coaches

2023-24 Synchronized Skating Rules

Following are important reference documents that explain how programs are evaluated for the 2023-24 season. This post will be updated as resources are added or revised. Always consult the ISU website for the most up to date rules and regulations. You can subscribe to updates from the ISU website here.

Special Regulations & Technical Rules

Contains definitions of Elements, Features, and Additional Features, as well as rules related to the Call to Start, Interruptions, Costume Deductions, and more. This document is the foundation for all other Communications. It is updated every two years.

Technical Requirements (ISU Comm. 2563)

Specifies what’s required to achieve the different difficulty levels of each Element.

GOE and PCS Guidelines (ISU Comm. 2566)

Specifies criteria Judges use to assess the quality of Elements and programs. Additional PCS resources:

Scale of Values (ISU Comm. 2554)

Specifies the point value of each Element.

Well Balanced Program Content (ISU Comm. 2553)

Specifies the required Elements for ISU categories. Consult your governing body for requirements specific to your country or region.

Technical Handbook

Specifies the calls and penalties for Elements, Features, and Additional Features, based on how they are executed.

2019-20 Synchronized Skating Rules

Always consult the ISU website for the most up to date rules and regulations.

Special Regulations & Technical Rules

Contains definitions of Elements, Features, and Additional Features, as well as rules related to the Call to Start, Interruptions, Costume Deductions, and more. Can be downloaded and printed, or purchased from the ISU website. This document is the foundation for all other Communications.

Technical Requirements (ISU Comm. 2270)

Specifies what’s required to achieve the different difficulty levels of each Element.

GOE and PCS Guidelines (ISU Comm. 2246)

Specifies criteria Judges use to assess the quality of Elements and programs.

Scale of Values (ISU Comm. 2259)

Specifies the point value of each Element.

Technical Handbook

Specifies the calls and penalties for Elements, Features, and Additional Features, based on how they are executed.

For more information about how to apply each of these documents, refer to the article, “Demystifying the Judging System: Part 2, Rules.” (Note that it refers to 2018 rules.) Consult your governing body’s website for any additional rules specific to your country or region.

Demystifying the Judging System: Roles, Rules & Report Cards (Part 2 of 3)

This is the second instalment in a three-part series about Demystifying the Judging System. Read Part 1: Roles here.

Part 2: Rules

Overview

Like the other figure skating disciplines, synchronized skating is governed by rules and regulations created by the International Skating Union. The bad news is, there is no one single rule book that contains everything a coach or official needs to know. The good news is, all the documents that make up the rules are available online, for free. It just requires a little effort to find and organize them.

With so many different documents being published at different times during the year, it can be hard to know where to start when you need to look something up. I’m here to help point you in the right direction.  (more…)

Looking back to plan ahead: tips for effective reflection on your season

Though 20 or so of the globe’s best synchronized skating teams are still gearing up to peak at the World Championships in just a few weeks, the 2012-13 competitive season is winding down for most team skaters. Watching my Facebook and Twitter feeds become flooded with try-out notices, I’m prompted to encourage coaches and skaters not to forget to spend some time reflecting on the past season before being carried away by dreams of what lies ahead. Whether your season was successful, dismal, or something in between, taking a hard look at what did and didn’t work over the past several months can help you make smart decisions about how to approach the coming year. (more…)