Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Pairs Short Program

The Novice pairs short program consists of 8 elements that must be performed in a maximum time of 2 minutes and 50 seconds.

1. One lift selected from groups 1-5, minimum 2 revolutions by lady, minimum 1 revolution and maximum 3 1/2 revolutions by man, carry type lifts or carry type features not permitted

2. Single or double twist lift

3. Single or double throw jump

4. Double loop solo jump

5. Pair Spin, no change of foot, optional change of position.  Minimum 5 revolutions in total.  May not commence with a jump.

5. Solo spin with no change of foot, optional change of position.  Both partners must achieve at least 1 basic positions for 2 revolutions, minimum 5 revolutions in total, may commence with a jump

6. Backward inside death spiral, both partners must execute 1 full revolution with man in full pivot position, lady must skate on a clean edge with her body and head close to the ice surface

7. Step sequence (choreographic spiral sequence), minimum 2 spirals for 3 seconds each or 1 spiral for 6 seconds by both partners for a fixed base value.

The main differences between the novice and junior programs is that novices have one additional element, can execute a lift of their choice, they can execute a single twist, they can execute a single throw jump, they must execute a double loop for their solo jump, they must execute a pair spin, they do a solo spin instead of combination spin, and they perform a choreographic spiral sequence instead of a step sequence for a level.