The International Skating Union organizes six annual Championships for figure skating . It is at the discretion of each member country which skaters, pairs or synchronized skating teams are sent to which championship.
103-475: No skater in men's single skating , women's single skating , pair skating and ice dancing can compete at all four competitions in one season, but some skaters have competed at all four over the course of their careers. The Championships for men's singles, women's singles, pair skating and ice dancing are: The Championships for synchronized skating are held separately from the three other disciplines and they are: This article relating to figure skating
206-402: A spin combination with just one change of foot; and a step sequence using the entire ice surface. Additionally, men may substitute the one triple jump for a quadruple jump; have a quadruple jump as part of their jump combination; and must also have a camel spin or sit spin with just one change of foot. Women must also have either a layback or sideways leaning spin or a sit or camel spin without
309-469: A change of foot. Junior single skaters also have seven required elements. Junior men and women single skaters are not allowed to perform quadruple jumps in their short programs, and junior women single skaters cannot include triple Axels in both their short and free skating programs. Free skating, also called the free skate or long program, is the second segment in single skating, pair skating, and synchronized skating. Its duration, across all disciplines,
412-478: A choreographic sequence: it must have originality and creativity, the sequence must match the music; and their performance must be effortless throughout the entire sequence, with good energy, execution, and flow. They must also have the following: good precision and clarity; skaters must use the entire ice surface; and skaters must demonstrate "excellent commitment" and control of their whole body while performing their choreographic sequences. Skaters must only execute
515-424: A diagonal line. To increase the difficulty the team may pivot the line, change configuration, or incorporate retrogression into the line. For a wheel every figure skater must rotate around a common center point. There are many different formations that teams can form including a two to five spoke or a parallel wheel. Each spoke (line) of the wheel should be straight and the figure skaters should be leaning into
618-415: A fall as the "loss of control by a Skater with the result that the majority of his/her own body weight is on the ice supported by any other part of the body other than the blades; e.g. hand(s), knee(s), back, buttock(s) or any part of the arm". For senior single skaters, one point is deducted for the first and second fall, two points are deducted for the third and fourth fall, and three points are deducted for
721-480: A flying entrance); only one step sequence; and only one choreographic sequence . A well-balanced free skate for junior men and junior women single skaters must consist of the same requirements for senior skaters but with the exception of the step sequence requirement. Compulsory figures, also called school figures, are the "circular patterns which skaters trace on the ice to demonstrate skill in placing clean turns evenly on round circles". Until 1947, for approximately
824-579: A fourth and sometimes a fifth Senior team has competed along in the intervening years. Throughout the years, the Finnish senior teams qualifying for the World Championships have been selected based on their performance at the two qualifiers and the national championships. In the season 2012–13, the teams were selected as follows: the Finnish Champion qualified automatically as Team Finland 1 for
927-400: A grade of execution score within a range of −5 to +5, which is added to or deducted from the base value. GOEs are proportional to the base value of each element. The highest and lowest scores for each element are thrown out, and the remaining scores are averaged to determine the final GOE for each element. The GOE is then added to or subtracted from the base value for each element, and the sum of
1030-602: A judging format similar to singles, pairs and ice dancing. The discipline is primarily judged on skating skills, transitions, performance, composition, interpretation and difficulty of elements. Each level performs a free skate program requiring elements such as circles, lines, blocks, wheels, intersections, no holds, and lifts at higher levels. Teams are required to perform step sequences, ranging in difficulty with each level. There are many different levels including Pre-Preliminary, Preliminary, Beginner, Pre-juvenile, Open juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior, Senior, and Adult. In
1133-586: A jump combination or a jump sequence". The six most common jumps can be divided into two groups: toe jumps (the toe loop , the flip , and the Lutz ) and edge jumps (the Salchow , the loop, and the Axel ). A jump combination, defined as "two (or more) jumps performed in immediate succession". There are three basic positions in spins: the camel, the sit spin, and the upright spin. Step sequences have been defined as "steps and turns in
SECTION 10
#17330927605061236-499: A jump combination or a jump sequence". The six most common jumps can be divided into two groups: toe jumps (the toe loop , the flip , and the Lutz ) and edge jumps (the Salchow , the loop, and the Axel). Jumps must have the following characteristics to earn the most points, according to the ISU: they must have "very good height and very good length"; they must be executed effortlessly, including
1339-461: A major international competition was Artur Gachinski from Russia, during his short program at Skate America in 2014 . The clothing worn by single skaters at ISU Championships, the Olympics, and international competitions must be "modest, dignified and appropriate for athletic competition—not garish or theatrical in design". Props and accessories are not allowed. Clothing can reflect the character of
1442-411: A particular element corresponds to a pre-determined base value. The base value is the number of points that are awarded for an executed element before the grade of execution or any deductions are applied. Judges assign a grade of execution from -3 to +3 to each of the elements. Each grade of execution, or GOE, corresponds to a point value. For each element, the highest and lowest GOE values are dropped and
1545-744: A pattern on the ice". A choreographic sequence, which occurs during the free skating program in singles skating, "consists of any kind of movements like steps, turns, spirals , arabesques, spread eagles , Ina Bauers , hydroblading , any jumps with maximum of 2 revolutions, spins, etc.". The required elements must be performed in specific ways, as described by published communications by the ISU, unless otherwise specified. The ISU publishes violations and their points values yearly. Deductions in singles skating include violations in time, music, and clothing. The ISU also describes regulations regarding falls and interruptions. The first international figure skating competition
1648-431: A pattern on the ice". The ISU requires that all step sequences are performed "according to the character of the music". A step sequence must have the following characteristics to earn the most points: the sequence must match the music; it must be performed effortlessly throughout the sequence, and have good energy, flow, and execution; and it must have deep edges and clean turns and steps. Also important but not required are
1751-466: A round shape. To increase the difficulty of a circle a team can include step sequences, traveling, and changes of rotational direction. Assisting of travel can also be present in a circle, and is usually noted by a skater trying to cut through the rotation of the circle on a straight path; this will be noticeable with the same jerky/whipping motion of the circle. There are many different types of lines. Lines can be two parallel lines, one straight line, or
1854-400: A set factor to ensure the technical score and program components score are balanced. The five program components are: Each element of the program is assigned a base value, which gives skaters credit for every element they perform. Some elements, such as spins and step sequences, have levels of difficulty on which the base values are established. Judges grade the quality of each element using
1957-420: A showgirl-style light blue sequined leotard with high-cut legs, low-cut chest, and similarly colored feathers on her headdress and sleeves and around the hips as the only perfunctionary gesture in the way of a skirt". Decorations on costumes must be "non-detachable"; judges can deduct one point per program if part of the competitors' costumes or decorations fall on the ice. If there is a costume or prop violation,
2060-483: A skater performs a spin that has no basic position with only two revolutions, or with less than two revolutions, they do not fulfill the position requirement for the spin and receives no points for it. A spin with less than three revolutions is not considered a spin; rather, it is considered a skating movement. The flying spin and any spin that only has one position must have six revolutions; spin combinations must have 10 revolutions. Required revolutions are counted from when
2163-422: A skater's "support team". Designers collaborate with skaters and their coaches to help them design costumes that fit the themes and requirements of their programs for months before the start of each season. There have been calls to require figure skaters to wear uniforms like other competitive sports, in order to make the sport less expensive and more inclusive, and to emphasize its athletic side. The ISU defines
SECTION 20
#17330927605062266-450: A skater's arms, head, and free leg are permitted. A skater must execute at least three revolutions before and after a change of foot. If a skater tries to perform a spin and their change of foot is too far apart (thus creating two spins instead of one), only the part executed before the change of foot is included in the skater's score. The change of foot is optional for spin combinations and for single-position spins. If they fall while entering
2369-416: A spin, or while executing any failed spin, the skater can fill the time lost by executing a spin or spinning movement immediately after the fall or failed spin; however, this movement will not be counted as an element. If the spinning centers, which should occur before and after the change of foot, are too far apart "and the criteria of 'two spins' is fulfilled (there is a curve of exit after the first part and
2472-531: A step sequence during their free skate programs; instead, they had to include a choreographic sequence because ISU officials wanted them to focus more on their program components. According to the ISU, a choreographic sequence, which occurs during the free skating program in singles skating, "consists of at least two different movements like steps, turns, spirals , arabesques, spread eagles , Ina Bauers , hydroblading , any jumps with maximum of 2 revolutions, spins, etc.". Skaters can use steps and turns to connect
2575-533: A step sequence, but they must be performed in accordance with the music. Skaters must also perform steps and turns that are balanced throughout the sequence, which includes turning in all directions, the use of both feet, and up and down movements. Skaters can choose any kind of step sequence they wish, and can include jumps, but they must fully use the ice surface. If a step sequence is barely visible or too short, it does not fulfill step sequence requirements. As of 2022, junior skaters were no longer required to perform
2678-490: A straight path and stop the flow of rotation in an effort to gain more distance up the ice. More often than not, assisting the travel can be spotted because a) a team member will look out of place and b) the wheel will whip or be very jerky in movement. An intersection, also known as a pass through, is when the figure skaters skate towards each other in lines and intersect. The intersection can be two lines, such as an angled intersection, but can have three or four lines, such as
2781-442: A triangle or box. At the point of intersection skaters could do turns or free skating movements to increase the difficulty. The entry to the intersection can be made more difficult by intersecting from an angle or from a whip. The no hold element has the same qualities as a regular block. The only difference is that the skaters are not connected in a no hold block. The goal of this maneuver is to stay in perfect alignment while doing
2884-479: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Single skating Single skating is a discipline of figure skating in which male and female skaters compete individually. Men's singles and women's singles are governed by the International Skating Union (ISU). Figure skating is the oldest winter sport contested at the Olympics, with men's and women's single skating appearing as two of
2987-439: Is an interruption while performing their program, skaters can lose one point if it lasts more than 10 seconds but not over 20 seconds. They can lose two points if the interruption lasts 20 seconds but not over 30 seconds, and three points if it lasts 30 seconds but not more than 40 seconds. They can lose five points if they do not resume their program until three minutes after the interruption begins. They can also lose five points if
3090-411: Is defined as "the preparation immediately preceding a spin", and can include the spin's beginning phase. All entrances must have a "significant impact" on the spin's execution, balance, and control, and must be completed on the first spinning foot. The intended spin position must be achieved within the skater's first two revolutions and can be non-basic in spin combinations only. A regular backward entry
3193-414: Is four minutes for senior skaters and teams, and three-and-one-half minutes for junior skaters. American skater Nathan Chen holds the highest single men's free skating program score of 224.92 points, which he earned at the 2020 ISU Grand Prix Final . Kamila Valieva from Russia holds the highest single women's free skating score of 185.29 points, which she earned at 2021 Rostelecom Cup . According to
ISU Figure Skating Championships - Misplaced Pages Continue
3296-502: Is included in the total number of revolutions, but changing to a non-basic position is not considered a change of position. The change of foot and change of position can be made at the same time or separately and can be performed as a jump or as a step-over movement. Non-basic positions are allowed during spins executed in one position or, for single skaters, during a flying spin. Single skaters earn more points for performing difficult entrances into and exits out of their spins. An entrance
3399-512: Is not considered a difficult entry. An exit is defined as "the last phase of the spin" and includes the phase immediately performed after the spin. A difficult exit is defined as any jump or movement that makes the exit significantly more difficult. It can include the phase immediately following the spin and must have a "significant impact" on the spin's execution, balance, and control. There are 11 categories of difficult solo spin variations. Step sequences have been defined as "steps and turns in
3502-518: Is the oldest winter sport contested at the Olympics, starting at the London Games in 1908 . The short program is the first segment of single skating, pair skating , and synchronized skating in international competitions, including all ISU championships. The short program must be skated before the free skate , the second component in competitions. The short program lasts, for both senior and junior singles and pairs, two minutes and 40 seconds. It
3605-590: The New York Post that there is "an informal review process before major competitions such as the Olympics, during which judges communicate their preferences". Also according to the New York Post , one of the goals of skaters and designers is to ensure that a costume's design, which can "make or break a performance", does not affect the skaters' scores. Former competitive skater and fashion writer Shalayne Pulia states that figure skating costume designers are part of
3708-399: The 1982 World Championships . Writer Ellyn Kestnbaum stated that the ISU established the rule "in order to encourage variety and balance rather than allowing a skater to rack up credit for demonstrating the same skill over and over". Sports writer Dvora Meyers calls the rule change "an institutional response" because it was made even though male skaters had also performed repetitive jumps in
3811-630: The ISU World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships , to be held biannually in odd-numbered years with the JWCC in even-numbered years. Other long-running, major international events attracting elite teams at different levels include the French Cup , Spring Cup , Neuchâtel Trophy , Cup of Berlin , Zagreb Snowflakes Trophy , Leon Lurje Trophy and Prague Cup . The ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships (WSSC) are
3914-837: The Skate Canada , held to determine the national champions of Canada . They were first held in 1983. Since 2000, it is during these events that the senior teams can qualify for the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships . Since 2023, the Junior and Senior level teams are competing in the combined synchronized and figure skating championships, held as a single event known as the Canadian National Skating Championships . Although not currently an Olympic sport , it has already been reviewed for Olympic eligibility. In 2007 synchronized skating
4017-524: The US Figure Skating Association , the divisions include Beginner, Pre-Juvenile, Preliminary, Open Juvenile, Open Collegiate, and Open Adult (the non-qualifying divisions/ the divisions that do not go to Nationals) and Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior, Senior, Collegiate, Adult, and Masters (qualifying levels). ISI ( Ice Skating Institute ) is another governing body which focuses on a more recreational form of competition and does not have
4120-528: The World Synchronized Skating Championship . All member nations of the ISU are allocated one entry for each level, countries that placed in the top five of the previous championship are awarded two team entries. A synchronized skating routine may consist of straight line sequences, wheels, blocks, circle step sequences, or also moves in isolation. Moves in isolation, used in advanced levels, consist of one or more skaters separating from
4223-589: The world championships for synchronized skating. Held since 2000, the WSSC is an annual international event organized by the International Skating Union . The top positions have been dominated by Finland , with three different World Champions ( Marigold IceUnity , Rockettes and Team Unique ) and 19 medals, and Sweden with the team ( Team Surprise ) with most World titles and medals for a single team (12 medals). Other major countries include Canada with five gold, four silvers and six bronzes (for NEXXICE , Les Suprêmes and
ISU Figure Skating Championships - Misplaced Pages Continue
4326-595: The Finnish Synchronized Skating Championships at the Novice, Junior and Senior levels. Also, it holds two Finnish Championships Qualifiers before the nationals. Since the late 1990s, the senior-level battle for the qualifier wins and Finnish Championship—and the ensuing ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships (WSSC) entries—has mainly been fought between three teams from Helsinki, Marigold IceUnity , Rockettes and Team Unique , while
4429-432: The ISU, free skating "consists of a well balanced program of Free Skating elements, such as jumps, spins, steps and other linking movements". A well-balanced free skate for both senior men and women single skaters must consist of the following: up to seven jump elements, one of which has to be an Axel jump; up to three spins, one of which has to be a spin combination (one a spin with just one position, and one flying spin with
4532-420: The ISU, unless otherwise specified. The ISU publishes violations and their points values yearly. Situations warranting deductions in synchronized skating include elements where one-quarter of the team or more fails to execute a maneuver in congruence with the majority of the team, falls, interruptions, illegal maneuvers (such as cartwheels, and violations of the rules concerning time, music, and clothing. In 1956,
4635-487: The ISU; the second and/or third jumps must be an Axel-type jump "with a direct step from the landing curve of the first jump to the take-off curve" of the Axel. Skaters can also complete one full revolution on the ice between the jumps and their free foot can touch the ice, although without transferring their weight onto it. All jumps are considered in the order that they are completed. If an extra jump or jumps are completed, only
4738-581: The Novice Moves in the Field test. The Collegiate team level consists of teams with 12-20 Figure skaters who must be enrolled in a college or degree program as full-time students. Skaters must also have passed the Juvenile Moves in the Field test. It is a Varsity Sport at colleges such as Miami University and Adrian College . Many more have developed club-level collegiate teams without varsity status such as
4841-592: The Senior, Junior, and Novice levels (with Senior being the most elite). The International Skating Union held the first official World Synchronized Skating Championships (WSSC) in 2000 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. The top Junior teams from around the world competed from 2001 to 2012 at the ISU Junior World Challenge Cup (JWCC), held in a different location every year. The JWCC were accompanied in 2013 by
4944-569: The WSSC. Team Finland 2 at the WSSC was the team which earned the fewest points from the first qualifier, the second qualifier and the Finnish Championships. The points equaled the sum of the positions at the three competitions with growing coefficients: the coefficient was 0,3 for the first competition result, 0,5 for the second and 1 for the last. In the United States , there are several other recognized age and skill levels. Sanctioned by
5047-405: The apparent demise of compulsory figures from the sport of figure skating, coaches continued to teach figures and skaters continued to practice them because figures gave skaters an advantage in developing alignment, core strength, body control, and discipline. Championships and festivals focusing on compulsory figures have occurred since 2015. The ISU defines a jump element as "an individual jump,
5150-404: The back flip, are not allowed. The back flip has been banned by the ISU since 1976 because it was deemed too dangerous and lacked "aesthetic value". A jump combination, defined as "two (or more) jumps performed in immediate succession", is executed when a skater's landing foot of the first jump is also the take-off foot of the following jump. If a skater executes one complete revolution between
5253-411: The base value of the triple Axel and quadruple jumps were "reduced dramatically". As of 2022, jump sequences consisted of two or three jumps, but the second or third jump had to be an Axel. Jump sequences began to be counted for their full value and skaters could include single jumps in their step sequences as choreographic elements without incurring a penalty. There are three basic positions in spins:
SECTION 50
#17330927605065356-401: The beginning of their restart and what they had done previously must be disregarded. If the music interruption occurs more than 20 seconds after they have begun their program, or if it occurred during an element or at the entrance of an element, they must resume their program from the point of the interruption. If the element was identified before the interruption, the element must be deleted from
5459-413: The camel, the sit spin, and the upright spin. Spins must have the following characteristics to earn the most points: spins must have good speed and/or acceleration; they must be executed effortlessly; and they must have good control and clear position(s), even for flying spins, which must have a good amount of height and air/landing position. Also important but not required are the following characteristics:
5562-451: The center of the wheel. The difficulty of the wheel can be increased by adding footwork, changing the rotational direction of the wheel, configuration of the wheel, or traveling. Traveling is difficult because a lot of the time teams will get called for "assisting the travel" which occurs when a team member (usually towards the center) is doing footwork that is not around the center point that is being traveled, but rather they cut through it on
5665-507: The competition. The IJS is used at events in the national qualifying structure including the U.S. Championships as well as many local competitions at the juvenile through senior levels, including Excel. In the United States, the introductory levels of Aspire Beginner, Aspire Pre-Preliminary, Aspire Preliminary, Open Junior, Open Collegiate, Open Adult, and Open Masters are still judged under the 6.0 judging system. These levels can compete at
5768-586: The competitor's choosing. The use of music with lyrics was expanded to singles skating, as well as to pair skating, starting in 2014; the first Olympics affected by this change was in 2018 in PyeongChang, South Korea . The ISU's decision, done to increase the sport's audience, to encourage more participation, and to give skaters and choreographers more choice in constructing their programs, had divided support among skaters, coaches, and choreographers. The first senior singles skater who used music with lyrics during
5871-409: The curve of entry into the second part)", only the part of the spin before the skater's change of foot will be counted. A spin combination must have at least "two different basic positions" and each position must have two revolutions, anywhere within the spin. Skaters earn the full value of a spin combination when they include all three basic positions. The number of revolutions in non-basic positions
5974-442: The entire ice surface. The lines should be straight and evenly spaced. To increase the difficulty of the block teams can add step sequences, pivot the block, or change the configuration. There are many different ways to complete this element. Teae circle, multiple circles, a circle within a circle, interlocked circles, or a disconnected circle. The circle should be evenly spaced between the sand variations, skaters and should form
6077-603: The fifth fall and any falls after that. Junior single skaters are penalized one point for every fall. The Boston Globe and other media outlets stated that, as of 2018, the ISU Judging System (IJS) was structured to reward difficult elements, so skaters earned more points despite falling on multi-rotational, complicated jumps than their competitors who skated "clean" programs with less difficult elements and did not lose points from falling. According to former American figure skater Katrina Hacker, falls during jumps occur for
6180-401: The first half of the existence of figure skating as a sport, compulsory figures made up 60 percent of the total score at most competitions around the world. After World War II, the number of figures skaters had to perform during competitions decreased, and after 1968, they began to be progressively devalued, until the ISU voted to remove them from all international competitions in 1990. Despite
6283-474: The first judges' handbook for synchronized skating. During the 1970s, the interest for this new sport grew and developed. Teams developed more creative and innovative routines incorporating stronger basic skating skills, new maneuvers and more sophisticated transitions with greater speed, style and agility. Due to the increased interest in the sport in North America, the first official international competition
SECTION 60
#17330927605066386-492: The first jump will be counted; jumps done later in the program will have no value. The limitation on the number of jumps skaters can perform in their programs, called the "Zayak Rule" after American skater Elaine Zayak , whom TV sports producer David Michaels called a true transitional figure who changed everything" because of her jumping skills, has been in effect since 1983, after Zayak performed six triple jumps, four toe loop jumps, and two Salchows in her free skating program at
6489-455: The first synchronized skating team was formed by Dr. Richard Porter. The 'Hockettes' skated out of Ann Arbor, Michigan and entertained spectators during intermissions of the University of Michigan Wolverines hockey team . In the early days, precision skating (as it was then called) resembled a drill team routine, or a precision dance company such as The Rockettes . In 1974, the ISU published
6592-412: The following characteristics: a sequence must have originality and creativity; the skater must have "excellent commitment and control" of his or her entire body; and the skater must have good acceleration and deceleration during the sequence. As of 2022, skaters could include single jumps as choreographic elements into their step sequences without incurring a penalty. Skaters can make short stops during
6695-442: The following reasons: the skater makes an error during their takeoff; their jump is under-rotated, or not fully rotated while the skater is in the air; they execute a tilted jump and is unable to land upright on their feet; and they make an error during the first jump of a combination jump, resulting in not having enough smoothness, speed, and flow to complete the second jump. Injuries to the lower body (the knee, ankle, and back) are
6798-399: The footwork. The neater the block and the harder the footwork, the more points a team can receive. The no hold element can also be used in circle work, creating a challenging and interesting appeal to a basic circle step sequence. Not only does it make it look interesting, but it adds a level of difficulty. The skaters must keep even spacing while rotating the circle, without the assistance of
6901-456: The four figure skating events at the London Games in 1908 . Single skaters are required to perform two segments in all international competitions, the short program and the free skating program. Nathan Chen from the United States holds both the highest single men's short program and free skating scores; Russian skater Kamila Valieva holds both the highest single women's short program and free skating scores. Compulsory figures , from which
7004-473: The gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics by "backloading" her free skating program. She placed all her jumps in the second half of the program in order to take advantage of the rule in place at the time that awarded a 10% bonus to jumps performed during the second half of the program. Also starting in 2018, single skaters could only repeat the same two triple or quadruple jumps in their free skating programs. They could repeat four-revolution jumps only once, and
7107-423: The health and well-being of the athletes and members. The competitive levels of synchronized skating, like those in other disciplines of Figure skating , are now judged using the ISU Judging System that was introduced in 2004. Each element is assigned a difficulty level by the technical panel made up of a technical specialist, assistant technical specialist and a technical controller. Each level of difficulty for
7210-463: The highest single women's short program score of 90.45 points, which she earned at the 2022 European Figure Skating Championship in Tallinn, Estonia. Both male and female senior single skaters must perform seven elements in their short program. They both must include a double or triple Axel ; one triple jump ; a jump combination consisting of either a double jump and a triple jump, or two triple jumps;
7313-518: The highest-ranking levels, Junior and Senior division teams are required to perform a short program in addition to the free skate. The short program is more technical in nature, whereas the free skating program is longer and provides an opportunity to showcase expression, emotion and interpretation. Junior level teams compete in the Junior World Synchronized Skating Championships . At the senior level, teams compete at
7416-428: The interruption is caused by an "adverse condition" up to three minutes before the start of their program. If the quality or tempo of the music the skater is using in their program is deficient, or if there is a stop or interruption in their music, no matter the reason, they must stop skating when they become aware of the problem or when signaled to stop by a skating official, whichever occurs first. If any problems with
7519-474: The judges can deduct one point per program. If competitors do not adhere to these guidelines, they "will be penalized by a deduction". However, costume deductions are rare. Juliet Newcomer from U.S. Figure Skating states that by the time skaters get to a national or world championship, they have received enough feedback about their costumes and are no longer willing to take any more risks of losing points. Former competitive skater and designer Braden Overett told
7622-462: The jumps, the element is still a combination. The free foot can touch the ice, but there must be no weight transfer on it. The skater can also perform an Euler between jumps. If the first jump of a two-jump combination is not completed successfully, it is still counted as a jump combination. A jump sequence is executed when a skater completes two or three jumps, with no limits on the number of revolutions. The first jump, which can be any type allowed by
7725-488: The list of performed elements, and the skater is allowed to repeat the element when they resume their program. No deductions are counted for interruptions due to music deficiencies. Synchronized skating Synchronized skating , often called synchro , is an ice skating sport where between 8 and 20 skaters perform together as a team. They move as a flowing unit at high speed over the ice, while performing elements and footwork. This complex sport originated in 1956 and
7828-617: The medal ceremonies, teams gathered on the ice and created the shape of the Olympic rings . This image was then shared over social media as skaters petitioned to raise awareness of the sport. A petition to the International Olympic Committee was posted on change.org calling for 15,000 signatures and asking the IOC "Synchronized Figure Skating: Make it an Olympic Event." The petition states "The time has come to add this incredible event to
7931-419: The most common for both single skaters and ice dancers. Single skaters experience 0.97 injuries per athlete, over the course of their careers. Single skaters also tend to have more injuries caused by chronic overuse of their lower limbs or backs. Researchers Jason Vescovi and Jaci VanHeest state that 50–75% of injuries can be prevented because they are caused from "training and/or performance issues". If there
8034-413: The music happen within 20 seconds after they have begun their program, the skater can choose to either restart their program or to continue from the point where they have stopped performing. If they decide to continue from the point where they stopped, they are continued to happen at that point onward, as well as their performance up to that point. If they decide to restart their program, they are judged from
8137-484: The now-discontinued Black Ice ), as well as the United States with two silvers and five bronzes (for Miami University and Haydenettes ). The Junior World Challenge Cup was held bi-annually starting in 2013 alternating with the newly introduced World Junior Championships until being discontinued after the 2015-16 season. The Finnish member of ISU, the Finnish Figure Skating Association, holds
8240-454: The pinnacle of the sport of figure skating." Due to the abrupt appearance of COVID-19 , the 2019–2020 season was cut short to ensure safety of all teams. Elite US teams like the Haydenettes , Fond du Lac Blades, and Skyliners were not able to compete internationally due to travel restrictions set in place in late March and early April. The US Figure Skating Association is responsible for
8343-722: The prescribed elements; if they do not, the extra or unprescribed elements will not be counted in their score. Only the first attempt of an element will be included. The ISU published a judges' handbook describing what judges needed to look for during men's and women's single skating competitions in 1965. Violations in single skating include time, music, clothing, and falls and interruptions. Judges penalize single junior and senior skaters one point up to every five seconds for ending their programs too early or too late. If they start their programs between one and 30 seconds late, they can lose one point. Skaters are allowed complete their short programs and free skates within plus or minus 10 seconds of
8446-699: The pull of another skater. This is a free skating move where one figure skater holds on to another. Different types of pairs element include spins, lifts, and pivots such as death spirals. Again, this element is really not a necessity for team skating, but it is seen at the Junior and Senior level. A pairs element can be used to boost skating skills and transition scores. This element is a sequence of movements that must include free skating moves such as spirals, spread eagles, Ina Bauers, and other flowing moves with strong edges, connected with linking steps. It must include at least three different free skating moves. There are international synchronized skating competitions at
8549-399: The regional level but cannot qualify for the national championships. The basic principle of the 6.0 system is a "majority" system. Each event is judged by an odd number of judges, and the winner of the event is the team placed highest by a majority of these judges. The IJS is based on cumulative points rather than the 6.0 standard of marks and placement. The IJS focuses on the skaters and not
8652-421: The required times; if they cannot, judges can deduct points if they finish up to five seconds too early or too late. If they begin skating any element after their required time (plus the required 10 seconds they have to begin), they earn no points for those elements. If the program's duration is 30 or more seconds under the required time range, skaters will receive no marks. All programs must be skated to music of
8755-534: The rest are averaged then added to the base value. The sum of all the scores of the elements comprises the Technical Elements score. The judges will award points on a scale from 0.25 to 10 (in increments of 0.25) for three program components to grade overall presentation. As with Grade of Execution (GOEs), the highest and lowest scores for each component are thrown out, and the remaining scores are averaged. The final program components scores are then multiplied by
8858-607: The rest of the team to performs freestyle type moves. For example, three figure-skaters may separate and execute sit spins , while the rest of the team is performing a circle formation. The three figure skaters will then re-join the group and carry on with the routine. Similarly, Novice, Junior, and Senior programs include moves in the field. Wherein the whole team performs sets of moves such as biellmann spirals, 170 spirals, unsupported spirals, spread eagles , or Ina Bauers connected. The required elements must be performed in specific ways, as described by published communications by
8961-438: The rhythm demonstrated during jump combinations; and they must have good take-offs and landings. The following are not required, but also taken into consideration: there must be steps executed before the beginning of the jump, or it must have either a creative or unexpected entry; the jump must match the music; and the skater must have, from the jump's take-off to its landing, a "very good body position". Somersault-type jumps, like
9064-542: The same divisions as those of the USFSA. Teams can compete in the Tot, Jr. Youth, Youth Sr. Youth, Teen, Collegiate, Adult, or Master age groups, in any of five categories: Formation, Advanced Formation, Skating, Open Skating, and Dance. While most skaters participating in synchronized skating are female, the rules allow mixed-gender teams. The Senior team level consists of 16 skaters. Skaters must be at least 15 years old and have passed
9167-478: The same program during the same time period. Kestnbaum also stated that as rotations in jumps for both men and women have increased, skaters have increased the difficulty of jumps by adding more difficult combinations and by adding difficult steps immediately before or after their jumps, resulting in "integrating the jumps more seamlessly into the flow of the program". In both the short program and free skating, any jump, jump combination, or jump sequence begun during
9270-430: The scores for all elements forms the technical score. The technical score is added to the program components score to determine the segment score (short program/rhythm dance or free skate/dance). The scores for each segment are then added together to determine the competition score. The skater with the highest competition score is declared the winner. In the event of a tie, the team with the highest free program score wins
9373-461: The second half of the program earns extra points "in order to give credit for even distribution of difficulties in the program". As of the 2018–2019 season, however, only the last jump element performed during the short program and the final three jump elements performed during the free skate, counted in a skater's final score. International Skating Magazine called this regulation the "Zagitova Rule", named for Russian skater Alina Zagitova , who won
9476-402: The sequence must be clearly visible. The technical panel identifies when a choreographic sequence begins, at its first movement, and ends, which occurs when the skater prepares to perform the next element if it is not the last element of the program. It can be executed before or after the step sequence. Single skaters must include the following in order to earn the highest points possible during
9579-404: The skater enters the spin until they exit out of it, except for flying spins and the spins in which the final wind-up is in one position. Skaters increase the difficulty of camel spins by grabbing their leg or blade while performing the spin. A skater earns points for a spin change of edge only if they complete the spin in a basic position. Fluctuations in speed and variations in the positions of
9682-477: The skaters' chosen music and must not "give the effect of excessive nudity inappropriate for the discipline". All men must wear full-length trousers, a rule that has been in effect since the 1994–1995 season. Since 1988, the ISU required that women skaters wear skirts during competition, a rule dubbed "the Katarina Rule", after East German skater Katarina Witt , who "skated her tapdance-based short program in
9785-420: The spin must maintain a center; the spin must be original and creative; and the element must match the music. The New York Times says, when comparing spins and the more exciting jumps for single skaters, "While jumps look like sport, spins look more like art. While jumps provide the suspense, spins provide the scenery, but there is so much more to the scenery than most viewers have time or means to grasp". If
9888-436: The sport of figure skating gets its name, were a crucial part of the sport for most of its history until the ISU voted to remove them in 1990. Single skating has required elements that skaters must perform during a competition and that make up a well-balanced skating program. They include jumps (and jump combinations), spins , step sequences , and choreographic sequences. The ISU defines a jump element as "an individual jump,
9991-471: The team at The University of Delaware and the University of Michigan . The Miami University Synchronized Skating Team has been a trailblazer in collegiate synchronized skating, fielding the first completely funded varsity synchronized skating program in the United States, as well as working towards gaining "Synchro" NCAA status in the United States. The Canadian Synchronized Skating Championships were annual synchronized skating events, sanctioned by
10094-405: The two or more movements together. Judges do not evaluate individual elements in a choreographic segment; rather, they note that it was accomplished. For example, any spin or any single and double jumps included in a choreographic sequence are not included in the final score. If a skater performs a jump with more than two revolutions, the sequence is considered ended. There are no restrictions, but
10197-520: Was held between Canadian and American teams in Michigan in March 1976. With the internationalization of the sport, it has evolved, with increasing emphasis on speed and skating skills, and "highlight" elements such as jumps, spirals, spins, and lifts that originally were not permitted in competition. An element where the skaters are lined up in three to five, separate parallel lines. The block should travel over
10300-496: Was in Vienna in 1882. Skaters were required to perform 23 compulsory figures , as well as a four-minute free skating program, and a section called "special figures", in which they had to perform moves or combinations of moves that highlighted their advanced skills. The first World Championships, hosted by the newly formed International Skating Union (ISU), occurred in 1896 , and consisted of four competitors, all men. Figure skating
10403-498: Was initially called "precision skating" due to its emphasis on the maintenance of intricate and precise formations and the requirement of precise timing from all members of the group. Synchronized skating is now well-established as an organized sport in several European countries with several of them having produced teams who frequently win championships at the international level. As of 2022, there are more than 600 synchro teams in United States alone. Synchronized skating currently uses
10506-543: Was introduced for the first time at the Worlds Championships in 1973 and at the European Championships in 1974 . Music with lyrics has been allowed in single skating and in all disciplines since the 2014–2015 season. Nathan Chen from the United States holds the highest single men's short program score of 113.97 points, which he earned at the 2022 Beijing Olympics . Russian skater Kamila Valieva holds
10609-700: Was selected to be part of the Universiade or World University Games as a demonstration sport. Teams from several countries competed in Turin , Italy with Sweden, Finland, and Russia coming out on top. "Why Not Synchro" is an ongoing campaign on social media through the hashtag #whynotsynchro and #whynotsynchro2018 on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram . This was popularized at the Mozart Cup, held in Austria in January 2014. During
#505494