Section 5: Rules of Play
5.1 Singles Short Program
The Short Program contains 7 required elements performed within a maximum time of 2 minutes 40 seconds. Skaters must execute each prescribed element; omitting a required element results in zero value for that element. The required elements (subject to annual ISU Communication updates) typically include:
- A double or triple Axel.
- A triple or quadruple jump preceded by connecting steps/movements.
- A jump combination (two jumps or a jump + Euler + jump).
- A flying spin or spin with a flying entry.
- A spin combination with only one change of foot.
- A spin in one position with no change of foot (camel, sit, or layback for women).
- A step sequence utilizing the full ice surface.
5.2 Singles Free Skating
The Free Skating segment allows free choice of elements within ISU maximums, performed in 4 minutes (senior men and women; reduced from 4:30 for men in 2022). Key constraints include:
- Maximum of 7 jump elements (of which at most 3 may be combinations or sequences).
- Maximum of 3 spins (one must be a combination spin, one a flying or flying-entry spin).
- One step sequence and one choreographic sequence.
- Each type of triple or quadruple jump may be performed a maximum of twice, and at least one instance must be in a combination or sequence.
- Elements in the second half of the program receive a 10% base value bonus, rewarding difficult elements executed under fatigue.
5.3 Jump Elements
Six types of jumps are recognized, listed here in order of ascending base value (difficulty):
- Toe Loop (T): Toe-assisted jump taking off from the back outside edge of the landing foot.
- Salchow (S): Edge jump taking off from the back inside edge.
- Loop (Lo): Edge jump taking off from the back outside edge (same as landing edge).
- Flip (F): Toe-assisted jump taking off from the back inside edge.
- Lutz (Lz): Toe-assisted jump taking off from the back outside edge on a counter-rotational entry (long backward glide on the outside edge). Distinguished from the Flip by the takeoff edge.
- Axel (A): The only jump with a forward takeoff (front outside edge), requiring an extra half-revolution. A triple Axel is 3.5 revolutions; a quadruple Axel is 4.5 revolutions.
Jumps may be performed as singles (1 revolution), doubles (2), triples (3), or quadruples (4). Quadruple jumps are now standard in senior men's competition, with the quad Lutz, quad Flip, and quad Axel among the most difficult elements attempted.
5.4 Spins
Three basic spin positions exist, with variations:
- Upright spin: Skater spins in an upright position. Variations include the scratch spin, layback spin (arched back), and Biellmann spin (free leg pulled overhead).
- Sit spin: Skating leg bent to at least a 90-degree angle. Variations include the cannonball, broken leg, and pancake positions.
- Camel spin: Free leg extended backward at or above hip level. Variations include the donut spin and flying camel.
- Combination spin: Must include at least two basic positions with no more than one change of foot.
Spins are assigned levels (Base through Level 4) based on features such as difficult variations, change of edge, number of revolutions in a difficult position, and change of foot.
5.5 Step and Choreographic Sequences
A step sequence must utilize the full ice surface and incorporate a variety of turns (threes, brackets, rockers, counters, twizzles, loops) and steps on both feet with deep edges. Step sequences are assigned levels (Base through Level 4) based on complexity, variety, and body movement.
A choreographic sequence consists of any skating movements (spirals, spread eagles, Ina Bauers, hydroblading, etc.) and is evaluated only by GOE, receiving a fixed base value.
5.6 Pairs-Specific Elements
- Throw jumps: The man assists the woman into a jump. All six jump types can be throw jumps (throw triple Axel, throw quad Salchow, etc.).
- Side-by-side jumps: Both partners perform the same jump simultaneously.
- Pair spins: Both partners spin together, with one partner rotating around the other.
- Death spiral: The man pivots on one foot while the woman spirals around him on a deep edge with her back arched near the ice. Four types: forward inside, forward outside, backward inside, backward outside.
- Lifts: Classified into Groups 1 through 5 based on the man's hand/arm position and the woman's position. Group 5 lifts (one-hand overhead) are the most difficult. Maximum of 3 lifts in the Free Skating.
- Twist lifts: The man throws the woman into the air with rotation; she completes revolutions and is caught before landing.
5.7 Ice Dance-Specific Rules
The Rhythm Dance (duration 2 minutes 50 seconds) requires a prescribed rhythm or theme that changes each season (e.g., waltz, blues, Latin). It includes a required pattern dance sequence, a set of sequential or synchronized twizzles, and a step sequence.
The Free Dance (4 minutes) is a free composition emphasizing musicality and expression. Required elements include lifts (up to 3, with specific duration and type restrictions), twizzle sequences, step sequences, and choreographic elements. No jumps beyond single Axels are permitted in ice dance. No throw jumps, no overhead lifts; lift duration is limited to 6 seconds.
5.8 Warm-Up and Starting Order
Competitors skate in groups of 6 (or fewer in the final group). Each group receives a 6-minute warm-up on the competition ice immediately before skating. Starting order for the Short Program/Rhythm Dance is determined by random draw. For the Free Skating/Free Dance, competitors skate in reverse order of standing from the short segment, with the leader skating last in the final group.