Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Ladies Free Skate

Novice Ladies have 3 minutes to complete elements in three categories in their free skate.

Jumps

• Maximum 6 jumping passes in the program
• 1 must be an Axel-type jump
• Maximum of 3 combinations or sequences
• Combinations are limited to 2 jumps, but one 3-jump combination is permitted. 
• Number of jumps in a sequence is free
• No more than 2 jumps that are 2 1/2 or 3 rotations may be repeated.  If 2 1/2 or triple jump repeated, must be in combination or sequence

Spins

• There are a maximum of 3 spins
• 1 must have a flying entry with no change of position or foot
• 1 must be a spin combination with or without a change of foot
• 3rd spin is option of skater
• Minimum 5 revolutions, 8 for the combination spin, minimum 2 revolutions in each position
• All spins may change feet and start with a fly (except the fixed flying entry with no change of foot)
• Spins must be of a different nature

Step Sequences

• Step or spiral sequence
• Steps: must use entire ice surface to be awarded a fixed base value
• Spirals: minimum 2 spiral positions for 3 seconds each or one position for 6 seconds each for a fixed base value

The main differences between novice and junior are the novice program is 30 seconds shorter, they execute one less jump, the flying entry spin has fixed characteristics, less revolutions are required in the spins and they execute a choreographic spiral or step sequences (no levels)