Details: Category: Rules of sport; Created: 13 June 2018; Last Updated: 07 December 2023

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Terms used:

Additional Features

Refers to technical content in synchronized skating that increases the difficulty of an element, such as step sequences, free skating moves, free skating elements and points of intersection.

Athlete A

Athlete A is equivalent to the “woman” in ISU regulations.

Athlete B

Athlete B is equivalent to the "man" in the ISU regulations.

Axel

An edge jump with natural rotation that takes off from a forward outside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of rotations. Unlike other single jumps which are one rotation, a single Axel has one-and-a-half rotations.

Axel Jump

Axel-type Jump

Either a waltz jump or axel jump of any number of rotations.

Basic Positions

Refers to the three basic spin positions – camel, sit and upright.

Choreographic Sequence

Consists of at least two different movements like spirals, arabesques, spread eagles, Ina Bauers, hydroblading, any jumps with maximum of two revolutions, spins, etc. Steps and turns may be used to link the two or more different movements together. The pattern is not restricted, but the sequence must be clearly visible.

Combination Lift

A dance lift which does not exceed 12 seconds in duration. This lift combines two rotational lifts in different directions or two curve lifts on two different curves forming a serpentine pattern or two different types of short lifts.

Combination Spin

A spin which includes a change of position. A combination spin must include a minimum of two different basic positions with two revolutions in each of these positions anywhere within the spin. To receive full value, a spin combination must include all three basic positions.

Dance Lift

A movement in which one of the partners is elevated with active and/or passive assistance of the other partner to any permitted height, sustained there and set down on the ice. Any rotations and positions and changes of such positions during the lift are permitted. Any variation or combinations of dance lifts as determined by the ISU Ice Dance Technical Committee are published in an ISU Communication.

Dance Lifts

Dance Spin

A spin skated by the team together in any hold. It should be performed on the spot around a common axis on one foot with or without change(s) of foot by one or both partners.

Death Spiral

Athlete B performs a pivot, holding one hand of Athlete A with their arms fully extended. Athlete A circles around Athlete B on one foot in a position nearly parallel to the ice. The edge skated by Athlete A determines the name of the death spiral. i.e. backward outside, backward inside, forward outside, forward inside.

Edge

May refer either to part of the skate blade, or the visible tracing of a skate blade on one foot that is on one curve. An edge may be either inside (towards the body) or outside (away from the body), and forward or backward, for a total for four different edges.

Event

The name given to a group of skaters entered in a category. There may be one event per category or several events per category depending on the number of total entries. Each event is independent of the other events within the category.

Events

Falls

Defined as a loss of control by a skater with the result that the majority of the skater's body weight is on the ice being supported by any other part of the body other than the blades. e.g. hand(s), knee(s), back, buttock(s) or any part of the arm.

Features

Technical content that increases the difficulty of an element which may become part of the difficulty group of an element. Features such as pivoting, travelling, body movements, etc. are determined annually and published in a Skate Canada and ISU Communication.

Flying Spins

A spin with a flying entrance with no change of foot or position. The name of the flying spin corresponds to its landing position.

Spin with a flying entrance:

All flying spins that are not as defined above.

Free Skating Program

A program of a specified length, skated to music of the skater’s choice. The skater is free to choose the number and the type of elements to be included, subject to the requirements outlined in the requirements for individual assessments and competitions.

Free Skating Programs

International Skating Union

The International Skating Union (ISU) is the exclusive international sport federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee administering the sports of Figure Skating and Speed Skating throughout the world. The ISU is composed of a number of national associations called ISU Members that administer ISU sports at the national level and recognize that all international matters are under the sole jurisdiction and control of the ISU.

Interruptions

The period of time starting immediately when the competitor stops performing the program or is ordered to do so by the referee, whichever is earlier, and ending when the competitor resumes the performance.

Jump Combination

Singles and Pairs: Two or more jumps in which the landing foot of the first jump is the take-off foot of the next jump and so on. There is no change of foot or turn between the jumps, although the toe may be used to assist the take-off. One full revolution on the ice between the jumps (free foot can touch the ice, but no weight transfer) keeps the element within the definition of a jump combination.

Synchronized Skating: Any number of jumps of at least one revolution that may be linked with turns, steps or with a slight touch down.

Jump Combinations

Synchronized Skating: Any number of jumps of at least one revolution that may be linked with turns, steps or with a slight touch down.

Jump Element

An individual jump, a jump combination or a jump sequence.

Jump Elements

An individual jump, a jump combination or a jump sequence.

Jump Sequence

Singles and Pairs: Two or three jumps of any number of revolutions, in which the second and/or third jump is an axel-type jump with a direct step from the landing curve of the first/second jump to the take-off curve of the axel jump. One full revolution on the ice between the jumps (free foot can touch the ice, but no weight transfer) keeps the element within the definition of a jump sequence Synchronized Skating: Consists of any number of jumps of any number of revolutions that may be linked with small hops and dance jumps, immediately following each other while maintaining the jump rhythm (knee); there can be no crossovers or stroking between jumps during the sequence.

Loop

Turn: A one-foot movement where the skater skates an oval pattern using the same edge. The entry and exit of the loop must cross. The loop must be clean cut without scrapes or points.

Jump: An edge jump with natural rotation that takes off from a backward outside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of revolutions.

Pair Spin

A pair spin which consists of at least one change of foot and one change of position of both partners. The pair spin combination must include a minimum of two different basic positions with two revolutions in each of these positions by both partners anywhere within the spin. To receive full value, a spin combination must include all three basic positions by both partners.

Pivot

A two-footed movement in which the toe picks of one foot are inserted into the ice by a skater as a central pivoting point while the other foot travels in a circular pattern around the pivot point.

Pivoting

A two-footed movement in which the toe picks of one foot are inserted into the ice by a skater as a central pivoting point while the other foot travels in a circular pattern around the pivot point.

Point Of Intersection

In synchronized skating, the point of intersection is an additional feature for the intersection element and is a type of movement/rotation that the skaters execute at the axis of intersection.

Rhythm

The regularly repeated pattern of accented and unaccented beats which gives the music its character.

Rhythm Dance

A dance created by an ice dance team to dance music with designated rhythm(s) and/or theme(s) selected annually by the ISU Ice Dance Technical Committee.

Rocker

A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an outside edge or an inside edge to an inside edge, with the exit curve on a different lobe from the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction of the entry curve.

Segment

The name given to a portion of an event. Some categories have two segments (e.g., short program and free program) and some categories have only one segment.

Sequence

The set order of the prescribed steps that compose one pattern of a Pattern Dance.

Sequences

The set order of the prescribed steps that compose one pattern of a Pattern Dance.

Set Of Synchronized Twizzles

In ice dance, a series of two twizzles with up to three steps between twizzles.

Short Lift

A dance lift which does not exceed seven seconds in duration.

Short Lifts

A dance lift which does not exceed seven seconds in duration.

Solo Dance

The term used when a skater skates the full pattern of a dance alone.

Solo Spin

In ice dance, a spinning movement performed on one foot on the spot by one partner alone (with or without the assistance of the other partner) or by both partners simultaneously (around separate centres).

Spin

An element where the skater rapidly revolves, centred on a single point on the ice, while holding one or more body positions. In singles and pairs, a spin must have at least three revolutions to be considered a spin. The minimum number of revolutions in a position is two without interruption.

Spin In One Position

In singles and pairs, any spin which has only one of the three basic positions and no non-basic positions. In spins in one position and flying spins in one position, the concluding upright position at the end of the spin is not considered to be another position independent of the number of revolutions, as long as the skater is executing only the final wind-up without any enhancements.

Spins

Spiral

A gliding position executed on one foot with free leg extended (including knee and foot) above hip level.

Spiral Sequence

A collection of at least two spirals executed on different feet. The spirals must not be separated by other elements such as jumps or spins. Some categories have requirements for the number of steps between the spirals, supported/unsupported and/or skating direction of the spirals.

Spirals

A gliding position executed on one foot with free leg extended (including knee and foot) above hip level.

Step

The visible tracing on the ice that is executed on one foot. A step is counted each time there is a change of foot.

Steps

The visible tracing on the ice that is executed on one foot. A step is counted each time there is a change of foot.

Style

Characteristics of levels of step sequences in ice dance.

Throw Jump

A partner-assisted jump in which a skater is launched into the air by a partner on the takeoff. and lands without assistance from the partner. Throw jumps are named after the basic solo jump which is initiated and executed only by the skater being assisted.

Twist

A hand-to-waist lift in which a skater is lifted into the air on the take-off. At the top of the lift the lifted partner is released and completes a twist, rotating freely in the air, during which time the lifting partner turns a half turn to catch the lifted partner at the waist for an assisted landing. The twist lift is named after the basic solo jump take-off - Axel, Toe Loop, Flip or Lutz – and by the number of rotations the lifted partner completes in the air before being caught.

Twist Lift

Twist Lifts

Twizzles

A traveling turn on one foot with one or more rotations which is quickly rotated with a continuous, uninterrupted action. The weight remains on the skating foot with the free foot in any position during the turn then placed beside the skating foot to skate the next step.

Waltz Jump

An edge jump with natural rotation taken off from a forward outside edge. This jump is one half a rotation and is included as a listed jump in the Skate Canada Scale of Values but is not included in the ISU Scale of Values.

General Information

All adult program times align with the ISU Adult categories. Vocal music is permitted in all events. If vocal music is chosen, the piece(s) must contain lyrics in good taste and appropriate for competition.

All Falls on elements and/or in isolation will be called.

Refer to the Competitions Rule and Scoring of Skate Canada Competitions Rule for a full list of deductions pertaining to timing, Interruptions, illegal elements, costumes and props, etc.

Maximum element requirements have been established for all Adult free skating, free dance and pairs Events. Skaters are expected to skate to their ability and enter the appropriate Category based on the competition program requirements.

The following age categories apply to Singles Free Skating and Artistic Events:

Young Adult	18 to 27 years
Class I	28 to 37 years
Class II	38 to 47 years
Class III	48 to 57 years
Class IV	56 to 67 years
Class V	68 years and older

Note that successive age categories may be combined if numbers warrant. Skaters must be notified prior to the competition if age categories are being combined.

Free Skating

Waltz Jump is only permitted as a jump element in Intro Open Free Skating.

Adult Intro Open Free Skating

A Free Skating Program to music a maximum of one minute forty seconds

Seven elements:

Maximum four Jump Elements
- must include a Waltz Jump
- maximum one Jump Combination
- no jumps higher than single loop
- no jump may be included more than twice. Repeated jump must be in combination.
Maximum two Spin elements
- two Spins In One Position; no flying entry.
Forward Spiral Sequence
- a sequence of two forward Spirals, one on each foot, unsupported position; on either inside or outside edge.

Adult Bronze Free Skating

A Free Skating Program to music of one minute 40 seconds (+/-10 sec.) in length.

Seven elements:

Maximum four Jump Elements
- all jumps must be single jumps
- single Axel, double and triple jumps are not permitted
- maximum of two Jump Combinations or one Jump Combination and one Jump Sequence (maximum of two jumps in a combination or sequence)
- no jump may be included more than twice
- a repeated jump must be executed as part of a Jump Combination or Jump Sequence
Maximum of two Spins
- one must be a Spin In One Position
- one Spin of any nature
- Flying Spins are not permitted
Maximum of one Choreographic Sequence

Adult Silver Free Skating

A Free Skating Program to music of two minutes (+/- 10 sec.) in length.

Eight elements:

Maximum five Jump Elements
- may include a single Axel Jump
- double and triple jumps are not permitted
- maximum of three Jump Combinations or two Jump Combinations and one Jump Sequence (maximum of two jumps in a combination or sequence)
- no jump may be included more than twice
- a repeated jump must be executed as part of a Jump Combination or Jump Sequence
Maximum of two Spins
- one must be a Combination Spin with at least one change of foot
- Spins must have different codes
Maximum of one Choreographic Sequence

Adult Gold Free Skating

A Free Skating Program to music of two minutes 50 seconds (+/- 10 sec.) in length.

Nine elements:

Maximum five Jump Elements
- may include all single jumps, and double jumps no higher than double loop
- maximum of three Jump Combinations or two Jump Combinations and one Jump Sequence ; one Jump Combination or Jump Sequence may consist of up to three jumps;
- no jump may be included more than twice
- a repeated jump must be executed as part of a Jump Combination or Jump Sequence
Maximum of three Spins
- one must be a Combination Spin with at least one change of foot
- one must be a Flying Spin
- one Spin of any nature
Maximum of one Step Sequence

Adult Masters Free Skating

A Free Skating Program to music of three minutes (+/- 10 sec.) in length.

10 elements:

Maximum six Jump Elements
- all single and double jumps are permitted; triple jumps are not permitted
- one must be an Axel-type Jump
- maximum of three Jump Combinations or two Jump Combinations and one Jump Sequence; one Jump Combination or Jump Sequence may consist of up to three jumps
- no jump may be included more than twice
- a repeated jump must be executed as part of a Jump Combination or Jump Sequence
Maximum of three Spins
- one must be a Combination Spin with at least one change of foot and two Basic Positions
- one must be a Flying Spin
- one Spin of any nature
Maximum of one step sequence

Adult Masters Elite Free Skating

A Free Skating Program to music of three minutes (+/- 10 sec.) in length.

10 elements:

Maximum six Jump Elements
- all jumps are permitted
- one must be an Axel-type Jump
- maximum of three Jump Combinations or two Jump Combinations and one Jump Sequence; one Jump Combination or Jump Sequence may consist of up to three jumps
- no jump may be included more than twice
- a repeated jump must be executed as part of a Jump Combination or Jump Sequence
Maximum of three Spins
- one must be a Combination Spin with at least one change of foot and two Basic Positions
- one must be a Flying Spin
- one Spin of any nature
Maximum of one step sequence

Ice Dance

Partnered Pattern Dance

Dance teams must be composed of two skaters.

Competitors may enter only one partnered pattern dance Event.

Key points will not be used.

Adult STAR 4/5 Dance

Pattern Dance One: three Sequences of the Canasta Tango
Pattern Dance Two: two Sequences of the European Waltz

Adult STAR 6/7 Dance

Pattern Dance One: two Sequences of the American Waltz
Pattern Dance Two: three Sequences of the Paso Doble

Adult STAR 8/9 Dance

Pattern Dance One: three Sequences of the Blues
Pattern Dance Two: two Sequences of the Argentine Tango

Adult STAR 10/Gold Dance

Pattern Dance One: three Sequences of the Viennese Waltz
Pattern Dance Two: two Sequences of the Argentine Tango

Adult Elite Dance

For former podium pathway skaters or skaters approximately above the Gold Ice Dance Category level.

Pattern Dance One: Three Sequences of the Viennese Waltz
Pattern Dance Two: two Sequences of the Argentine Tango

Solo Dance

Adult Bronze (STAR 4/5) Solo Dance

Pattern Dance One: three Sequences of the Canasta Tango
Pattern Dance Two: two Sequences of the European Waltz

Adult Silver (STAR 6/7) Solo Dance

Pattern Dance One: two Sequences of the American Waltz
Pattern Dance Two: three Sequences of the Paso Doble

Adult Gold (STAR 8/9) Solo Dance

Pattern Dance One: three Sequences of the Blues
Pattern Dance Two: two Sequences of the Argentine Tango

Adult Elite (STAR 10/Gold) Solo Dance

Pattern Dance One: three Sequences of the Viennese Waltz
Pattern Dance Two: two Sequences of the Argentine Tango

Adult Open Solo Rhythm Dance

Rocker Foxtrot – follow criteria as outlined in the STAR Program Requirements Guide

Free Dance

Dance teams must be composed of two skaters.

Adult Bronze Free Dance

A free dance to music of one minute 50 seconds (+/- 10 s) in length

Maximum of one short Dance Lift, a maximum of seven seconds in duration; called to maximum Level 1
Maximum of one Dance Spin: (no change of foot)
Maximum of one diagonal step sequence: Style B - in hold

Adult Silver Free Dance

A free dance to music of two minutes thirty seconds (+/- 10s) in length

Maximum of one short Dance Lift, a maximum of seven seconds in duration: called to maximum Level 2
Maximum of one Dance Spin
Maximum of one Set of Synchronized Twizzles with up to three steps in between
Maximum of one diagonal step sequence: Style B - in hold

Adult Gold Free Dance

A free dance to music of three minutes (+/- 10s) in length

Maximum of two different Dance Lifts, one Short Lift (maximum of seven seconds in duration) and one Combination Lift (maximum of 12 seconds in duration) OR three different types of Short Lifts (maximum of seven seconds in duration)
Maximum of one Dance Spin
Maximum of one Set of Synchronized Twizzles with up to three steps in between
Maximum of one diagonal step sequence: Style B - in hold

Pairs

Adult pairs teams must be composed of two skaters.

Adult Pair

This Category is for skaters approximately at the Bronze to Silver Free Skating level

One program to music of two minutes 20 seconds (+/- 10 sec.) in length.

Maximum of one lift from Group 1 or Group 2 with a minimum half revolution for Athlete B and one revolution for Athlete A; called to maximum Level Base
- variations of Athlete A's position, one-handed and no-handed lifts are not permitted
- overhead lifts and Twist Lifts are not permitted
Maximum of one Throw Jump; single only (1ATh not permitted)
Maximum of one solo jump; single jumps only
Maximum of one Jump Combination; single jumps only
Maximum of one pair Spin; may be in combination
Maximum of one Pivot figure or Death Spiral
Maximum of one Choreographic Sequence

Adult Masters Pairs

This Category is for skaters approximately at the Gold to Masters Free Skating Category level

One program to music of three minutes 30 seconds (+/- 10 sec.) in length.

Maximum of three different lifts, called to maximum Level Base; one may be a Twist Lift
Maximum of two Throw Jumps; single or double
Maximum of one solo jump; all jumps permitted; may be repeated once in the Jump Combination or Jump Sequence
Maximum of one Jump Combination or Jump Sequence; Jump Combination or Jump Sequence may include three jumps
Maximum of one pairs Spin; may be in combination
Maximum of one solo spin; may be in combination
Maximum of one Pivot figure or Death Spiral
Maximum of one step sequence

Artistic Free Skating

Artistic free skating programs are designed by the skaters and/or coach and focus on the skater’s ability to interpret music to create a clear mood/theme or create a story through skating movement. A variety of skating moves should be selected for their value in enhancing the skater’s interpretation of the music rather than for their technical difficulty. Movements should not be merely a collection of pleasing or spectacular moves assembled to popular music for the purpose of entertaining an audience (exhibition/show program). Costumes must be simple and modest to enhance the interpretation and must not be theatrical in nature. Props of any kind are not permitted. Skaters/teams wishing a more theatrical performance are encouraged to enter the Showcase categories.

An artistic program is intended through its process to increase body and choreographic vocabulary and awareness, by meeting specific content criteria. These criteria include:

Compositional form/development of theme (e.g. a completed idea)
Dynamics (e.g. sustained, collapse, sharp, smooth)
Use of space (e.g. planes, directions, indirect, asymmetric shapes)
Use of full body (e.g. torso, head, hands, legs, feet)
Use of music (e.g. phrasing, Style, awareness and sensitivity to musical elements while performing)

Artistic free skating events consist of five levels of competition and may be offered for singles and/or partner.

Adult Introductory Artistic

For skaters approximately at the Intro Open Free Skating Category

One artistic program to music of one minute 30 seconds (+/- 10 sec.) in length

Adult Bronze Artistic

For skaters approximately at the Bronze Free Skating Category level

One artistic program to music of one minute 30 seconds (+/- 10 sec.) in length

Adult Silver Artistic

For skaters approximately at the Silver Free Skating Category level

One artistic program to music of one minute 30 seconds (+/- 10 sec.) in length

Adult Gold Artistic

For skaters approximately at the Gold Free Skating Category level

One artistic program to music of one minute 30 seconds (+/- 10 sec.) in length

Adult Elite Artistic

For former podium pathway skaters or skaters approximately above the Gold Free Skating Category level.

One artistic program to music of two minutes (+/- 10 sec.) in length

Adult Open Partner Artistic

For skaters approximately at the Bronze to Silver Free Skating Category level (both skaters)

One artistic program to music of one minute 40 seconds (+/- 10 sec.) in length

Overhead lifts are not permitted and will considered as an illegal element
Small dance lifts which may be either ascending and descending or rotational in character, in which the lifting partner does not raise their hands higher than the shoulder level are permitted

Adult Open Masters Partner Artistic

For skaters approximately at the Gold to Elite Free Skating Category level (both skaters)

One artistic program to music of two minutes 10 seconds (+/- 10 sec.) in length

Overhead lifts are not permitted and will considered as an illegal element
Small Dance Lifts which may be either ascending and descending or rotational in character, in which the lifting partner does not raise their hands higher than the shoulder level are permitted

Showcase

Showcase programs are designed by the skaters and/or coach and focus on the skater’s ability to entertain an audience through the use of theatrics or artistic abilities. Programs may tell a story, create a mood, or have an obvious theme. This Category is comparable to US Figure Skating Dramatic and Light Skate Entertainment.

Program content requirements and event procedures for all levels:

Theatrical costumes and hand props are permitted
Feathers and boas of any type are not permitted
All single jumps are permitted; jumps of any higher rotation will be subject to an illegal element violation
A maximum of one minute will be permitted prior to each performance for the skater(s) to warm-up and set up any props as necessary