Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Pairs Free Skate

The novice pairs free skate consists of 9 categories of elements that must be completed in 3:30 +/- 10 seconds.

Lifts

• Maximum of 2
• One must be from Group 3 or 4
• Full extension of lifting arms
• Minimum 2 revolutions by lady and minimum 1 revolution and maximum 3 1/2 revolutions by man
• Carry-type lifts and carry-type features are not permitted. 

Twist Lifts

• Maximum of 1
• Single or double

Throw Jumps

• Maximum of 2
• Must be different
• Single, double or triple

Solo jumps

• Maximum of 1
• No limit on the number of revolutions

Jump Sequence/Combination

• Maximum of 1
• Jump combination may consist of 2.  No limit to number of jumps in Jump sequence.  Both may include jumps with the same name. 

Pair Spin/Combination Spin

• Maximum of 1
• Pair Spin:
• Pair Combination Spin: At least 1 change of position and 1 change of foot by each partner, Minimum of 5 revolutions

Solo Spin/Combination Spin

• Maximum of 1
• Change of foot and position, and flying entry are optional
• Both partners must achieve basic position for 2 revolutions
• Minimum 5 revolutions

Death Spiral

• Maximum of 1
• Regular 1-hand to 1-hand hold required
• When death spiral position is attained, both partners must execute 1 revolution with man in full pivot positions
• Lady must skate on a clean edge with her body and head close to the ice surface.

Step Sequence

• Maximum of 1
• Fully utilizing ice surface.  Partners should share workload, skate close together and to the character of the music. 
• Changes of place and holds, short stops, and small jump-like movements permitted.

The main differences between novice and junior is that the novice program is 30 seconds shorter, carry-type lifts and features are not permitted, the twist lift can only be a single or double, the throw jumps can only be up to triples, the jump combination may only include 2 jumps, the minimum rotations in the spins is lower, the hand hold in the death spiral is required and they do a step sequence instead of a spiral sequence.