Breaking Down the Elements: Pairs Grades of Execution

Each element is assigned a grade of execution by the judges from a -3 to a +3.  These are then translated into scores.  A +3 GOE does not necessarily mean the skater earns three extra points.  These are scaled based on the difficulty of the element.  A double jump with a +3 GOE will receive less points than a triple jump with the same GOE.

Examples: Skater A performs a triple lutz.  This element has a base value of 6.0.  They receive a -1 GOE which is -.7.  Their score for the element is 5.3.

Skater B performs a quad toe loop.  This element has a base value of 10.3.  They receive a +1 GOE which is 1.0.  Their score for the element is 11.3.

Skater C performs a triple salchow but it is downgraded.  The normal value for a triple salchow is 4.2 but the downgraded value is 2.9.  With a +1 GOE they gain .7 points.  Their score for the element is 3.6.

This particular scale was created to increase the value of quads and encourage more male skaters to try for them.  A triple toeloop is worth 4.1 points.  If the skater performs a perfect jump and gets a +3 GOE they will get an extra 2.1 points for a total score of 6.2 points.  A quad toeloop is worth 10.3 points.  If the skater performs a terrible jump and gets a -3 GOE they will get a -3.00 points for a total score of 7.3 points.  A bad quad is worth 1 point more than a perfect triple, provide the skater does not fall and/or get a downgrade call.

The full scale of values can be found here: http://usfigureskating.org/Content/201011-SP-SOV.pdf

The final GOE of an element is calculated considering first the positive aspects of the element that

result in a starting GOE for the evaluation. Following that a Judge reduces the GOE according to the

guidelines of possible errors and the result is the final GOE of the element.

To establish the starting GOE Judges must take into consideration the bullets for each element. It is

at the discretion of each Judge to decide on the number of bullets for any upgrade, but general

recommendations are as follows:
FOR + 1 : 2 bullets FOR + 2 : 4 bullets FOR + 3 : 6 or more bullets

Lifts
1) good take-off and landing position of both partners

2) correct and aesthetically pleasing air positions

3) good ice coverage during element

4) no scratching of blade on the ice by man or lady during all phases

5) good speed and flow

6) ability to maintain good flow from one position to another

7)effortless throughout
8) element matched to the musical structure

Twist Lifts

1) good take-off and landing position of both partners

2) good position of man at release

3) good ice coverage during element

4) no scratching of blade on the ice by man or lady during all phases

5) good speed and timing from entry to exit

6) good height of lady in air position

7) effortless throughout

8) element matched to the musical structure

Jump Elements

1) unexpected / creative / difficult entry

2) varied position in the air / delay in rotation

3) good height and distance

4) good extension on landing / creative exit

5) good flow from entry to exit

6) good unison and close to each other in all phases

7) effortless throughout

8) element matched to the musical structure

Throw Jumps

1) unexpected / creative / difficult entry

2) good position of man at release

3) good air position of lady

4) good extension on landing / creative exit

5) good speed, height, distance

6) good control and flow on the landing

7) effortless throughout

8) element matched to the musical structure

Solo Spins

1) good speed or acceleration during spin

2) ability to center a spin quickly

3) balanced rotations in all positions

4) clearly more than required number of rev.

5) good and identical positions by both partners

6) good control throughout all phases by both partners

7) good unison and distance between partners

8) element matched to the musical structure

Pair Spins

1) good control throughout (entry, rotation, conclusion/exit) by both partners

2) good speed or acceleration during spin

3) balanced rotations in all positions

4) clearly more than required number of rev

5) good positions by both partners

6) creativity and originality

7) executed with continuous flow and ease

8) element matched to the musical structure

Death Spirals

1) good flow in entry and exit

2) good control and speed in death spiral position

3) good quality of positions of both partners

4) no scratching of blade on the ice by man or lady during all phases

5) good, controlled transition into required position

6) effortless throughout

7) creativity and originality

8) element matched to the musical structure

Step Sequences

1) good energy and execution

2) good speed or acceleration during sequence

3) good clarity and precision

4) deep clean edges (including entry and exit of all turns)

5) good control and commitment of whole body to accuracy of steps

6) creativity and originality

7) good unison

8) element matched to the musical structure

Spiral Sequences

1) good flow, energy and execution

2) good speed during sequence

3) good body line and full extension of both partners

4) minimal delay between spiral positions

5) good flexibility of both partners

6) creativity and originality

7) ability to attain positions and variations quickly and effortlessly

8) element matched to the musical structure

Errors for which final GOE must be in the minuses

Lifts

Fall: -3

Serious problems in the lifting process: -3

Lady collapses on partner: -2

Lady starts or lands on two feet: -2

Twist Lifts

SP: Single: GOE -3

Fall: -3

Lady collapses on partner: -2 to -3

Lady is not caught in the air before landing: -2

Lady is not caught at the waist: -2

Lady lands on two feet: -2

Lady touches down with both hands: -2

Downgraded sign (<<): -2

Jump Elements/Throw Jumps

SP: One or more revolution(s) less than required: GOE -3

Fall: -3

Starting or landing on two feet in a jump: -2

Stepping out of landing in a jump: -2

Touch down with both hands in a jump: -2

Downgraded sign (<<): -2 to -3

Unequal number of revolutions by partners: -2

2 three turns in between jump combo: -2

Starting from wrong edge in flip/lutz (e sign): -2 to -3

Solo and Pair Spins

SP: Less than required positions (2 revolutions in each position): -2 to -3

Fall: -3

Touch down with both hands: -2

Death Spirals

Fall: -3

Wrong pivot position (losing toe pick, etc.): -2 to -3

Lady assisted not only by the blades: -2 to -3

Steps

Fall: -3

Less than half the pattern doing steps/turns: -2 to -3 

Spirals

Fall: -3

Less than half the pattern in spiral position: -2 to -3

Errors for which final GOE is not restricted

Lifts

Poor positions in the air or on landing: -1 to -3

Poor speed and/or distance: -1 to -3

Poor turns by man: -1 to -3

Poor take-off/weak landing: -1 to -3

Long preparation: -1

Touch down with the free foot: -1

Twist Lifts

Poor height or distance: -1 to -3

Poor take off (poor speed, serious scratching, no toe-pick): -1 to -2

Catch assisted by the man's shoulder: -1 to -2

Weak landing (poor speed, bad positions, awkward catch): -1 to -2

Long preparation: -1

Man exits on two feet: -1

Touch down with the free foot: -1

Jump Elements/Throw Jumps

Poor speed, height, distance, air position: -1 to -2

No unison--jump elements: -1 to -3

Big distance between partners--jump elements: -1 to -3

Poor take-off: -1 to -2

Lacking rotation (no sign): -1

Under-rotated (<): -1 to -2

Loss of flow/rhythm between jumps (combinations and sequences): -1 to -2

Poor man's position at take-off--throw jump: -1 to -2

Unclear edge at take off in Flip/Lutz (!): -1 to -2

Weak landing (bad position/wrong edge/scratching etc.): -1 to -2

Long preparation: -1 to -2

Touch down with one hand or free foot: -1

Solo and Pair Spins

SP: Pairs Combination Spin: Change of foot not at the same time: -1 to -2

Less than required revolutions: -1 to -3

Poor/awkward position(s), slow, traveling: -1 to -3

Change of foot poorly executed: -1 to -3

Slow or reduction of speed: -1 to -3

No unison, too big distance between partners: -1 to -3

Incorrect take-off or landing (flying spin/entry): -1 to -2

Stop during spin (except when changing direction): -1 to -2

Touch down with free foot or one hand: -1

Death Spirals

Poor position of the lady (too high, etc.): -1 to -3

Poor exit: -1 to -3

Slow or reduction of speed: -1 to -3

Weak lady's edge quality: -1

Steps

SP: Incorrect pattern: -1 to -2

SP: Jumps with more than half a revolution included: -1

Poor quality of steps, turns, positions: -1 to -3

Stumble: -1 to -2

Spirals

Poor positions: -1 to -3

Stumble: -1 to -2

Poor edge quality: -1 to -2