October 4, 2005 Clarifications for Singles and Pair Skating The following are clarifications to many asked questions. Though they do not represent all the questions asked, they do represent a majority of the concerns. The responses to the concerns are consistent with the responses and clarifications by the ISU. Singles: Short Program and Free Skating: Please note that ALL short program rules apply. Therefore, the number of rotations in a spin, the pattern for the step sequence, etc. all must be done according to the rules. Jumps A popped listed jump with less than ¾ revolution will be called by its name with no designation of revolution. It will have a value of 0 and will take up a jumping box. Intended small hops or jumps with up to one-half revolution performed to enhance an element (Example: split jump) will not be considered a jump and will be marked in the Component Mark Transition. Jumps that are not listed in the Table of Values (walleys, split jump, half loop, etc) will NOT be counted as jumping elements and therefore will not take up a jumping box. Jumps that are cheated more than ¼ turn will be called at the lower revolution. The clear forward take-off other than Axel type jump will be considered as a cheated jump. The most common example of this is the cheated double toe loop or toe axel. The jump will be called by the technical specialist as a Single Toe Loop. If a skater performs a spin with a jump immediately following, (Example: an upright spin followed by a triple salchow before exiting the spin performed by a former World competitor) the two elements will be counted as separate elements and the judges will consider the difficulty of the entry for the jump in the GOE. An Inside Axel is a non-listed jump and does not count as an element and will be reflected in the Transition Mark. Jump Combinations: Short Program First jump landed free foot touches (loss of balance) and the skater turns and executes the second jump the specialist will identify the element as the jump combination and the JUDGE will deduct in GOE. Fall after first jump skater gets up and does the second jump. Example: Triple Lutz, fall, double toe loop. The second jump does NOT count and does NOT take up a jumping box. The call will be Triple Lutz + COMBO. Free Skating First jump landed free foot touches (loss of balance) and the skater turns 360 or less on the ice and executes the second jump the specialist will call the element a Jump Sequence. Fall after first jump skater gets up and executes the second jump the specialist will call two jumping elements and they will take up two jumping boxes. 1
Generally: the value of all jumps in a properly executed jump combination are added together to arrive at the base point value for the jump combination element. Jump Sequence: Definition: A jump sequence consists of any number of listed jumps (those jumps found in the Scale of Values) linked by hops, mazurkas, unlisted jumps (such as ½ jumps, walleys, inside axels) and/or turns immediately following each other. The skater may turn no more than 360 degrees on the ice between any hop or jump. No crossovers or stroking are permitted. The sequence must maintain a constant rhythm (knee action). The two highest valued jumps will be added and then multiplied by 0.8. The GOE will be applied to the highest value of the two jumps. Caution: If a sequence breaks apart (a fall or a break in the rhythm, for example), or does not conform to the definition (contains stroking or crossovers or turns on the ice of more than 360 degrees, for example), the listed jumps will be identified and called as two separate jump elements and will take up two jumping boxes. Axel jumps done immediately following the landing of another jump will be designated as two separate jump elements and NOT a sequence. Example: Salchow Axel. In regards to Quadruple jumps. If the quad is called, reviewed, and then downgraded to a triple, the downgraded triple will NOT be considered a repetition of a triple. Likewise, in Novice and Intermediate, if a triple is downgraded to a double, the downgraded double will not be considered a repetition of a double. Spins A spin commences once the weight of the body is transferred into a spinning position. If a skater falls within the curve of the spinning edge as he or she is entering the spin OR steps out and sets the spin up again, the fall and the step will be identified as a SPIN NO LEVEL. In case of the fall, if the skater gets up and resumes an UPRIGHT spin to take up space in the program, the spin will NOT be counted as an extra element. If the skater gets up and strokes and sets up the spin again, it will called as a spin, the judges will assign it a GOE, it will take up a spin box. Single Position Spin: two revolutions in a position are needed to qualify that position as a position and/or feature in all spins done as a single position spin. The exception is the LAYBACK (or sideways leaning) spin three revolutions are required to qualify as a position in the layback (example: sideways to back; back to sideways). To qualify as a feature within a layback position, the difficult variation must be held two revolutions (example: free foot touching head while in the layback position). Spin Combinations with change of position and change of foot: Unless otherwise restricted by the rules governing the short program, more than one change of foot is permitted. The second change of foot is not considered a feature, but positions or variations after the change of foot will be counted as features if they have met the criteria for such. 2
Junior Short Program Only: the flying sit spin is required in the Junior Short Program. A death drop entry is not permitted and if done, the spin will receive No Value. To meet requirements, this spin must have a sit position in the air and upon landing. All spins in the Free Program can have a flying entry and change of foot. A change of foot in spins means spinning on each foot. A transition (either in the air or on the ice) that uses each foot but remains spinning on the same foot is not considered a spin with a change of foot. (Hop in the middle of the spin is NOT considered a change of foot) The concluding upright position at the end of a spin (final wind up) can be no more than 3 revolutions. If the number of revolutions exceeds 3, the upright position will be counted as a position and the spin will be called a combination spin. Caution should be exercised in concluding the spins. For example, in concluding the spin with one position, an excessive windup may alter the nature of the spin and cause it to be identified as a combination spin. If this happens, the skater may be left without having executed the required one position spin. A change of foot in a spin with a flying or backward entry needs to be as close to the previous spinning center as possible and executed in one move without delay. If the new spinning center is way off and/or interrupted, two separate spins will be called. In order for the change of edge to get credit, (1) the edge prior to the change must have been established for at least 2 revolutions, and (2) the edge after the change is established must be held for at least 2 revolutions. Illusions are NOT considered a difficult variation of any position. Layback Spins: Acceleration of speed in a layback spin must be clearly visible to be credited as a feature. Difficult free leg position (foot to head), foot must be nearly touching the head to count as a feature. The required revolutions in a layback must be achieved before a Biellmann variation is permitted (SP only); only then may the Biellmann be considered as a difficult feature. (Check the required revolutions for the skater s competition level the requirement in senior and junior is 8 revolutions before the Biellmann is permitted.) In the FS program, a Biellmann may be done, but only after three revolutions in layback/sideways leaning position have been executed. A Biellmann position is only to be considered if the boot of the skater s free leg is pulled above the head. Steps Spiral Sequence Short Program A spiral sequence in which none of the three required spiral positions are held for at least 3 seconds receives NO LEVEL and therefore NO VALUE. A spiral sequence in which only one or two of the required three spiral positions are held for at least 3 seconds will receive Level 1 and requires a reduction in the GOE of 2 or -3. The specialists begin counting when the free leg is above the hip. The position does not have to be fully extended for counting to begin or end. 3
A backward inside spiral is a feature it is NOT required. Long Program: A spiral sequence in which none of the two required spiral positions are held for at least 3 seconds receives NO LEVEL and therefore NO VALUE. A spiral sequence in which only one of the two required spiral positions is held for at least 3 seconds will receive Level 1 and requires a reduction in the GOE of 2 and the GOE must be a minus. The specialists begin counting when the free leg is above the hip. The position does not have to be fully extended for counting to begin or end. Full Split means full split (180 degrees). Unsupported change of edge refers to a change of edge WITHOUT the leg falling below the hip. The spiral after the change of edge must be held for 3 seconds in order to qualify for the feature. The count does not begin until the skater establishes the edge after the change. Unsupported Change of direction refers to the leg moving from front to back or back to front without the leg dropping below the hip. Both the spiral before the change and the spiral after the change must be held for 3 seconds to qualify for the feature. To be counted as a spiral, the skater must be on an edge. A Charlotte NOT done on an edge will NOT be counted as a spiral and/or difficult position. Change of Speed refers to Variation of Speed Acceleration to Deceleration to Acceleration. A stop is NOT a variation of speed. The upper body refers to arms, head and torso. Modest upper body movement is the visible use of two of the three parts of the upper body to the rhythm of the music while executing the steps and turns. Full upper body movement is the visible use of the whole body and deep knee bends to the rhythm of the music while executing the steps and turns. Shape: Serpentines must contain at least 2 bold curves A Serpentine and part of a circle may be combined. Two Serpentine sequences cannot be combined. Straight line step sequences will end anywhere at the opposite barrier. (Skills being executed going around the corner will not be counted as part of the skill) Short Program: All steps must PROGRESS down the ice. NO RETROGRESSION is allowed. Free Skate: Steps can be progressive or retrogressive. The initial direction a skater turns during a step sequence is not counted as the first change of direction. The first change of direction occurs when the skater reverses the initial direction and rotates 360 degrees. Jumps in the step sequence Short Program: small, half revolution jumps are permitted. 4
Free Skate: Jumps are permitted in the step sequence. If they are listed jumps, they will count as a jump element and will take a jumping box. Caution: including jumps in the step sequence may lessen the skater s opportunity to execute a variety of or complex turns and steps and can impact upon the level of difficulty of the step sequence. A twizzle is a turn that is skated on the flat of the blade, progresses forward, and rotates unchecked. It is NOT a double 3-turn. Step sequences must fully utilize the ice surface. Moves in the field are not considered a step sequence. Judges will mark moves in the field as transitions. Steps and turns should be balanced (equal) in distribution throughout the sequence. The technical specialists will be analyzing the difficulty of steps and turns and will be watching to see whether the difficult steps and turns are balanced in their distribution throughout the sequence. Pair Skating Short and Long Program: Jumps: A cheated jump by one partner will result in the element being recognized at the lower rotation regardless if the other skater has successfully completed the intended rotations. A fall by one partner will result in the jump being addressed as a fall regardless if the other partner completes the element successfully. A fall by one partner during a combination jump will be addressed as a Jump fall regardless if the other partner completes the element successfully. If both skaters fall after the first jump of the intended combination, get up and execute the second jump of the combination, the second jump will be identified as a separate element and NOT part of the combination. If one partner executes a jump combination and the other partner executes a jump sequence, the jump sequence will be called. All other rules pertaining to jumps please refer to the Singles Clarifications. Spins: As in single skating, a position is achieved or counted when two revolutions in the position or variation have been completed. If a spin contains less than two revolutions in any position, the position is NOT counted. Pair spin combination: both partners MUST execute at least one change of position AND at least one change of foot. If this is required and does NOT occur: Short Program: o No change of foot by one partner Level 1 o No change of position by one partner Level 1 o No change of foot by either partner- No Level (no value) o No change of position by either partner No Level (no value) Free Skating 5
o o A pair spin type element not fulfilling the criteria of a Pair Spin Combination will be called as a Pair Spin. For example, a spin that changes position, but does not change feet, will be identified as a pair spin. A spin that changes feet, but does not change position will be called a pair spin. Minimum requirements for a pair combination spin: two revolutions on each foot by each partner and at least one change of position by each partner are required for a pair combination spin. If such minimum requirements are not fulfilled, NO level will be given and the spin will receive no points. Holding the free leg above the waist during a solo spin is considered a difficult position in pairs. Steps: Please refer to Singles concerning step clarification. Lifts: Group 5 lasso lifts will be identified by the ladies entrance, ie, toe (tap), step, reverse, or axel lasso. The entrance CANNOT be repeated in a program. For example, if the team does two Group 5 Toe Lassos in the program, the second one will receive no value. If the man performs less than one revolution with extended arms, this attempt will be considered as an intended lift, occupies as spot but no value will be given. An exception is the Carry Lift, which will not be called as a lift, but will be marked by the judges as a Transition. A simple one hand-hold (not less than ½, but less than 1 revolution of the man) will count once for Levels 2-3 A difficult one-hand-hold (1 revolution of the man) will count as a feature for all the levels as many times as there are full revolutions of the man. Changes of hold or the lady s position during the lift are permitted. If, however, the man changes hold for less than one revolution, it is not considered as a change of hold. Change from right arm hold to left arm hold or vice-versa with at least 1 revolution in each of these positions is an additional feature for Levels. Only if there is a significant impact in the balance of the lift, will the lady s change of position be counted as an influence on the level. A landing procedure, where the lady is not immediately landing on the ice, is NOT automatically considered as a difficult landing. Small dance lifts are not limited in number and do NOT count as a lift. For required lifts when the man s hands are in the lifting position with the lady leaving the ice, the criteria of an attempt of a lift are fulfilled. Aborting the lift will get a value of 0 and will take up a lifting box. Basic, Simple, and Difficult entries, holds, carries, landings are defined in ISU Communication 1319 on page 17, which can be located at www.isu.org. 6
Twist/Throws: In order to get the feature difficult take-off, steps into the preparation of the twist must done without hesitation prior to the takeoff and by both partners. Once the rhythm or cadence of the steps stops, the feature will NOT be granted. Under rotated twist jumps of greater than ¼ will be treated as a cheated jump and downgraded. Splits are called when the legs are apart greater than 90 degrees. The split does NOT need to be equal. Throw Jumps are analyzed like a jump. If the throw is under rotated more than one quarter turn, the throw will be downgraded and called as the lower jump. Death Spiral: Prescribed position (edge and back pivot) must be held for one revolution in the short program. Variation can occur after the initial revolution. The lady s body weight MUST be supported by the force of the spiraling edge and the hold of the man. A shoot the duck position by the lady will NOT be counted as an appropriate death spiral position. Opposite arm hold by the man is NOT a difficult entry. A difficult entry is considered when the arc of the spiral has been determined. If the lady ends her difficult pose (for example, Biellmann) by changing feet and then commencing the death spiral, the difficult entry will NOT be awarded because placing both feet on the ice re-establishes balance. Additional rotations after the first rotation will count as a feature as long as the rotation is complete. Change of pivot by the man is allowed after the first rotation and will count as a feature if the new pivot is maintained for one rotation. A small dance lift is permitted on the exit and is considered a difficult exit. Change of curve on the exit is considered a difficult exit. If the man does not maintain a pivot position for one revolution, the death spiral will be called as No Level and will receive no points. If the man does not maintain a pivot and the lady executes a feature. The feature will NOT count. General Comments for Both Singles and Pairs All elements executed will be called by the specialist regardless if they are additional elements. All elements will be awarded a GOE regardless if they are additional elements. The calculation process will discard any element that does not meet the criteria of the established well balanced program for that level. The calculation process will acknowledge the elements in the order they were executed. 7
Falls: One point will be deducted for each fall. A fall is defined as a loss of control by the skater with the result that the majority of his/her own body weight is on the ice supported by any other part of the body other than the skate. Falls will be identified by the technical specialists. 8
New USFS Rules Governing Programs Rules governing the Senior and Junior Programs are as found in the Rulebook. This year, new rules are in effect for Novice, Intermediate and Juvenile programs. Here is an overview of the changes. The Rulebook should be consulted for further information: Novice Singles: Novice Short Programs: Program Time: Maximum 2:30 seconds (15 seconds were added) Novice Men: Axel or Double Axel. One double or triple jump immediately preceded by connecting steps or other free skating movements. One jump combination consisting of two double jumps or one double and one triple jump. Spin with only one position. May commence with a jump. No change of foot permitted. Six revolutions minimum in position. Spin combination with only one change of foot and at least one change of position. Minimum five revolutions on each foot. Step sequence (straightline, circular or serpentine). Novice Ladies: Axel or Double Axel. One double or triple jump immediately preceded by connecting steps or other free skating movements. One jump combination consisting of two double jumps or one double and one triple jump. Layback or sideways leaning spin. No change of foot permitted. Six revolutions in position minimum. Spin combination with only one change of foot and at least one change of position. Minimum five revolutions on each foot. Spiral step sequence (straightline, circular or serpentine). Novice Free Skating Well-Balanced Program Rules: Novice Men: Maximum seven (7) jump elements (a) one must be an axel-type jump; (b) NO DOUBLE OR TRIPLE JUMP MAY BE REPEATED MORE THAN ONCE; (c) if a jump is repeated, it must be in combination or sequence; (d) the program may contain no more than three jump combinations or jump sequences (one jump combination may contain three jumps; the others only two; number of jumps in a jump sequence is the option of the skater, but must meet the definition of a sequence described above under Singles Clarifications); (e) NO MORE THAN THREE DIFFERENT DOUBLE OR TRIPLE JUMPS MAY BE REPEATED IN THE PROGRAM, a maximum two of which may be triples. Maximum three (3) spins (a) one flying spin (minimum 6 revolutions), (b) one combination spin with at least one change of foot and at least one change of position (minimum 10 total revolutions), and (c) one spin with only one position (minimum 6 revolutions). All may have flying entries and may change feet. Maximum one step sequence fully utilizing the ice surface. When judged under the 6.0 system, the deduction is.2 in the Technical Elements mark for every instance of an element attempted over the maximum. 9
Novice Ladies: Maximum six (6) jump elements (a) one must be an axel-type jump; (b) NO DOUBLE OR TRIPLE JUMP MAY BE REPEATED MORE THAN ONCE; (c) if a jump is repeated, it must be in combination or sequence; (d) the program may contain no more than three jump combinations or jump sequences (one jump combination may contain three jumps, but the others only two; number of jumps in a jump sequence is the option of the skater, but must meet the definition of a sequence described above under Singles Clarifications); (e) NO MORE THAN THREE DIFFERENT DOUBLE OR TRIPLE JUMPS MAY BE REPEATED IN THE PROGRAM, a maximum two of which may be triples. Maximum three (3) spins (a) one flying spin (minimum 6 revolutions, with at least 2 in the landing position), (b) one combination spin with at least one change of foot and at least one change of position (minimum 10 total revolutions), and (c) one spin with only one position (minimum 6 revolutions). All may have flying entries. Maximum one (1) step sequence fully utilizing the ice surface. When judged under the 6.0 system, the deduction is.2 in the Technical Elements mark for every instance of an element attempted over the maximum. Intermediate Singles: Intermediate Short Program Men and Ladies: Axel or Double Axel. One double jump immediately preceded by connecting steps or other free skating movements. One jump combination consisting of two double jumps or one double and one single jump. Spin with only one position. May commence with a jump. No change of foot permitted. Five revolutions minimum in position Spin combination with only one change of foot and at least one change of position. Minimum five revolutions on each foot. Step sequence (straightline, circular or serpentine). The deduction is.2 in the Technical Elements mark for every instance of an element attempted over the maximum. Intermediate Free Skating Well-Balanced Program Rules: Intermediate Men and Ladies: Maximum six (6) jump elements (a) one must be an axel-type jump; (b) NO DOUBLE OR TRIPLE JUMP MAY BE REPEATED MORE THAN ONCE; (c) if a jump is repeated, it must be in combination or sequence; (d) the program may contain no more than three jump combinations or jump sequences (one jump combination may contain three jumps; the others only two; number of jumps in a jump sequence is the option of the skater, but must meet the definition of a sequence described above under Singles Clarifications); (e) NO MORE THAN THREE DIFFERENT DOUBLE OR TRIPLE JUMPS MAY BE REPEATED IN THE PROGRAM, a maximum one of which may be a triple. Maximum three (3) spins (a) one flying spin (minimum 5 revolutions, with at least 2 in the landing position), (b) one combination spin with at least one change of foot and at least one change of position (minimum four revolutions on each foot), and (c) one spin the choice of the skater (minimum 5 revolutions). All may have flying entries, all may change feet and all may change position. Maximum one step sequence fully utilizing the ice surface. The deduction is.2 in the Technical Elements mark for every instance of an element attempted over the maximum. Juvenile Singles: Juvenile Free Skating Well-Balanced Program Rules: 10
Juvenile Men and Ladies: Maximum six (6) jump elements (a) one must be an axel-type jump; (b) NO DOUBLE JUMP MAY BE REPEATED MORE THAN ONCE; (c) if a jump is repeated, it must be in combination or sequence; (d) the program may contain no more than three jump combinations or jump sequences (one jump combination may contain three jumps; the others only two; number of jumps in a jump sequence is the option of the skater, but must meet the definition of a sequence described above under Singles Clarifications); (e) NO MORE THAN THREE DIFFERENT DOUBLE JUMPS MAY BE REPEATED IN THE PROGRAM; and (f) Triple Jumps are not permitted. Maximum three (3) spins (a) one flying spin (minimum 4 revolutions, with at least 2 in the landing position), (b) one combination spin with at least one change of position change of foot optional (minimum 8 revolutions total), and (c) one spin the choice of the skater (minimum 4 revolutions). Maximum one step sequence fully utilizing the ice surface. The deduction is.2 in the Technical Elements mark for every instance of an element attempted over the maximum. Novice Pair: Short Program Time: Maximum 2:30 seconds (15 seconds were added) Novice Pair Well-Balanced Free Skating Program: Lifts: Maximum three (3) lifts, one of which must be from Groups 3 or 4. Variation of the lady s position, no-handed and one-handed lifts and combination lifts are permitted. Twist Lift: Maximum one (1) twist lift. Throw Jumps: Maximum two (2) different throw jumps (single, double or triple) Solo Jump: Maximum one (1) solo jump Jump Combination or Jump Sequence: Maximum one (1) jump combination or sequence. Maximum number of jumps in the combination is two. Maximum number of jumps in the sequence is skaters option, but must conform to the definition of jump sequence as described above in the Singles Clarification. Pair Spin: Maximum one (1) pair spin. Minimum five (5) revolutions. Side-by-side Solo Spin: Maximum one (1) solo spin. Minimum five (5) revolutions. Death Spiral: Maximum one (1) death spiral with regular hand hold and at least one-half revolution by the lady after the man attains the pivot. Step Sequence: Maximum one (1) step sequence (straight line, circular or serpentine) fully utilizing the ice surface. In the 6.0 system, the deduction is.2 in the Technical Elements mark for every instance of an element attempted over the maximum. Intermediate Pair: Intermediate Pair Well-Balanced Free Skating Program: Lifts: Maximum two (2) lifts. See Rulebook for permitted types. Twist Lift: Maximum one (1) twist lift, single only. Throw Jumps: Maximum two (2) different throw jumps, single or double Solo Jump: Maximum one (1) solo jump Jump Combination or Jump Sequence: Maximum one (1) jump combination or sequence. Maximum number of jumps in the combination is two. Maximum number of jumps in the sequence is skaters option, but must conform to the definition of jump sequence as described above in the Singles Clarification. Pair Spin: Maximum one (1) pair spin. Minimum four (4) revolutions. 11
Juvenile Pair: Side-by-side Solo Spin: Maximum one (1) solo spin. Minimum five (5) revolutions. Death or Pivot Spiral: Maximum one (1) death or pivot spiral. Step Sequence: Maximum one (1) step sequence (straight line, circular or serpentine) fully utilizing the ice surface. The deduction is.2 in the Technical Elements mark for every instance of an element attempted over the maximum. Juvenile Pair Well-Balanced Free Skating Program: Lifts: Maximum two (2) lifts. See Rulebook for description of permitted lifts. Throw Jumps: Maximum one (1), single only. Solo Jump: Maximum one (1) solo jump. Jump Combination or Jump Sequence: Maximum one (1) jump combination or sequence. Maximum number of jumps in the combination is two. Maximum number of jumps in the sequence is skaters option, but must conform to the definition of jump sequence as described above in the Singles Clarification. Pair Spin: Maximum one (1) pair spin. Minimum three (3) revolutions. Side-by-side Solo Spin: Maximum one (1) solo spin. Minimum four (4) revolutions. Death or Pivot Spiral: Maximum one (1) death or pivot spiral. Step Sequence: Maximum one (1) step sequence (straight line, circular or serpentine) fully utilizing the ice surface. The deduction is.2 in the Technical Elements mark for every instance of an element attempted over the maximum. 12