: Simon Bruty /Allsport |
RULES
Scoring
 Nine judges give skaters scores ranging from zero to six, rounded to the hundredth. The skater with the highest total receives a first place ordinal. A competitor with the greatest number of first place ordinals wins that portion of the competition.
Start Order
In the singles short program, pairs short program and ice dance compulsory dances, the skating order is determined by a draw held two days before the competition.
In the singles free skate, pairs free skate, and ice dance original and free dance, skaters are divided into groups based on the results from the first programs. A draw then determines the skating order within the groups.
Singles
The singles competition consists of two parts – the short and free program. Competitors can choose their own music. Skaters complete the short program first, which counts for 33.3 percent of the total score. They perform the two programs on different days.
The singles competition consists of two parts – the short and free program. Competitors can choose their own music. Skaters complete the short program first, which counts for 33.3 percent of the total score. They perform the two programs on different days.
The short has eight required elements: two jumps and one combination, three spins and two fast step sequences or footwork. Competitors can complete the requirements in any order. The time limit is 2 minutes, 40 seconds.
Skaters receive a mark for required elements, which evaluates how well skaters perform each element, and a presentation mark, which evaluates the overall program. If two athletes have the same combined score, the individual with the higher mark for required elements wins. If this does not break the tie, the skaters receive the same placement.
The free skate, worth 66.7 percent of the total score, has no required elements. Competitors bring out their personal style while presenting a balanced program that uses the entire ice surface. The time limit is 4 minutes, 40 seconds for men and 4 minutes, 10 seconds for women. Skaters receive a technical merit and presentation mark. If two athletes have the same score, the individual with the higher presentation mark wins. If this does not break the tie, the skaters receive the same placement.
Pairs
The pairs competition consists of a short program that counts for 33.3 percent and a long program that counts for 66.7 percent. The short program lasts for 2 minutes, 40 second, and the free program can last 4 minutes, 40 seconds. Skaters choose their own music, and they perform the two programs on different days.
The short consists of eight required elements, including overhead lifts, footwork, pair spins, a death spiral, and side-by-side solo jumps and spins performed in unison. Judges award a mark for required elements and presentation. If two teams have the same combined score, the pair with the higher mark for required elements wins. If this does not break the tie, the skaters receive the same placement.
Skaters express their personal style in the free skate. Judges award a mark for technical merit and presentation. If two teams have the same score, the pair with the higher presentation mark wins. If this does not break the tie, the skaters receive the same placement.
Ice Dancing
Ice dancing is made up of three portions: two compulsory dances that vary in length, a 2-minute original dance and a 4-minute free dance. The two compulsory dances each count for 10 percent, the original dance counts for 30 percent and the free dance for 50 percent. Skaters perform the compulsory dances on the same day and the original and free programs on separate days.
In the compulsory dances, all skaters complete the same two selected dances with required rhythms, specific steps and predetermined music. The skaters receive one technique and one timing/expression mark. If two teams are tied, the pair with the higher mark for technique wins. If this does not break the tie, the skaters receive the same place.
In the original dance, skaters perform a rhythm (such as rhumba) with a defined tempo range, and they create an original version of the dance to the music of their choice. Judges award a composition mark, which includes originality and difficulty of steps, and one presentation mark, which reflects interpretation and artistic impression. If two teams are tied, the pair with the higher mark for presentation wins. If this does not break the tie, the skaters receive the same place.
The free dance allows skaters to display their own programs to the music and choreography of their choice. Skaters receive a technical merit and presentation mark. If two teams are tied, the pair with the higher mark for presentation wins. If this does not break the tie, the skaters receive the same place.
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