International Skating Union

Please be advised that the following major Rules changes and amendments (underlined) were accepted at the 48th ISU Ordinary Congress in Quebec City, June 2000:

I. ISU CONGRESS DECISIONS RELATED TO TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

A. DEFINITIONS OF THE TERMS USED IN SYNCHRONIZED SKATING:

Rule 703 - New

1. Step Sequence:

A combination / series of different turns and steps such as three turns, brackets, counters, rockers, mohawks, choctaws, twizzles, change of edges, chassés, etc.

2. Free Skating Movements:

Free skating movements such as lunges, spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles are permitted in Synchronized Skating.

3. Transition:

A passage between elements. In the short program, transitions necessary to link the required elements are permitted provided they cover less than one half of the length of the ice surface.

4. Dance Jump:

A rotational type movement of not more than one-half (1/2) revolution during which both feet leave the ice.

5. Jump:

A rotational type movement of at least one (1) revolution during which both feet leave the ice. Only jumps of one (1) revolution are permitted in Synchronized Skating and in Free Skating only.

6. Assisted Jump:

A jump, of not more than one (1) revolution, in which a skater(s) provides passive assistance to another skater(s) in a non-supportive manner. The take off must be done by the skater that jumps. In this action there is a continuos ascending and descending movement. The hands of a skater(s) providing the passive assistance must not raise higher than shoulder level height. Assisted jumps are allowed in free skating only.

7. Lift:

The elevation of a skater(s) off the ice by another skater(s). In this action there is a sustained position during the execution of a lift. The take off is not done by the skater that jumps. Lifts are not permitted in Synchronized Skating.

8. Spiral:

A spiral is a glide on long edges in arabesque position in which the free leg is held equal to or higher than hip level.

9. Configuration (Arrangement/Form):

A configuration is the arrangement and/or form of the element. By arrangement it is meant that the skaters must change the members beside which they skate.

By Form is meant the number of lines in an element (for example Block).

10. Movements in isolation:

Movements in isolation are elements where skaters are isolated from each other or from the rest of the team. These movements must show a relationship to the overall elements and enhance the musical interpretation. Movements in isolation (provided these movements are not illegal elements) such as short spins, jumps, spirals etc. and other unique or innovative movements are allowed in free skating only.

11. Highlighting:

An element in which a skater(s) perform a movement in isolation that is distracting from the performance of the rest of the team. Highlighting is an illegal element and not permitted in Synchronized Skating.

12. Sub-grouping:

A subordinate or smaller group(s) without close relationship to the rest of the team; a division of the team into several smaller groups.

B. SHORT PROGRAM - Definitions for Step Sequences, Free skating movements, Transitions / Rule 705 paragraph 1b), c) and g) - New

b) In the short program, required step sequences must include steps and turns of a difficult nature such as three turns, brackets, counters, rockers, mohawks, choctaws, twizzles, change of edges, chasses, etc. and be long enough to be clearly recognizable. Step sequences which include more than one (1) crossover in a row do not fulfil the step sequence requirement for the short program.

c) Free skating movements (such as lunges, spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are not considered as steps in the short program but may be used as identifiable / recognizable connecting movements between the two (2) required step sequences.

g) Transitions necessary to link the required elements are permitted provided they cover less than one half of the length of the ice surface.

C. MUSIC for Short Program (Senior and Junior) / Rule 705 paragraph 1 d)

Vocal music using lyrics is not permitted. However, the voice used as an instrument is permitted. Music may contain background musical effects that are considered as being expressive of a particular type of music.

If the music is not according to the requirements, a deduction of 0.1 must be made in the presentation mark.

D. SENIOR SHORT PROGRAM - Requirements / Rule 705 paragraph 2

The Senior Synchronized Skating short program shall consist of the following required elements:

a) Circle:

(i) Any type or combination of a circle(s) to a maximum of two (2) circles at any time;

(ii) At least two (2) different holds;

(iii) At least two (2) step sequences.

b) Line:

(i) Any type or combination of single or double straight line(s) that travels the full length of the ice surface and moves in either a horizontal and/or longitudinal direction;

(ii) At least two (2) different holds;

(iii) At least two (2) step sequences.

c) Block:

(i) Closed block;

(ii) Maximum of six (6) lines minimum of three (3) lines;

(iii) At least three (3) different axes;

(iv) At least two (2) different configurations;

(v) At least two (2) different holds;

(vi) At least two (2) step sequences.

d) Wheel:

(i) One (1) wheel at any time;

(ii) Three (3) different geometrical shapes.

e) Intersection:

(i) Any type of element that incorporates movement of one part of the team through another part of the team;

(ii) Maximum of three (3) intersections.

Remarks Senior:

CIRCLE

• There may be different numbers of skaters in each of the circles.
• The circle(s) may revolve clockwise or counter-clockwise or a combination of both directions. The circles must not be linked or intersecting. The circles may travel together and/or separately and may revolve and/or travel in opposite directions.
• All skaters must execute the same steps and use the same hold except during the change of direction and free skating moves.
• The step sequences may be executed on opposite feet and the skaters may be skating in either a forward or backward direction.
• Different heights and different free leg extensions may be used.
• No jumps except dance jumps are permitted.
• Free skating moves (such as lunges, spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are permitted except during the required step sequences. These free skating moves must be done at the same time in both circles but need not be the same by all skaters.
• Separations are permitted.

LINE

• The maximum number of lines is two (2). The lines may but do not have to be parallel. The lines may have different numbers of skaters.
• The lines must start and end parallel to and close to the short barrier traveling the full length of the ice surface. The line must end at the opposite barrier from the start. As long as parallel lines are in close proximity, one of the lines may be slightly forward of the red hockey line at the start and end of the maneuver.
• Lines may move horizontally and/or vertically and retrogression is permitted. Some minor deviation in the straight line(s) is permitted when changing from horizontal to vertical or reverse. Pivot lines may be used but they must not pivot more than 90 degrees at any one time. Lines may be joined or separate and may pass by each other when going from either a single to parallel lines or parallel to a single line.
• All skaters must execute the same steps and use the same hold except during the change of direction and free skating moves.
• The step sequences may be executed on opposite feet and the skaters may be skating in either a forward or backward direction.
• Different heights and different free leg extensions may be used.
• No jumps except dance jumps are permitted.
• Free skating moves (such as lunges, spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are permitted except during the required step sequences. These free skating moves must be done at the same time in all lines but need not be the same by all skaters.
• Separations are permitted.

BLOCK

The number of skaters in each line must be as close to equal as possible.

• The block must travel at least the full length of the ice surface.
• All skaters must execute the same steps and use the same hold except during the change of direction and free skating moves.
• Different heights and free leg extensions may be used.
• No jumps except dance jumps are permitted.
• Free skating moves (such as lunges, spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are permitted except during the required step sequences. These free skating moves must be done at the same moment in all lines but need not be the same by all skaters.
• Separations are permitted.

WHEEL

• There must be (3) different geometrical shapes and a shape must not be repeated. To fulfill the requirement for a geometrical shape, a wheel must rotate at least 180 degrees in that shape.
• The wheel may revolve either clockwise or counter-clockwise or a combination of both directions. There are no required holds or step sequences and any combination or variety thereof may be used.
• No jumps except dance jumps are permitted.
• Free skating moves (such as lunges, spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are permitted.
• Separations are permitted.

INTERSECTION

• The intersection(s) may occur simultaneously or separately as long as every skater is involved in the intersection.
• Skaters may execute different movements at any time during the intersecting element.
• There are no required holds or step sequences and any combination or variety thereof may be used.
• No jumps except dance jumps are permitted.
• Free skating moves (such as lunges, spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are permitted, however, back spirals are illegal elements.

E. JUNIOR SHORT PROGRAM - Requirements / Rule 705 paragraph 3

The Junior Synchronized Skating short program shall consist of the following required elements:

a) Circle:

(i) one (1) circle at any time;

(ii) at least two (2) different holds;

(iii) at least two (2) step sequences.

b) Line:

(i) one (1) line at any time;

(ii) at least two (2) different holds;

(iii) at least one (1) step sequence.

c) Block:

(i) closed block;

(ii) maximum of six (6) lines minimum of three (3) lines;

(iii) at least two (2) different axes;

(iv) at least two (2) different holds;

(v) at least two (2) step sequences;

d) Wheel:

(i) one (1) wheel at any time;

(ii) two (2) different geometrical shapes;

e) Intersection:

(i) Any type of element that incorporates movement of one half of the team through the other half of the team;

(ii) maximum of three (3) intersections.

Remarks Junior:

CIRCLE

• The circle may revolve clockwise or counter-clockwise or a combination of both directions.
• All skaters must execute the same steps and use the same hold except during the change of direction and free skating moves.
• Different heights and free leg extensions may be used.
• No jumps except dance jumps are permitted.
• Free skating moves (such as lunges, spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are permitted except during the required step sequences.
• Separations are permitted.

LINE

• The line must start and end parallel to and close to the short barrier travelling the full length of the ice surface. The line must end at the opposite barrier from the start.
• Retrogression is permitted but the line must remain parallel to the short barrier as it travels from one end of the ice surface to the opposite end of the ice surface.
• All skaters must execute the same steps and use the same hold except during the change of direction and free skating moves.
• Different heights and free leg extensions may be used.
• No jumps except dance jumps are permitted.
• Free skating moves, (such as lunges, spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are permitted except during the required step sequence.
• Separations are permitted.

BLOCK

• The number of skaters in each line must be as close to equal as possible.
• The block must travel at least the full length of the ice surface.
• All skaters must execute the same steps and use the same hold except during the change of direction and free skating moves.
• Different heights and free leg extensions may be used.
• No jumps except dance jumps are permitted.
• Free skating moves (such as lunges, spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are permitted except during the required step sequences. These free skating moves must be done at the same moment in all lines but need not be the same by all skaters.
• Separations are permitted.

WHEEL

• There must be (2) different geometrical shapes and a shape must not be repeated. To fulfill the requirement for a geometrical shape, a wheel must rotate at least 180 degrees in that shape.
• The wheel may revolve either clockwise or counter-clockwise or a combination of both directions.
• There are no required holds or step sequences and any combination or variety thereof may be used.
• Jumps / dance jumps are not permitted
• Free skating moves (such as lunges, spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are permitted.
• Separations are permitted.

INTERSECTION

• The intersection(s) may occur simultaneously or separately as long as half of the team intersects with the other half of the team.
• Skaters may execute different movements at any time during the intersecting element.
• There are no required holds or step sequences and any combination or variety thereof may be used.
• Jumps / dance jumps are not permitted.
• Free skating moves (such as lunges, spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are permitted, however, back spirals are illegal elements.

F. ILLEGAL ELEMENTS in Short Program / Rule 706 paragraph 6 - NEW

a) Lifts of any variety

b) Jumps of more than one-half (1/2) revolution

c) Assisted jumps

d) Intersections incorporating back spirals

e) Prolonged lying or kneeling on the ice at the beginning, end and/or during the program.

f) Movements in isolation (see Rule 703, paragraph 10)

g) Highlighting (see Rule 703, paragraph 11)

When illegal elements are included, a deduction of 0.1 must be made in both required elements and presentation marks each time an illegal element is performed.

G. FREE SKATING / Rule 711 paragraph 2c),d), e), g), h)

A well balanced program must contain:

c) for senior teams there must be at least four (4) different holds;

d) for junior teams there must be at least three (3) different holds.

e) the number of each element listed above may be varied, but an excessive number or lack of any element or excessive / repetitive use of the same steps and / or holds must be penalized by the judges in the mark for technical merit, since this is against the objective of a well balanced program;

g) the penalty for an unbalanced program is 0.2 and for excessive sub-grouping 0.2 and for excessive / repetitive use of same steps and/or holds is 0.2.

These deductions must be made in the mark for technical merit;

h) movements in isolation (see Rule 703, paragraph 10) are allowed in the Junior and Senior Free Skating.

H. ILLEGAL ELEMENTS in Free Skating / Rule 711 paragraph 3

a) lifts of any variety;

b) jumps of more than one (1) revolution;

c) intersections incorporating back spirals;

d) prolonged lying or kneeling on the ice at the beginning, end and/or during the program;

e) highlighting

When illegal elements are included, a deduction of 0.1 must be made in both for technical merit and presentation marks, each time an illegal element is performed.

I. MUSIC for Free Skating (Senior and Junior) / Rule 711 paragraph 4

Vocal music using lyrics is not permitted. However, the voice used as an instrument is permitted. Music may contain background musical effects that are considered as being expressive of a particular type of music.

There must be at least one (1) change of tempo in the music selected. If the music is not according to the requirements, a deduction of 0.1 must be made in the presentation mark.

II. ISU CONGRESS DECISIONS RELATED TO COMPETITION REGULATIONS

A. COMPETITION SCHEDULE / Rule 721paragraph 1- NEW

The date, time and place of the Initial Judges meeting and the latest date and time of event review meetings for each category must be announced by the Organizing Member in the official announcement (see Rule 112, paragraph 4).

B. MUSIC REPRODUCTION SYSTEM / Rule 724 paragraph 1

For the ISU Synchronized Skating Championships and International Synchronized Skating Competitions, all teams must furnish competition music of excellent quality on magnetic tape, either Cassette, DAT (Digital Audio Tape), MD

(Mini Disk) or CD (Compact Disk) format.

a) The tapes must show the exact running time of the music (not skating time), which shall be certified by the team and by the coach, when submitted at the time of registration.

b) Each program (short / free) must be recorded on one track and on a separate disc or cassette.

c) Teams must provide a back-up drive or cassette for each program.

C. ALLOWANCE OF FRESH START / Rule 736 paragraph 1, 2, 3

1. In the case of short program and free skating,: 7th line cont.

• If this is not possible, a period of up to two (2) minutes will be allowed to correct the equipment problem or replace the injured skater with an alternate before continuing the program from the point of interruption.
• The same applies to the situation when the team interrupts the program on account of injury or unexpected damage to its clothing or equipment without the signal of the Referee;

2. If, in the opinion of the Referee, medical attention is required, the Referee must stop the performance and allow the team to continue immediately from the point of interruption or, if that is not possible, allow a period of up to two (2) minutes before continuing the program from the point of interruption .

3. No restarts of the whole program are allowed.

III. ISU CONGRESS DECISIONS RELATED TO OFFICIALS / Judges, Referees

There were several changes in the requirements for Appointments as well as for Promotions of Judges and Referees for ISU Synchronized Skating Championships and International Competitions to ensure the quality of Judging and Refereeing.

See enclosed the main changes such as Probationary Referee, Trial Refereeing and Judges Examination.

A. PROBATIONARY REFEREE for International Synchronized Skating Competitions / Rule 807 paragraph 9 - New

Probationary Referee for International Synchronized Skating Competitions:

a) Newly nominated Referees for International Synchronized Skating Competitions, who have complied with Rule 807, paragraph 8 a)-h), will be granted probationary status which will be valid for two (2) years commencing on July 1st of the year of the nomination. Such Probationary Referees shall be designated with two stars (**) besides their names on the list of Referees. During this period, the Probationary Referee may act as an Assistant Referee or an Assistant Referee Ice and must Trial Referee once (1) a Junior or Senior Competition (minimum six (6) teams and five (5) judges) under the supervision of a member of the Synchronized Skating Technical Committee, that will act as Assistant Referee.

If the Probationary Referee will receive a satisfactory report on the Trial Refereeing, the Probationary Referee shall be promoted to the status of a Referee for International Synchronized Skating Competitions on July 1st the following year.

b) If the Probationary Referee does not Trial Referee or not receive a satisfactory report on Trial Refereeing, the period will be extended up to a maximum 24 months. During this time the Probationary Referee must attend an ISU Recognized / Sponsored Referees Seminar and have a satisfactory report on Trial Refereeing. If this is not fulfilled within 48 months, a new application must be made by the Member.

c) The Member of the prospective candidates (Trial Referees) must apply for such activity to the Chairperson of the Synchronized Skating Technical Committee annually before April 15th .

B. TRIAL JUDGING - Judge for International Synchronized Skating Competitions - first appointment / Rule 818 paragraph 7

a) An individual announced as a Judge for the first time may be nominated only for International Synchronized Skating Competitions

b) To be eligible for first appointment in Synchronized Skating, the candidate must have reached the age of 24 but not the age of 50 in the calendar year of the nomination.

c) The candidate must have judged twice at two (2) different national Synchronized Skating championships or qualifying national competitions in which more than five (5) teams have participated as well as served as a Trial Judge conducted in accordance with Rule 818 paragraph 6 a) (i) during the 36 months preceding the nomination. The judging of the candidate must have been considered as satisfactory by the nominating Member during the 36 months preceding the nomination. The events judged must have included the ISU Senior or Junior Synchronized Skating short program and free skating.

The Member must submit the respective documents with the applications confirming these activities, which are either a copy of the classification list of the senior and/or junior events judged which includes the names of the Judges or the list of the panel verified by the Member;

d) An application to Trial Judging a Synchronized Skating Competition must be submitted to the chairperson of the Synchronized Skating Technical Committee. The Trial Judging must have been considered as satisfactory by the Synchronized Skating Technical Committee;

C. JUDGES EXAMINATION - Judge for ISU Synchronized Skating Championships / Rule 818 paragraphs 2a) and 9 - NEW

2. a) Nomination to take the examination will be made by the Member. After passing the examination the Synchronized Skating Technical Committee will appoint the candidate.

9. Candidates nominated by Members to take the practical and written Judges Examination, conducted by the ISU, for ISU Synchronized Skating Championships Judges must:

a) fulfill the requirements specified in 818 paragraph 8 a)-f);

b) the application to take the examination must be sent to ISU General Secretary with a copy to the Chairperson of the Synchronized Skating Technical Committee annually before April 15;

c) any failed part of the Judge's examination must be retaken at the next examination or the application must be resubmitted.

IV. GENERAL PART OF REGULATIONS

TEAMS NAMES / Rule 701 paragraph 4 - NEW

Synchronized Skating teams will be permitted to use individual team names, provided that they do not conflict with the ISU sponsors. The roster of team names, competing internationally, from each Member Federation must be submitted to the ISU once each year for approval (recommended by November 1).

If the ISU deems a name inappropriate at any time, it will notify the Member Federation who will then be required to file a name change for the team in question.

Milano,                                 Ottavio Cinquanta, President
                  July 15, 2000
Lausanne,                               Fredi Schmid, General Secretary

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