1.3 point added to reflect disqualifications due to safety reasons, including uncontrolled falls from an aerial position.
- Section 1.2.2 bullet modified to reflect new Movements and Themes section
- Sections 1.2.2 and 1.3 updated bullet regarding use of photo/video footage to verify head judge deductions or disqualifications.
- Section 1.3 point added to reflect disqualifications due to safety reasons, including uncontrolled falls from an aerial position.
22023-10-07 - 2024 Version Release
- No updates
Experience
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