The ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating is a series of international invitational junior level competitions organized by the International Skating Union. Junior figure skaters compete in the disciplines of men's singles, ladies' singles, pair skating, and ice dancing. Originally called the ISU Junior Series, the Junior Grand Prix was created in 1997 to complement the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, which is a series of senior-level competitions. Skaters earn qualifying points at each Junior Grand Prix event. The highest-ranking qualifiers meet at the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final, which is held concurrently with the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final.
The junior version of the Grand Prix series was established in the 1997–1998 season. There are generally seven qualifying events which lead to a final. All seven hold competitions in men's singles, ladies singles, and ice dancing. Four of the events also hold a pairs competition. The locations of the ISU Junior Grand Prix events change yearly. The eighth event is the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final. Beginning in the 2008–2009 season, it has been held concurrently with the senior final.
Unlike the senior ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, skaters for the Junior Grand Prix are entered by their national federations rather than seeded by the ISU. The number of entries allotted to each ISU member federation is determined by their skaters' placements at the previous season's World Junior Championships in each respective discipline.
The host country is allowed to enter up to three skaters/teams in singles and dance, with no limit on its pair entries.
To be eligible for the Junior Grand Prix series, skaters are required to have turned 13 by the preceding July 1 (e.g. July 1, 2009 for the 2009-10 series) but cannot have turned 19 (or 21 for male pair skaters and ice dancers) by that date. A skater must meet the age requirement before it turns July 1 in their place of birth. For example, Adelina Sotnikova was born a few hours into July 1, 1996 in Moscow and consequently, was not eligible to compete until the 2010-11 season.[1]