Figure Skating - Program Components | Skating Skills: Criteria

Definition: Over all skating quality: edge control and flow over the ice surface demonstrated by a command of the skating vocabulary (edges, steps, turns, etc), the clarity of technique, and the use of effortless power to accelerate and vary speed.

Criteria:
- Balance, rhythmic knee action, and precision of foot placement
- Flow and effortless glide
Rhythm, strength, clean strokes, and an efficient use of lean create a steady run to the blade and an ease of transfer of weight resulting in seemingly effortless power and acceleration.

- Cleanness and sureness of deep edges, steps, and turns: The skater should demonstrate clean and controlled curves, deep edges, and steps.

- Varied use of power/energy, speed, and acceleration: Variety is the gradation – some of which may be subtle.

- Mastery of one foot skating: No over use of skating on two feet.

- Multi directional skating: Includes all direction of skating: forward and backward, clockwise and counterclockwise including rotation in both directions.

Pair Skating and Ice Dancing: Equal mastery of technique by both partners shown in unison.

Ice Dancing: Compulsory Dance – Ice Coverage