Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Mens Free Skate

Novice Men must complete elements in three categories during the three and a half minutes allotted for their free skate.

Jumps

• A maximum of 7 jumping passes can be completed
• 1 must be an Axel-type jump
• Maximum 3 combinations or sequences
• Combinations are limited to 2 jumps, but one 3-jump combo is permitted
• Number of jumps in sequence is free
• No more than 2 jumps that are 2 1/2 or 3 revolutions may be repeated and the repeat must be in a combination or sequence
• 2 double Axels maximum as solo jumps or in a combination or sequence

Spins

• Maximum of three spins
• 1 spin must have a flying entry with no change of foot or position
• 1 spin must be a combination with or without change of foot
• 3rd spin is option of skater
• Minimum 6 revolutions, 10 for the combination spin, minimum of 2 revolutions in each position
• All spins may change feet and start with a flying entry (except for the proscribed flying entry with no change of foot)
• Spins must be of a different nature

Step Sequences

• There is a maximum of 1
• Step sequences or spiral sequence.
• Steps: Must use entire ice surface to be awarded a fixed base value.
• Spirals: Minimum 2 spirals of 3 seconds each or one spiral of 6 seconds for a fixed base value.

The main differences between novice and junior programs are that the novice program is 30 seconds shorter, have one less jump, the flying spin has more regulations and they can perform either a choreographic step sequence or choreographic spiral sequence (no levels).