INTERNATIONAL SKATING UNION
Communication No. 1649
SINGLE & PAIR SKATING, ICE DANCE and SYNCHRONIZEDSKATINGGUIDELINES FOR INTERNATIONAL NOVICE COMPETITIONS(Replaces ISU Communications 1288 & 1331; 1397, 1528)

A.

Introduction

It is not only the obligation and task of an International Federation to support high level
performances, to organize international events and to administer the sport, but also to careabout the future and the development of its various branches.
To secure the future of the ISU, it is therefore necessary to work in a very supportive andconstructive way towards the recruitment of young skaters and to put in place a progressive
formation and structure. The support of the Novice category and the structure of levels andrequirements, as well as a clear age rule, are required to maintain the ISU today in a good
position today.
The different Levels of Novices (Basic Novice and Advanced Novice) may encourage theorganizers to open their events, in a comparable competitive situation, to all competitors andtheir different ability and grade of education in skating. The category of entries should be
subject to the decision of the entered members.
The organizer decides on the disciplines and subgroups to be included in the event. The
Member/Club entering skater(s)/team(s) will decide on the subgroup their athletes will
participate.
It is understood that, at a certain age, Novice skaters/teams can participate in Juniorcompetitions/events and vice versa.
The ISU is willing and prepared to support, with its expertise, the area around the Novices
and the step into the junior category. With the following steps and information the ISU istaking action to secure the further development of the Figure Skating Branch.
The purpose of this Communication is to regulate International Novice Competitions for the
Figure Skating Branch falling under Rule 107, paragraph 10. It is also recommended thatorganizers of Interclub competitions falling under Rule 107, paragraph 14 apply the Generaland Technical Requirements included in this Communication.
In case of interpretation, doubts etc. the ISU Council will take the final decision.

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B.

General1. Entries
Entries to the competitions are made by the Members (for International Competitions) or
Sections/Clubs (for Interclub Competitions), which must be a member of the Member, basedon the age and the level of the skaters.
2. Age requirements (Rule 108, paragraph 2. new d) and paragraph 3. new c) ): in
International Competitions, a Novice is a Skater who has met the following requirements
before July 1st preceding the event (the specific date: before July 1st, applies to all indicated dates):- has reached at least the age of ten (10)- has not reached the age of fifteen (15)
Two subgroups offering a different technical package are established:- Basic Novices- Advanced Novices
Furthermore, in Single Skating, two subgroups by age are established for the Basic Novices:
Basic Novice Aa) has reached at least the age of ten (10)b) has not reached the age of thirteen (13) for Girls and Boys in singles competitions
Basic Novice Ba) has reached at least the age of thirteen (13)b) has not reached the age of fifteen (15) for Girls and Boys
No subgroups by age are established for Basic Novices in Pair Skating, Ice Dance andSynchronized Skating. Synchronized Skating is using the subgroups for Basic Novices toclarify the number of skaters per team.
No subgroups by age are established for Advanced Novices in all disciplines.
3. Officials:a) ISU Rules 337 and 720 on the composition of panel of Officials apply, except for theinternational qualification of the Officials. In each event there should be at least one (1)Judge and one (1) member of the Technical Panel acting with an international
qualification.
b) The same ISU Rules regarding judging, refereeing and the work of the Technical Panel
apply as in Junior and Senior International Competitions.
c) Rules 420, paragraphs 1 and 2, and 816, paragraphs 1 and 2 regarding the Report of theReferee and the Report of the Technical Controller apply.

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C.

SINGLE & PAIR SKATING

1.

General Requirements for Novice competitions Single and Pair Skating

Segments of events to be skated in Novice Single and Pair Skating competitions:a) Single Skating events shall consist of* younger subgroup (Group A) Basic Novice* older subgroup (Group B) Basic Novice* Advanced Novices

Free Skating only
Free Skating only
Short Program and Free Skatingb) Pair Skating events shall consist of* Basic Novice (one group) Free Skating only
* Advanced Novices
Free Skating onlyc) Duration of the Programs:
Single Skating
Basic Novice subgroup A
Basic Novice subgroup B
Advanced Novice

Pair Skating
Basic Novice
Advanced Novice

Free Skating 2:30 min, +/. 10 sec.
Free Skating 3:00 min, +/. 10 sec.
Short Program max. 2:30 min
Free Skating 3:00 min, +/. 10 sec. for girls
Free Skating 3:30 min, +/- 10 sec. for boys

Free Skating 3:00 min, +/. 10 sec.
Free Skating 3:30 min, +/. 10 sec.

2.

Technical Requirements for Novice competitions Single Skating

2.1

Single Skating Basic Novice A - Girls and Boys (younger subgroup)

A well balanced Free Skating program for Singles A must contain:a) Maximum of 4 jump elements for Girls and Boys one of which must be an Axel typejump. There may be up to two (2) jump combinations or sequences. Jump combinations
can contain only two (2) jumps. A jump sequence can contain any number of jumps, but
only two most difficult jumps will be counted.
Triple jumps are not permitted.
b) There must be a maximum of two (2) spins of a different nature (abbreviation), one ofwhich must be a spin combination with or without change of foot (minimum of six (6)revolutions in total) and one spin with no change of position and with or without change
of foot (minimum of six (6) revolutions in total).
c) There must be a maximum:(i) for Girls one (1) step sequence or one (1) spiral sequence consisting of max. two (2)spiral positions. The sequence (step or spiral) will have a fixed Base value andevaluated in GOE only.
(ii) for Boys maximum of one (1) step sequence with a fixed Base value and evaluated in
GOE only.

3The Program Components are only judged in•
Skating Skills•
Performance/Execution
The Factor of the Program Components is 2.5.
Levels explanations:
For Basic Novice A Singles, in all elements which are subject to Levels, only features up to
Level 2 will be counted. Any additional features will not count for Level requirements andwill be ignored by the Technical Panel.
2.2.

Single Skating Basic Novice B - Girls and Boys (older subgroup)

A well balanced Free Skating program for Singles B boys and girls must contain:a) Maximum of 5 jump elements for Girls and 6 jump elements for Boys one of which must
be an Axel type jump. There may be up to two (2) jump combinations or sequences. A
jump combination can contain only two (2) jumps. A jump sequence can contain any
number of jumps, but only two most difficult jumps will be counted.
Only two (2) jumps with two and a half (2 1/2) or more revolutions can be repeated either
in a jump combination or in a jump sequence.
b) There must be a maximum of two (2) spins of a different nature, one of which must be aspin combination (minimum of ten (10) revolutions in total) and one a flying spin or aspin with a flying entrance (minimum of six (6) revolutions in total).
c) There must be a maximum:(i) for Girls one (1) step sequence or one (1) spiral sequence consisting of max. two (2)spiral positions. The sequence (step or spiral) will have a fixed Base value and evaluatedin GOE only.
(ii) for Boys maximum of one (1) step sequence with a fixed Base value and evaluated in
GOE only.
The Program Components are only judged in• Skating Skills• Performance/Execution• Interpretation
The Factor of the Program Components is- for boys
2.0
- for girls
1.7
Levels explanations:
For Basic Novice B Singles, in all elements which are subject to Levels, only features up to
Level 2 will be counted. Any additional features will not count for Level requirements andwill be ignored by the Technical Panel.

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2.3

Single Skating Advanced Novice - Girls and Boys

Boys
The Short Program for Boys’ Singles shall consist of the following elements:a) Axel Paulsen or double Axel Paulsenb) Double or triple jump immediately proceeded by connecting steps, may not repeat jump ina)c) One jump combination consisting of two double jumps or one double and one triple jump,both jumps may not repeat jump in a) or b)d) Camel or sit spin (minimum of six (6) revolutions) with change of foot and no flying
entrancee) Spin combination with only one change of foot and at least one change of position(minimum of five (5) revolutions on each foot)f) One step sequences with full utilization of the ice surface (straight line, serpentine/
circular)Girls
The Short Program for Girls’ Singles shall consist of the following elements:a) Axel Paulsen or double Axel Paulsenb) Double or triple jump immediately preceded by connecting steps, may not repeat jump ina)c) One jump combination consisting of two double jumps or one double and one triple jump,both jumps may not repeat jump in a) or b)d) Layback or sideways leaning spin (minimum of six (6) revolutions)e) Spin combination with only one change of foot and at least one change of position(minimum of five (5) revolutions on each foot)f) One step sequence with full utilization of the ice surface (straight line / circular /serpentine)Boys and GirlsA well balanced Free Skating program for Singles must contain:a) Maximum 6 jump elements for Girls and 7 jump elements for Boys one of which must be
an Axel type jump. There may be up to two (2) jump combinations or sequences. A jumpcombination can contain only two (2) jumps. A jump sequence can contain any number ofjumps, but only two most difficult jumps will be counted.
Only two (2) jumps with two and a half (2 1/2) revolutions or more can be repeated either
in a jump combination or in a jump sequence.
b) There must be a maximum of two (2) spins of a different nature, one of which must be aspin combination (minimum of ten (10) revolutions) and one a flying spin or a spin with aflying entrance (minimum of six (6) revolutions).
c) There must be a maximum of one (1) step sequence
Levels explanations:
For Advanced Novice Singles, in all elements which are subject to Levels, only features up to
Level 3 will be counted. Any additional features will not count for Level requirements andwill be ignored by the Technical Panel.

5The Program Components are only judged in• Skating Skills• Transitions• Performance/Execution• Interpretation
The factors for the Program Components isa)b)

Short Program- for boys
- for girls

1.0.
1.0

Free Skating- for boys
- for girls

1.7
1.5

3.

Technical Requirements for Novice competitions Pairs

3.1

Pair Skating Basic Novice

Basic Novice competitions will consist of a Free Skating program only.
A well balanced Free Skating program must contain a maximum of:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

Two different lifts of Group 1 to 2, one arm holds not allowed (full extension of thelifting arm of the partner is not required)
One Lutz Twist lift (single)
One solo jump (single or double)
One solo spin, no change of foot, change of position optional, minimum five (5)revolutions or one pair spin, minimum 5 revolutions
One pivot figure *)One spiral sequence consisting of max. two (2) spiral positions. The sequence will have afixed Base value and evaluated in GOE only.

*If a death spiral is executed, it is marked according to ISU Technical Rules Single & Pair
Skating. In other cases there are no Levels.
Levels explanations:
For Basic Novice Pairs, in all elements which are subject to Levels, only features up to Level
2 will be counted. Any additional features will not count for Level requirements and will beignored by the Technical Panel.

The Program Components are only judged in• Skating Skills• Performance/Execution
The factor of the Program Components is 3.5
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3.2

Pair Skating Advanced Novice

A well balanced Free Skating program must contain a maximum of:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)

Two different lifts of Groups 1 to 4, one arm holds not allowed, (in group 1 and 2 full
extension of the lifting arm of the partner is not required).
One Lutz Twist lift (single or double)
One Throw jump (single or double)
One solo jump (single or double)
One solo spin or solo spin combination (minimum of five (5) revolutions in total) or pairspin or pair spin combination (minimum of five (5) revolutions in total)
One death spiral or any other pivot figure *)One spiral sequence with at least two (2) spiral positions with fixed Base value and GOE
only
One step sequence: serpentine, circular or straight line with full utilization of the ice
surface*If a death spiral is executed, it is marked according to ISU Technical Rules Single & Pair
Skating 2010. In other cases for the Death Spiral there are no levels.
Levels explanations:
For Advanced Novice Pairs, in all elements which are subject to Levels, only features up to
Level 3 will be counted. Any additional features will not count for Level requirements andwill be ignored by the Technical Panel.
The Program Components are only judged in• Skating Skills• Transitions• Performance/Execution• Interpretation
The Factor of the Program Components is 1.8

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D.

ICE DANCE

1.

General Requirements for Novice competitions Ice Dance

Segments of events to be skated in Novice Ice Dance competitions are:a)

Ice Dance events shall consist of
Basic Novice
Advanced Noviceb)

2 Pattern Dances and Free Dance
2 Pattern Dances and Free Dance

Duration of Free Dance:
Basic Novice
Advanced Novice

Free Dance 2:30 min., +/. 10 sec.
Free Dance 3:00 min., +/. 10 sec.

2.

Technical Requirements for Basic Novice competitions Ice Dance

2.1

Pattern Dance

Rule 639, paragraph 1: for Novice International Competitions, the Pattern Dances will beannounced annually by the Ice Dance Technical Committee in an ISU Communication notlater than June 1st, to become effective on July 1st of the year following the announcement.
Two (2) Pattern Dances are to be skated for Basic Novice. For the 2010/2011 season:#1 Fourteen step

#4 European Waltz

The Scale of Values of the Pattern Dances may be updated and will be published in ISU
Communications.
2.2

Free Dance

Rule 610 shall apply except that vocal music is not permitted. The use of vocal music shall beconsidered as a violation of music restriction and penalized as per Rule 653, paragraph 1 n)(ii) and Rule 409, paragraph 1.
Requirements for the music and the costume: as per ISU Communication 1610 and
subsequent updates of this ISU Communication (except that music may not be vocal).
A Well Balanced Free Dance program must containa) One (1) Short Lift (as defined in Rule 604, paragraph 16), chosen from the following
Types of Lifts:a) Straight Line Liftb) Curve Liftc) Rotational Lift
In addition, one (1) additional Lift (up to 6 seconds) without any requirement for the
Level of Difficulty is permitted (provided it is not an Illegal Lift), but only the first Lift8

performed will be identified and considered in determining the Level of Difficulty.
However if a third Lift is performed, it will be considered by the Technical Panel as an
extra element.
In case a Stationary Lift is performed as the Lift with a Level of Difficulty, it will beidentified by the Technical Panel to occupy a box, given No Value, and considered as an
extra element (element not according to the Well Balanced Program).
b) One (1) Step Sequence in hold of any type of Groups A or B (as defined in Rule 603,
paragraph 3).
The restrictions listed in ISU Communication 1610 and subsequent updates of this ISU
Communication apply.
c) One (1) Set of Synchronized Twizzles (as defined in Rule 604, paragraph 14 a) and b):
only the first set of Synchronized Twizzles skated will be identified and considered for the
Level of Difficulty.
The Dance Spin is not included in the list of Required Elements for the Basic Novice Free
Dance. Nevertheless, a spinning movement skated by the couple together in any hold aroundcommon 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 thepermitted stops.
Levels explanations
For Basic Novice Free Dance, in all Required Elements, only features up to Level 2 will becounted. Any additional features will not count for Level requirements and will be ignored by
the Technical Panel.
All Program Components are judged with the following factors:
Skating Skills
1.10
Transitions/ Linking Footwork/Movements 0.90
Performance/Execution
0.90
Composition/Choreography
0.90
Interpretation/Timing
0.90

3. Technical Requirements for Advanced Novice competitions Ice Dance
3.1

Pattern Dance

Rule 639, paragraph 1: for Novice International Competitions, the list of Pattern Dances will
be announced annually by the Ice Dance Technical Committee in an ISU Communication notlater than June 1st, to become effective on July 1st of the year following the announcement.
Two (2) Pattern Dances are to be skated for Advanced Novice. For the 2010/11 season, one
Pattern Dance shall be drawn from each group before the first practice of the competition:
Group 1:
Group 2:#5 American Waltz #9 Starlight Waltz#12 Kilian#20 Tango
9The Scale of Values of the Pattern Dances may be updated and will be published in ISU
Communications.
3.2

Free Dance

Rule 610 shall apply except that vocal music is not permitted. The use of vocal music shall beconsidered as a violation of music restriction and penalized as per Rule 653, paragraph 1 n)(ii) and Rule 409, paragraph 1.
Requirements for the music and the costume: as per ISU Communication 1610 and
subsequent updates of this ISU Communication (except that music may not be vocal).
A Well Balanced Free Dance program must containa) Two (2) different Types of Short Lifts (as defined in Rule 604, paragraph 16), chosenfrom the following Types of Lifts:a) Straight Line Liftb) Curve Liftc) Rotational Lift
In addition, one (1) additional Lift (up to 6 seconds) without any requirement for the
Level of Difficulty is permitted (provided it is not an Illegal Lift), but only the first two
Lifts performed will be identified and considered in determining the Level of Difficulty.
However if a fourth Lift is performed, it will be considered by the Technical Panel as an
extra element.
In case a Stationary Lift is performed among the two Lifts with a Level of Difficulty, it
will be identified by the Technical Panel to occupy a box, given No Value, and considered
as an extra element (element not according to the Well Balanced Program).
b) One (1) Spin (as defined in Rule 604, paragraph 14 e), but not more
Note: A Combination Spin is not permitted. In case a Combination Spin is performed
instead of a Spin, it will be identified by the Technical Panel to occupy a box, given No
Value, and considered as an extra element (element not according to the Well Balanced
Program).
c) One (1) Step Sequence in hold of any type of Groups A or B (as defined in Rule 603,
paragraph 3).
The restrictions listed in ISU Communication 1610 and subsequent updates of this ISU
Communication apply.
d) One (1) Set of Synchronized Twizzles (as defined in Rule 604, paragraph 14 a) and b):
only the first set of Synchronized Twizzles skated will be identified and considered for the
Level of Difficulty.
Levels explanations
In all Required Elements, all features up to Level 4 will be counted.

10All Program Components are judged with the following factors:
Skating Skills
Transitions/ Linking Footwork/Movements
Performance/Execution
Composition/Choreography
Interpretation/Timing

1.10
0.90
0.90
0.90
0.90

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E.

Synchronized Skating

1.

Technical Requirements for Basic Novice competitions

1.1

Team composition

Basic Novice A
Basic Novice A shall consist of twelve (12) skaters with a maximum number of four (4)alternate skaters. At the National level, Members may permit a different team composition.
Basic Novice B
Basic Novice B shall consist of sixteen (16) skaters with a maximum number of four (4)alternate skaters. At the National level, Members may permit a different team composition.

1.2

Free Skating

Basic Novice A and B competitions will consist of a Free Skating program only.
A well-balanced Free Skating program must contain the following six (6) requiredelements:a) One (1) Blockb) One (1) Circlec) One (1) Intersectiond) One (1) Linee) One (1) Movement in Isolationf) One (1) Wheel
Maximum element levels can be skated but the level awarded will be one level lower than the
maximum defined in the ISU Technical Rules.
Other elements may be incorporated into the Free Skating program as transitional elements
and might reflect the Judges scores for Interpretation. The program content sheet should
indicate which extra Elements are transition Elements.
-

Definition/criteria of recommended Elements and Features are in accordance with Rules
903 and 911.
Difficulty Groups of Elements and Features and the description of their requirements arein accordance with the valid (corresponding) ISU Communication.

a)
Holds
Minimum of three (3) different recognizable holds are required. There will be a deduction
made by the Referee if there is not the required number of holds in the program.
b)

Duration of Program

The length of the program is 3 minutes +/- 10 seconds.
The time must be reckoned from the moment that the Team begins a skating movement(glide) until arriving at a complete stop at the end of the program.
12

c)
Music
Vocal music using lyrics is permitted.
d)Program Components

The Program Components are only judged in• Skating Skills• Performance/Execution• Interpretation
The Factor of the Program Components is 1.7e)Illegal elements

The illegal elements are following the restrictions in Junior Free Skating (in addition the
Vaults are illegal elements for Novices), (see Rule 912, paragraph 9 b).

2.

Technical Requirements for Advanced Novice competitions

2.1

Team composition

An Advanced Novice team shall consist of sixteen (16) skaters with a maximum number offour (4) alternate skaters.
2.2

Free Skating

Advanced Novice competitions will consist of a Free Skating program only.
A well-balanced Free Skating program must contain the following seven (7) requiredelements:a) One (1) Blocke) One (1) Circlef) One (1) Intersectiong) One (1) Linee) One (1) Movement in Isolationf) One (1) Wheelg) One (1) Step Sequence (either circle or block formation)
Maximum element levels can be skated but level awarded will be one level lower than the
maximum defined in the ISU Technical Rules.
Other elements may be incorporated into the Free Skating program and will be judged astransitions and/or choreography components. The program content sheet should indicate
which extra Elements are transition Elements.
-

Definition/criteria of recommended Elements and Features are in accordance with Rules
903 and 911.
Difficulty Groups of Elements and Features and the description of their requirements arein accordance with the valid (corresponding) ISU Communication.
13

a)
Holds
Minimum of three (3) different recognizable holds are required. There will be a deduction
made by the Referee if there is not the required number of holds in the program.
b)

Duration of Program

The length of the program is 3 minutes 30 seconds +/- 10 seconds.
The time must be reckoned from the moment that the Team begins a skating movement(glide) until arriving at a complete stop at the end of the program.
c)
Music
Vocal music using lyrics is permitted.
d)Program Components

The Program Components are judged in• Skating Skills• Performance/Execution• Transitions• Interpretation• Choreography / Composition
The Factor of the Program Components is 1.0e)Illegal elements

The illegal elements are following the restrictions in Junior Free Skating (in addition Vaults
are illegal elements for Novices), (see Rule 912, paragraph 9 b).

Milano,October 7, 2010
Lausanne,14

Ottavio Cinquanta, President
Fredi Schmid, Director General