Figure skating judges evaluate performances using the International Judging System (IJS), which breaks down every element into quantifiable points. They look at two main categories: the Technical Element Score (TES) which rewards difficulty and execution, and the Program Component Score (PCS) which evaluates artistry and presentation. Understanding what judges look for transforms figure skating from a confusing numbers game into an appreciation of athletic precision and artistic expression.
I remember sitting in the stands at my first major competition, completely baffled when a skater who fell twice still won over someone with a flawless program. That moment pushed me to learn the scoring system inside and out. What I discovered is that figure skating judging is actually quite logical once you understand the framework.
In this guide, I will explain exactly what figure skating judges look for, how the scoring system works in 2026, and why scores sometimes surprise casual viewers. Whether you are watching the Olympics, a local competition, or just want to understand your favorite skater’s results, this guide will give you the knowledge to follow along with confidence.
Table of Contents
The Two Main Scoring Categories: TES and PCS
Every figure skating performance receives two distinct scores that combine to create the Total Segment Score (TSS). Understanding this dual structure is the key to decoding any result.
The Technical Element Score (TES) measures what the skater did and how well they did it. This includes jumps, spins, step sequences, and other required elements. Each element has a predetermined base value based on its difficulty.
The Program Component Score (PCS) evaluates the overall quality of the program across five artistic and skating skill categories. Judges award marks from 0.25 to 10.00 for each component.
These two scores are added together, then any deductions are subtracted for falls, time violations, or costume issues. The result is the Total Segment Score, which determines the skater’s placement in that segment of the competition.
Technical Element Score (TES): The Numbers Behind the Jumps
The Technical Element Score represents the quantifiable, objective portion of figure skating judging. This is where difficulty meets execution in a precise mathematical formula.
Base Values: Every Element Has a Price Tag
Every jump, spin, and sequence in figure skating carries a predetermined base value set by the International Skating Union. These values reflect the relative difficulty of each element.
Single jumps start modestly. A single toe loop scores 0.40 points, while a single Axel earns 1.10 points. The Axel costs more because it is the only jump that takes off forward, making it technically more demanding.
As rotations increase, base values grow exponentially. A double Axel scores 2.20 points. Triple jumps range from 4.20 points (toe loop) to 8.00 points (Axel). Quadruple jumps, the current pinnacle of men’s and increasingly women’s skating, start at 9.70 points for a quad toe loop and reach 12.50 points for a quad Axel.
Spins and step sequences also carry base values based on their difficulty level. A Level 1 spin might be worth only 1.00 point, while a Level 4 spin with multiple position changes and features can earn 3.50 points or more.
Jump Combinations and Sequences
When skaters perform jumps in combination, the base values of each jump are added together. A triple Lutz-triple toe loop combination scores the full base value of both jumps combined.
Jump sequences work differently. If a skater performs a sequence with steps or turns between jumps, the total base value is reduced to 80 percent of the combined jumps. This encourages clean, direct combinations over interrupted sequences.
Element Levels for Spins and Sequences
Unlike jumps, which have fixed base values based on rotation, spins and step sequences can achieve different levels from 1 to 4. Higher levels require more difficult features.
For spins, features might include difficult positions, changes of edge, flying entrances, or multiple revolutions in position. Step sequences gain levels through complex turns, full ice coverage, and matching the musical character.
A Level 4 step sequence can be worth 3.90 points, while the same sequence at Level 1 might only score 1.80 points. This four-level system rewards skaters who maximize difficulty within these elements.
Program Component Score (PCS): Judging the Artistry
While the Technical Element Score measures what skaters do, the Program Component Score evaluates how they do it. Judges award marks across five categories that capture the artistic and athletic quality of the performance.
In 2026, the ISU streamlined these five components into three broader categories for simplification. However, understanding the underlying five factors helps viewers appreciate what judges actually evaluate.
Composition: The Architecture of the Program
Judges evaluate how well the program is constructed. This includes the placement of elements throughout the ice surface, the phrasing and movement matching the musical structure, and the overall concept and choreography.
A well-composed program distributes difficult elements strategically rather than clustering them together. The choreography should reflect the music’s character, with movements that enhance rather than just accompany the soundtrack.
Transitions between elements matter significantly here. A program with difficult, creative connecting movements between jumps and spins scores higher than one with simple stroking or setup movements.
Presentation: Connecting with the Audience
Presentation evaluates how the skater projects their performance to the audience and judges. This includes performance energy, emotional engagement with the music, and the ability to maintain character throughout the program.
Judges look for eye contact, facial expressions, and body language that convey the program’s story or mood. A skater who performs with genuine engagement and confidence will score higher in presentation than one who appears focused only on technical execution.
The costume and overall appearance also factor into presentation, though they must comply with competition regulations. The look should enhance the program’s concept without distracting from the skating itself.
Skating Skills: The Foundation of Everything
This component evaluates the quality of the skater’s blade work and movement across the ice. Edge quality, power, speed control, and glide efficiency all contribute to the skating skills score.
Judges examine whether skaters use deep, clean edges rather than scratching or shallow skating. They look for effortless acceleration, controlled deceleration, and the ability to maintain speed throughout the program.
Complex turns like twizzles, brackets, and rockers performed with flow and control demonstrate advanced skating skills. The best skaters make difficult movement look easy through superior blade technique.
Grade of Execution (GOE): When Quality Changes Everything
The Grade of Execution is where figure skating judging becomes dynamic and exciting. This system allows judges to reward exceptional quality or penalize poor execution on every single element.
Judges award GOE on a scale from -5 to +5 for each element performed. A +5 indicates a truly outstanding element that exceeds expectations, while a -5 indicates a major error or failure. Most elements receive scores between -2 and +3 in practice.
How GOE Modifies Base Values
Each GOE level corresponds to a percentage adjustment of the base value. A +1 GOE adds 10 percent to the base value. A +3 GOE adds 30 percent. Conversely, a -2 GOE subtracts 20 percent from the base value.
This means a triple Axel with base value 8.00 points could score anywhere from 4.00 points (with a -5 GOE) to 12.00 points (with a +5 GOE). The quality of execution can add or subtract 4.00 points from this single element.
For jumps, positive GOE criteria include height and distance, takeoff and landing quality, air position, and flow on the landing. Negative GOE results from falls, underrotations, step-outs, hand touches, or poor air position.
GOE Bullet Points: The Specific Criteria
Judges use specific bullet points to determine GOE. For positive GOE, skaters must demonstrate at least two of these qualities: good height and distance, good takeoff and landing, effortless throughout, good air position, good speed on entry and exit, or creative/difficult entry.
For negative GOE, errors are assessed based on severity. A slight bobble on landing might earn -1. A step-out or hand touch could be -2 to -3. A fall is automatically -5 for that element.
Understanding GOE explains why a skater with a clean double jump program might outscore someone attempting triples with poor quality. Strong GOE on easier elements can outweigh weak GOE on difficult ones.
Technical Panel vs Judging Panel: Who Does What
One of the most confusing aspects of figure skating for new viewers is understanding who actually makes which decisions. The scoring process involves two distinct groups working together.
The Technical Panel: Identifying Elements
The Technical Panel consists of specialists who identify each element as it happens and determine its base value and any technical errors. This panel includes a Technical Specialist, an Assistant Technical Specialist, and a Technical Controller.
As a skater performs, the Technical Specialist calls out each element in real-time. They identify whether a jump is a Lutz or a flip, whether a spin achieved Level 4 or only Level 2, and whether any features were present.
The Technical Controller reviews these calls and can correct errors. Video replay operators assist by providing slow-motion footage when close calls require verification.
This panel also identifies technical errors like underrotations and wrong edges. These calls happen almost instantly, which is how judges can score elements so quickly after they are performed.
The Judging Panel: Awarding Quality Scores
Once the Technical Panel identifies an element and its base value, the Judging Panel takes over. These are the judges you see sitting at the boards, entering scores into computer systems.
Each judge independently awards a GOE for every element based on its quality. They also award the five Program Component scores at the end of the performance. Judges cannot see each other’s scores until after they enter their own.
The judging panel typically includes nine judges, though only a random selection of their scores counts toward the final result. This random panel selection prevents any single judge from unfairly influencing results.
The Referee and Data Operators
The Referee oversees the entire process, ensuring rules are followed and timing is correct. They identify any rule violations that result in deductions.
Data operators input the Technical Panel’s calls into the scoring system, which then combines these with the judging panel’s GOE and PCS marks. The computer calculates the final score instantly once all data is entered.
Common Technical Errors That Affect Scores
Some of the most significant scoring impacts come from technical errors that casual viewers might not notice. These invisible mistakes can cost skaters significant points.
Underrotations: The Hidden Point Killer
An underrotation occurs when a skater completes less than the full required rotation in the air and finishes the remaining rotation on the ice. The Technical Panel identifies underrotations using video replay.
When a jump is underrotated by more than one-quarter turn but less than one-half turn, it receives an underrotation call. This reduces the base value to 70 percent of the full rotation value. A triple jump with an underrotation call scores as if it were a double jump with some bonus.
If a jump is underrotated by more than one-half turn, it is downgraded to the lower rotation entirely. A downgraded triple jump scores as a double jump. This massive point loss explains why some falls seem less damaging than clean jumps with underrotation calls.
Edge Calls: The Lutz-Flip Confusion
The Lutz and flip jumps look similar but take off from different edges. A proper Lutz takes off from the back outside edge, while a flip takes off from the back inside edge. Taking off from the wrong edge results in an edge call.
When the Technical Panel detects a wrong edge takeoff, they add an exclamation mark (!) to the element code or a more severe edge call symbol (e). An exclamation mark reduces the base value slightly. A clear edge error with the “e” designation reduces the base value significantly, sometimes by 20-30 percent.
Many casual viewers cannot distinguish between these edges, which is why edge calls often seem mysterious. Slow-motion replay reveals the takeoff edge clearly, showing why the call was made.
Popped Jumps and Falls
A popped jump occurs when a skater opens up early and completes fewer rotations than planned. A planned triple jump that becomes a single rotation scores only the base value of a single jump.
Falls result in automatic negative GOE of -5 for that element, plus a 1.00 point deduction from the total score. Multiple falls accumulate multiple deductions, which can devastate an otherwise strong technical program.
However, a single fall on a difficult quad jump might still earn more points than a clean double jump. This explains why skaters continue attempting difficult elements even with fall risk.
Deductions and Violations
Beyond element scoring, judges and officials assess various deductions for rule violations. These deductions are subtracted from the Total Segment Score after all elements and components are calculated.
Fall Deductions
Each fall costs 1.00 point. This deduction applies regardless of which element the fall occurred on. A program with three separate falls loses 3.00 points in deductions alone, separate from the negative GOE those falls generated.
Time Violations
Programs must fit within specific time limits with a small tolerance. Short programs are typically 2 minutes 40 seconds plus or minus 10 seconds. Free skates are 4 minutes for ladies and pairs, 4 minutes 30 seconds for men, with a 10-second tolerance.
Performing outside these limits results in a 1.00 point deduction. Music must also stop within the allowed time window.
Costume and Prop Violations
Costumes must be appropriate and cannot cause noise or distraction. Props are not permitted in singles and pairs skating. Violations result in deductions determined by the Referee.
Ice dance has specific costume requirements, and violations there can also result in point deductions from the Technical Controller or Referee.
Interruption Deductions
If a skater stops performing due to injury, equipment failure, or other reasons, deductions apply based on how long the interruption lasts. The first 10 seconds of interruption incur a 1.00 point deduction, with additional deductions for longer stops.
Reading the Protocol: A Quick Guide
After each performance, a protocol or score sheet displays the detailed breakdown of every element and score. Learning to read protocols helps viewers understand exactly why scores turned out the way they did.
Element Abbreviations
Jumps use standard abbreviations. T represents toe loop, S is Salchow, Lo is loop, F is flip, Lz is Lutz, and A is Axel. The number before the abbreviation indicates rotation: 3A is a triple Axel, 4T is a quad toe loop.
Combinations are indicated with plus signs: 3Lz+3T means triple Lutz followed by triple toe loop. Sequences use SEQ designation. Spins use abbreviations like CCoSp (change foot combination spin) or FCSp (flying camel spin) with level indicators L1 through L4.
Understanding the Layout
Protocols list elements in order performed. Each line shows the element code, base value, GOE awarded, and total element score. The judges’ individual GOE marks appear in columns, with the trimmed mean used for calculation.
Error indicators appear as symbols: < means underrotation, << means downgrade, ! means questionable edge, and e means clear edge violation. Falls are marked with an asterisk or F notation.
The bottom of the protocol shows the Technical Element Score total, Program Component Score total, any deductions, and the final Total Segment Score.
Tie-Breaking Rules
When scores are extremely close, specific tie-breaking procedures determine the winner. These rules prioritize technical achievement over component scores in most cases.
If two skaters have identical Total Segment Scores, the tie-breaker first considers the Technical Element Score. The skater with the higher TES wins the tie, rewarding the more difficult technical content.
If TES scores are also tied, the system looks at the sum of all positive GOE marks. This rewards the skater who executed more elements with above-average quality.
For overall competition ties (combined short program and free skate scores), the free skate Total Segment Score serves as the first tie-breaker. The skater with the better free skate performance wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do judges look for in figure skating?
Judges evaluate two main areas: technical elements (jumps, spins, sequences) scored by base value plus execution quality, and program components (composition, presentation, skating skills) scored from 0.25 to 10.00. They use the International Judging System to assign precise point values to every element and artistic aspect of the performance.
What trick is forbidden in ice skating?
The backflip is banned in ISU-sanctioned figure skating competitions. Terry Kubicka performed one at the 1976 Olympics, after which the move was outlawed for safety reasons. Skaters cannot perform any jumps that involve a complete flip rotation. Other acrobatic elements like somersaults are also prohibited in competitive figure skating.
How do they judge figure skating so quickly?
The Technical Panel identifies elements in real-time while the skater performs, using instant video replay for close calls. A separate Judging Panel enters GOE scores immediately after each element. Computer systems combine base values, GOE adjustments, and component scores automatically. This division of labor between technical specialists and quality judges allows scores to be calculated within seconds of a performance ending.
How much does a figure skating judge make?
Figure skating judges are typically volunteers who receive minimal compensation. Most earn between $100 to $300 per day at regional and sectional competitions. National and international judges may receive $200 to $500 per day plus travel expenses. ISU championship judges receive higher stipends but still view judging as a service to the sport rather than a primary income source.
Conclusion
Understanding what figure skating judges look for transforms how you experience this beautiful sport. The International Judging System creates a framework where athletic difficulty and artistic expression both receive proper recognition.
When you watch figure skating in 2026, you now know that every score reflects both what the skater attempted and how well they executed it. You understand why a clean program with simpler jumps might outscore a messy attempt at quads. You can read a protocol and identify the underrotations or edge calls that affected the result.
The next time someone asks why their favorite skater lost despite skating cleanly, you can explain the difference between technical content and execution quality. You can appreciate the artistry being judged alongside the athletics. Figure skating judging is complex, but it is not arbitrary. Every point tells a story about what happened on the ice.