The Technical Panel consists of a Technical Controller and two Technical Specialists, each from different ISU member countries (nations). A Data Operator assists them for recording purposes. An instant slow-motion video replay system is operated by the Replay Operator to support the Technical Panel in identifying executed elements.
The Technical Specialists identify and name the executed elements and their specific levels of difficulty (e.g., spins, footwork). They also identify illegal or additional elements and falls.
The Technical Controller approves and/or modifies all calls, supervises the Data Operator, and may propose corrections if necessary.
In case of disagreement, the majority decision among the three Officials prevails.
In the ISU scoring system, judges focus entirely on evaluating the quality of execution (technical score) and the quality of performance (presentation score) for each element.
Their scores are based on specific quality criteria for each element, providing a comprehensive assessment of each skater's technical skills and performance without comparison to other skaters. Judges input their scores using touchscreen devices. At the ISU event, judges can review specific elements of skaters' performances in real-time through an instant video replay system.
Judging Panel
A panel consisting of up to 9 judges per segment will be established. The scores from these judges will determine the results. Among these scores, the highest and lowest for each element or program component are discarded, and the average of the remaining scores is calculated to produce the adjusted average (mean score). Judges are the official authorities responsible for the event, acting in accordance with official rules and the judging panel.
All required elements in the Short Program, Free Skating, Rhythm Dance, and Free Dance are assigned base values. The base values for all recognized elements are published annually in the Scale of Values chart by the ISU.
The base value of an element varies depending on the number of rotations in jumps or the level of difficulty assigned to elements such as spins, steps, lifts, and twizzles. These values are determined by a group of experts, including experienced skaters and coaches.
During a performance, the Technical Panel identifies the elements and their levels of difficulty. The names of the identified elements are immediately displayed on the judges' screens. Judges then apply the Grade of Execution (GOE) to evaluate the quality of the elements on a scale of +5, +4, +3, +2, +1, 0, -1, -2, -3, -4, -5. Judges can increase or decrease the value of each performed element accordingly.
The panel's GOE is determined by truncating the average of the numerical GOE scores awarded by up to nine scoring judges. This average becomes the final GOE for the individual element.
The panel's score for each element is calculated by adding the truncated average GOE to the base value of that element.
The panel's scores are then added to the Total Element Score (TES) for all elements.
In addition to the technical score, judges assign scores ranging from 0.25 to 10 (in increments of 0.25) for program components to evaluate the overall presentation of the performance. These program components include Skating Skills, Transitions, Performance, Composition, and Interpretation of the Music (for Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, and Pair Skating) or Interpretation/Timing (for Ice Dance). Various factors, detailed below, must be taken into account when judges evaluate each component.
The panel's scores for each program component are derived by calculating the trimmed mean of the scores judge for that component. The panel's scores are then multiplied by specific factors for each program component to ensure that the total component score and the program component score are approximately balanced. The results are rounded to two decimal places.
In Pair Skating and Ice Dance, both skaters must demonstrate the criteria equally.
The overall performance of a skater, pair, or couple is evaluated based on three program components: Composition, Presentation, and Skating Skills. In Pair Skating and Ice Dance, both skaters must equally demonstrate the criteria.
Composition: The intentional, developed, and/or unique arrangement of all types of movements into a meaningful whole, according to principles of proportion, unity, space, pattern, and musical structure. When evaluating Composition, the following should be considered:
- Multi-dimensional use of movement and space;
- Connections between and within elements;
- Choreography reflecting musical phrasing and form;
- Patterns and ice coverage;
- Unity.
Presentation: The demonstration of involvement, commitment, and engagement based on an understanding of the music and composition. When evaluating Presentation, the following should be considered:
- Expressiveness and projection;
- Variety and contrast in energy and movement;
- Musical sensitivity and timing;
- Harmony and spatial awareness (in Pair Skating and Ice Dance).
Skating Skills: The ability of the skater to execute a repertoire of skating steps, turns, and movements with control of the blade and body. When evaluating Skating Skills, the following should be considered:
- Variety of edges, steps, turns, movements, and directions;
- Clarity of edges, steps, turns, movements, and body control;
- Balance and glide;
- Flow;
- Power and speed;
- Unison (in Pair Skating and Ice Dance).
The total segment score for each participant in each segment is calculated by adding the total element score and the program component score, then subtracting any deductions (e.g., -1.0 for a fall).
In Ice Dance events with two pattern dances, the total score for each dance is multiplied by a coefficient of 0.5 for Basic Novice, 0.75 for Intermediate Novice, and 1.0 for Advanced Novice.
The total segment scores of the two programs are combined, and the result constitutes the final score in the competition. The participant with the highest total score is the winner.
At the end of each segment, a list containing all relevant skating score data will be announced.
The ISU judge system allows for the analysis of significantly more data than before. This data can assist national federations, athletes, and coaches in improving future performances.
Media, skating fans, and the general public can access statistics and detailed data from the ISU. Home of the Skating Website.
Dedicated computer software identifies potential anomalies, which are further verified by the appointed Officials Assessment Commission. These anomalies, as potential variations in scoring, may be upheld or refuted by the Commission. Rejected possibilities or repeated errors by an individual official may result in sanctions.
L'ISU The ISU maintains statistics for individual performances, including personal bests, highest scores, and season's best results. The "season's best results" are displayed on the arena scoreboard for each skater or pair, representing their most significant individual results during the period.The current season and the two previous seasonsare considered for the world rankings.
To participate in a Figure Skating Championship, a skater/pair must achieve the minimum total element score (SP/RD + FS/FD) during the current or immediately preceding season:
The combined total element score (excluding component scores) is calculated by summing the highest technical element scores from the Short Program/Rhythm Dance and Free Skating/Free Dance achieved by the skater/pair at ISU-recognized international competitions, in accordance with Article 39, paragraph 7 of the ISU Constitution and Rules 107, paragraphs 1–10 of the ISU General Regulations, during the ongoing or previous season (refer to Rule 378, paragraph 4 of the ISU Special Regulations for Single & & Pair Skating and Ice Dance). The highest technical element scores from the Short Program/Rhythm Dance and Free Skating/Free Dance may be recorded at different competitions to calculate the combined technical element score.
For the current minimum total technical scores and the most up-to-date information, please refer to:ISU Media Guide Figure Skating
Please refer to the currently required Elements to check all the latest information.ISU Media Guide Figure Skating.
