Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 Falls
A fall is defined as a loss of control resulting in the skater's body touching the ice with any part other than the blades. Each fall incurs a -1.0 deduction from the total segment score (singles, pairs, and ice dance). Additionally, a fall on an element triggers a mandatory negative GOE on that element (minimum -3 to -4 on the GOE scale). In pairs and ice dance, a fall by one partner counts as one fall; a simultaneous fall by both partners counts as one fall.
7.2 Time Violations
- If a program exceeds or falls short of the prescribed time by more than 10 seconds, a -1.0 deduction is applied for every 5 seconds in excess or deficit.
- The Referee stops the program if the skater exceeds the time limit by more than 30 seconds.
7.3 Illegal and Invalid Elements
- Illegal elements: Somersault-type jumps (backflips/frontflips), lying on the ice for an extended period, and lifts where the man's hands are higher than his head in ice dance are all illegal. An illegal element receives zero value and a -2.0 deduction.
- Extra elements: Elements exceeding the prescribed maximum (e.g., an 8th jump element in free skating) receive no value.
- Repeated elements: A jump type performed more than the allowed number of times receives no value on the additional attempt.
7.4 Costume and Music Violations
- Costume violation: Use of props, accessories, or costumes violating ISU Rule 501 results in a -1.0 deduction.
- Music violation: Inappropriate musical content or failure to comply with music regulations is penalized at the Referee's discretion, typically -1.0 deduction.
- Interruption: If a skater stops during a program due to equipment failure, they may be permitted to restart after a brief delay, but a -5.0 deduction is applied for an interruption lasting more than 3 minutes. Only one interruption per program is allowed.
7.5 Late Start and Withdrawal
- A skater who fails to appear on the ice within 1 minute of being called receives a warning. Failure to appear within 5 minutes results in withdrawal from the segment.
- A skater who withdraws from the Short Program/Rhythm Dance cannot compete in the Free Skating/Free Dance of that event.