n the international judging system (IJS), competitors accumulate points based I on the degree of difficulty (known as base value) of each technical element and how well each element is executed (grade of execution). Competitors also earn points based on their overall skating ability and performance level through program component scores.

The goal is to earn the maximum number of points based on the skater’s/team’s ability. Points are earned based on what the skaters successfully achieve, which may or may not be the same as what they attempt. The general strategy is to do the most difficult elements for which a skater can expect to earn positive grades of execution (GOEs). WAYS TO LOSE POINTS ELEMENTS MUST MEET SPECIFIC ü Lose BV points by failing REQUIREMENTS IN ORDER TO to achieve the attempted RECEIVE FULL CREDIT: elements. For example, if a ü Spins, pairs lifts and rotational dance skater attempts a triple jump lifts have to rotate a minimum number of but doesn’t achieve at least revolutions. 2.75 rotations before landing, the skater will only receive ü Spiral positions and other dance lifts must credit for 70 percent of the be held for a minimum amount of time. BV of the jump. This is referred ü Jumps, throw jumps and twist lifts must to as “under–rotated.” rotate at least three–quarters of the final ü Earn reductions in GOE by rotation in the air before landing. making mistakes in executed elements. These are subtracted from the element base values. WAYS TO EARN POINTS ü Receive deductions for falls, ü Earn base value (BV) points for illegal elements and other executed elements. More difficult violations. elements have higher BVs. ü Earn positive GOEs for executing elements well. These are added to the element BVs. ü Earn points for program components based on overall skating skills, choreography and performance. • If a skater performs more elements, the values of the additional elements will not be calculated into the score. • If a skater performs fewer elements, he or she receives fewer points but no deductions. • If a skater performs an incorrect element in place of a required element, he or she will not receive any points for the incorrect element. WAYS TO LOSE POINTS Lose BV points by failing LADIES PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS to achieve the attempted elements. For example, if a SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE skater attempts a triple jump but doesn’t achieve at least 3 jump elements 7 jump elements 2.75 rotations before landing, 3 spins 3 spins the skater will only receive LADIES credit for 70 percent of the 1 1 step sequence BV of the jump. This is referred to as “under–rotated.” 1 spiral sequence Earn reductions in GOE by LADIES SHORT making mistakes in executed PROGRAM SCORES elements. These are subtracted from 2010 U.S. Championships MEN’S PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS from the element base values. 1st place 70.06 SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE MEN Receive deductions for falls, 3rd place 69.35 illegal elements and other 3 jump elements 8 jump elements violations. 10th place 51.98 3 spins 3 spins LADIES FREE 1 step sequence 2 step sequences SKATE SCORES from 2010 U.S. Championships MEN’S SHORT 1st place 130.76 PROGRAM SCORES from 2010 U.S. Championships 3rd place 118.72 1st place 87.85 10th place 86.85 3rd place 83.51 LADIES TOTAL 10th place 64.45 COMPETITION SCORES from 2010 U.S. Championships MEN’S FREE 1st place 200.11 SKATE SCORES from 2010 U.S. Championships 3rd place 184.70 1st place 175.81 10th place 140.37 3rd place 154.94 10th place 121.90

MEN’S TOTAL COMPETITION SCORES from 2010 U.S. Championships 1st place 263.66 3rd place 232.09 10th place 186.46 • If a team performs more elements, the values of the additional elements will not PAIRS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS be calculated into the score. • If a team performs fewer SHORT PROGRAM elements, they receive fewer points but no 1 overhead lift deductions. 1 twist lift • If a team performs an incorrect element in place 1 throw jump of a required element, they will not receive any points 1 solo jump for the incorrect element. 1 death spiral • If the lady and the man 1 step sequence perform different elements (for example if the lady 1 solo spin combination performs a double Axel and the man performs a FREE SKATE single Axel), the team will receive credit for the base 3 overhead lifts & 1 twist lift OR value of the less difficult 2 overhead lifts & 2 twist lifts element (the single Axel). 2 throw jumps 2 solo jump elements PAIRS SHORT 1 death spiral PROGRAM SCORES from 2010 U.S. Championships 1 spiral sequence 1st place 63.01 1 solo spin combination 3rd place 58.76 1 pairs spin combination 10th place 49.87

PAIRS FREE SKATE SCORES from 2010 U.S. Championships 1st place 127.29 3rd place 115.02 10th place 93.25

PAIRS TOTAL COMPETITION SCORES from 2010 U.S. Championships 1st place 190.30 3rd place 173.18 10th place 142.53 ICE DANCING PROGRAM • If a couple performs more REQUIREMENTS elements, the values of the additional elements will not be calculated into the score, and the couple will 1 short lift receive a –1 deduction for each extra element. 2nd lift is permitted but will not count toward the TES • If a team performs fewer elements, they receive 1 midline non-touching step sequence fewer points but no 1 set of sequential deductions. • If a team performs an 2 sequences of the Golden Waltz incorrect element in place 1 dance spin is permitted but will not of a required element, they count toward TES will not receive any points for the incorrect element. 2 short lifts & 1 long lift OR 4 short lifts 2 additional lifts are permitted but will not count toward TES 2 step sequences 1 set of synchronized twizzles 1 dance spin or combination spin 1 additional dance spin or combination spin & additional sets of twizzles may be performed but will not count toward TES

Because this is the first year for the short dance, there were no scores for comparison at the time of printing. LIFTS: DANCE JUMPS AND THROW JUMPS LIFTS (ICE Jump and throw jump base values DANCING) are determined by the type of jump Dance lift base or throw jump and the number of values are rotations. determined by the Salchow, toe loop, loop, flip, type of lift and level TYPE: of difficulty. Lutz, Axel Single, double, TYPE: Stationary, ROTATION: straight line, curve, triple, quadruple rotational, serpentine, reverse rotational, combination SPINS AND SOLO SPINS (PAIRS) LEVELS OF Spin base values are de - DIFFICULTY: termined by the type of spin Level 1, and the level of difficulty. Spin Level 2, values can also be increased if the Level 3,

spin begins with a flying entry Level 4 and/or includes a change of foot. TYPE: Upright, sit, camel, layback, combination

LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4

PAIRS SPINS AND DANCE SPINS Pairs spin and dance spin base values are determined by whether or not the spin changes feet and the level of difficulty.

TYPE: Pairs/dance spin (no change of foot) or pairs/dance combination spin (with change of foot) TWIST LIFTS Level 1, Level 2, LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY: Twist lift base values are determined Level 3, Level 4 by the take–off, number of rotations and level of difficulty. TAKE OFF: Toe loop, flip, Lutz, Axel STEP SEQUENCES, SEQUENTIAL/ SYNCHRONIZED TWIZZLES ROTATION: Single, double, triple, Step sequence and base values are quadruple determined by the level of difficulty. LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY: Level 1, LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY: Level 1, Level 2, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 Level 3, Level 4 DEATH SPIRALS Death spiral base values are LIFTS: OVERHEAD LIFTS (PAIRS) determined by the edge and the Overhead lift base values are determined level of difficulty. by the take–off and level of difficulty. EDGE: Forward or backward inside, TAKE OFF: Hand–to–hip, hand–to–hand forward or backward outside press, hand–to–hand lasso LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY: Level 1, Level 2, Level 1, LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY: Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 Level 3, Level 4 n singles, levels range from 1 to 4, with Level 1 having the lowest base value I and Level 4 having the highest base value. Skaters can achieve higher levels of difficulty through the use of features. A skater must perform two features to earn a Level 2, three features to earn a Level 3 and four features to earn a Level 4. The following list provides a summary of the features from which skaters can choose to try to increase their levels of difficulty.

SPIN FEATURES ü First difficult variation ü Second difficult variation ü Backward entrance or difficult flying entrance ü Change of foot executed by a jump Change of edge in sit or ü ü All three basic positions on both feet (sit, upright, camel) ü Spinning in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) in a camel or ü Eight revolutions in one position ü Biellmann position ü Change between sideways and backward positions in a layback

CHOREOGRAPHED STEP SEQUENCES AND SPIRAL SEQUENCES STEP SEQUENCE The second step sequence in the senior FEATURES men’s free skate will receive a fixed base ü Variety and difficulty of turns value provided it fully utilizes the ice and steps surface. ü Full rotations (360 degrees) The spiral sequence is awarded a fixed in both directions base value provided it meets one of the following criteria: ü Use of upper body move- ments (head, arms, torso) There are at least two sprials held at ü least three seconds each OR ü At least half the pattern on one foot only ü There is one spiral held at least six seconds. ü Combination of difficult turns quickly executed in both For fixed base value elements, points are directions still added or subtracted from the base value for GOEs. n pairs, levels range from 1 to 4, with Level 1 having the lowest base value I and Level 4 having the highest base value. Teams can achieve higher levels of difficulty through the use of features. A team must perform two features to earn a Level 2, three features to earn a Level 3 and four features to earn a Level 4. The following list provides a summary of the features from TWIST LIFT FEATURES which teams can choose to try to increase their levels ü Lady’s split position (each leg at least of difficulty. 45 degrees from the body axis) ü Catching the lady without her touching the man ü Lady’s position in the air with arm(s) above the head

ü Difficult take-off (steps/moves immediately preceeding take–off)

OVERHEAD LIFT FEATURES ü Difficult variation of the take-off ü Change of hold and/or lady’s position ü Difficult variation of the lady’s position ü Difficult carry ü One-hand hold of the man ü Difficult landing variety ü Change of rotational direction by the man

STEP SEQUENCE FEATURES ü Variety and difficulty of turns and steps ü Full rotations (360 degrees) in both directions ü Use of upper body movements (head, arms and torso) ü Changes of position relative to each other ü Not separating all the time; doing some steps in hold

CHOREOGRAPHED SPIRAL SEQUENCES The spiral sequence is awarded a fixed base value provided it meets one of the following criteria: ü There are at least two sprials by each partner held at least three seconds each OR ü There is one spiral by each partner held at least six seconds - For fixed base value elements, points are still add ed or subtracted from the base value for GOEs. DEATH SPIRAL FEATURES ü Difficult entry and/or exit ü Change of lady’s and/or man’s arm hold ü Change of man’s pivot position Additional revolution of the lady ü after the first revolution

SOLO SPIN FEATURES ü First difficult variation ü Second difficult variation ü Flying or backward entrance ü All three basic positions on one foot (upright, sit, camel) ü Change of edge in sit or camel spin ü Two changes of foot ü Spinning in both directions (clockwise and counterclock- wise) ü Six revolutions in one position

PAIRS SPIN FEATURES ü Two changes of basic positions by both partners ü Additional changes of basic positions by both partners ü Three difficult variations ü Additional difficult variations ü Backward entrance ü Spinning in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) ü Six revolutions in one position n ice dancing, levels range from 1 to 4, with Level I 1 having the lowest base value and Level 4 having the highest base value. Couples can achieve higher levels of difficulty by meeting specific criteria. The following characteristics determine the levels of difficulty for the different elements.

DANCE SPIN/ COMBINATION SPIN ü Number of rotations ü Number of difficult variations in dif- ferent basic positions ü Spinning in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise)

STATIONARY, STRAIGHT LINE, CURVE AND SERPENTINE LIFTS ü Difficult pose or significant change of pose by lifted partner ü Difficult position by lifting partner ü Creative/difficult entry

ROTATIONAL AND REVERSE ROTATIONAL LIFTS ü Difficult pose or significant change of pose by lifted partner ü One hand/arm lift ü Number of rotations ü Creative/difficult entry TWIZZLES ü Number of rotations ü Whether or not there is a change of foot (no change of foot is harder) ü Additional features that increase the difficulty of performing a twizzle, divided into three groups: • Group A • Various positions and/or movements of the STEP SEQUENCES

upper body and/or hands ü Variety and • Group B difficulty of turns - • Various positions and/or movements of the ü Turns in both direc skating leg and/or free leg tions • Group C Incorporating a • ü Performing a third twizzle, changing sides, section of turns on entering from a jump, twizzling in opposite one foot directions and/or following each other ü Changes of hold Judges will add points to the base value of each element or subtract points based on the positive and negative aspects of each element performed.

When marking the GOE for singles and pairs, the judges must consider the following characteristics for each type of element: ü Jumps: The height, length and technique; clean starting and landing of the jump; entry (is it difficult, creative or unexpected); posi- tion in the air; and the placement of the jump in relation to the music. In pairs, consideration must be given to the jump of each partner according to its merit. ü Spins: The preparation, entry, rotation and exit; quality of the required positions, strong and well-controlled rotation, number of revolutions in the required positions, and center- ing of the spin; and in the flying spins, the height of the jump and the position in the air and landing ü Step and spiral sequences: The swing, carriage and smooth flow of the movement in relation to the character, and the rhythm of the music ü Lifts/twist lifts: The speed, height, continuous rotation, smoothness of the take-off and landing, good coverage of the ice surface, and position of the lady in the air. ü Throw jumps: The height, distance, take-off, clean landing of the lady and position of the lady in the air ü Death spirals: A smooth entry and exit, even descent into the spiral position by the lady, maintenance of the pivot position by the man and position of execution of the actual death spiral

In marking the GOE for ice dancing, the following must be con- sidered: ü Sections of pattern dance: Quality and correctness of edg- es, depth of edges; accuracy of holds, pattern and timing ü Dance spins: Quality of entry, move onto one foot, rotation, position/line, exit, changes of foot, changes of position ü Lifts: Quality of entry, ascent/descent, stability, movement across the ice, position/line, completion/exit ü Sequential and synchronized twizzles: Quality of entry, rotation, connecting steps, footwork, completion, matching, spacing ü Step sequences: Quality of edges, flow, speed, stroking, balance of workload between partners, knee action, footwork, turns, matching, spacing (no hold)

Skaters can earn points through GOE by doing the above characteristics well. For example, a spin with good speed that is well placed to the music will earn a GOE of +1.

Skaters earn reductions in their GOE through errors such as falls, touching down with one or both hands or the free foot, weak landings, poor positions and/or stumbles. The greater the number of errors, or the more severe the errors, the greater the reduction in GOE. SKATING SKILLS A measure of overall skating ability and quality. Look for speed and flow over the ice surface, and deep edges (demonstrated by the lean of the body). Also, listen for quiet skating without a lot of scratching and look for skating in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise).

TRANSITIONS/LINKING FOOTWORK & MOVEMENT The varied and/or intricate footwork, positions, movements and holds that link all elements. Look for difficult and/or unique movements between technical elements. In ice dancing, look for variety of holds.

PERFORMANCE/EXECUTION The involvement of the skater/couple/team physically, emotionally and in tellectually in the performance, and the quality of movement and precision - of delivery. Look for posture, style, personality and projection of sincere emotion to the audience. In pairs and ice dancing, look for balance in per formance and spatial awareness between team members. -

CHOREOGRAPHY/ COMPOSITION An intentional, developed and/or original arrangement of all movements. Look for pattern and ice coverage, placement of elements around- the rink, and relationship be tween the choreography and the music.

INTERPRETATION The personal and creative translation of the music through movement on the ice. Look for expression of the music’s style, character and- rhythm. In pairs and ice danc ing, look for the relationship between team members. DETERMINING THE SEGMENT SCORE

Technical Elements Base Value Score +/– GOE (TES)

+ ü Skating Skills ü Transitions/Linking footwork Program ü Performance/Execution Components ü Choreography/Composition Score ü Interpretation (PCS) + ü Falls ü Illegal elements Deductions ü Time violations/Interruptions ü Music violations ü Costume/Prop violations =

Total Segment Score (TSS)

DETERMINING THE COMPETITION SCORE

LADIES, MEN’S AND PAIRS Short Free Competition Program TSS + Skate TSS = Score

ICE DANCING

Short Free Competition Dance TSS + Dance TSS = Score

The highest competition score wins the competition. In the case of a tie, the competitor with the highest score in the final segment (free skate or free dance) wins the competition. EVENT REFEREE

• In charge of the event/acts as spokesperson • Manages the panel of judges • Determines deductions for costume, prop and music violations (with the judges), time violations, interruptions of the program and extended lifts (ice dancing only) JUDGES • Evaluate and score the quality of each JUDGING PANEL JUDGING element (GOE) • Evaluate and score the skaters’ achievements in each of the specified program components

TECHNICAL CONTROLLER • Acts as chair and spokesperson of the technical panel • Supervises calls of the technical specialists and input of the correct elements by the data operator • Makes sure performed elements meet the program requirements • Acts as a voting member on the technical panel in cases in which the two technical specialists disagree on a call TECHNICAL SPECIALIST • Identifies and calls the performed elements • Rewards skaters for any features they use to increase the level and value of their elements

TECHNICAL PANEL • Identifies falls and illegal elements ASSISTANT TECHNICAL SPECIALIST • Assists the technical specialist in the identification of all elements, falls and illegal elements • Takes notes on the calls DATA OPERATOR • Inputs the called elements into the computer • Operates the video replay during the review process VIDEO REPLAY OPERATOR • Captures video clips of all elements in a program for use by the judges and technical panel to review elements at the end of the program BASE VALUE | A value assigned to each element de- pending on the degree of difficulty

BASIC SPIN POSITIONS | There are three basic positions: • Camel – Free leg backward with the knee higher than the hip level • Sit – Upper part of the skating leg at least parallel to the ice • Upright – Any position with skating leg extended or almost extended that is not a camel position; includes layback, Biell- mann and similar variations All other positions are considered intermediate positions.

DIFFICULT VARIATION OF POSITION leg, arm, hand or head that requires more physical | strength A movement or flexibility of a body and part, has an affect on the balance of the main body core

DOWNGRADE | A jump, throw jump or twist lift that does not achieve at least one–half of the final rotation in the air only receives credit for the base value of the same element with the next lower rotation. For example, an attempted triple Lutz that does not rotate at least 2.5 times before landing will only receive credit as a double Lutz

UNDER–ROTATED | A jump or throw jump that does not achieve at least three–quarters of the final rotation in the air only receives credit for 70 percent of the base value of the element

THERE ARE TWO BASIC EDGES: EDGE | The side of the blade on which a - 1) Inside, which is skater balances, causing the skate to trav achieved when the el on a curve as opposed to a straight line skater is leaning - toward the inside of FEATURES | Additions that make ele the foot ments more difficult and increase the base 2) Outside, which value is achieved when | A GRADE OF EXECUTION (GOE) the skater is lean- - measure of how well each element is per ing toward the formed. GOE can add or subtract points outside of the foot from the base value of an element

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY | A measure of the complex ity of an element. Skaters can achieve higher levels of dif - ficulty through the use of features. In singles, pairs and ice - dancing, levels range from 1 to 4, with Level 1 having the lowest base value and Level 4 having the highest base value.

SCALE OF VALUES | The document created by the ISU that lists the base values and GOE values for each element

SEGMENT | Refers to either the short program or the free skate in ladies, men’s and pairs. In ice dancing, it refers to the short dance or the free dance