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Free skating

Free skating, also known as the free program or long program, is the second and longer segment of figure skating competitions in singles, pairs, and synchronized skating disciplines, where competitors perform a choreographed routine to selected music, incorporating a wide array of technical elements such as jumps, spins, step sequences, and—for pairs—lifts, throw jumps, and death spirals to showcase athleticism, artistry, and precision.^[1]^[2] Unlike the preceding short program, which requires specific prescribed elements within a shorter timeframe of 2 minutes and 40 seconds, free skating provides greater creative freedom, allowing skaters to select from a maximum number of elements while adhering to well-balanced program guidelines set by the International Skating Union (ISU).^[2]^[1] The program duration is 4 minutes plus or minus 10 seconds for senior men's singles, women's singles, and pairs, and 3 minutes 30 seconds plus or minus 10 seconds for junior levels, a length adjusted in 2022 for senior competitions to streamline events while maintaining emphasis on endurance and complexity.^[3] In singles free skating, skaters may execute up to seven jump elements (including one Axel-type jump), three spins (one combination spin, one flying spin, and one with a single position), one step sequence, and one choreographic sequence, with changes planned for the 2026-27 season to include six jumps and a choreographic spin.^[2] Pairs free skating builds on these with up to three lifts (from different groups), one twist lift, two throw jumps, one pair spin, one death spiral, and additional solo and combination jumps, highlighting synchronized elements like mirror or shadow skating to demonstrate partnership dynamics.^[1]^[2] Performance in free skating is evaluated under the ISU Judging System, combining a Technical Element Score for the base value and Grade of Execution of elements with Program Component Scores assessing skating skills, transitions, composition, presentation, and music interpretation, multiplied by segment factors (2.0 for men and pairs, 1.6 for women).^[1] The total score from free skating is added to the short program score to determine final placements, making it pivotal in crowning champions at events like the ISU World Figure Skating Championships and Olympic Games.^[2]

Introduction

Definition and Purpose

Free skating, also known as the free skate or long program, constitutes the second and longer segment of figure skating competitions in singles and pairs disciplines, following the short program.^[1] This phase permits skaters to present original choreography that integrates a selection of required technical elements, such as jumps, spins, and step sequences, without adhering to a prescribed order or sequence, thereby emphasizing creative expression within structured guidelines.^[4] The primary purpose of free skating is to assess a competitor's artistic interpretation of music, technical proficiency in executing complex elements, and overall endurance over an extended performance duration, standardized at 4 minutes ±10 seconds for senior and junior levels in singles and pairs since 2022.^[5] As the more substantial portion of the competition—often accounting for the majority of the total score—it serves as the decisive factor in determining final placements at major events, including the Olympic Games and ISU World Championships.^[1] Historically, free skating evolved as a contrast to the compulsory figures that dominated pre-1990s competitions, where skaters traced precise, mandatory patterns on the ice to demonstrate control and precision; the elimination of these figures in 1990 shifted the focus toward free skating's allowance for personalized program design and dynamic performance.^[6] A notable development enhancing this creative aspect occurred in the 2014–2015 season, when the International Skating Union (ISU) introduced regulations permitting the use of vocal music with lyrics in free skating programs, thereby expanding musical options beyond instrumental selections and fostering more diverse artistic interpretations.

Role in Competitions

Free skating serves as the second and final segment in figure skating competitions for singles, pairs, and synchronized skating, following the short program. Skaters perform after qualifying through the initial segment, with combined scores from both phases determining final placements, medalists, and advancement to subsequent rounds in multi-phase events. This structure allows the free skating to build on the foundational elements of the short program while providing a platform for more extensive creative expression and technical difficulty.^[7] In senior-level competitions, the free skating segment typically accounts for approximately 50% of the total score, though its weighting can exceed this due to higher potential points from additional elements and program components; for instance, program component scores are multiplied by factors such as 3.33 for men's free skating compared to 1.67 for the short program, and 2.67 for women's free skating versus 1.33. Junior levels feature variations, including shorter durations like 3.5 minutes for the free skating in some categories, which adjusts the relative contribution to the overall score.^[8]^[9] The segment is integral to flagship ISU events, including the Olympic Winter Games—where free skating has featured since the sport's debut in 1908 for men's singles and pairs—and the World Figure Skating Championships, with identical formats in the European Championships and Four Continents Championships. In the ISU Grand Prix series, free skating outcomes influence series standings and final assignments. For team competitions, such as the Olympic team event since 2014, free skating placements add to national totals via scoring points (10 for first place, decreasing sequentially), directly impacting team medals.^[10]^[7] Ties in the combined total score are resolved by the higher free skating score, underscoring its role as the decisive tiebreaker owing to the broader assessment of technical merit, execution, and artistic components.^[8]

History

Origins and Early Formats

Free skating, also known as fancy skating in its early iterations, originated in the late 19th century in Europe and North America as an expressive counterpart to the more rigid compulsory figures that dominated the sport. This evolution was significantly influenced by American skater Jackson Haines, who in the 1860s began performing fluid, dance-inspired movements on ice set to music, departing from the structured English style of tracing precise patterns.^[11]^[12] Haines' innovative approach, which emphasized artistry and rhythm, laid the foundation for modern free skating, though it initially faced resistance in the United States and found greater acceptance in Europe, particularly in Vienna where he performed for audiences including Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1868.^[12] The formal distinction between compulsory figures and free skating emerged with the establishment of international governing bodies and competitions in the 1890s. The International Skating Union (ISU), founded in 1892 in Scheveningen, Netherlands, by representatives from seven European countries, began standardizing rules for figure skating events.^[13] The inaugural European Figure Skating Championships in 1891, held in Hamburg, Germany, focused solely on compulsory figures for men's singles, but subsequent events under ISU auspices increasingly incorporated free skating as the artistic segment to showcase jumps, spins, and overall performance.^[11] By the 1892 European Championships in Vienna, free skating was recognized as a distinct component, allowing skaters to demonstrate creativity beyond technical tracing, marking a pivotal shift toward balancing precision with expression in competitive formats.^[13] In early competitive structures, free skating served as the primary performance phase, often comprising the latter part of events alongside compulsory figures. At the 1908 Summer Olympics in London—the first inclusion of figure skating in the Games—competitions for men's singles, ladies' singles, and pairs featured both compulsory figures and a free skating segment emphasizing jumps, spins, and fluid routines, held over two days at an indoor rink in Knightsbridge.^[14] This format highlighted free skating's role as the sole expressive element, with routines lasting approximately four minutes and judged on technical merit and artistic impression, though a separate "special figures" event for men focused exclusively on intricate patterns without free skating.^[14] Prior to World War II, compulsory figures held significant dominance in scoring, accounting for up to 60% of a skater's total mark in most international competitions, which often diminished the emphasis on free skating's artistic elements.^[15] This weighting reflected the sport's early prioritization of technical control over performance flair, with free skating relegated to the remaining 40% until post-war reforms in the 1940s began rebalancing the components to elevate its competitive importance.^[15]

Evolution of Rules and Formats

In the mid-20th century, under the 6.0 ordinal judging system, the International Skating Union (ISU) sought to modernize figure skating competitions by introducing the short program in 1973 for singles events. This reform balanced the overall structure by reducing the weight of compulsory figures and standardizing free skating durations to 4 minutes for senior ladies and 4 minutes 30 seconds for senior men and pairs, down from previous variable lengths that could extend to 5 minutes in earlier formats.^[16] The change aimed to create a more efficient and engaging two-part competition, with the short program accounting for one-third of the total score and the free skate for two-thirds, fostering greater emphasis on technical and artistic execution in the longer segment.^[17] By the 1990s, further evolution addressed the time-intensive nature of compulsory figures, which had dominated competitions since the sport's origins. In 1988, the ISU voted to eliminate them entirely from international singles events effective July 1990, redirecting focus to the short program and free skating as the core components.^[18] This milestone streamlined events, allowing free skating to highlight dynamic jumps, spins, and choreography without the preliminary precision tracing, and increased the free skate's relative scoring weight to two-thirds (approximately 67 percent) of the total.^[19] A pivotal overhaul occurred post-2002 Winter Olympics judging scandal, when the ISU transitioned from the subjective 6.0 system to the International Judging System (IJS) in 2004. The IJS introduced quantifiable base values and grades of execution for free skating elements, such as jumps and spins, alongside program component scores for artistry, enabling more transparent evaluation and reducing ordinal placements based on relative rankings.^[20] This shift prioritized technical merit in free skating while maintaining balance with creative expression, with technical scores now comprising up to 50 percent of the free skate total. Subsequent milestones in the 2010s and beyond refined element complexities and safety. Repetition limits on quadruple jumps were imposed in 2018 to encourage program variety, preventing over-reliance on high-risk elements in free skating.^[21] Building on this, the ISU added quintuple jumps to the scale of values in 2024, assigning base values of 14.00 points for most (15.00 for the quintuple Axel) but restricting them to solo executions in the free skate, with no combinations allowed to mitigate injury risks. The Kamila Valieva doping scandal at the 2022 Winter Olympics prompted swift regulatory responses, including a phased increase in the minimum senior age limit to 17 by 2024 and adjustments to deductions emphasizing accountability.^[22] Fall penalties in free skating were standardized at -1.00 point for the first two falls, -1.50 for the third and fourth, and -2.00 for each additional, applied across programs to discourage errors and promote consistent quality.^[23] Looking ahead, as of 2025, the ISU has approved changes effective for the 2026–2027 season to enhance artistry in pairs free skating, mandating a choreographic spin in place of one leveled spin and introducing element caps that limit jumps while adding a choreographic sequence.^[24] These modifications aim to foster creativity and reduce technical overload, aligning with broader efforts to evolve free skating's balance of athleticism and expression.^[25]

Program Structure

Duration and Timing

The free skating program constitutes the longer segment of competitive figure skating events, allowing skaters greater freedom to showcase technical and artistic elements compared to the short program.^[7] In senior-level single and pair skating, the free skating program is required to last 4 minutes, with a tolerance of ±10 seconds. Junior-level programs are set at 3 minutes and 30 seconds, also ±10 seconds. These durations ensure a balance between endurance demands and program complexity, as outlined in the International Skating Union (ISU) regulations.^[8] For novice levels, shorter formats apply to accommodate developmental stages; for example, intermediate novice free skating is limited to 3 minutes ±10 seconds. In synchronized skating, senior programs maintain a 4-minute duration ±10 seconds, emphasizing team coordination over the full ice surface.^[26] Timing begins with the skater's or pair's first movement onto the ice or within 5 seconds of the music commencing, whichever occurs first, to prevent undue delays. The program concludes at the final pose or upon cessation of the music, with the ISU permitting the ±10-second tolerance for minor overages without immediate disqualification. Elements executed after the required time plus 10 seconds receive no value, promoting precise adherence to limits.^[8] Penalties for time violations are deducted from the total score under the International Judging System (IJS), introduced by the ISU in 2004 to enhance objectivity in evaluations. Programs significantly under time—by 30 seconds or more—receive no marks at all. For under-time infractions less than that threshold, deductions begin at 1.0 point, applied for every 5 seconds short. Over-time penalties are progressive, with 1.0 point deducted for each 5-second increment beyond the tolerance (e.g., 1–5 seconds over results in a 1.0-point deduction), ensuring enforcement of these structural guidelines.^[27]^[8]

Music and Performance Rules

In free skating, music selections must adhere to strict International Skating Union (ISU) guidelines to ensure suitability for competition. Instrumental music has traditionally been used, but vocal music with lyrics has been permitted since the 2014–2015 season, allowing skaters greater artistic expression while maintaining focus on skating elements.^[7] Spoken word is prohibited except when it forms an integral part of the musical performance, such as sung lyrics, to avoid non-musical interruptions.^[28] All music must possess a rhythmic beat and melody—or rhythmic beat alone—and be fully cleared for use by competitors and their national federations, with certification required to confirm authorization and avoid copyright violations.^[29] The ISU does not ban specific tracks outright but enforces clearance through performing rights organizations like ASCAP and BMI, and recent policies emphasize 100% coverage to prevent legal issues during events.^[30] The 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang marked the first time vocal music was used in Olympic free skating programs, highlighting the shift toward more dynamic performances following the 2014 rule change.^[31] Performance execution rules require skaters to remain on the ice surface throughout the program, with any departure treated as an interruption subject to penalties.^[8] Costumes must be modest, dignified, and functional, reflecting the music's character without excessive nudity or ornamentation; men are required to wear full-length trousers, and accessories or props have been prohibited since the 2010 rule updates to prioritize athleticism over theatrical elements.^[32] If part of a costume falls on the ice or violates these standards, a 1.0-point deduction applies per program.^[8] Falls and interruptions are managed with limited restarts, permitted only in exceptional cases such as music malfunctions within the first 20 seconds, where the referee may allow resumption from the start without penalty; otherwise, skaters must continue from the point of interruption, incurring escalating deductions of 1.0 to 5.0 points based on duration (up to three minutes for skater-related issues).^[33] A second major interruption results in withdrawal.^[8] Programs emphasize seamless transitions—varied linking footwork, turns, and movements between elements—to enhance overall flow and creativity, as evaluated in the Transitions program component.^[7] Violations such as illegal elements or excessive non-skating movements, including overly dramatic gesturing that disrupts the program's integrity, result in deductions of up to 2.0 points per occurrence.^[34] As of October 1, 2025, the ISU's updated Anti-Doping Regulations, aligned with the World Anti-Doping Code, reinforce performance integrity by mandating independent testing and education to prevent doping, ensuring all skaters compete on equal terms and upholding the sport's ethical standards.^[35] These measures, including partnerships with the International Testing Agency for program oversight, directly support fair execution in free skating by protecting athlete health and competition equity.^[36]

Discipline-Specific Requirements

Singles Skating

In singles free skating, the program for senior competitors requires a maximum of seven jump elements, including at least one Axel-type jump, with up to three jump combinations or sequences permitted (of which only one may consist of three jumps). Jump combinations and sequences are limited to two jumps each, except for the one three-jump allowance, and must include jumps such as toe loops, salchows, loops, flips, Lutzes, and Axels, though detailed mechanics are governed by general technical rules. Additionally, three spins are mandatory: one spin combination (with all three basic positions and a minimum of ten revolutions), one flying spin (minimum six revolutions), and one spin in a single position (minimum six revolutions), all of which may feature a change of foot. The program must also incorporate one step sequence that fully utilizes the ice surface and one choreographic sequence that is clearly visible and emphasizes artistic flow without including jumps or spins.^[37] For junior singles free skating, the requirements are similar but streamlined: a maximum of seven jump elements (including one Axel-type) with the same combination and sequence limits, and three spins following the senior specifications for types and revolutions. Unlike seniors, juniors perform only one choreographic sequence and omit the leveled step sequence, allowing greater focus on technical execution within the 3:30 ±10 seconds duration.^[37] Repetition rules apply uniformly to ensure variety: no triple, quadruple, or quintuple jump—including the Axel—may be executed more than twice in the program, whether as solo jumps or within combinations. Double jumps may not be repeated more than twice if executed as listed elements beyond combinations.^[38] Quintuple jumps, officially recognized by the ISU since the 2024-2025 season with assigned base values, are permitted in singles free skating but limited to a maximum of two executions of the same quintuple jump to maintain balance and prevent overemphasis on high-risk elements. Post-2022 updates to the ISU rules, effective from the 2022-2023 season, enhanced the role of the choreographic sequence by refining its guidelines for integration and visibility, requiring it to form a cohesive segment that contributes significantly to the program's artistic narrative without prescribed timing percentages but with emphasis on uninterrupted execution.^[39] Starting from the 2026–2027 season, singles free skating will require six jump elements and a choreographic spin, replacing one of the spins, to enhance artistry.^[2]

Pair Skating

Pair skating in the free program emphasizes the synchronized execution of elements that showcase the partnership between the two skaters, requiring precise timing, trust, and physical coordination to perform lifts, throws, and spins that would be impossible individually. Unlike singles skating, pair free skating integrates elements where one skater supports or propels the other, highlighting dynamic interactions such as the man lifting the woman overhead or throwing her into jumps, while maintaining speed and flow across the ice. These elements must demonstrate unity in movement, with deductions applied for any lack of synchronization in timing or positioning.^[40] For senior pairs, the free program requires a total of seven specific technical elements, each designed to test the duo's technical prowess and artistic synergy. These include one twist lift, up to three pair lifts from different groups (such as arm-in-arm, waist-hold, or press lifts), up to two throw jumps of different types, one solo jump, one jump combination or sequence, one pair spin combination, and one death spiral (or pivot spiral variation). The pair spin combination must feature at least one change of foot and all three basic positions (upright, sit, and camel) for full credit, while the death spiral demands the woman be held low to the ice by the man's arm extended, maintaining control for a minimum of one revolution. Additionally, one choreographic sequence is mandatory, incorporating varied skating movements like spirals or small jumps to enhance the program's narrative flow.^[40]^[41] Junior pair requirements adjust for developmental levels by reducing complexity and volume, with a maximum of two pair lifts (at least one from a higher-difficulty group like star or press), one twist lift, up to two throw jumps, one solo jump, one jump combination or sequence, one pair spin combination, one death spiral, and one choreographic sequence. Twist lifts and throws in junior programs are limited to double or triple rotations, and the pair spin requires minimum eight revolutions, the same as seniors. Starting from the 2026–2027 season, a choreographic pair spin will replace the leveled pair spin in both senior and junior free programs, allowing greater creative freedom with a minimum of three revolutions and no mandatory positions, aiming to prioritize artistry over technical rigidity.^[41]^[42] Key rules govern execution to ensure safety and fairness, with pair lifts requiring the lifting partner to complete at least one full revolution while supporting the full body weight of the other, and features like difficult arm holds occurring within the first four revolutions. Throw jumps must land on a single foot on the backward outside edge, with the thrown partner extending the free leg to full extension upon landing, and any multi-rotation throws of the same type repeated outside combinations receive no value. Synchronization is critical, with judges deducting up to 0.5 points per element for timing mismatches, such as uneven arm positions in spins or delayed entrances in lifts. The 2025 ISU rules limit the total number of lifts to three in seniors and two in juniors, with no repetitions of the same group or take-off type, to mitigate overuse injuries from repetitive high-load maneuvers. General mechanics of lifts involve the lifting skater using core strength and precise footwork to generate momentum, while throws rely on explosive power from the pair's unified push-off.^[40]^[43]^[7]

Synchronized Skating

Synchronized skating is a team discipline in figure skating that emphasizes collective precision, formations, and unison among skaters, distinct from individual or pair formats by requiring all participants to execute elements simultaneously while maintaining spatial relationships. Teams consist of 8 to 16 skaters, with a maximum of 16 competing on the ice at once in international competitions, and up to four alternates permitted. The discipline was officially introduced at the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships in 2000, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, marking the first global event for the format.^[44] In the free skating program, teams perform a series of required elements that must integrate seamlessly with the music, prioritizing fluid transitions and dynamic formations over individual spotlight moments. The International Skating Union (ISU) annually selects up to 11 required elements for the well-balanced program, drawn from categories such as intersections, blocks, circles, lines, lifts, spins, and twizzles to showcase team synchronization and creativity. Specific inclusions typically feature one artistic element (such as a block or line), one intersection, one block (often pivoting), one circle or line formation, two lifts (including a creative lift and group lift), one pair spin, one twizzle element, and one synchronized spin, with variations based on level and seasonal updates. Elements are executed in formations like closed blocks or lines, where skaters maintain holds or no-hold configurations, and must demonstrate clear differences in shape, direction, or timing when repeated to avoid penalties.^[45] Program durations vary by category, with senior teams skating for 4 minutes (±10 seconds) and junior teams for 3 minutes 30 seconds (±10 seconds), allowing sufficient time to incorporate the required elements while adhering to music and performance guidelines. Jumps, when incorporated—primarily within no-hold elements—are restricted to Axel types or double/triple jumps, with no jumps exceeding triple rotation permitted to maintain focus on team unity rather than individual technical feats. Linking steps, turns, or transitional movements connect elements, ensuring the program flows as a cohesive whole that highlights the team's ability to maneuver across the ice in precise, synchronized patterns.^[45] For the 2025/26 season, ISU rules emphasize sustainable practices in line with broader organizational guidelines, though specific limitations on travel elements (such as extended formations moving across the rink) were not newly introduced in synchronized skating technical requirements. Instead, updates to well-balanced content refine element features, such as prohibiting certain intersection types (e.g., angled for seniors) to promote variety and execution quality without altering core sustainability focuses on event operations.^[46]

Technical Elements

Jumps and Throws

Jumps form a fundamental technical element in free skating programs across singles and pair disciplines, emphasizing height, distance, rotation, and precise execution. Skaters perform solo jumps independently or in combinations, where multiple jumps are linked by landing on one foot and immediately taking off for the next without intervening steps or turns. Under the International Judging System (IJS), jumps are evaluated based on their type, number of rotations, and quality, with base values assigned according to the Scale of Values published annually by the International Skating Union (ISU).^[47] The six recognized jump types are classified as either toe jumps or edge jumps, distinguished by their takeoff mechanics. Toe jumps—toe loop, flip, and lutz—involve assistance from the free foot's toe pick to initiate rotation from a backward edge. The toe loop takes off and lands on the back outside edge, the flip from the back inside edge, and the lutz from the back outside edge but with an extreme counter-leaning outside edge for added difficulty. Edge jumps—Salchow, loop, and Axel—rely solely on the skating foot's edge without toe pick aid. The Salchow launches from the back inside edge to a back outside landing, while the loop uses back outside edges for both takeoff and landing, requiring the skater to maintain the edge without wobbling. The Axel is unique, taking off from the forward outside edge—the only forward takeoff among jumps—and thus requiring an extra half-rotation (1.5 revolutions for a single Axel) to land backward on the outside edge.^[48] Jump combinations enhance program difficulty by connecting jumps seamlessly; for instance, a triple toe loop-double Salchow involves landing the first jump and immediately executing the second without full stops or additional movements between them. These are limited in number per program to balance technical and artistic elements, with repetitions restricted to promote variety. Execution demands full rotation for full base value credit: under-rotation by a quarter turn (marked "q") retains the base value but affects Grade of Execution (GOE), while greater deficiencies (less than half a turn, marked "<") reduce the base value by 20-30%, and severe under-rotation (half turn or more, marked "<<") downgrades the jump to the next lower category. Edge faults, such as taking off a lutz or flip from the incorrect inside edge instead of outside, result in an "e" notation, reducing the base value by 0.3-0.5 points depending on the jump and impacting GOE negatively.^[49] In pair skating, throw jumps introduce a collaborative dynamic, where the male partner assists the female's launch by lifting and propelling her into the air, after which she completes rotations unassisted and lands independently. Classified by the same six types as solo jumps and by rotation level (from double to quadruple), throw jumps must demonstrate clear separation post-throw, with the assisting partner performing a full skating action. Programs permit a maximum of two different throw jumps, valued higher than solo equivalents due to their complexity; for example, as of the 2025-2026 season, double throws range from 1.50 to 2.10 base value points, triples from 3.80 to 4.50, and quadruples from 5.30 to 6.00.^[47] Rotation and edge requirements mirror solo jumps, with under-rotation or edge errors similarly penalized to ensure technical integrity. Quintuple jumps, involving five full rotations (5.0 for non-Axel types like the toe loop), represent the frontier of jump difficulty, with base values set at 14.00 points in the 2025-2026 ISU Scale of Values—elevated from quadruples' 9.50-11.50 range to reflect their increased demands on speed, power, and air time. Permitted only as solo jumps in free skating (not in combinations or the short program), they have yet to be fully credited in international competition as of November 2025, though elite skaters like Ilia Malinin have successfully practiced them in training sessions since around 2022, pushing the sport's technical boundaries.^[47]

Spins, Spirals, and Lifts

In free skating, spins are rotational elements performed on one foot, emphasizing balance, speed, and body control, and are classified into several basic positions that determine their type and difficulty, as of the 2025-2026 season. The primary categories include the upright spin, where the skater maintains an extended or slightly bent skating leg with the body upright; the sit spin, featuring a deep knee bend so the thigh of the skating leg is parallel to the ice; the camel spin, with the free leg extended backward at or above hip level and the body arched parallel to the ice; and the layback spin, an upright variation where the head and shoulders tilt backward toward the ice. Additional variations, such as the Biellmann position in upright spins, involve holding the free leg overhead with both hands behind the head, adding aesthetic and technical challenge. These classifications apply to both single and pair skating, with pairs often executing joint spins where both partners rotate in synchronized positions.^[7] Spins achieve levels of difficulty from 1 to 4 based on the number of qualifying features executed, such as a change of foot (requiring at least three revolutions on each foot), a flying entry (launching from a jump into the spin), or changes in position or direction during the rotation. To receive credit, a spin must complete a minimum of three revolutions overall, with at least two revolutions held in each basic position; failure to meet these thresholds results in no value for the element. In single skating free programs, skaters must include up to three spins, including one spin combination and one with a change of foot, while pair free programs require one pair spin and one spin combination, ensuring variety in rotational elements across disciplines. Spirals are sustained gliding movements on one foot with the free leg raised above hip level, serving as demonstrations of flexibility, edge control, and endurance in single skating free programs. Common forms include the arabesque spiral, where the free leg extends backward in a straight line at or above hip height while the body remains upright, and the Biellmann spiral, an advanced overhead position with the free leg held vertically using the hands. Although spirals are no longer standalone required elements in senior free skating, they contribute to the choreographic sequence, where they must be held for a minimum of six seconds to highlight extension and flow without interruption by jumps or spins. In pair and synchronized skating, spirals may appear in transitional features but are not emphasized as distinct elements.^[50] Lifts in pair and synchronized skating free programs involve one partner elevating the other, showcasing strength, timing, and unison, and are categorized into groups based on hold type and complexity, with base values increasing by difficulty level, as of the 2025-2026 season. Group 1 to 4 lifts include arm-held variations like waist or hip lifts, while Group 5 encompasses the most challenging types, such as press lifts or reverse lassos, where the lifted partner is raised above the man's head with full arm extension; these can achieve base values up to 6.20 points at Level 4, depending on features like difficult entries, position changes, or prolonged holds of at least three seconds. Twist lifts, a toss-like element, feature the lady launching into multiple rotations overhead before being caught at waist level by the man, with no fixed revolution minimum in free skating but levels assigned based on rotation count and catch quality. Death spirals, developed in the early 20th century and formalized under ISU regulations, require the man to pivot on one foot in a low position while supporting the lady in a backward arch near the ice, completing at least one full revolution in the held position for credit, though higher levels demand additional rotations and edge variations. Synchronized teams incorporate pair-style lifts within group formations, limited to short program-style arm-held types to maintain synchronization.^[7]

Sequences and Choreographic Features

In free skating, step sequences are choreographed patterns of steps, turns, and edges executed to demonstrate control, variety, and utilization of the ice surface, as of the 2025-2026 season. These sequences typically follow prescribed shapes, such as straight-line (StSq), circular (CiSq), or serpentine (SeSq), covering at least 50% of the rink while incorporating a balanced array of difficult turns including twizzles, brackets, loops, counters, rockers, and choctaws.^[38] For senior-level programs, one straight-line step sequence is required in both the short program and free skating, with levels (1–4) awarded based on criteria like the number of difficult turns (minimum 5 for Level 1, up to 11 for Level 4), directional variety, body movements over one-third of the pattern, and multi-turn combinations without repetition.^[38] The sequence must maintain continuous flow, with short musical stops permitted, but insufficient ice coverage or lack of minimum variety results in no value or reduction to basic level.^[38] The choreographic sequence (ChSq) serves as a creative, unmarked segment within the free skating program, consisting of at least two distinct skating movements such as spirals, arabesques, spread eagles, Ina Bauers, hydrobladings, or small jumps up to two revolutions, connected by linking steps or turns.^[51] Lasting approximately 15–20 seconds and not exceeding half the ice surface, it is required in senior and junior free skating and carries a fixed base value (typically 1–2 points depending on category) evaluated solely through Grade of Execution (GOE) for originality and difficulty.^[38] Jumps exceeding two revolutions or full spins terminate the sequence, while listed single or double jumps (except double Axel) are permitted without penalty or identification.^[38] Failure to include at least two movements or poor visibility results in no value.^[38] These elements must integrate seamlessly into the overall program to enhance musical phrasing and artistic expression, with the step sequence positioned to reflect the music's rhythm and the choreographic sequence placed flexibly before or after the step sequence.^[38] Falls or unsupported elements within sequences incur standard penalties, and requirements emphasize difficulty variety, requiring diverse turn types and movements to achieve higher levels without repetition. In synchronized skating, twizzles represent a specialized multi-rotation one-foot turn executed in unison by team members as part of the Twizzle Element (TwE), emphasizing synchronization and precision across the group.^[45] The element involves a series of at least two twizzles with up to four foot placements between them, requiring at least one-quarter of the team to perform both correctly; deviations by more than one-quarter result in no value.^[45] Levels (1–4) are determined by rotation counts, continuous arm movements, and additional twizzles, with errors like uneven rotations or two-footed entries disqualifying features but not the element itself.^[45] This feature integrates into the free program as a distinct transitional pattern, promoting team cohesion without overlapping other required elements.^[45]

Scoring and Judging

Technical Element Scoring

Technical Element Scoring evaluates the execution of individual technical elements, such as jumps and spins, in free skating under the International Skating Union (ISU) Judging System, contributing to the Total Element Score (TES) by summing the scores of all valid elements performed.^[7] Each element receives a base value, a predetermined point allocation reflecting its inherent difficulty and type, as outlined in the annual Scale of Values; for instance, a triple Axel jump carries a base value of 8.0 points, while a quadruple Salchow is valued at 9.7 points.^[47] These values are scaled for variations like under-rotations, where "<" (missing more than 1/4 but less than 1/2 revolution) reduces the base value to 70%, and "<<" (downgraded, missing 1/2 revolution or more) values the jump as the next lower rotation (e.g., triple as double).^[38] The Grade of Execution (GOE) further refines the element's score, with a panel of nine judges assigning marks from -5 (poor execution) to +5 (outstanding execution) based on criteria like height, distance, and control; the final GOE is the trimmed mean of these marks, adding or subtracting up to 50% of the base value in increments of approximately 10% per grade level.^[7] For example, a +3 GOE on a triple Lutz with a 5.90 base value adds 1.77 points for features such as precise landing and flow.^[23] Edge calls, indicated by "e" for incorrect edge usage on jumps like the Lutz or Flip, reduce the base value to 70% and mandate a negative GOE of -1 to -5, depending on severity.^[38] Deductions for errors are applied separately to the total program score but impact TES indirectly through element validity; a fall on an element incurs a -1.0 point deduction per occurrence from the overall score, while also limiting the element's GOE to negative values.^[7] The TES is then computed as the aggregate of all element scores (base value plus GOE, adjusted for any reductions), excluding invalid elements like those with "No Value" calls.^[38] For the 2025-26 season, updates in ISU Communication No. 2701 expanded the GOE guidelines by adding more positive bullets for advanced features, such as extra revolutions in spins beyond the minimum required, allowing higher GOE awards (up to +5) when combined with other quality aspects like speed and position changes.^[51]

Program Components and Overall Judging

In free skating, the Program Component Score (PCS) evaluates the artistic, choreographic, and skating quality aspects of the performance, distinct from the technical elements scored separately. These components emphasize the skater's ability to create a cohesive, expressive program that utilizes the ice surface effectively and engages the audience through musicality and execution. Since the 2022/23 season, the International Skating Union (ISU) has standardized three program components for singles skating: Skating Skills, which assesses control, flow, power, and edge quality; Composition, which examines the program's structure, idea development, patterning, and spatial use; and Presentation, which covers performance execution, projection, phrasing, and interpretation of the music.^[52]^[51] Each component is scored by judges on a scale from 0 to 10, in increments of 0.25, with deductions applied for serious errors (e.g., falls or poor musical connection reducing the maximum score). The scores for all components are then multiplied by a program-specific factor to balance their weight against the Technical Element Score (TES); for example, in senior singles free skating, the factor is 3.33 for men and 2.67 for women. The Total Program Component Score is the sum of these factored averages, contributing significantly to the overall segment score alongside TES and any deductions. This system, part of the ISU Judging System introduced in 2004, incorporates judge anonymity—where individual identities are not revealed during scoring—to minimize national or personal bias.^[7]^[53] Overall judging for free skating involves a panel of nine judges per segment, whose scores for each component are processed using a trimmed average: the highest and lowest values are discarded, and the remaining seven are averaged to produce the final mark. In the event of tied total scores across segments, tiebreakers prioritize the higher TES, followed by the higher PCS, then the higher short program score if necessary. These procedures ensure fairness and focus on objective aggregation while preserving the subjective evaluation central to the artistic side of free skating.^[7]^[51]

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Summary of each segment: