Section 8: Safety Considerations
8.1 Warm-Up Safety
During the 6-minute warm-up, an Ice Marshal monitors the session to prevent collisions and dangerous behavior. Skaters must exercise spatial awareness, particularly when practicing jumps. The skater preparing for a jump has the right of way. Coaches are not permitted on the ice during warm-up. If a collision occurs, the Referee may extend the warm-up period.
8.2 Ice Maintenance
The ice surface is resurfaced with a Zamboni between warm-up groups (typically every 6–8 skaters) and between segments of competition. Loose debris, flowers, or thrown objects must be cleared by ice attendants before the next competitor takes the ice. The ISU prohibits throwing objects onto the ice until the skater has completed their program and scores have been announced.
8.3 Medical Support
- A qualified medical team must be present on-site at all ISU competitions, with access to the ice within 2 minutes.
- An ambulance must be stationed at the venue for ISU Championships and Olympic events.
- If a skater is injured during a program, the Referee may stop the program. The skater has 3 minutes to resume. If unable to continue, the skater receives a score for elements completed up to the interruption.
- Concussion protocols follow ISU medical guidelines; a skater showing signs of concussion must be evaluated before being permitted to continue.
8.4 Pairs and Ice Dance Safety
- In pairs, lift height is unrestricted (overhead lifts are permitted), but the man must demonstrate safe catching technique. The lifted partner must not be thrown more than once per lift. Falls from lifts carry additional safety review.
- In ice dance, overhead lifts are prohibited. The lifted partner's body must not rise above the man's shoulder line. Lift duration is limited to 6 seconds.
- Blade guards must be worn when walking off-ice to protect blades and prevent injury to others.
8.5 Equipment Safety
- Skaters are responsible for ensuring their equipment is in safe working condition. Loose blades, broken boot supports, or damaged costumes that create a safety hazard require immediate repair.
- If a blade becomes detached during competition, the program is immediately stopped and the skater may be permitted to resume after repair, subject to a deduction for interruption.