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Communication No. 2254

Communication No. 2334

SINGLE & PAIR SKATING

Levels of Difficulty and Guidelines for marking

Grade of Execution, season 2019/20

Grade of Execution, season 2020/21

The following Communication replaces Communication No. 2186

The following Communication replaces Communication No. 2254

I.Updated Levels of Difficulty of Single/Pair Skating Elements (season 2019/20)

As per ISU Communication No 2332 “Decisions of the Council” the ISU Council decided to

suspend the ISU Communications 2323 (Single & Pair Skating Scale of Values season

2020/21)and ISU Communication 2324 (Single & Pair Skating Levels of Difficulty and Guidelines

for making Grade of Execution and Program Components Season 2020/21).

In the meantime, the Council and the Single & Pair Skating Technical Committee have evaluated

the need for an update of the above-mentioned Communications and the Council decided that

• ISU Communication 2323 is definitely cancelled and consequently ISU Communication 2253

remains in full force for the season 2020/21.

• ISU Communication 2324 is definitely cancelled.

ISU Communication 2254 is herewith replaced by this new Communication 2334

I.Updated Levels of Difficulty of Single/Pair Skating Elements (season 2020/21)

II. Updated Guidelines for marking +GOE of Single/Pair Skating Elements (positive aspects)

III. Updated Guidelines in establishing GOE for errors in Short Program and Free Skating

IV. Updated Additional Remarks for Program Components and GOE

Tubbergen,Jan Dijkema, President

May 21, 2019

July 8, 2020

Lausanne,Fredi Schmid, Director General

I. Updated Levels of Difficulty of Single/Pair Skating Elements (season 2019/20)

I. Updated Levels of Difficulty of Single/Pair Skating Elements (season 2020/21)

LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY, SINGLE SKATING, season 2019/20

LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY, SINGLE SKATING,

Number of features for Levels: 1 for Level 1, 2 for Level 2, 3 for Level 3, 4 for Level 4 Step Sequences

1) Minimum variety (Level 1), simple variety (Level 2), variety (Level 3), complexity (Level 4) of difficult turns and steps throughout (compulsory)

2) Rotations in either direction (left and right) with full body rotation covering at least 1/3 of the pattern in total for each rotational direction

3) Use of body movements for at least 1/3 of the pattern

4) Two different combinations of 3 difficult turns on different feet executed with continuous flow within the sequence. Only the first combination attempted on each foot can be counted.

4) Two combinations of 3 difficult turns on different feet executed with continuous flow within the sequence. Only the first combination attempted on each foot can be counted.

All Spins

1) Difficult variations (count as many times as performed with limitations specified below)

2) Change of foot executed by jump

3) Jump within a spin without changing feet

4) Difficult change of position on the same foot

5) Difficult entrance into a spin

5) Difficult entrance or Difficult exit

6) Clear change of edge in sit (only from backward inside to forward outside), camel, Layback and Biellmann position

6) Clear change of edge in sit (only from backward inside to forward outside), camel, Layback, Biellmann or difficult variation of an upright position

7) All 3 basic positions on the second foot

8) Both directions immediately following each other in sit or camel spin

9) Clear increase of speed in camel, sit, layback or Biellmann position

9) Clear increase of speed in camel, sit, layback, Biellmann or difficult variation of an upright position (except in crossfoot spin)

10) At least 8 rev. without changes in position/variation, foot or edge (camel, layback, difficult variation of any basic position or for combinations only non-basic position)

11) Difficult variation of flying entry in flying spins/spins with a flying entrance (see Clarifications)

Additional features for the Layback spin:

12) One clear change of position backwards-sideways or reverse, at least 2 rev. in each position (counts also if the Layback position is a part of any other spin)

13) Biellmann position after Layback spin (SP – after 8 revolutions in layback spin)

13) Biellmann position after Layback spin (SP – after 8 revolutions in layback spin for Junior/Senior and after 6 revolutions for Advanced Novice)

Features 2-9, 11-13 count only once per program (first time they are attempted). Feature 10 counts only once per program (in the first spin it is successfully performed; if in this spin 8 revs are executed on both feet, any one of these executions can be taken in favour of the skater).

Any category of difficult spin variation in a basic position counts only once per program (first time it is attempted). A difficult variation in a non-basic position counts once per program in spin combination only (first time it is attempted).

In any spin with change of foot the maximum number of features attained on one foot is two (2).

ELEMENTS REQUIREMENTS (see also Clarifications on the next page)

ELEMENTS REQUIREMENTS (see also changes and clarifications on the next page)

Jumps

1. Full rotation: signs < and << indicate an error. The base values of the jumps with a < sign are listed in the SOV table. The jump with a sign << is evaluated with SOV for the same jump one revolution less.2. Correct take-off edge in F/Lz: signs “e” and “!” indicate an error. The base values of the jumps with the sign “e” arelisted in the SOV table. The sign “!” allows to keep full original base value of the jump.If both signs < and “e” are applied for the same jump, the base values are listed in the SOV table.Spins1. For flying spins (with no change of foot and only one position) of both Short Program and Free Skating the followingis required: a clear visible jump. The sign “V” indicates that this requirement is not fulfilled. The base values of spinswith the sign “V“ are listed in the SOV table.2. The base values of spin combinations with only 2 basic positions (at least 2 revolutions in each of these positions)are also listed in the SOV table.3. All spins with change of foot must have 3 revolutions on each foot. In Short Program, if this requirement is not fulfilled,the spin will get “No Value”. In Free Skating the sign “V” indicates that this requirement is not fulfilled. The base valuesof spins with the sign “V“ are listed in the SOV table.4. Spin in one position with change of foot must have 2 revolutions in basic position on each foot. In Short Program, ifthis requirement is not fulfilled, the spin will get “No Value”. In Free Skating the sign “V” indicates that this requirementis not fulfilled. The base values of spins with the sign “V“ are listed in the SOV table.

1. Missing rotation: signs “q”, “<” and “<<” indicate an error. The sign “q” allows to keep full original base value of the jump. The base values of the jumps with a < sign are listed in the SOV table. The jump with a sign << is evaluated with SOV for the same jump one revolution less.2. Correct take-off edge in F/Lz: signs “e” and “!” indicate an error. The base values of the jumps with the sign “e” arelisted in the SOV table. The sign “!” allows to keep full original base value of the jump.If both signs < and “e” are applied for the same jump, the base values are listed in the SOV table.Spins1. For flying spins (with no change of foot and only one position) of both Short Program and Free Skating the followingis required: a clear visible jump. The sign “V” indicates that this requirement is not fulfilled. The base values of spinswith the sign “V“ are listed in the SOV table.2. The base values of spin combinations with only 2 basic positions (at least 2 revolutions in each of these positions)are also listed in the SOV table.3. All spins with change of foot must have 3 revolutions on each foot. In Short Program, if this requirement is not fulfilled,the spin will get “No Value”. In Free Skating the sign “V” indicates that this requirement is not fulfilled. The base valuesof spins with the sign “V“ are listed in the SOV table.4. Spin in one position with change of foot must have 2 revolutions in basic position on each foot. In Short Program, ifthis requirement is not fulfilled, the spin will get “No Value”. In Free Skating the sign “V” indicates that this requirementis not fulfilled. The base values of spins with the sign “V“ are listed in the SOV table.

CLARIFICATIONS: LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY SINGLE SKATING, season 2019/20

CLARIFICATIONS: LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY SINGLE SKATING, season 2020/21

STEP SEQUENCES

Types of difficult turns and steps: twizzles, brackets, loops, counters, rockers, choctaws.

Minimum variety includes at least 5 difficult turns and steps, none of the types can be counted more than twice.

Simple variety includes at least 7 difficult turns and steps, none of the types can be counted more than twice.

Variety includes at least 9 difficult turns and steps, none of the types can be counted more than twice.

Complexity includes at least 11 difficult turns and steps, none of the types can be counted more than twice, 5 types

must be executed in both directions.

Use of body movement means the visible use for a combined total of at least 1/3 of the pattern of any movements of

arms, head, torso, hips and legs that have an effect on the balance of the main body core.

SPINS

A difficult spin variation of position is a movement of the body part, leg, arm, hand or head which requires physical

strength or flexibility and that has an effect on the balance of the main body core. Only these variations can increase

the Level. There are 11 categories of difficult variations, among them 3 in camel position based on direction of the

shoulder line: camel forward (CF) – with the shoulder line parallel to the ice; camel sideways (CS) – with the shoulder

line twisted to a vertical position; camel upward (CU) – with the shoulder line twisted more than vertical position. If the

free leg drops down for a long time while preparing for a difficult camel variation, the corresponding Level feature is still

awarded, but the Judges will apply the GOE reduction for “poor/awkward/unaesthetic position(s)”.

“Change of foot executed by jump” & “Jump within a spin without change of foot”: are awarded only if the skater

reaches a basic position within the first 2 revolutions after the landing.

“Both directions immediately following each other in sit or camel spin”: execution of spins in both directions

(clockwise and counter clockwise) that immediately follow each other will be counted as a Level feature for sit

and camel basic positions. A minimum of 3 revs in each direction is required. A Spin executed in both directions as

above is considered as one Spin.

“Difficult variation of flying position in flying spins/spins with a flying entry”: is awarded only if the flying position

is really difficult and the skater reaches a basic position within 2 revolutions after the landing. Normal flying camel entry

does not block a possibility of counting a difficult flying entry as a feature.

Windmill (illusion) will be considered as a Level feature only the first time it’s attempted.

Exit: The exit out of the spin is defined as the last phase of the spin and includes the phase immediately following the

spin.

Difficult exit: Any movement or jump that makes the exit significantly more difficult. The exit must have a significant

impact on the balance, control and execution of the spin.

Difficult entrance or Difficult exit: Only one of them will be taken as a feature to increase the level.

Toe Arabian will be considered as a change of foot executed by jump and will count as a feature both in Short program

and Free Skating.

Clear increase of speed is counted in camel, sit, layback, Biellmann or difficult variation of an upright position (except in crossfoot spin).

JUMPS

A jump will be considered as “Under-rotated” if it has missing rotation of 1⁄4 revolution or more, but less than 1⁄2

Jumps with missing rotation:

revolution.

Downgraded (<<): Missing rotation of half a revolution or more.

Underrotated (<): Missing rotation of more than a quarter revolution but less than half a revolution. The jump will receive

80% of the base value and Judges will reduce GOE.

Landed on the quarter (q): Technical panel will indicate this with a sign “q”. The jump will receive full base value and

Judges will reduce GOE.

Flip is taken-off from a backward inside edge, Lutz is taken-off from backward outside edge; Technical Panel decides

on the take-off edge and indicates errors with signs “e” and “!”. In cases of serious errors (sign “e”) the base value of

the jump and the GOE are reduced, in cases of smaller errors (sign “!”) the original base value stays and the GOE is

reduced.

In Short Program jumps which do not satisfy the requirements (including wrong number of revs) will have no value,

but will block a jumping box, if one is empty; if a combination of two double jumps is not allowed (Sr. Men & Ladies, Jr.

Men), the jump with the lesser value after the consideration of signs <, <<, e will not count (e.g. 2Lz+2T*, 2T*+2Lo,

2Lz<+2T*, 2F<<*+2T).

In Short Program, the final GOE must be -5 if the Jump Element is not according to requirements. This means for

example that the Jump Element has wrong number of revolutions, jump is repeated or jump combination has only one

jump and the sign +COMBO.

Short Program, Repetitions: If the same jump is executed twice as a solo jump and as a part of the jump combination,

the second execution will not be counted (if this repetition is in a jump combination, only the individual jump which is

not according to the above requirements will not be counted).

Free Skating, extra jump elements: If an extra jump(s) is executed, only the individual jump(s), which is not according

to the requirements will have no value. The jumps are considered in the order of execution.

Free Skating, Jump Sequences

A jump sequence consists of 2 (two) jumps of any number of revolutions, beginning with any listed jump, immediately

followed by an Axel type jump with a direct step from the landing curve of the first jump to the take-off curve of the Axel

jump.

Single Euler in between two listed jumps in jump combinations

Single Euler (1Eu) missing half a revolution or more will be considered as downgraded (<<). In this case the judges will

apply the reduction for a downgraded jump.

If the Single Euler is missing less than half a revolution, it will not be considered as under-rotated (<) by the technical

If the Single Euler is missing less than half a revolution, it will not be considered as under-rotated (<) or as landed on

panel. If the Single Euler is not clearly jumped or it is executed as a step over, the judges will apply a reduction in GOE.

the quarter (q) by the Technical panel. If the Single Euler is not clearly jumped or it is executed as a step over, the

judges will apply a reduction in GOE.

Twist Lifts

1) Lady’s split position (each leg at least 45° from the body axis and Lady’s legs are straight or almost straight)

2) Catching the lady at the side of the waist without her hand(s)/arm(s)/any part of upper body touching the man

3) Lady’s position in the air with arm(s) above the head (minimum one full revolution)

4) Difficult take-off

4) Difficult take-off: turns, steps, movements, small lifts immediately preceding the take-off and executed with continuous flow

5) Man’s arms sideways, being straight or almost straight, reaching at least shoulder level after release of the lady

Lifts

1) Seniors: Difficult variation of the take-off and difficult landing variety

Juniors: Simple variation of the take-off and simple landing variety

2) 1 change of hold and/or lady’s position (1 rev. of the man before and after the change, counts twice if repeated)

3) Difficult variation of the lady (1 full revolution)

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Communication No. 2254
SINGLE & PAIR SKATING
Levels of Difficulty and Guidelines for marking
Grade of Execution, season 2019/20
The following Communication replaces Communication No. 2186
I.Updated Levels of Difficulty of Single/Pair Skating Elements (season 2019/20)
II. Updated Guidelines for marking +GOE of Single/Pair Skating Elements (positive aspects)
III. Updated Guidelines in establishing GOE for errors in Short Program and Free Skating
IV. Updated Additional Remarks for Program Components and GOE
Tubbergen,Jan Dijkema, President
May 21, 2019
Lausanne,Fredi Schmid, Director General
I. Updated Levels of Difficulty of Single/Pair Skating Elements (season 2019/20)
LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY, SINGLE SKATING, season 2019/20
Number of features for Levels: 1 for Level 1, 2 for Level 2, 3 for Level 3, 4 for Level 4 Step Sequences
1) Minimum variety (Level 1), simple variety (Level 2), variety (Level 3), complexity (Level 4) of difficult turns and steps throughout (compulsory)
2) Rotations in either direction (left and right) with full body rotation covering at least 1/3 of the pattern in total for each rotational direction
3) Use of body movements for at least 1/3 of the pattern
4) Two different combinations of 3 difficult turns on different feet executed with continuous flow within the sequence. Only the first combination attempted on each foot can be counted.
All Spins
1) Difficult variations (count as many times as performed with limitations specified below)
2) Change of foot executed by jump
3) Jump within a spin without changing feet
4) Difficult change of position on the same foot
5) Difficult entrance into a spin
6) Clear change of edge in sit (only from backward inside to forward outside), camel, Layback and Biellmann position
7) All 3 basic positions on the second foot
8) Both directions immediately following each other in sit or camel spin
9) Clear increase of speed in camel, sit, layback or Biellmann position
10) At least 8 rev. without changes in position/variation, foot or edge (camel, layback, difficult variation of any basic position or for combinations only non-basic position)
11) Difficult variation of flying entry in flying spins/spins with a flying entrance (see Clarifications)
Additional features for the Layback spin:
12) One clear change of position backwards-sideways or reverse, at least 2 rev. in each position (counts also if the Layback position is a part of any other spin)
13) Biellmann position after Layback spin (SP – after 8 revolutions in layback spin)
Features 2-9, 11-13 count only once per program (first time they are attempted). Feature 10 counts only once per program (in the first spin it is successfully performed; if in this spin 8 revs are executed on both feet, any one of these executions can be taken in favour of the skater).
Any category of difficult spin variation in a basic position counts only once per program (first time it is attempted). A difficult variation in a non-basic position counts once per program in spin combination only (first time it is attempted).
In any spin with change of foot the maximum number of features attained on one foot is two (2).
ELEMENTS REQUIREMENTS (see also Clarifications on the next page)
Jumps
1. Full rotation: signs < and << indicate an error. The base values of the jumps with a < sign are listed in the SOV table. The jump with a sign << is evaluated with SOV for the same jump one revolution less.2. Correct take-off edge in F/Lz: signs “e” and “!” indicate an error. The base values of the jumps with the sign “e” arelisted in the SOV table. The sign “!” allows to keep full original base value of the jump.If both signs < and “e” are applied for the same jump, the base values are listed in the SOV table.Spins1. For flying spins (with no change of foot and only one position) of both Short Program and Free Skating the followingis required: a clear visible jump. The sign “V” indicates that this requirement is not fulfilled. The base values of spinswith the sign “V“ are listed in the SOV table.2. The base values of spin combinations with only 2 basic positions (at least 2 revolutions in each of these positions)are also listed in the SOV table.3. All spins with change of foot must have 3 revolutions on each foot. In Short Program, if this requirement is not fulfilled,the spin will get “No Value”. In Free Skating the sign “V” indicates that this requirement is not fulfilled. The base valuesof spins with the sign “V“ are listed in the SOV table.4. Spin in one position with change of foot must have 2 revolutions in basic position on each foot. In Short Program, ifthis requirement is not fulfilled, the spin will get “No Value”. In Free Skating the sign “V” indicates that this requirementis not fulfilled. The base values of spins with the sign “V“ are listed in the SOV table.
CLARIFICATIONS: LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY SINGLE SKATING, season 2019/20
STEP SEQUENCES
Types of difficult turns and steps: twizzles, brackets, loops, counters, rockers, choctaws.
Minimum variety includes at least 5 difficult turns and steps, none of the types can be counted more than twice.
Simple variety includes at least 7 difficult turns and steps, none of the types can be counted more than twice.
Variety includes at least 9 difficult turns and steps, none of the types can be counted more than twice.
Complexity includes at least 11 difficult turns and steps, none of the types can be counted more than twice, 5 types
must be executed in both directions.
Use of body movement means the visible use for a combined total of at least 1/3 of the pattern of any movements of
arms, head, torso, hips and legs that have an effect on the balance of the main body core.
SPINS
A difficult spin variation of position is a movement of the body part, leg, arm, hand or head which requires physical
strength or flexibility and that has an effect on the balance of the main body core. Only these variations can increase
the Level. There are 11 categories of difficult variations, among them 3 in camel position based on direction of the
shoulder line: camel forward (CF) – with the shoulder line parallel to the ice; camel sideways (CS) – with the shoulder
line twisted to a vertical position; camel upward (CU) – with the shoulder line twisted more than vertical position. If the
free leg drops down for a long time while preparing for a difficult camel variation, the corresponding Level feature is still
awarded, but the Judges will apply the GOE reduction for “poor/awkward/unaesthetic position(s)”.
“Change of foot executed by jump” & “Jump within a spin without change of foot”: are awarded only if the skater
reaches a basic position within the first 2 revolutions after the landing.
“Both directions immediately following each other in sit or camel spin”: execution of spins in both directions
(clockwise and counter clockwise) that immediately follow each other will be counted as a Level feature for sit
and camel basic positions. A minimum of 3 revs in each direction is required. A Spin executed in both directions as
above is considered as one Spin.
“Difficult variation of flying position in flying spins/spins with a flying entry”: is awarded only if the flying position
is really difficult and the skater reaches a basic position within 2 revolutions after the landing. Normal flying camel entry
does not block a possibility of counting a difficult flying entry as a feature.
Windmill (illusion) will be considered as a Level feature only the first time it’s attempted.
JUMPS
A jump will be considered as “Under-rotated” if it has missing rotation of 1⁄4 revolution or more, but less than 1⁄2
revolution.
Flip is taken-off from a backward inside edge, Lutz is taken-off from backward outside edge; Technical Panel decides
on the take-off edge and indicates errors with signs “e” and “!”. In cases of serious errors (sign “e”) the base value of
the jump and the GOE are reduced, in cases of smaller errors (sign “!”) the original base value stays and the GOE is
reduced.
In Short Program jumps which do not satisfy the requirements (including wrong number of revs) will have no value,
but will block a jumping box, if one is empty; if a combination of two double jumps is not allowed (Sr. Men & Ladies, Jr.
Men), the jump with the lesser value after the consideration of signs <, <<, e will not count (e.g. 2Lz+2T*, 2T*+2Lo,
2Lz<+2T*, 2F<<*+2T).
In Short Program, the final GOE must be -5 if the Jump Element is not according to requirements. This means for
example that the Jump Element has wrong number of revolutions, jump is repeated or jump combination has only one
jump and the sign +COMBO.
Short Program, Repetitions: If the same jump is executed twice as a solo jump and as a part of the jump combination,
the second execution will not be counted (if this repetition is in a jump combination, only the individual jump which is
not according to the above requirements will not be counted).
Free Skating, extra jump elements: If an extra jump(s) is executed, only the individual jump(s), which is not according
to the requirements will have no value. The jumps are considered in the order of execution.
Free Skating, Jump Sequences
A jump sequence consists of 2 (two) jumps of any number of revolutions, beginning with any listed jump, immediately
followed by an Axel type jump with a direct step from the landing curve of the first jump to the take-off curve of the Axel
jump.
Single Euler in between two listed jumps in jump combinations
Single Euler (1Eu) missing half a revolution or more will be considered as downgraded (<<). In this case the judges will
apply the reduction for a downgraded jump.
If the Single Euler is missing less than half a revolution, it will not be considered as under-rotated (<) by the technical
panel. If the Single Euler is not clearly jumped or it is executed as a step over, the judges will apply a reduction in GOE.
Twist Lifts
1) Lady’s split position (each leg at least 45° from the body axis and Lady’s legs are straight or almost straight)
2) Catching the lady at the side of the waist without her hand(s)/arm(s)/any part of upper body touching the man
3) Lady’s position in the air with arm(s) above the head (minimum one full revolution)
4) Difficult take-off
5) Man’s arms sideways, being straight or almost straight, reaching at least shoulder level after release of the lady
Lifts
1) Seniors: Difficult variation of the take-off and difficult landing variety
Juniors: Simple variation of the take-off and simple landing variety
2) 1 change of hold and/or lady’s position (1 rev. of the man before and after the change, counts twice if repeated)
3) Difficult variation of the lady (1 full revolution)
4) Difficult (simple for juniors) carry (not for SP)
5) Seniors: Difficult one-hand-hold of the man (2 full revolutions in total not counting parts shorter than 1 rev.)
Juniors: one-hand-hold of the man (2 full revolutions in total not counting parts shorter than 1 rev.)
6) Additional revolutions of the man with one-hand-hold after 2 revs in 5) (only in FS and only in one lift)
7) Change of rotational direction by the man (1 rev. before and after the change, counts only once per program)
Features 1), 2), 3), 5) must be significantly different from lift to lift and if similar, will only count first time attempted.
All the features can be counted only if executed in the first 3.5 revolutions. For both takeoff and landing there is an additional allowance of 1⁄2 rev.
Step Seq.
1) Minimum variety (Level 1), simple variety (Level 2), variety (Levels 3–4) of difficult turns and steps of both partners throughout (compulsory)
2) Rotations in either direction (left and right) with full body rotation covering at least 1/3 of the pattern in total for each rotational direction)
3) Use of body movements for at least 1/3 of the pattern
4) Changes of position (crossing at least three times while doing steps and turns) for at least 1/3 of the sequence, but not more than 1/2 of the sequence or not separating at least half of the pattern (changes of holds are allowed)
5) Two different combinations of 3 difficult turns (rockers, counters, brackets, twizzles, loops) executed by both partners with continuous flow within the sequence
Death Spirals
1) Difficult entry (immediately preceding the death spiral) and/or exit (see clarification)
2) Full revolution(s) of the lady when both partners are in “low” positions (counts as many times as performed)
Solo Spins
1) Difficult variations (count as many times as performed with limitations specified below)
2) Change of foot executed by jump
3) Jump within a spin without changing feet
4) Difficult change of position on the same foot
5) Difficult entrance into a spin
6) Clear change of edge in sit (only from backward inside to forward outside), camel, Layback and Biellmann position
7) All 3 basic positions on the second foot
8) Both directions immediately following each other in sit or camel spin
9) Clear increase of speed in camel, sit, layback or Biellmann position
10) At least 6 rev. without changes in pos./variation, foot and edge (camel, layback, difficult variation of any basic position or for combinations only non-basic position)
Features 2 to 10 and any category of difficult spin variation count only once per program (first time attempted). If 6 revs are executed on both feet, any one of these executions can be taken in favor of the skaters. In any spin with change of foot the maximum number of features attained on one foot is two (2).
Pair Spins
1) 2 changes of basic positions of both partners
2) 3 difficult variations of positions of partners, 2 of which can be in non-basic position (each variation of each partner counts separately, each partner must have at least one difficult variation)
3) Difficult entrance or any flying entrance by one or both partners
4) Difficult exit
5) Both directions immediately following each other
6) At least 6 revolutions without any changes in position/variation and foot (camel, sit, difficult upright)
CLARIFICATIONS: LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY PAIR SKATING, season 2019/20
TWIST LIFTS
Feature 1) (Lady’s split): each leg straight or almost straight at least 45° from the body axis;
Feature 5) (Man’s arms): straight or almost straight, going sideways and reaching at least shoulder level.
LIFTS
Take-off: Simple: includes but is not limited to change of handhold on ascent of lift.
Difficult: includes but not limited to: Somersault take off, small lift going immediately into a Pair lift take-off without the Lady touching
the ice between two lifts, one hand take-off, Spread Eagle, Ina Bauer or Spiral by one or both partners as the entry curve, inside
Axel take-off in 5ALi and 5SLi.
Landing: Simple: different landing foot (not automatically considered), change of hold on descent.
Difficult: includes but is not limited to: Somersaults, variation in hold, partner positions and/or direction of landing, one hand landing,
Spread-Eagle position of the Man during dismount.
Carry:Simple: duration at least 3 seconds. Difficult: includes at least one of the following features: during the carry the Man for at
least 3 sec. skates on one foot or holds the partner on one arm or performs crossovers or performs Spread Eagle or a similar move.
Allowed in both programs, but in SP does not count as a Feature and in FS counts only the first time executed.
Difficult variation of Lady’s position: a movement of leg, arm, or upper body which requires physical strength or flexibility and that
has an effect on the balance of the main body core. Only these variations can increase the Level.
Change of hold/Lady’s position requires one full revolution of the Man before and after this change. If a change of hold and a
change of Lady’s position are executed at the same time, only one Level feature will be awarded.
Variation of the take-off/landing, change of hold/Lady’s basic position and difficult variation of the Lady must be significantly
different from the previously attempted variation/change to be awarded as a Level feature. One arm dismount can be counted as a
feature only once per program.
Features “change of hold/Lady’s position/rotational direction” are not awarded if the change is interrupted by carry.
Feature 5) Difficult one hand hold of the man means:
- any lift in which there is only one point of contact between the man and the lady and the lady is balancing without supporting
herself on the man;
- lifts with more than one point of contact which require exceptional balance and control (e.g. “star” lift where the lady is facing away
from the man).
STEP SEQUENCES
Types of difficult turns and steps: rockers, counters, brackets, twizzles, loops and choctaws.
Same definition of minimum variety, simple variety and variety as for single skating; requirements must be fulfilled by both partners.
Use of body movements means the visible use for a combined total of at least 1/3 of the pattern of any movements of arms, head,
torso, hips and legs that have an effect on the balance of the main body core.
Crossing at least 3 times of the partners for at least 1/3, but not more than 1/2 of the sequence. The partners must maintain not
more than approximately three meters distance between each other throughout the crossing feature.
Not separating for at least half of the pattern: only one of the two features (but not both) can be awarded.
DEATH SPIRALS
Death spiral has a Level and value if both partners execute at least 1 rev in the death spiral position (knees of the Man clearly bent,
his toe anchored and arm fully extended; Lady’s head must reach, at least briefly, the level of her skating knee). For a higher Level
both Lady and Man must stay in the “low” position for 1 or more full revs.
Lady’s “low” position: for inside Death Spirals, the lowest hip or buttock and head should not be higher than her skating knee; for
outside Death Spirals – head should not be higher than her skating knee and bodyline between knee of skating leg and head should
be flat or shallow arch.
Man’s “low” pivot position: buttocks not higher than the knee of the pivot foot.
Any part of the Death Spiral with a higher Lady’s or Man’s position is not valid for Level features 2.
Change of arm hold by the Lady or Man is allowed, but is no longer a Level feature.
Change of pivot is considered as the end of the Death Spiral.
Entry, exit: The difficult entry position must be performed while both partners are on the entry curve and the Lady and/or the Man
are moving from a difficult entry position directly and without delay to a Death Spiral position. The feature is awarded only if the low
position is reached by both partners within 1 revolution after the man’s toe is fixed on the ice.
Exit: starts when the Man bends his “holding” arm at the elbow; ends: when the Lady comes to vertical position.
SOLO SPINS
Level feature “Difficult entrance into a spin” does not include regular backward entry and regular flying camel entry. Clarifications
for Spins in Singles are also valid for Pair Skating (when applicable).
PAIR SPIN COMBINATION
Pair Spin Combination can be started with a jump. Any flying entry can be considered as a feature. If there are not 3 revolutions
before or after the change of foot executed by both partners, the PCoSp will be marked with a “V”. If there is no attempt of a change
of foot by either partner or there are less than 3 revolutions on both feet by either partner, the spin will have “No Value”.
Difficult exit – exiting in a lift or spinning movement, an innovative move that makes the exit significantly more difficult.
JUMPS, THROW JUMPS, TWIST LIFTS
In Short Program jumps, throw jumps and twist lifts which do not satisfy the requirements (including wrong number of
revs) will have no value, but will block a corresponding element box, if one is empty.
In Free Skating, if an extra jump(s) is executed, only the individual jump(s), which is not according to the requirements, will have no
value. The jumps are considered in the order of execution.
Jump
Elements
1) very good height and very good length (of all jumps in a combo or sequence)
2) good take-off and landing
3) effortless throughout (including rhythm in Jump combination)
4) steps before the jump, unexpected or creative entry
5) very good body position from take-off to landing
6) element matches the music
Spins
1) good speed and/or acceleration during spin
2) good controlled, clear position(s) (inc. height and air/landing position in flying
spin)
3) effortless throughout
4) maintaining a centered spin
5) creativity and/or originality
6) element matches the music
Step
Sequences
1) deep edges, clean steps and turns
2) element matches the music
3) effortless throughout with good energy, flow and execution
4) creativity and/or originality
5) excellent commitment and control of the whole body
6) good acceleration and deceleration
Choreographic
Sequences
1) creativity and/or originality
2) element matches the music and reflects the concept/character of the program
3) effortless throughout with good energy, flow and execution
4) good ice coverage or interesting pattern
5) good clarity and precision
6) excellent commitment and control of the whole body
Pair Skating
1) very good take-off and landing
2) good speed, flow and ice coverage
Lifts
3) effortless throughout (including rotation and change of position)
4) very good air positions
5) smooth footwork of man
6) element matches the music
1) good height of lady in air position
2) clean catch
Twist Lifts
3) effortless throughout
4) good take-off and exit
5) very good speed and flow
6) element matches the music
1) good unison and distance between partners
2) very good height and very good length (of all jumps in a combo or sequence)
Jump
3) effortless throughout (including rhythm in jump combination)
Elements
4) steps before the jump, unexpected or creative entry
5) good take off and landing
6) element matches the music
1) very good height and very good distance
2) good speed, flow and control on release and landing
Throw
3) effortless throughout
Jumps
4) difficult, unexpected or creative entry
5) very good air position
6) element matches the music
1) good unison and distance between partners
2) good speed and/or acceleration during spin
Solo Spins
3) effortless throughout
4) good controlled, clear position(s) (inc. height and air/landing position in flying spin)
5) creativity and/or originality
6) element matches the music
1) good control throughout by both partners
2) good speed and/or acceleration during spin
Pair Spins
3) effortless throughout
4) good controlled, clear position(s) (inc. height and air/landing position in flying spin)
5) creativity and/or originality
6) element matches the music
1) very good positions of both partners
2) good flow and speed throughout (including entry and exit)
Death
3) effortless throughout
Spirals
4) good controlled transition into required positions and on exit
5) good/continuous edges demonstrated by man and lady
6) element matches the music
1) deep edges, clean steps and turns
Step
2) element matches the music
Sequences
3) effortless throughout with good energy, flow and execution
4) good unison and distance between partners
5) creativity and/or originality
6) excellent commitment and control of the whole body
1) creativity and/or originality
2) element matches the music and reflects the concept/character of the program
Choreo
3) effortless demonstration of the element as a sequence
Sequences
4) good ice coverage or interesting pattern
5) good unison
6) excellent commitment and control of the whole body
III. Updated Guidelines in establishing GOE for errors
in Short Program and Free Skating
Elements with no Value are indicated to the Panel of Judges. GOE of such elements does not influence the result.
In case of multiple errors the corresponding reductions are added. However in Pair Skating the reduction applied for a
mistake of one partner or the same mistake by both partners remains the same.

SINGLE SKATING

REDUCTIONS FOR ERRORS

JUMP ELEMENTS
SP: Jump element not according to GOE -5
Downgraded (sign << ) -3 to -4
requirements final GOE must be
Fall -5
Under-rotated (sign < ) -1 to -2
Landing on two feet in a jump -3 to -4
Lacking rotation (no sign) -1 to -2
Stepping out of landing in a jump -3 to -4
Euler executed as step over -1 to -2
2 three turns in between (jump combo) -2 to -3
Poor speed, height, distance, or air position -1 to -3
Wrong edge take off F/Lz (sign “e”) -3 to -4
Touch down with both hands in a jump -2 to -3
Touch down with one hand or free foot -1 to -2
Unclear edge take off F/Lz (sign “!”) -1 to -3
Unclear edge take off F/Lz (no sign) -1
Loss of flow/direction/rhythm between jumps (combo/seq.) -2 to -3
Weak landing (bad pos./wrong edge/scratching etc) -1 to -3
Poor take-off -2 to -3
Long preparation -1 to -3

SPINS
Fall -5
Poor/awkward, unaesthetic position(s) -1 to -3
Touch down with free foot or hand(s) -1 to -3
Slow or reduction of speed -1 to -3
Poor fly (flying spin/entry) -1 to -3
Change of foot poorly done (including curve of entry/exit except when changing direction) -1 to -3
Incorrect take-off or landing in a flying spin -1 to -2
Less than required revolutions -1 to -3
Traveling -1 to -3
Unbalanced number of revolutions in change foot spin -1
Loss of balance -1 to -3

STEPS
SP:
Listed jumps with more than half rev. -1
Poor quality of steps and turns included -1 to -3
Fall -5
Poor quality of body positions -1 to -3
Does not correspond to the music -2 to -4
Lack of flow and energy -1 to -3
Stumble -1 to -3

CHOREOGRAPHIC SEQUENCES
Fall -5
Loss of control/Lack of energy -1 to -3
Does not correspond to the music -2 to -4
Poor quality of movements -1 to -3
Lack of choreographic movements -2 to -3
Lack of creativity/originality -1 to -3
Stumble -1 to -3

PAIR SKATING REDUCTIONS FOR ERRORS

LIFTS
Fall -5
Poor speed and/or ice coverage -1 to -3
Serious problems in the lifting process -3
Poor turns by man and/or stops in rotation -1 to -3
Slight problems in the lifting process -1 to -2
Poor take-off/weak landing -1 to -3
Serious problems on the descent of the lift -3 to -4
Too long getting into a basic position or its variation -1 to -3
Slight problems on the descent of the lift -1 to -2
Touch down with the free foot -1
Lady starts or lands on two feet -2 Long preparation -1 to -2
Poor positions in the air or on landing -1 to -3

TWIST LIFTS
Fall -5
Downgraded (sign <<) -2 to -4
Serious problems on the catch -3 to -4
Poor height or distance -1 to -3
Slight problems on the catch -1 to -2
Poor take-off (poor speed, serious scratching, no toe-pick) -1 to -2
Lady lands on two feet -2 to -3
Weak landing (poor speed, bad positions) -1 to -2
Touch down with the free foot -1 Long preparation -1 to -2

JUMP ELEMENTS, THROW JUMPS
Fall -5
Poor speed, height, distance, air position -1 to -3
Landing on two feet -3 to -4
Big distance between partners– jump elements -1 to -3
Stepping out of landing in a jump -3 to -4
Poor take-off -1 to -2
Unequal number of revolutions by partners -2
Loss of flow/direction/rhythm between jumps (combo/seq.) -2 to -3
Downgraded (sign <<) -3 to -4
Man’s poor position at take-off – throw jump -1 to -2
Under-rotated (sign <) -1 to -2
Weak landing (bad pos./wrong edge/scratching etc) -1 to -3
Lacking rotation (no sign) -1 to -2
Long preparation -1 to -3
Euler executed as step over -1 to -2
2 three turns in between – jump combo -2 to -3
Touch down with both hands in a jump -2 to -3
Severe wrong edge take off F/Lz (sign “e”) -2 to -3
Touch down with one hand or free foot -1 to -2
Unclear edge take off F/Lz (sign “!”) -1 to -2
Lack of Unison -1 to -3
Unclear edge take off F/Lz (no sign) -1

SOLO AND PAIR SPINS
Fall -5
Poor/awkward, unaesthetic position(s) -1 to -3
Touch down with both hands -2 Traveling -1 to -3
Touch down with free foot or one hand -1 to -2
Change of foot poorly done -1 to -3
Slow or reduction of speed -1 to -3
Stop or lack of continuous movement during spin (except when changing direction) -1 to -2
Big distance between partners -1 to -3
Poor fly (flying spin/entry) -1 to -3
Incorrect take-off or landing (flying spin/entry) -1 to -2
Lack of Unison -1 to -3
Less than required revolutions -1 to -3
Loss of balance -1 to -3

DEATH SPIRALS
Fall -5
Any part of the lady’s body (not the hair) -1 to -2
touching the icePoor pivot position (losing toe pick etc.) -2 to -4
Slow or reduction of speed -1 to -3
Lady assisted not only by the blades -2 to -3
Lady’s or man’s weak edge quality -1 to -2
Poor or weak position of the lady (too high -1 to -3
Poor exit -1 to -3
etc.) or man

STEPS
SP:
Listed jumps with more than half rev. included -1
Poor quality of steps and turns -1 to -3
Fall -5
Poor quality of body positions -1 to -3
Does not correspond to the music -2 to -4
Lack of flow and energy -1 to -3
Stumble -1 to -3
Lack of Unison and spatial awareness -1 to -3

Updated Additional Remarks for Program Components and GOE

Program Components
If a program contains a Fall or a Serious error, the maximum scores are listed below:
Skating Skills, Transitions, Composition: Maximum score 9.75.
Performance and Interpretation: Maximum score 9.50.
If a program contains Falls or Serious errors, the maximum scores are listed below:
Skating Skills, Transitions, Composition: Maximum score 9.25.
Performance and Interpretation: Maximum score 8.75.
Serious errors are interruptions during the program and technical mistakes that impact the
integrity/continuity/fluidity of the composition and/or its relation to the music.
Similar limitations must be applied to all levels of skaters from extremely poor to outstanding.

GOE evaluation
In case of the following errors, the starting GOE for the evaluation cannot be higher than +2:
Fall, landing on two feet, stepping out of landing, wrong edge (e), downgraded (<<), serious problems on the
descent of the lift, serious problems on the catch of the Twist, Step Sequences and Choreographic
Sequences do not correspond to the music.

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Communication No. 2334
SINGLE & PAIR SKATING
Levels of Difficulty and Guidelines for marking
Grade of Execution, season 2020/21
The following Communication replaces Communication No. 2254
As per ISU Communication No 2332 “Decisions of the Council” the ISU Council decided to
suspend the ISU Communications 2323 (Single & Pair Skating Scale of Values season
2020/21)and ISU Communication 2324 (Single & Pair Skating Levels of Difficulty and Guidelines
for making Grade of Execution and Program Components Season 2020/21).
In the meantime, the Council and the Single & Pair Skating Technical Committee have evaluated
the need for an update of the above-mentioned Communications and the Council decided that
• ISU Communication 2323 is definitely cancelled and consequently ISU Communication 2253
remains in full force for the season 2020/21.
• ISU Communication 2324 is definitely cancelled.
ISU Communication 2254 is herewith replaced by this new Communication 2334
I.Updated Levels of Difficulty of Single/Pair Skating Elements (season 2020/21)
II. Updated Guidelines for marking +GOE of Single/Pair Skating Elements (positive aspects)
III. Updated Guidelines in establishing GOE for errors in Short Program and Free Skating
IV. Updated Additional Remarks for Program Components and GOE
Tubbergen,Jan Dijkema, President
July 8, 2020
Lausanne,Fredi Schmid, Director General
I. Updated Levels of Difficulty of Single/Pair Skating Elements (season 2020/21)
LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY, SINGLE SKATING,
Number of features for Levels: 1 for Level 1, 2 for Level 2, 3 for Level 3, 4 for Level 4 Step Sequences
1) Minimum variety (Level 1), simple variety (Level 2), variety (Level 3), complexity (Level 4) of difficult turns and steps throughout (compulsory)
2) Rotations in either direction (left and right) with full body rotation covering at least 1/3 of the pattern in total for each rotational direction
3) Use of body movements for at least 1/3 of the pattern
4) Two combinations of 3 difficult turns on different feet executed with continuous flow within the sequence. Only the first combination attempted on each foot can be counted.
All Spins
1) Difficult variations (count as many times as performed with limitations specified below)
2) Change of foot executed by jump
3) Jump within a spin without changing feet
4) Difficult change of position on the same foot
5) Difficult entrance or Difficult exit
6) Clear change of edge in sit (only from backward inside to forward outside), camel, Layback, Biellmann or difficult variation of an upright position
7) All 3 basic positions on the second foot
8) Both directions immediately following each other in sit or camel spin
9) Clear increase of speed in camel, sit, layback, Biellmann or difficult variation of an upright position (except in crossfoot spin)
10) At least 8 rev. without changes in position/variation, foot or edge (camel, layback, difficult variation of any basic position or for combinations only non-basic position)
11) Difficult variation of flying entry in flying spins/spins with a flying entrance (see Clarifications)
Additional features for the Layback spin:
12) One clear change of position backwards-sideways or reverse, at least 2 rev. in each position (counts also if the Layback position is a part of any other spin)
13) Biellmann position after Layback spin (SP – after 8 revolutions in layback spin for Junior/Senior and after 6 revolutions for Advanced Novice)
Features 2-9, 11-13 count only once per program (first time they are attempted). Feature 10 counts only once per program (in the first spin it is successfully performed; if in this spin 8 revs are executed on both feet, any one of these executions can be taken in favour of the Skater).
Any category of difficult spin variation in a basic position counts only once per program (first time it is attempted). A difficult variation in a non-basic position counts once per program in spin combination only (first time it is attempted).
In any spin with change of foot the maximum number of features attained on one foot is two (2).
ELEMENTS REQUIREMENTS (see also changes and clarifications on the next page)
Jumps
1. Missing rotation: signs “q”, “<” and “<<” indicate an error. The sign “q” allows to keep full original base value of the jump. The base values of the jumps with a < sign are listed in the SOV table. The jump with a sign << is evaluated with SOV for the same jump one revolution less.2. Correct take-off edge in F/Lz: signs “e” and “!” indicate an error. The base values of the jumps with the sign “e” arelisted in the SOV table. The sign “!” allows to keep full original base value of the jump.If both signs < and “e” are applied for the same jump, the base values are listed in the SOV table.Spins1. For flying spins (with no change of foot and only one position) of both Short Program and Free Skating the followingis required: a clear visible jump. The sign “V” indicates that this requirement is not fulfilled. The base values of spinswith the sign “V“ are listed in the SOV table.2. The base values of spin combinations with only 2 basic positions (at least 2 revolutions in each of these positions)are also listed in the SOV table.3. All spins with change of foot must have 3 revolutions on each foot. In Short Program, if this requirement is not fulfilled,the spin will get “No Value”. In Free Skating the sign “V” indicates that this requirement is not fulfilled. The base valuesof spins with the sign “V“ are listed in the SOV table.4. Spin in one position with change of foot must have 2 revolutions in basic position on each foot. In Short Program, ifthis requirement is not fulfilled, the spin will get “No Value”. In Free Skating the sign “V” indicates that this requirementis not fulfilled. The base values of spins with the sign “V“ are listed in the SOV table.
CLARIFICATIONS: LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY SINGLE SKATING, season 2020/21
STEP SEQUENCES
Types of difficult turns and steps: twizzles, brackets, loops, counters, rockers, choctaws.
Minimum variety includes at least 5 difficult turns and steps, none of the types can be counted more than twice.
Simple variety includes at least 7 difficult turns and steps, none of the types can be counted more than twice.
Variety includes at least 9 difficult turns and steps, none of the types can be counted more than twice.
Complexity includes at least 11 difficult turns and steps, none of the types can be counted more than twice, 5 types
must be executed in both directions.
Use of body movement means the visible use for a combined total of at least 1/3 of the pattern of any movements of
arms, head, torso, hips and legs that have an effect on the balance of the main body core.
SPINS
A difficult spin variation of position is a movement of the body part, leg, arm, hand or head which requires physical
strength or flexibility and that has an effect on the balance of the main body core. Only these variations can increase
the Level. There are 11 categories of difficult variations, among them 3 in camel position based on direction of the
shoulder line: camel forward (CF) – with the shoulder line parallel to the ice; camel sideways (CS) – with the shoulder
line twisted to a vertical position; camel upward (CU) – with the shoulder line twisted more than vertical position. If the
free leg drops down for a long time while preparing for a difficult camel variation, the corresponding Level feature is still
awarded, but the Judges will apply the GOE reduction for “poor/awkward/unaesthetic position(s)”.
“Change of foot executed by jump” & “Jump within a spin without change of foot”: are awarded only if the skater
reaches a basic position within the first 2 revolutions after the landing.
“Both directions immediately following each other in sit or camel spin”: execution of spins in both directions
(clockwise and counter clockwise) that immediately follow each other will be counted as a Level feature for sit
and camel basic positions. A minimum of 3 revs in each direction is required. A Spin executed in both directions as
above is considered as one Spin.
“Difficult variation of flying position in flying spins/spins with a flying entry”: is awarded only if the flying position
is really difficult and the skater reaches a basic position within 2 revolutions after the landing. Normal flying camel entry
does not block a possibility of counting a difficult flying entry as a feature.
Windmill (illusion) will be considered as a Level feature only the first time it’s attempted.
Exit: The exit out of the spin is defined as the last phase of the spin and includes the phase immediately following the
spin.
Difficult exit: Any movement or jump that makes the exit significantly more difficult. The exit must have a significant
impact on the balance, control and execution of the spin.
Difficult entrance or Difficult exit: Only one of them will be taken as a feature to increase the level.
Toe Arabian will be considered as a change of foot executed by jump and will count as a feature both in Short program
and Free Skating.
Clear increase of speed is counted in camel, sit, layback, Biellmann or difficult variation of an upright position (except in crossfoot spin).
JUMPS
Jumps with missing rotation:
Downgraded (<<): Missing rotation of half a revolution or more.
Underrotated (<): Missing rotation of more than a quarter revolution but less than half a revolution. The jump will receive
80% of the base value and Judges will reduce GOE.
Landed on the quarter (q): Technical panel will indicate this with a sign “q”. The jump will receive full base value and
Judges will reduce GOE.
Flip is taken-off from a backward inside edge, Lutz is taken-off from backward outside edge; Technical Panel decides
on the take-off edge and indicates errors with signs “e” and “!”. In cases of serious errors (sign “e”) the base value of
the jump and the GOE are reduced, in cases of smaller errors (sign “!”) the original base value stays and the GOE is
reduced.
In Short Program jumps which do not satisfy the requirements (including wrong number of revs) will have no value,
but will block a jumping box, if one is empty; if a combination of two double jumps is not allowed (Sr. Men & Ladies, Jr.
Men), the jump with the lesser value after the consideration of signs <, <<, e will not count (e.g. 2Lz+2T*, 2T*+2Lo,
2Lz<+2T*, 2F<<*+2T).
In Short Program, the final GOE must be -5 if the Jump Element is not according to requirements. This means for
example that the Jump Element has wrong number of revolutions, jump is repeated or jump combination has only one
jump and the sign +COMBO.
Short Program, Repetitions: If the same jump is executed twice as a solo jump and as a part of the jump combination,
the second execution will not be counted (if this repetition is in a jump combination, only the individual jump which is
not according to the above requirements will not be counted).
Free Skating, extra jump elements: If an extra jump(s) is executed, only the individual jump(s), which is not according
to the requirements will have no value. The jumps are considered in the order of execution.
Free Skating, Jump Sequences
A jump sequence consists of 2 (two) jumps of any number of revolutions, beginning with any listed jump, immediately
followed by an Axel type jump with a direct step from the landing curve of the first jump to the take-off curve of the Axel
jump.
Single Euler in between two listed jumps in jump combinations
Single Euler (1Eu) missing half a revolution or more will be considered as downgraded (<<). In this case the judges will
apply the reduction for a downgraded jump.
If the Single Euler is missing less than half a revolution, it will not be considered as under-rotated (<) or as landed on
the quarter (q) by the Technical panel. If the Single Euler is not clearly jumped or it is executed as a step over, the
judges will apply a reduction in GOE.
Twist Lifts
1) Lady’s split position (each leg at least 45° from the body axis and Lady’s legs are straight or almost straight)
2) Catching the lady at the side of the waist without her hand(s)/arm(s)/any part of upper body touching the man
3) Lady’s position in the air with arm(s) above the head (minimum one full revolution)
4) Difficult take-off: turns, steps, movements, small lifts immediately preceding the take-off and executed with continuous flow
5) Man’s arms sideways, being straight or almost straight, reaching at least shoulder level after release of the lady
Lifts
1) Seniors: Difficult variation of the take-off and difficult landing variety
Juniors: Simple variation of the take-off and simple landing variety
2) 1 change of hold and/or lady’s position (1 rev. of the man before and after the change, counts twice if repeated)
3) Difficult variation of the lady (1 full revolution)
4) Difficult (simple for juniors) carry (not for SP)
5) Seniors: Difficult one-hand-hold of the man (2 full revolutions in total not counting parts shorter than 1 rev.)
Juniors: one-hand-hold of the man (2 full revolutions in total not counting parts shorter than 1 rev.)
6) Additional revolutions of the man with one-hand-hold after 2 revs in 5) (only in FS and only in one lift)
7) Change of rotational direction by the man (1 rev. before and after the change, counts only once per program)
Features 1), 2), 3), 5) must be significantly different from lift to lift and if similar, will only count first time attempted.
All the features can be counted only if executed in the first 3.5 revolutions. For both takeoff and landing there is an additional allowance of 1⁄2 rev.
Step Seq.
1) Minimum variety (Level 1), simple variety (Level 2), variety (Levels 3–4) of difficult turns and steps of both partners throughout (compulsory)
2) Rotations in either direction (left and right) with full body rotation covering at least 1/3 of the pattern in total for each rotational direction)
3) Use of body movements for at least 1/3 of the pattern
4) Changes of position (crossing at least three times while doing steps and turns) for at least 1/3 of the sequence, but not more than 1/2 of the sequence or not separating at least half of the pattern (changes of holds are allowed)
5) Two different combinations of 3 difficult turns (rockers, counters, brackets, twizzles, loops) executed by both partners with continuous flow within the sequence
Death Spirals
1) Difficult entry (immediately preceding the death spiral) and/or exit (see clarification)
2) Full revolution(s) of the lady when both partners are in “low” positions (counts as many times as performed)
Solo Spins
1) Difficult variations (count as many times as performed with limitations specified below)
2) Change of foot executed by jump
3) Jump within a spin without changing feet
4) Difficult change of position on the same foot
5) Difficult entrance or Difficult exit
6) Clear change of edge in sit (only from backward inside to forward outside), camel, Layback, Biellmann or difficult variation of an upright position
7) All 3 basic positions on the second foot
8) Both directions immediately following each other in sit or camel spin
9) Clear increase of speed in camel, sit, layback, Biellmann or difficult variation of an upright position (except in crossfoot spin)
10) At least 6 rev. without changes in pos./variation, foot and edge (camel, layback, difficult variation of any basic position or for combinations only non-basic position)
Features 2 to 10 and any category of difficult spin variation count only once per program (first time attempted). If 6 revs are executed on both feet, any one of these executions can be taken in favor of the Skaters. In any spin with change of foot the maximum number of features attained on one foot is two (2).
Pair Spins
1) 2 changes of basic positions of both partners
2) 3 difficult variations of positions of partners, 2 of which can be in non-basic position (each variation of each partner counts separately, each partner must have at least one difficult variation)
3) Difficult entrance or any flying entrance by one or both partners
4) Difficult exit
5) Both directions immediately following each other
6) At least 6 revolutions without any changes in position/variation and foot (camel, sit, difficult upright)
CLARIFICATIONS: LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY PAIR SKATING, season 2020/21
TWIST LIFTS
Feature 1) (Lady’s split): each leg straight or almost straight at least 45° from the body axis;
Feature 5) (Man’s arms): straight or almost straight, going sideways and reaching at least shoulder level.
LIFTS
Take-off: Simple: includes but is not limited to change of handhold on ascent of lift.
Difficult: includes but not limited to: Somersault take off, small lift going immediately into a Pair lift take-off without the Lady touching
the ice between two lifts, one hand take-off, Spread Eagle, Ina Bauer or Spiral by one or both partners as the entry curve, inside
Axel take-off in 5ALi and 5SLi.
Landing: Simple: different landing foot (not automatically considered), change of hold on descent.
Difficult: includes but is not limited to: Somersaults, variation in hold, partner positions and/or direction of landing, one hand landing,
Spread-Eagle position of the Man during dismount.
Carry:Simple: duration at least 3 seconds. Difficult: includes at least one of the following features: during the carry the Man for at
least 3 sec. skates on one foot or holds the partner on one arm or performs crossovers or performs Spread Eagle or a similar move.
Allowed in both programs, but in SP does not count as a Feature and in FS counts only the first time executed.
Difficult variation of Lady’s position: a movement of leg, arm, or upper body which requires physical strength or flexibility and that
has an effect on the balance of the main body core. Only these variations can increase the Level.
Change of hold/Lady’s position requires one full revolution of the Man before and after this change. If a change of hold and a
change of Lady’s position are executed at the same time, only one Level feature will be awarded.
Variation of the take-off/landing, change of hold/Lady’s basic position and difficult variation of the Lady must be significantly
different from the previously attempted variation/change to be awarded as a Level feature. One arm dismount can be counted as a
feature only once per program.
Features “change of hold/Lady’s position/rotational direction” are not awarded if the change is interrupted by carry.
Feature 5) Difficult one hand hold of the man means:
- any lift in which there is only one point of contact between the man and the lady and the lady is balancing without supporting
herself on the man;
- lifts with more than one point of contact which require exceptional balance and control (e.g. “star” lift where the lady is facing away
from the man).
STEP SEQUENCES
Types of difficult turns and steps: rockers, counters, brackets, twizzles, loops and choctaws.
Same definition of minimum variety, simple variety and variety as for single skating; requirements must be fulfilled by both partners.
Use of body movements means the visible use for a combined total of at least 1/3 of the pattern of any movements of arms, head,
torso, hips and legs that have an effect on the balance of the main body core.
Crossing at least 3 times of the partners for at least 1/3, but not more than 1/2 of the sequence. The partners must maintain not
more than approximately three meters distance between each other throughout the crossing feature.
Not separating for at least half of the pattern: only one of the two features (but not both) can be awarded.
DEATH SPIRALS
Death spiral has a Level and value if both partners execute at least 1 rev in the death spiral position (knees of the Man clearly bent,
his toe anchored and arm fully extended; Lady’s head must reach, at least briefly, the level of her skating knee). For a higher Level
both Lady and Man must stay in the “low” position for 1 or more full revs.
Lady’s “low” position: for inside Death Spirals, the lowest hip or buttock and head should not be higher than her skating knee; for
outside Death Spirals – head should not be higher than her skating knee and bodyline between knee of skating leg and head should
be flat or shallow arch.
Man’s “low” pivot position: buttocks not higher than the knee of the pivot foot.
Any part of the Death Spiral with a higher Lady’s or Man’s position is not valid for Level features 2.
Change of arm hold by the Lady or Man is allowed, but is no longer a Level feature.
Change of pivot is considered as the end of the Death Spiral.
Entry, exit: The difficult entry position must be performed while both partners are on the entry curve and the Lady and/or the Man
are moving from a difficult entry position directly and without delay to a Death Spiral position. The feature is awarded only if the low
position is reached by both partners within 1 revolution after the man’s toe is fixed on the ice.
Exit: starts when the Man bends his “holding” arm at the elbow; ends: when the Lady comes to vertical position.
SOLO SPINS
Level feature “Difficult entrance into a spin” does not include regular backward entry and regular flying camel entry. Clarifications
for Spins in Singles are also valid for Pairs (when applicable).
Exit: The exit out of the spin is defined as the last phase of the spin and includes the phase immediately following the spin.
Difficult exit: Any movement or jump that makes the exit significantly more difficult. The exit must have a significant impact on the
balance, control and execution of the spin.
Clear increase of speed is counted in camel, sit, layback, Biellmann or difficult variation of an upright position (except in crossfoot spin).
PAIR SPIN COMBINATION
Pair Spin Combination can be started with a jump. Any flying entry can be considered as a feature. If there are not 3 revolutions
before or after the change of foot executed by both partners, the PCoSp will be marked with a “V”. If there is no attempt of a change
of foot by either partner or there are less than 3 revolutions on both feet by either partner, the spin will have “No Value”.
Difficult exit – exiting in a lift or spinning movement, an innovative move that makes the exit significantly more difficult.
The lady is allowed to be lifted from the ice during the spin but the man must stay on one foot. This is not considered as a feature.
The revolutions executed while the lady is being lifted count to the total number of revolutions.
JUMPS, THROW JUMPS, TWIST LIFTS
In Short Program jumps, throw jumps and twist lifts which do not satisfy the requirements (including wrong number of
revs) will have no value, but will block a corresponding element box, if one is empty.
In Free Skating, if an extra jump(s) is executed, only the individual jump(s), which is not according to the requirements, will have no
value. The jumps are considered in the order of execution.
Downgraded (<<): Missing rotation of half a revolution or more.
Underrotated (<): Missing rotation of more than a quarter revolution but less than half a revolution. The jump will receive 80% of the
base value and Judges will reduce GOE.
Landed on the quarter (q): Technical panel will indicate this with a sign “q”. The jump will receive full base value and Judges will
reduce GOE.
Jump
Elements
1) very good height and very good length (of all jumps in a combo or sequence)
2) good take-off and landing
3) effortless throughout (including rhythm in Jump combination)
4) steps before the jump, unexpected or creative entry
5) very good body position from take-off to landing
6) element matches the music
Spins
1) good speed and/or acceleration during spin
2) good controlled, clear position(s) (inc. height and air/landing position in flying
spin)
3) effortless throughout
4) maintaining a centered spin
5) creativity and/or originality
6) element matches the music
Step
Sequences
1) deep edges, clean steps and turns
2) element matches the music
3) effortless throughout with good energy, flow and execution
4) creativity and/or originality
5) excellent commitment and control of the whole body
6) good acceleration and deceleration
Choreographic
Sequences
1) creativity and/or originality
2) element matches the music and reflects the concept/character of the program
3) effortless throughout with good energy, flow and execution
4) good ice coverage or interesting pattern
5) good clarity and precision
6) excellent commitment and control of the whole body
Pairs
1) very good take-off and landing
2) good speed, flow and ice coverage
Lifts
3) effortless throughout (including rotation and change of position)
4) very good air positions
5) smooth footwork of man
6) element matches the music
1) good height of lady in air position
2) clean catch
Twist Lifts
3) effortless throughout
4) good take-off and exit
5) very good speed and flow
6) element matches the music
1) good unison and distance between partners
2) very good height and very good length (of all jumps in a combo or sequence)
Jump
3) effortless throughout (including rhythm in jump combination)
Elements
4) steps before the jump, unexpected or creative entry
5) good take off and landing
6) element matches the music
1) very good height and very good distance
2) good speed, flow and control on release and landing
Throw
3) effortless throughout
Jumps
4) difficult, unexpected or creative entry
5) very good air position
6) element matches the music
1) good unison and distance between partners
2) good speed and/or acceleration during spin
Solo Spins
3) effortless throughout
4) good controlled, clear position(s) (inc. height and air/landing position in flying spin)
5) creativity and/or originality
6) element matches the music
1) good control throughout by both partners
2) good speed and/or acceleration during spin
Pair Spins
3) effortless throughout
4) good controlled, clear position(s) (inc. height and air/landing position in flying spin)
5) creativity and/or originality
6) element matches the music
1) very good positions of both partners
2) good flow and speed throughout (including entry and exit)
Death
3) effortless throughout
Spirals
4) good controlled transition into required positions and on exit
5) good/continuous edges demonstrated by man and lady
6) element matches the music
1) deep edges, clean steps and turns
Step
2) element matches the music
Sequences
3) effortless throughout with good energy, flow and execution
4) good unison and distance between partners
5) creativity and/or originality
6) excellent commitment and control of the whole body
1) creativity and/or originality
2) element matches the music and reflects the concept/character of the program
Choreo
3) effortless demonstration of the element as a sequence
Sequences
4) good ice coverage or interesting pattern
5) good unison
6) excellent commitment and control of the whole body
III. Updated Guidelines in establishing GOE for errors
in Short Program and Free Skating
Elements with no Value are indicated to the Panel of Judges. GOE of such elements does not influence the result.
In case of multiple errors the corresponding reductions are added. However in Pair Skating the reduction applied for a
mistake of one partner or the same mistake by both partners remains the same.

SINGLE SKATING

REDUCTIONS FOR ERRORS

JUMP ELEMENTS
SP: Jump element not according to GOE -5
Downgraded (sign << ) -3 to -4
requirements final GOE must be
Fall -5
Under-rotated (sign < ) -2 to -3
Landing on two feet in a jump -3 to -4
Landed on the quarter (sign q) -2
Less than quarter missing (no sign) -1
Stepping out of landing in a jump -3 to -4
Euler executed as step over -1 to -2
2 three turns in between (jump combo) -2 to -3
Poor speed, height, distance, or air position -1 to -3
Wrong edge take off F/Lz (sign “e”) -2 to -4
Touch down with both hands in a jump -2 to -3
Touch down with one hand or free foot -1 to -2
Unclear edge take off F/Lz (sign “!”) -1 to -2
Unclear edge take off F/Lz (no sign) -1
Loss of flow/direction/rhythm between jumps (combo/seq.) -1 to -3
Weak landing (bad pos./wrong edge/scratching etc) -1 to -3
Poor take-off -1 to -3
Long preparation -1 to -3

CHOREOGRAPHIC SEQUENCES
Fall -5
Stumble -1 to -3
Does not correspond to the music -2 to -4
Loss of control/Lack of energy -1 to -3
Lack of connection between choreographic -2 to -3
Poor quality of movements -1 to -3
Lack of creativity/originality -1 to -3

PAIR SKATING REDUCTIONS FOR ERRORS

LIFTS
Fall -5
Poor speed and/or ice coverage -1 to -3
Serious problems in the lifting process -3
Poor turns by man and/or stops in rotation -1 to -3
Slight problems in the lifting process -1 to -2
Weak landing -1 to -3
Serious problems on the descent of the lift -3 to -4
Too long getting into a basic position or its variation -1 to -3
Slight problems on the descent of the lift -1 to -2
Touch down with the free foot -1
Lady starts or lands on two feet -2
Long preparation -1 to -2
Poor positions in the air or on landing -1 to -3
Poor take-off -1 to -3

JUMP ELEMENTS, THROW JUMPS
Fall -5
Poor speed, height, distance, air position -1 to -3
Landing on two feet -3 to -4
Big distance between partners– jump elements -1 to -3
Stepping out of landing in a jump -3 to -4
Poor take-off -1 to -3
Unequal number of revolutions by partners -1 to -2
Loss of flow/direction/rhythm between jumps (combo/seq.) -1 to -3
Downgraded (sign <<) -3 to -4
Man’s poor position at take-off – throw jump -1 to -2
Under-rotated (sign <) -2 to -3
Weak landing (bad pos./wrong edge/scratching etc) -1 to -3
Landed on the quarter (sign q) -2
Long preparation -1 to -3
Less than quarter missing (no sign) -1
Euler executed as step over -1 to -2
2 three turns in between – jump combo -2 to -3
Touch down with both hands in a jump -2 to -3
Wrong edge take off F/Lz (sign “e”) -2 to -4
Touch down with one hand or free foot -1 to -2
Unclear edge take off F/Lz (sign “!”) -1 to -2
Lack of Unison -1 to -3
Unclear edge take off F/Lz (no sign) -1

SOLO AND PAIR SPINS
Fall -5
Poor/awkward, unaesthetic position(s) -1 to -3
Touch down with both hands -2
Traveling -1 to -3
Touch down with free foot or one hand -1 to -2
Change of foot poorly done -1 to -3
Slow or reduction of speed -1 to -3
Stop or lack of continuous movement during spin (except when changing direction) -1 to -2
Big distance between partners -1 to -3
Poor fly (flying spin/entry) -1 to -3
Incorrect take-off or landing (flying spin/entry) -1 to -2
Lack of Unison -1 to -3
Less than required revolutions -1 to -3
Loss of balance -1 to -3

DEATH SPIRALS
Fall -5
Any part of the lady’s body (not the hair) touching the ice -1 to -2
Poor pivot position (losing toe pick etc.) -2 to -4
Lady assisted not only by the blades -2 to -3
Slow or reduction of speed -1 to -3
Poor or weak position of the lady (too high etc.) or man -1 to -3
Lady’s or man’s weak edge quality -1 to -2
Poor exit -1 to -3

CHOREOGRAPHIC SEQUENCES
Fall -5
Stumble -1 to -3
Does not correspond to the music -2 to -4
Loss of control/Lack of energy -1 to -3
Lack of connection between choreographic movements -2 to -3
Poor quality of movements -1 to -3
Lack of creativity/originality -1 to -3

IV. Updated Additional Remarks for Program Components and GOE

Program Components
If a program contains a Serious error, the maximum scores are listed below:
Skating Skills, Transitions, Composition: Maximum score 9.75.
Performance and Interpretation: Maximum score 9.50.
If a program contains Serious errors, the maximum scores are listed below:
Skating Skills, Transitions, Composition: Maximum score 9.25.
Performance and Interpretation: Maximum score 8.75.
Serious errors are falls, interruptions during the program and technical mistakes that impact the
integrity/continuity/fluidity of the composition and/or its relation to the music.
Similar limitations must be applied to all levels of Skaters from extremely poor to outstanding.

GOE evaluation
In case of any of the following errors, the starting GOE for the evaluation cannot be higher than +2:
Fall
Landing on two feet
Stepping out of landing
Wrong edge (e)
Downgraded (<<)
Serious problems during the lift
Serious problems on the catch of the Twist
Step Sequences and Choreographic Sequences do not correspond to the music
Multiple errors in any element (e.g. in a jump element both “!” and “<”)

JUMPS
Underrotated (<): Missing rotation of more than a quarter revolution but less than half a revolution. GOE reduction -2 to -3.
Landed on the quarter (q): Technical panel will indicate this with a sign “q”. GOE reduction -2.

SPINS
Difficult entrance and/or difficult exit are part of the spin and have an impact on the GOE of the element.

CHOREOGRAPHIC SEQUENCES
Lack of connection between choreographic movements: The movements should reflect and support the composition of
the program. There should be no gaps between movements, everything should be threaded together.

PAIR SPIN COMBINATION:
The lady is allowed to be lifted from the ice during the spin but the man must stay on one foot. The revolutions executed
while the lady is being lifted count to the total number of revolutions.

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