Section 6: Scoring
6.1 ISU Judging System (IJS) Overview
The ISU Judging System (IJS), officially adopted for the 2004–2005 season, replaced the controversial 6.0 system following the judging scandal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. The IJS provides granular, element-by-element scoring rather than a single holistic mark. The total score for each segment is:
Total Segment Score (TSS) = Technical Element Score (TES) + Program Component Score (PCS) − Deductions
6.2 Technical Element Score (TES)
Each element performed receives a score calculated as:
Element Score = Base Value + GOE adjustment
- Base Value (BV): A fixed point value assigned to each element based on its type and difficulty (e.g., triple Axel BV = 8.00, quad toe loop BV = 9.50, quad Lutz BV = 11.50). These values are published in the ISU Scale of Values.
- Grade of Execution (GOE): Each judge assigns a GOE from -5 to +5 based on the quality of execution. The GOE integer is then converted to a point value using a percentage of the base value (approximately ±10% per GOE step). The trimmed mean of the judges' GOE values is applied.
- Second-half bonus: Jump elements performed in the second half of the program receive a 10% bonus on their base value.
6.3 Under-Rotation and Edge Calls
The Technical Panel assesses jump rotation and takeoff edges using video review:
- Under-rotation (< symbol): Missing between one-quarter and one-half revolution. The jump receives approximately 75% of its base value.
- Downgrade (<< symbol): Missing more than one-half revolution. The jump is downgraded to the next lower rotation (e.g., a downgraded triple becomes a double for scoring purposes).
- Edge call (e): Incorrect takeoff edge on a Flip or Lutz (e.g., taking off on an outside edge for a Flip, which should use an inside edge). Results in a mandatory GOE reduction.
- Unclear edge (!): The takeoff edge is uncertain but not clearly wrong. Carries a lesser GOE penalty than a full edge call.
6.4 Program Component Score (PCS)
Five program components are evaluated, each scored on a scale of 0.25 to 10.00 in increments of 0.25:
- Skating Skills: Quality of edge control, flow, speed, glide, and multi-directional skating. Mastery of one-foot skating and effortless power generation.
- Transitions: Variety and difficulty of movements and transitions linking technical elements. Use of intricate footwork, movements, and body transitions between elements.
- Performance: Physical, emotional, and intellectual involvement. Connection between partners (pairs/dance). Projection and carriage throughout the program.
- Composition: Purposeful arrangement of movements and elements. Use of space, pattern, ice coverage, and musical phrasing. Originality of concept.
- Interpretation of the Music: Expression of the music's character, rhythm, and nuance through movement. Timing and finesse reflecting musical accents and structure.
Each component score uses a trimmed mean (highest and lowest discarded, remaining seven averaged). The raw component scores are then multiplied by a factor specific to the discipline and segment (e.g., factor of 1.0 for men's Short Program components, 2.0 for Free Skating). The factored component scores are summed to produce the total PCS.
6.5 Total Competition Score
The total competition score is the sum of both segment scores: Short Program TSS + Free Skating TSS (or Rhythm Dance TSS + Free Dance TSS for ice dance). The competitor with the highest combined total wins. In case of a tie, the skater with the higher Free Skating/Free Dance score is ranked higher.