The Canadian ice skating association Skate Canada will also allow same-sex couples to compete in national competitions in pair skating and ice dancing at the beginning of the new year.
The association announced this on its website.
Achim Dreis
sports editor.
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Skate Canada is excited to advance its Skate for All initiative with the updated definition of team for pairs and ice dance teams.
The announcement will be changed to "a team consists of two runners".
The previous definition of "team" was a woman and a man.
However, this definition contradicted the vision of "skating for all" and was not in line with the association's commitment to non-discrimination - including non-discrimination based on gender identity.
“This change is about removing barriers to participation in skating and we believe it will have a significant impact in ensuring that all gender identities are recognized and accepted equally and without prejudice,” said Karen Butcher, President by SkateCanada.
The federation aims to continue the advancement of skating in Canada by making rule and policy changes "that allow everyone to experience the joy of skating."
Initially, it remained unclear how any physical differences should be compensated for.
It is also not yet clear whether there will be joint or separate ratings.
Two-time ice dance Olympic gold medalist Scott Moir welcomes the development: "It was necessary for the ice dance and couples world to change their definition of team from one man and one woman to just two people skating together, whatever their identity. "
Moir had won the gold medal with his partner Tessa Virtue in Vancouver in 2010 and in Pyeongchang in 2018, setting standards in the process.
He now works as a club coach.
"Many colleagues and I have pushed for this change and are pleased that Skate Canada has taken steps to make skating more accessible," the 35-year-old said, according to the association's statement.
"Our craft is a blend of athletics and artistry, and as such we have a unique opportunity for a level playing field unmatched in any other sport, regardless of how individuals identify."
The change will advance the sport in many ways as new and interesting work will emerge from athletes who can now perform together.
Previously, pairs and ice dance teams required one woman and one man to register.
The updated version will speak of "Skater A" and "Skater B".
The definition of a team as two skaters initially applies only to national Skate Canada events.
All International Skating Union (ISU) events are governed by ISU Rules.