Breaking Down the Elements: Junior Free Dance

The 2012-2013 Junior Free Dance consists of elements in 4 categories completed in 3:30 +/- 10 seconds.

Lifts

• There is a choice for the required lifts: 1 short lift and 1 long lift OR 3 short lifts (must be different types)
• Long lifts are a maximum of 12 seconds and short lifts are a maximum or 6 seconds
• Note: 1 Choreographic Dance lift of up to 10 seconds, performed after the required Dance lifts, is permitted.  The Choreographic Dance Lift will be awarded a Fixed Base Value and evaluated by the Judges in Grade of Execution only.  If a 2nd Choreographic Dance lift is executed, it will be considered by the Technical Panel as an extra element.  The Transitional Dance Lift is to be considered by the Judges in the choreography component. 

Dance Spins

• 1
• Spin is a minimum of 3 revolutions on 1 foot by both partners OR a combination spin with a minimum of 3 revolutions on each foot by both partners
• In addition, one Transitional Dance Spin, performed optionally after the required Dance Spin, is permitted.  If a second Transitional Dance Spin is executed, it will be considered by the Technical Panel as an extra element.  The Transitional Dance Spin is to be considered by the Judges in the Choreography component.  

 Step Sequences

• Maximum of 2
• 1 selected from Group A (midline or diagonal) and 1 selected from Group B (circular or serpentine)
• Both to be skated in dance holds or variations thereof except hand-in-hand hold in sustained position with fully extended arms.  Any separation to change a hold must not exceed 1 measure of music.
• Lifts, jumps of more than 1/2 rotation, stops, dance spins, pirouettes, pattern regression and loops are not to be included in step sequences.

 Twizzles

• 1 set of synchronized twizzles
• The required set of Synchronized Twizzles may be skated anywhere in the program except in the required Step Sequences.  Additional set(s) of Synchronized Twizzles may be performed, but only the first set of Synchronized Twizzles performed will be identified for level.  Additional elements not identified by the Technical Panel will be considered by judged in Choreography component if elements reflect character of music/dance.

Additional Information

• Combined dance spin and lift are permitted but are to be counted as separate elements: i.e. as 1 of the permitted lifts and 1 dance spin.
• Kneeling or sliding on 2 knees and/or sitting on the ice are not permitted.  It will be considered as a fall and the appropriate deduction will be applied by the Technical Panel.
• Other illegal elements
• Jumps of more than one revolution or jumps of one revolution skated at the same time by both partners
• Lying on the ice
• Touching the ice with hand(s).

Breaking Down the Elements: Junior Short Dance

The 2012-2013 Junior short dance consists of 4 elements that must be performed between 2 minutes and 40 seconds and 3 minutes.  The main differences from the previous season are that the step sequence can be midline or circular, the Pattern Dance is the Blues and the rhythyms are swing and hip hop.

1. Short lift, maximum 6 seconds

2. Midline or Circular not-touching step sequence, both partners may cross each others tracings and may switch from matching footwork to mirror and vice versa, the partners should remain as close together as possible but they must not touch, the distance between the skaters should generally not be more than 2 arms length apart.  Dance lifts, jumps of more than 1/2 rotation, stops, dance spins, pirouettes, pattern regressions and loops are not to be included in the step sequence.  This element must be performed in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction utilizing the full width of the ice surface on the short axis of the rink.

3. Set of sequential twizzles, two or three twizzles skated simultaneously with up to one step in between twizzles, may be skated anywhere in the program except in the required not touching step sequence.

4. 2 sequences of Blues, the pattern dance elements must be skated on the Blues Rhythm, in any style of Blues.  The tempo of music throughout the Pattern Dance Elements must be constant and in accordance with the required temp of the Pattern Dance Blues, i.e. 22 measures of four beats or 88 beats per minute, plus or minus 2 beats per minute.  Step #1 of each Sequence must be skated on a different side of the ice surface.  The temp of music throughout the Pattern Dance Elements must be constant.  The Pattern Dance Elements must be skated in strict time to the music with the start of the first Step of each Pattern Dance Element on beat 1 of a four measure musical phrase.

After the clock is started with the first movement, the couple must not remain in one place for more than 10 seconds.  During the program, either up to two full stops (duration myst not exceed 5 seconds each) or up to one full stop (duration must not exceed 10 seconds) are permitted.  Any choreography appropriate to the music selelection (including a separation of no more than two arms length apart) may be included.

Blues or Blues plus one of the following Rhythms: Swing, Hip Hop.  The concept and choreography must produce the feeling of a unified dance.  The Pattern Dance Elements may be skated anywhere in the Short Dance and should be integrated into the composition of the dance so that there should not be the feeling that there are just rhythms put together without thought of how they fit together.

A spinning movement skated by the couple together in any hold around common axis on one foot (or two feet) with any number of rotations is permitted.

Kneeling or sliding on two knees or sitting on the ice is not allowed and will be considered as a fall by the Technical Panel.

Breaking Down the Elements: Junior Pairs Free Skate

The 2012-2013 junior pairs free skate consists of 9 categories of elements that must be completed in 4:00 +/- 10 seconds.  The major differences from the previous season are that the spins must be in combination and the introduction of the choreographic step sequence to replace the spiral sequence.

Lifts

• Maximum of 2
• One must be from Group 3 or 4
• Full extension of lifting arms
• Minimum 1 revolution and maximum 3 1/2 revolutions by man
• Only 1 lift may include a carry feature.  Carry type lifts (1/2 rotation exit/entry) are permitted but not included in the allowed number of lifts (counted as transitions)

Twist Lifts

• Maximum of 1
• No limit to number of revolutions
• Takeoff may be Toe Loop, Flip/Lutz, or Axel

Throw Jumps

• Maximum of 2
• Must be different

Solo jumps

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

Jump Sequence/Combination

• Maximum of 1
• Jump combination may consist of 2 or 3 jumps.  No limit to number of jumps in Jump sequence.  Both may include jumps with the same name. 

Pair Combination Spin

• Maximum of 1
• At least 1 change of foot by each partner (3 revolutions before and after change of foot) and Minimum of 8 revolutions

Solo Combination Spin

• Maximum of 1
• Minimum 10 revolutions, optional change of position and foot (3 revolutions before and after change of foot)

Death Spiral

• Maximum of 1
• When death spiral position is attained, both partners must execute 1 revolution with man in full pivot position
• Lady must skate on a clean edge with her body and head close to the ice surface.
• Lady's head must reach the level of her skating knee
• Variations of arm holds and pivot positions possible

Step Sequence

• Maximum of 1
• Fully utilizing the ice surface

Breaking Down the Elements: Junior Pairs Short Program

For 2012-2013,the Junior pairs short program consists of 7 elements that must be performed in a maximum time of 2 minutes and 50 seconds.  The main differences from last season is that the lift must be a group 4, the throw jump must be a salchow, the solo jump must be a flip or axel, the spin must be solo, the death spiral is a backward outside edge and the pattern of the step sequence is not fixed.

1. Hand to hand loop lift take off (Group 4), minimum 1 revolution and maximum 3 1/2 revolutions by man

2. Double twist lift, flip or lutz take-off only

3. Double or triple salchow throw jump

4. Double flip or axel solo jump

5. Solo spin combination with only 1 change of foot, must have at least two revolutions in two basic positions, minimum 5 revolutions on each foot

6. Backward outside death spiral, when final death spiral position is attained 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, lady's head must reach the level of her skating knee

7. Leveled step sequence, fully utilize ice surface, partners should share workload and skate close together and to the character of the music, changes of place and holds, short stops and small jump-like movements are permitted.

Breaking Down the Elements: Junior Ladies Free Skate

For 2012-2013, Junior Ladies have 3 minutes and 30 seconds to complete elements in three categories in their free skate.  The only difference from the previous season is that the pattern of the step sequence is not fixed.

Jumps

• Maximum 7 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 not limited
• 2 triples or quads may be repeated, but must be in combination or sequence
• 2 double Axel maximum as a solo jump or in a combination or sequence

Spins

• There are a maximum of 3 spins
• 1 must have a flying entry
• 1 must be a spin combination with or without a change of foot
• 1 spin with only 1 position
• Minimum 6 revolutions, 10 for the combination spin, minimum 2 revolutions in each position
• All spins may change feet and start with a fly
• Spins must be of a different nature

Step Sequences

• One Leveled Step Sequence
• Fully utilizing the ice surface

Breaking Down the Elements: Junior Ladies Short Program

The 2012-2013 junior ladies short program consists of 7 elements that must be performed in 2:50 maximum time.  The major differences from the previous season are that the solo jump must be a flip, the flying spin must be a camel and the pattern for the step sequence is not fixed.

1. Double axel

2. Double or triple flip immediately preceded by connecting steps or other free skating movements

3. Jump combination, double/double, double/triple or triple/triple, may not repeat either Axel jump performed or solo jump

4. Flying Camel spin, minimum 8 revolutions

5. Layback or sideways leaning spin, no flying entry, minimum 8 revolutions

6. Spin combination, with only 1 change of foot and all 3 basic positions or any variation thereof, no flying entry, minimum 6 revolutions each foot, minimum 2 revolutions each position

7. Leveled step sequence, fully utilizing the ice surface

Breaking Down the Elements: Junior Men's Free Skate

For the 2012-2013 season, Junior Men must complete elements in three categories during the four minutes allotted for their free skate.  The only difference from the previous season is that the pattern of the step sequence is not fixed.

Jumps

• A maximum of 8 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 not limited
• 2 triples or quads may be repeated, but they 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
• 1 spin must be a combination with or without change of foot
• 1 spin with only 1 position
• 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
• Spins must be of a different nature

Step Sequences

• One Leveled Step Sequence
• Fully utilizing the ice surface

Breaking Down the Elements: Junior Men's Short Program

For the 2012-2013 season, junior men have 7 required elements in their short program to be performed in 2 minutes and 50 seconds.  The elements can be performed in any order.  The differences from the previous season are that the solo jump must be a flip, the flying spin must be a camel and the pattern of the step sequence is not fixed.

1. Double or triple flip, immediately preceded by connecting steps or other free skating movements
2. Jump combination, double/triple or triple/triple.  May not repeat either Axel jump performed or solo jump
3. Double or triple axel
4. Flying Camel spin, Minimum 8 revolutions.
5. Sit spin, with only 1 change of foot, no flying entry.  Minimum 6 revolutions each foot.
6. Spin Combination, with only 1 change of foot and all 3 basic positions or any variation thereof.  No flying entry.  Minimum 6 revolutions each foot and 2 in each position.
7. Leveled Step Sequence, fully utilizing the ice surface

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Free Dance

For the 2012-2013 season, the Novice Free Dance consists of elements in 4 categories completed in 3:00 +/- 10 seconds.

Lifts

• Maximum of 3
• There is a choice for the required lifts:
• Option with the long lift: One short lift and one long lift
• Option with the short lift: three types of short lift, only one type of short lift may be repeated
• Long lifts are max 12 seconds, short lifts are max 6 seconds

Dance Spins

• 1
• Spin or combination spin
• Spin is a minimum of 3 revolutions on 1 foot by both partners OR a combination apin with a minimum of 3 revolutions on each foot by both partners

 Step Sequences

• Maximum of 1
• Midline, diagonal, circular or serpentine in hold.  Must use full ice surface.  Non touching sequence not permitted.
• Skated in dance holds or variations thereof except hand-in-hand hold in sustained position with fully extended arms.  Any separation to change a hold must not exceed 1 measure of music.
• Lifts, jumps of more than 1/2 rotation, stops, dance spins, pirouettes, pattern regression and loops are not to be included in step sequences.

 Twizzles

• 1 set of synchronized twizzles

Additional Information

• Combined dance spin and lift are permitted but are to be counted as separate elements: i.e. as 1 of the permitted lifts and 1 dance spin.
• Kneeling or sliding on 2 knees and/or sitting on the ice are not permitted.  It will be considered as a fall and the appropraite deduction will be applied by the Technical Panel.
• Touching the ice with hand(s) is not permitted.
• Other illegal elements
• Jumps of more than one revolution or jumps of one revolution skated at the same time by both partners
• Lying on the ice

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Pairs Free Skate

The 2012-2013 novice pairs free skate consists of 9 categories of elements that must be completed in 3:30 +/- 10 seconds.  The major change is that the spiral sequence has been replaced by a choreographic step sequence.

Lifts

• Maximum of 2
• From different groups
• One must be from Group 3 or 4
• Miinimum 1 revolution and maximum 3 1/2 revolutions by man
• Carry-type lifts and carry-type features are not permitted. 
• Variations of position, no-handed, 1-handed, combo lifts and lifts that turn in both directions are permitted

Twist Lifts

• Maximum of 1
• Single or double
• Take off must be flip or lutz

Throw Jumps

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

Solo jumps

• Maximum of 1
• Single, double or triple

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 Combination Spin must change foot by both partners and minimum 1 change of position by both partners, 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
• Choreographic sequence fully utilizing the ice surface

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Pairs Short Program

For the 2012-2013 season, the Novice pairs short program consists of 7 elements that must be performed in a maximum time of 2 minutes and 50 seconds.  The major changes are that the lift must be from group 4 (instead of group of choice), the throw must be a salchow (instead of throw of choice and a triple is now permitted), the solo jump has changed to a flip or an axel and the death spiral must be backward outside.

1. Any hand to hand lift take off (group 4), 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, double or triple throw salchow

4. Double flip or double solo jump

5. Solo spin with no change of foot, optional change of position and optional flying entry.  Minimum 5 revolutions.

6. Backward outside 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. Leveled step sequence, fully utilize ice surface; partners should share workload, skate close together and to the concept/character of the music; changes of place and holds, short stops and any unlisted jumps are permitted.

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Men's Free Skate

For the 2012-2013 season, Novice Men must complete elements in three categories during the three and a half minutes allotted for their free skate.  The only change from last season is that the pattern of the step sequence is not fixed.

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 not limited
• One double axel and two different triple jumps may be repeated.  If double axel or triple jumps repeated, must be in combo or sequence.
• No more than two of the same type of double or triple may be attempted.

Spins

• Maximum of three spins
• Spins must be of a different nature
• 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)

Step Sequences

• One leveled step sequence
• Fully utilizing the ice surface

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Men's Short Program

For the 2012-2013 season, novice men have 6 required elements in their short program to be performed in 2 minutes and 30 seconds.  The elements can be performed in any order.  The only change from the previous season is that the step sequence does not need to follow a fixed pattern.

1. Double or triple jump, immediately preceded by connecting steps.  May not repeat double axel
2. Jump combination, double/double or triple/double.  May not repeat either Axel jump performed or solo jump

3. Axel or double axel

4. Camel or Sit spin, with only one change of foot, no change of position, no flying entry, minimum 5 revolutions each foot.

5. Spin Combination, with only 1 change of foot and minimum 1 change of position.  2 revolutions required for position to count.  No flying entry, minimum 5 revolutions each foot.

6. Leveled Step Sequence, fully utilizing the ice surface

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Ladies Free Skate

For the 2012-2013 season, Novice Ladies have 3 minutes (+ or - 10 seconds) to complete elements in three categories in their free skate.  The only change from last season is that the pattern of the step sequence is no longer fixed.

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 not limited
• No more than 2 jumps that are 2 1/2 or 3 rotations may be repeated.  If double axel or triple jump repeated, must be in combination or sequence
• No more than 2 of the same time of double or triple may be attempted 

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 6 revolutions, 10 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

• One leveled step sequence
• Fully utilizing the ice surface

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Ladies Short Program

For the 2012-2013 season, the novice ladies short program consists of 6 elements that must be performed in 2:30 maximum time.  The only change from last season is that step sequences are no longer restricted to a specific movement pattern.

1. Axel or double axel

2. Double or triple jump immediately preceded by connecting steps.  May not repeat double axel.

3. Jump combination, double/double or double/triple, may not repeat either Axel jump performed or solo jump

5. Layback or sideways leaning spin, no change of foot, may not have flying entry, minimum 6 revolutions

6. Spin combination, with only 1 change of foot and minimum of 1 change of position.  2 revolutions required for position to count.  No flying entry, minimum 5 revolutions each foot

7. Leveled step sequence, fully utilizing the ice surface

Breaking Down the Elements: Free Dance

The Free Dance consists of elements in 4 categories completed in 4:00 +/- 10 seconds.

Lifts

• There is a choice for the required lifts: 2 short lifts and 1 long lift (each short lift must be a different type) OR 4 short lifts (only one type of short lift may be repeated).
• Long lifts are a maximum of 12 seconds and short lifts are a maximum or 6 seconds
• Note: 1 Transitional Dance Lift (up to 6 seconds) but no more, performed optionally after the required Dance Lifts is permitted.  If a second Transitional Dance Lift is executed, it will be considered by the Technical Panel as an extra element.  The Transitional Dance Lift is to be considered by the Judges in the choreography component.
• No part of the costume may be used as any support in a lift which is considered for level. If this occurs the lift will get a level according to calling specifications and a 1 point deduction by the referee and judging panel will be applied.
• A chosen type of creative/difficult entry must be different for each lift to be considered for level.

Dance Spins

• 1
• Spin is a minimum of 3 revolutions on 1 foot by both partners OR a combination apin with a minimum of 3 revolutions on each foot by both partners
• One Transitional Dance Spin, but no more, performed optionally after the required Dance Spin is permitted.  If a second Transitional Dance Spin is executed, it will be considered by the Technical Panel as an extra element.  The Transitional Dance Spin is to be considered by the Judges in the Choreography component.  

 Step Sequences

• Maximum of 2
• 1 selected from Group A (midline or diagonal) and 1 selected from Group B (circular or serpentine)
• Both to be skated in dance holds or variations thereof except hand-in-hand hold in sustained position with fully extended arms.  Any separation to change a hold must not exceed 1 measure of music.
• Lifts, jumps of more than 1/2 rotation, stops, dance spins, pirouettes, pattern regression and loops are not to be included in step sequences.

 Twizzles

• 1 set of synchronized twizzles
• May be skated anywhere in the program except in the required Step Sequences.
• Additional Set(s) of Synchronized Twizzles may be performed, but only the first set performed will be identified for level.  Additional elements not identified by the Technical Panel will be considered by the Judges in the choreography component if elements reflect character of the music/dance.

Additional Information

• Combined dance spin and lift are permitted but are to be counted as separate elements: i.e. as 1 of the permitted lifts and 1 dance spin.
• Kneeling or sliding on 2 knees and/or sitting on the ice are not permitted.  It will be considered as a fall and the appropraite deduction will be applied by the Technical Panel.
• Other illegal elements
• Jumps of more than one revolution or jumps of one revolution skated at the same time by both partners
• Lying on the ice
• Touching the ice with hand(s)

Breaking Down the Elements: Short Dance

The short dance consists of 4 elements that must be performed between 2 minutes and 40 seconds and 3 minutes.

1. Short lift, maximum 6 seconds

2. Circular not-touching step sequence, cannot include the twizzles, sequence must incorporate mirror and/or matching footwork, both partners may cross each others tracings and may switch from matching footwork to mirror and vice versa, the partners should remain as close together as possible but they must not touch, the distance between the skaters should generally not be more than 2 arms length apart.  The element must either be performed in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction utilizing the full width of the ice surface on the short axis of the rink.  Dance lifts, jumps of more than 1/2 rotation stops, dance spins, pirouettes, pattern regressions and loops are not to be included in the step sequence. 

3. Set of sequential twizzles, two twizzles skated simultaneously with up to one step in between twizzles, may be skated anywhere in the program except in the required circular not touching step sequence.

4. 2 Full sequences of the Rhumba, either skated one after the other or not skated one after the other.  Each sequence will be considered a required element and will receive a level and GOE.  Step #1 of each Pattern Dance Sequence must be skated on a different side of the ice surface.  The Pattern Dance Element must be skated in strict time to the music with the start of Step #1 of each sequence of Rhumba on beat 1 of a four measure musical phrase.  The Pattern Dance Element can be skated to any of the allowable Latin American rhythms (both elements to the same rhythm or one element to one rhythm and the second element to a different rhythm) in the style of this (these) rhythm(s), with the following range of tempo: 43 to 45 measures of four beats per minute.  The tempo of the music throughout the Pattern Dance elements must be constant.

Notes: One transitional Dance Lift (maximum 6 seconds), but no more, performed optionally after the required Dance Lift.  If a 3rd Lift is executed it will be considered by the Technical Panel as an extra element.  Transitional Dance Lift to be considered by the Judges in the choreography component.  


Music Requirements: One to three of the following Latin American Rhythms: Cha Cha, Rhumba, Samba, Mambo, Merengue.


The concept and choreography must produce the feeling of a unified dance.  The Pattern Dance elements may be skated anywhere in the Short Dance and should be integrated into the composition of the dance so that there should not be the feeling that there are just rhythms put together without thought of how they fit together.


A spinning movement skated by the couple together in any hold around common axis on one foot (or two feet) with any number of rotations is permitted.  A couple may choose to use this movement as part of their choreography.  The Technical Panel will ignore these movements and the Judges will not consider these movements as one of the permitted stops.

Kneeling or sliding on 2 knees or sitting on the ice is not allowed and will be considered as a fall by the Technical Panel.  Touching the ice with hand(s) is not permitted.

Breaking Down the Elements: Pairs Free Skate

The pairs free skate consists of 9 categories of elements that must be completed in 4:30 +/- 10 seconds.

Lifts

• Maximum of 3
• 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
• If 2 Group 5 lifts are executed, each must have a different take-off (toe, step, reverse or Axel type lasso)
• Only 1 lift may include a carry feature.  Carry type lifts (1/2 rotation exit/entry) are permitted but not included in the allowed number of lifts (counted as transitions)
• Note: Maximum of 4 lifts total.  3 lifts, 1 twist lift OR 2 lifts, 2 twist lifts

Twist Lifts

• Maximum of 2
• No limit to number of revolutions
• Takeoff may be Toe Loop, Flip/Lutz, or Axel
• Each twist lift must have different take-off
• Note: Maximum of 4 lifts total.  3 lifts, 1 twist lift OR 2 lifts, 2 twist lifts

Throw Jumps

• Maximum of 2
• Must be different

Solo jumps

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

Jump Sequence/Combination

• Maximum of 1
• Jump combination may consist of 2 or 3 jumps.  No limit to number of jumps in Jump sequence.  Both may include jumps with the same name. 

Pair Combination Spin

• Maximum of 1
• At least 1 change of position and 1 change of foot by each partner (3 revolutions before and after change of foot
• Minimum of 8 revolutions

Solo Combination Spin

• Maximum of 1
• At least 1 change of position
• Optional change of foot (3 revolutions before and after change of foot)
• Minimum of 10 revolutions

Death Spiral

• Maximum of 1
• Different from the death spiral of the short program
• 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.
• Lady's head must reach the level of her skating knee.
• Variations of arm holds and pivot positions possible

Spiral Sequence

• Maximum of 1
• Sequence consists primarily of spirals.  Spiral is 1 blade on the ice and free leg (knee/foot) higher than hip level.
• Minimum 2 spirals by both partners for 3 seconds each OR 1 spiral for 6 seconds each for a fixed Base Value.

Breaking Down the Elements: Pairs Short Program

The pairs short program consists of 7 elements that must be performed in a maximum time of 2 minutes and 50 seconds.

1. Any hip lift take off (Group 3), minimum 2 revolutions by lady, minimum 1 revolution and maximum 3 1/2 revolutions by man

2. Double or triple twist lift, flip or lutz take-off only

3. Double or triple throw jump

4. Double or triple solo jump

5. Pair combination spin with only 1 change of foot and at least 1 change of position, minimum 8 revolutions  total.  Change of foot must be made at the same time.  Change of position may be made at same time or separately.  May not commence with a jump.

6. Forward inside death spiral, when final death spiral position is attained 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.  Lady's head must reach the level of her skating knee.

7. Step sequence (straight line, circular or serpentine), fully utilize ice surface, partners should share workload and skate close together and to the character of the music, changes of place and holds, short stops and small jump-like movements are permitted.

Breaking Down the Elements: Senior Ladies Free Skate

Senior Ladies must complete elements in 3 categories in 4:00 minutes for their free skate.

Jumps

• Maximum 7 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 not limited
• 2 triples or quads may be repeated, but must be in combination or sequence
• 2 double Axel maximum as a solo jump or in a combination or sequence

Spins

• There are a maximum of 3 spins
• 1 must have a flying entry
• 1 must be a spin combination with or without a change of foot
• 1 spin with only 1 position
• Minimum 6 revolutions, 10 for the combination spin, minimum 2 revolutions in each position
• All spins may change feet and start with a fly
• Spins must be of a different nature

Step Sequences

• Maximum 2 sequences
• One straight line, circular or serpentine step sequence
• One choreographic spiral sequence with a minimum or 2 spiral positions of three seconds each or 1 six second Spiral.