Athletes

The Canadian Baton Twirling Federation (CBTF) offers unique opportunities for growth, skill development, community connection and competition for all ages and ability levels.

The CBTF Long-Term Development (LTD) framework provides a clear pathway for athletes to grow in baton twirling from their first spin to lifelong participation.

The CBTF Skills Development Program (SDP) is the national foundation for athlete growth in baton twirling, guiding participants through a structured pathway of ribbons, badges, and pins.

The CBTF Pre-Competitive Program is designed as the entry point into competition, giving athletes a supportive and structured way to transition from recreational twirling to competitive sport.

The CBTF Graded Program is designed for entry-level competitive athletes ages 6–11 who have progressed beyond the pre-competitive stage. At this point in their twirling journey, athletes begin working on personalized routines that showcase their individual skills and creativity, rather than following set routines. They perform in front of judges at competitions, but instead of receiving scores or rankings, athletes are awarded a Gold, Silver, or Bronze grading within their category.

The CBTF Graded Program is designed for entry-level competitive athletes ages 6–11 who have progressed beyond the pre-competitive stage. At this point in their twirling journey, athletes begin working on personalized routines that showcase their individual skills and creativity, rather than following set routines. They perform in front of judges at competitions, but instead of receiving scores or rankings, athletes are awarded a Gold, Silver, or Bronze grading within their category.

Competitive athletes begin their journey at the local level, gaining valuable experience and building confidence in front of judges. These events prepare them for the Provincial Championships, where they compete against peers from across the province. Provincial competitions also act as qualifying events for the National Championships, giving athletes the chance to advance to Canada’s highest stage.

CBTF is committed to making baton twirling a sport for everyone. Athletes of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds are welcomed and supported, with programs designed to meet different needs and encourage growth at every level. Inclusivity means celebrating diversity, building confidence, and ensuring every child feels valued—so they can enjoy twirling, make friends, and find success on their own path.

A complete list of all disciplines and their programs.