Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Figure skating terminology

For the general style guidelines in figure skating, see Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Figure skating.

The WikiProject Figure skating terminology guide applies to articles within the scope of WikiProject Figure skating. It is based on the official rules and scoring guidelines published by the International Skating Union and the terminology and style guidelines presented by U.S. Figure Skating and Skate Canada. At the same time, it tries to meet the standards of Wikipedia's Manual of Style (especially MOS:TECHNICAL, MOS:JARGON, and MOS:NUM). This guide represents the consensus view of editors maintaining Wikipedia's articles about the sport of figure skating. However, if you notice any errors or disagree with certain recommendations, feel free to discuss them on this talk page.

Figure skating is a complex sport and performing art with a long list of technical terms and competition rules. It is subject to continuous changes in performed elements, competition rules, and judging systems, which require a high degree of sensitivity and accuracy in wording. However, figure skating is a sport that casual readers may only watch every four years at the Winter Olympics, not being familiar with its rules and terms. This guide gives an overview of the most important terms, their correct spelling, abbreviation, concise definition, and distinction from each other, while giving guidance in how to make figure skating articles accessible to the widest possible general audience.

Overview

Main sources

The terminology and style guidelines presented on this page are based on the latest official terminology and style guidelines published by the International Skating Union (ISU), U.S. Figure Skating, and Skate Canada, as of April 2024:

• ISU Special Regulations & Technical Rules: Single & Pair Skating and Ice Dance, published in September 2022

• ISU Technical Panel Handbooks, published in July 2023 for singles and pairs, and in August 2023 for ice dance

• ISU Scale of Values, published in 2022 for singles and pairs, and in 2023 for ice dance

• ISU Judges' Details per Skater, based the official score sheets used for the 2024 World Figure Skating Championships

• ISU Judging System, accessible on the ISU's official website

• ISU Figure Skating Statistics, accessible on the ISU's official website

• U.S. Figure Skating Style Guidelines, published in December 2019

• Skate Canada Info Centre, official figure skating terminology glossary provided by Skate Canada

General advices

Capitalization of terms

Note that the ISU has a strong preference for using uppercase letters for all types of nouns, which does not comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style guidelines in many cases. For that reason, the following recommendations use U.S. Figure Skating's style guidelines as orientation for the capitalization of figure skating terms.

General rule of thumb: only the names of governing bodies, judging systems, competitions, ice shows, pattern dances, program titles, and technical elements that are named after people should be capitalized.

Spell out technical terms

In the prose part of articles, with few exceptions, figure skating-specific terms should generally be spelled out at every mention. This goes especially for technical elements, competition names, and segments. Abbreviations like "3Lz+2T", "GPF" or "SP" should not appear anywhere in the prose on their own. If required, the official abbreviation can be added in parentheses after the spelled-out term at first mention. This is common practice in articles about the term itself.

In tables or templates, abbreviations can be used to keep columns and table cells at reasonable size, but each abbreviation must be introduced with the full spelled-out term either in an explanatory legend placed above the table or with an annotation using the template {{abbr}}. If the term has its own article on English Wikipedia, a respective link should be added. Always keep in mind that casual readers may not be familiar with the ISU's official abbreviations of elements and such.

Use technical terms sparingly

It is recommended to only use figure skating-specific terms in articles if they are (a) notable in content or (b) essential to understand the context.
Example: Only mention special scores like the "technical element score" (TES) if it is a notable record, personal best, required minimum score to qualify for a competition, or an otherwise important score.

Use more general terms

It is recommended to simplify and generalize figure skating terms, especially technical elements, without compromising the meaning of the sentence or the term itself. Omit technical additions like "backward" or "flying" if the context allows it.
Example: Instead of writing "The flying sit spin with change of foot got invalidated", it is often sufficient to reduce it to "The sit spin element got invalidated". The core statement is still true, but much easier to understand.

Write in descriptive style

It is recommended to visually describe or explain complex terms, especially in the case of technical elements.
Example: Instead of writing "counter triple Axel", it is better to describe the element as a "triple Axel jump entered by a counter turn" or "triple Axel jump performed with a difficult counter turn entry". Even if the reader doesn't know what an Axel or counter is, the phrasing "jump entered by a (difficult) turn" helps to visually imagine what the element looks like.

Explain all parts of a compound term

It is recommended to only use complex compound terms like "counter triple Axel" if every part of that compound is important for the context. In that case, all parts of the compound should be sufficiently introduced to the reader, either in the prose (recommended) or an explanatory footnote using {{NoteTag}} or a similar template. The single terms should be linked to the respective articles like Axel jump and counter turn, providing easy access to precise definitions.

Be consistent and avoid ambiguous terms

Note that the ISU is not always consistent in the use of figure skating terms themselves. On the summary page of the ISU Judging System for example, the term "presentation" is ambiguously used for the full "program component score" (PCS) on the one hand and "presentation" (PR) as a single program component on the other. Another issue is the variety of different terms used for the same subject like "total element score", "technical element score", and "technical score", which all refer to the same score (officially abbreviated with TES).

Key rule: Be consistent with the choice of terms. Do not use "total element score" in the first sentence and "technical element score" in the second. Stick with one of the two, otherwise it may be confusing to the reader. This page gives some guidance in which terms to use to avoid ambiguity, inaccuracy, and vague or confusing wording.

General figure skating-related terms

• If not otherwise stated, the recommendations presented in this section are based on the U.S. Figure Skating Style Guidelines.

General figure skating-related terms

Official term	Abbr.	Correct terminology	Wrong terminology
International Olympic Committee	IOC	The official name of the organization is "International Olympic Committee", uppercased. At first mention, the full term should be spelled out, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. At subsequent mentions, the abbreviation IOC is accepted.	The abbreviation I.O.C. is incorrect.
International Skating Union	ISU	The official name of the organization is "International Skating Union", uppercased. At first mention, the full name should be spelled out, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. At subsequent mentions, the abbreviation ISU is accepted.	The abbreviation I.S.U. is incorrect.
National figure skating federations		The official term is "national figure skating federation", lowercased if used as a general term. The shortened terms "national skating federation" and "national federation" are accepted if their full meaning is clear from the context. The name of a specific national federation like "U.S. Figure Skating" (USFS), "Skate Canada" or the "Japan Skating Federation" (JSF) is uppercased. At first mention, the full name should be spelled out with the official abbreviation (if there is one) added in parentheses. At second or later mentions, it is accepted to use the abbreviation by itself like JSF.	The term "national body" is discouraged.
Figure skating occupations		Occupations like "skater", "coach", "choreographer", "ice show producer", "commentator" or "announcer" are always lowercased. They are job descriptions, not titles. Examples: "his coach Stéphane Lambiel" or "she collaborated with choreographer David Wilson".	The "his Coach Stéphane Lambiel" is incorrect.
Women vs. ladies		The official term is "women", which should be used in all cases with exception of direct quotes, following the recommendation of the IOC Gender Equality Review Project from 2021, which is supported by the ISU.	The term "ladies" should no longer be used, unless it is part of a direct quote.
Amateur figure skating		The official term used by U.S. Figure Skating is "amateur figure skating", lowercased. It refers to all figure skating events at "amateur level" and skaters with "amateur status", meeting the eligibility criteria of the ISU and national federation they are registered with. The terms "competitive figure skating" and "competitive level" are also accepted, but it must be clear from the wording that they only refer to competitions at amateur level, not professional figure skating competitions.
Professional figure skating		The official term used by U.S. Figure Skating is "professional figure skating", lowercased. It refers to all figure skating events at "professional level" and skaters with "professional status", including the discontinued World Professional Figure Skating Championships. Professional figure skaters usually do not meet the eligibility criteria for events sanctioned by the ISU or national federations, including the Olympic Winter Games. The shortened term "pro skating" is accepted but discouraged.	"Professional figure skating" must not be mixed up with "adult figure skating".
Pro-am figure skating		The official term is "professional-amateur figure skating", lowercased with a hyphen. It can be shortened to "pro-am" at second or later mentions. The compound term "professional-amateur" refers to all figure skating events that allow the participation of skaters with amateur or professional status. Examples for ongoing pro-am events are the annual Japan Open competition and various ice shows like Stars on Ice or Fantasy on Ice.
Adult figure skating		The official term used by the ISU is "adult figure skating", lowercased. The five disciplines are called "free skating", "artistic free skating", "pair free skating", "ice dance", and "synchronized skating". ISU competitions in adult figure skating have an age minimum of 28 years (25 for synchronized skating), reached by July 1.	"Adult figure skating" must not be mixed up with "professional figure skating".
Retirement		In recent years, the term "retirement" and its derivatives were commonly used by news outlets for skaters who concluded their competitive careers at amateur level and were no longer eligible for ISU-sanctioned competitions. However, this terminology repeatedly caused confusion among casual readers, assuming that the skaters were no longer performing at public skating events at all, even though many of them were still active as professionals. To avoid such misunderstandings and make figure skating articles accessible to the largest possible audience, it was decided by WikiProject Figure Skating to only use the term "retirement" for skaters who officially concluded both, their amateur AND professional skating career. Example: "Johnny Weir skated at competitive level from 1996 to 2013, turned professional in 2013, and retired from figure skating on June 25, 2023".	Do NOT use the term "retired" for skaters who are still active at professional level. Do not use the term "former competitive skater" without clarifying the skater's professional status in the same sentence.

Competitions and disciplines

• The titles of specific figure skating competitions are written with uppercase letters like "World Championships" or "2014 Winter Olympics". When referring to competitions in general like "19 records in international competition", it is lowercased.
• Disciplines and competition segments are all written with lowercase letters.
• Abbreviations should only be used in tables or templates, not in the prose part of articles with exception of "JGP" to mark competitions of the ISU Junior Grand Prix Series and "CS" for competitions of the ISU Challenger Series. See examples below.
• If not otherwise stated, the recommendations presented in this section are based on the ISU Special Regulations and Technical Rules and U.S. Figure Skating Style Guidelines.

Overview of competitions

Major international competitions

Official term	Abbr.	Correct terminology	Wrong terminology
Olympic Games	OG	The official name used by the IOC is "The Olympic Games" or more specifically "The Olympic Winter Games" (note that in 1908 and 1920, figure skating was part of the Olympic Summer Games). As first alternative, "Winter Olympics" is recommended, but "Winter Games" is accepted as well. At second or later mentions, it can be shortened to "Olympics", but it must be clear from the context if it refers to the Summer Olympics, Winter Olympics or both. The official name for a specific competition uses Roman numerals for the edition (e.g. the "XXIII Olympic Winter Games"), but in figure skating articles it should be replaced by the year the Games took place like the "2018 Winter Olympics".	The Olympic Games (competition) must not be mixed up with the respective "Olympiad", the full cycle between two Olympics. Example: the "2014–2018 Olympic cycle is called an Olympiad".
		For linking Olympic figure skating competitions of a specific year, use either the main article like Figure skating at the 2018 Winter Olympics or the article about the specific event like Figure skating at the 2018 Winter Olympics – Men's singles. When referring to figure skating at the Olympics in general, use Figure skating at the Olympic Games.
Youth Olympic Games	YOG	The official name used by the IOC is "The Youth Olympic Games" or more specifically "The Youth Olympic Winter Games". As first alternative, "Winter Youth Olympics" is recommended. At second or later mentions, it can be shortened to "Youth Olympics", but it must be clear from the context if it refers to the Summer edition, Winter edition or both. Similar to the Winter Olympics, a specific edition should use the format ""20XX Winter Youth Olympics".	The terms "Junior Olympic Games" and "Winter Junior Olympics" are incorrect.
		For linking Youth Olympic figure skating competitions of a specific year, use either the main article like Figure skating at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics or the article about the specific event. In singles, use terms "boys' singles" and "girls' singles" like Figure skating at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics – Boys' singles. When referring to figure skating at the Youth Olympics in general, use Figure skating at the Winter Youth Olympics.
World Championships	WC	The official name is "20XX ISU World Figure Skating Championships", which should be used at first mention in the article about the specific competition, then "World Championships" at subsequent mentions. In general articles, "20XX World Championships" is sufficient at first mention. The term "Worlds" is accepted but not preferred.	The terms "World Cup" or "World Games" are incorrect.
World Junior Championships	JWC	The official name is "20XX ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships", which should be used at first mention in the article about the specific competition, then "World Junior Championships" or "Junior Worlds" at subsequent mentions. In general articles, "20XX World Junior Championships" is sufficient at first mention.	The order "Junior World Championships" is incorrect.
European Championships	EC	The official name is "20XX ISU European Figure Skating Championships", which should be used at first mention in the article about the specific competition, then "European Championships" at subsequent mentions. In general articles, "20XX European Championships" is sufficient at first mention. "Europeans" is accepted but not preferred.	The term "Euros" should not be used.
Four Continents Championships	4CC	The official name is "20XX ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships", which should be used at first mention in the article about the specific competition, then "Four Continents Championships" and "Four Continents" at subsequent mentions. In general articles, "20XX Four Continents Championships" is sufficient.	The shortened form "Four Conts" should not be used.
Grand Prix Final	GPF	The official name is "20XX–XX ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final", which should be used at first mention in the article about the specific competition, then "Grand Prix Final" or "Final" if it is clear from the context. In general articles, it is recommended to use the shortened name "20XX–XX Grand Prix Final". Make sure to use an unspaced en dash for the season, not a hyphen. Example: "Yuna Kim won the 2009–10 Grand Prix Final".	"2009 Grand Prix Final" and "2009-10 Grand Prix Final" are both incorrect.
Junior Grand Prix Final	JGPF	The official name is "20XX–XX ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final", which should be used at first mention in the article about the specific competition, then "Junior Grand Prix Final" or "Junior Final" if it is clear from the context. In general articles, it is recommended to use the shortened name "20XX–XX Junior Grand Prix Final". Make sure to use an unspaced en dash for the season, not a hyphen.

Other competitions

Official term	Abbr.	Correct terminology	Wrong terminology
Grand Prix Series	GP	The official name of the full series is "20XX–XX ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating", which should be used at first mention in the article about the specific series, then "Grand Prix Series" or "Grand Prix" at subsequent mentions. In general articles, it is recommended to use the shortened name "20XX–XX Grand Prix (Series)". Make sure to use an unspaced en dash for the season, not a hyphen. For specific competitions of the series, the term "Grand Prix" or abbreviation "GP" does not have to be added, "20XX NHK Trophy" is sufficient.	"2016 Grand Prix" and "2016-17 Grand Prix" are both incorrect. "20XX GP NHK Trophy" should not be used.
Junior Grand Prix Series	JGP	The official name of the full series is "20XX–XX ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating", which should be used at first mention in the article about the specific series, then "Junior Grand Prix Series" or "Junior Grand Prix" at subsequent mentions. In other articles, it is recommended to use the shortened name "20XX–XX Junior Grand Prix (Series)". Make sure to use an unspaced en dash for the season, not a hyphen. Specific competitions of the series have the title structure "ISU Junior Grand Prix in [country]" like the "ISU Junior Grand Prix in Poland". Specific editions use the abbreviation JGP like "2022 JGP Latvia" or "2022 JGP Poland II" with Roman numerals.
Challenger Series	CS	The official name of the full series is "20XX–XX ISU Challenger Series", which should be used at first mention, then "Challenger Series" at subsequent mentions. Make sure to use an unspaced en dash for the season, not a hyphen. Specific competitions of the series use the abbreviation CS like "2019 CS Autumn Classic International". Note that some editions may not have been part of the Challenger Series like the 2015 Autumn Classic International.	"2019 ISU Challenger Series" and "2019-20 ISU Challenger Series" are both incorrect.
Asian Games	AG	The official name is "The Asian Games" or more specifically "The Asian Winter Games". The terminology and style guidelines are analogous to the Olympic Games.	It must be mixed up with the "Asian Open Trophy", which was held annually from 2007 to 2023.
World Team Trophy	WTT	The official name is "20XX ISU World Team Trophy in Figure Skating", which should only be used at first mention in the article about the specific competition. In general articles and later mentions, "20XX World Team Trophy" is sufficient.
National championships		The official term is "national figure skating championships" or "national championships", lowercased if used as a general term. Each national figure skating federation has its own official name for the respective competition, which should be used at first mention in the specific article. Examples are the "20XX–XX Japan Figure Skating Championships", "20XX Canadian Figure Skating Championships", and "20XX U.S. Figure Skating Championships". U.S. Figure Skating recommends using short forms like "Japan Championships" or "U.S. Championships" for subsequent mentions. In general articles, it is sufficient to use "20XX–XX Japan Championships" or "20XX U.S. Championships" at first mention instead of the full name. It is accepted to use "Nationals" for later uses, such as "Japan Nationals" or "Canadian Nationals" but not preferred because it is not the official name of the competition. For competitions that use the year format 20XX–XX, make sure to use an unspaced en dash, not a hyphen.	"US Championships" without periods is incorrect. "2021 Japan Championships" and "2021-22 Japan Championships" are both incorrect.
Regionals and sectionals		In the U.S., the names of these competitions should be lowercased, unless they are part of the competition's official name like "Southwest Pacific Regional Figure Skating Championships" or "Midwestern Sectional Figure Skating Championships".	Only mention regional or sectional competitions if encyclopedically notable and supported by reliable secondary sources.

Competitive levels and medals

Competitive levels and medals

Official term	Correct terminology	Wrong terminology
Competition level	The official term is "competition level" or "competitive level", lowercased. In the sport of figure skating, the three main competition levels from lowest to highest are "novice level" (N), "junior level" (J), and "senior level" (S). Depending on the national federation, the novice level can be divided into sub-categories like "novice B" (B) and "novice A" (A) in Japan, or it can be preceded by lower levels like "juvenile" (V) and "intermediate" (I) in the United States. The terms "junior level", "junior event", "junior competition", "junior record", and "junior champion" are all correct. Same goes for the respective terms at other levels. Example: "Alina Zagitova moved up to senior level in the 2017–18 season".
Champion	As practiced by U.S. Figure Skating, the official term is "figure skating champion" or "champion", lowercased. It can be used interchangeably with "gold medalist". The term "senior" is not added when referring to a champion at senior level competitions. The terms "junior", "novice", "intermediate", and "juvenile" are used to clarify other levels. Note: when referring to the champion of a specific competition, the competition itself is uppercased like "Olympic champion", "World champion", or "Grand Prix Final champion". Example: "three-time World champion Patrick Chan"	The wordings "three-time World senior champion Patrick Chan" or "three-time World Champion Patrick Chan" are incorrect.
Medal	In the sport of figure skating, skaters are usually awarded a "gold medal" for the first place, a "silver medal" for the second place, and a "bronze medal" for the third place. At certain competitions like the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, a "pewter medal" is awarded for skaters finishing in fourth place. The shortened terms "gold", "silver", "bronze", and "pewter" are accepted, but it should be clear from the context that they refer to medals. Medals are always lowercased.	"Winner of the Gold Medal" is incorrect. It has to be "gold medal".
Medalist	The official term is "figure skating medalist" or "medalist", lowercased. Example: "gold medalist Alysa Liu".	"Gold Medalist Alysa Liu" is incorrect.
Small medal	The official term used by the ISU is "small medal", lowercased. Small medals are awarded at ISU Championships in each competition segment (short program and free skating in singles and pairs, rhythm dance and free dance in ice dance). A special case is the discontinued compulsory dance and original dance segment. Until 2010, a combined small medal was awarded for the two segments.
Competition placement	The official term is "competition placement" or "placement", lowercased. Following MOS:ORDINAL, in the prose part of articles, placements are spelled out from first to ninth and written in the two-letter suffix form for other placements like 10th. In the competitive highlights tables, all placements are written in the suffix form. In the detailed results tables, they are written as integers without suffix. Example: "Adam Siao Him Fa moved up from 19th to third place at the 2024 World Championships".

Disciplines and segments

Disciplines and events

Official term	Correct terminology	Wrong terminology
Single skating	The official term for the discipline is "single skating" or "singles", usually distinguishing between "men's singles" and "women's singles". At junior or lower level competitions, the terms "boy's singles" and "girl's singles" are commonly used (example). The skaters can be referred to as "single skater(s)". The term "singles skater" is also accepted but not preferred.	The term "ladies' singles" is outdated and should only be used in direct quotes.
Pair skating	The official term for the discipline is "pair skating" or "pairs". The skaters can be referred to as "pair skater(s)" or "pair". Example: "The cast featured Russian pair skaters Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov." The terms "pair skating team", "pairs team", and "pairs skater" are also accepted but not preferred.	Avoid the use of slashes when referring to a pair like Tarasova / Morozov, both in the prose and in tables.
Ice dance	The official term for the discipline is "ice dance", written as two words. The skaters can be referred to as "ice dancer(s)" or "(ice) dance team". The terms "(ice) dance partners" or "(ice) dance couple" are also accepted but less neutral in meaning and should be used with care.	The term "ice dancing" for the discipline is incorrect. Avoid the use of slashes when referring to a dance team like Virtue / Moir, both in the prose and in tables.
Team event	The official term for the discipline is "team event". The skaters can be referred to as "team members" or "participants".	The terms "team competition" and "team trophy" shall not be used. Only exception is the ISU World Team Trophy in uppercase letters.
Single vs. individual	In the sport of figure skating, the term "single(s)" refers to a discipline like pairs and ice dance. The term "individual" refers to an event type, distinguishing between individual and team events.
Competition vs. event	A competition usually consists of four individual events, namely the "men's (singles) event", "women's (singles) event", "pairs event", and "ice dance event". The ISU World Team Trophy has only one event, namely the "team event". Example for the Winter Olympics: "Tatiana Volosozhar and Maksim Trankov competed in the pairs' individual event and the team event of the 2014 Winter Olympics."	Do not use the term "tournament" for figure skating competitions.
Exhibition gala	The official term for the full event is "exhibition gala", lowercased, which is recommended to be used at every mention. At second or later mentions, the shortened term "gala" is accepted but not preferred. Example: "The exhibition gala was held on March 28".	"The gala exhibition was held on March 28" is incorrect. It has to be "exhibition gala".
Gala exhibition	The official term for one performance presented at the exhibition gala is "gala exhibition" or "exhibition", lowercased. The term "gala performance" is correct as well. The respective program is called "exhibition program" or "gala program". Note that exhibition programs can also be presented at certain types of ice shows like Stars on Ice or Fantasy on Ice.	The term "freestyle" is incorrect.

Competition segments

Official term	Abbr.	Correct terminology	Wrong terminology
Short program	SP	The official term for the competition segment as well as single programs is "short program", lowercased. It is only used in singles and pairs, not in ice dance.	The terms "short skate" and "routine" are incorrect.
Free skating	FS	The official term for the competition segment is "free skating" or "free skate", written as two words and lowercased. It is only used in singles and pairs, not in ice dance. A program performed in that segment is called "free skate program". An alternative term used by the ISU is "free skating program".	The "free skating" segment and "free skate program" must not be mixed up with the "long program", which was discontinued in 2003. The terms "free program", "freestyle" and "routine" are incorrect.
Rhythm dance	RD	The official term for the competition segment is "rhythm dance", lowercased. A program performed in that segment is called "rhythm dance program". Until the 2017–18 season, this competition segment was called "short dance" (SD). Programs performed in that segment were called "short dance program".	The rhythm dance segment is not to be confused with the compulsory dance (CD) and original dance (OD), held from 2003 to 2010.
Free dance	FD	The official term for the competition segment is "free dance", written as two words and lowercased. A program performed in that segment is called "free dance program".	The term "free dancing" is incorrect.
Event vs. segment		The term "event" refers to all segments of a figure skating competition in one discipline. Examples: "The pairs event consists of the short program and the free skating segment" or "The free skate segment of all events at the 2015 Trophée Éric Bompard was cancelled."

Judging system

• Terms for scores and marks should be written with lowercase letters, following the guidelines for mathematical terms (see MOS:MATH).
• In the article about the ISU Judging System, official abbreviations should be added at first mention after the spelled out term in parentheses.
  In general articles, it is recommended to spell out the terms for scores and marks at every mention, while the use of abbreviations should be limited to tables and templates. Only exception is the unit "GOE", which can be placed after a specific score like "1.24 GOE", but it is important to spell out the full term "grade of execution" at first mention.
• In general figure skating articles, the mention of scores should be limited to total segment scores (SP/RD, FS/FD, combined total). Exceptions are encyclopedically notable scores like records and firsts or judging controversies. Same goes for single marks.
• If not otherwise stated, the recommendations presented in this section are based on the ISU Judges' Details per Skater (official competition score sheet), the ISU Judging System (overview), and ISU Figure Skating Statistics.

Types of judging systems

Types of judging systems

Official term	Abbr.	Correct terminology	Wrong terminology
ISU Judging System	IJS	The official name of the judging system is "ISU Judging System". Use uppercase letters when referring to this system in specific and lowercase for "judging system" as a general term. Spell out the full name at first mention, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. At subsequent mentions, the abbreviation IJS is accepted. Note that the IJS is a scoring system.	Though used by U.S. Figure Skating, the term "International Judging System" is incorrect. The term "Code of Points" (CoP) should not be used either. The abbreviation I.J.S. is incorrect.
System changes		Due to a change in scoring of the "grade of execution" (GOE) of technical elements, the ISU distinguishes between the "+3/-3 Grade of Execution System" (2003–2018) and the "+5/-5 Grade of Execution System" (since 2018), both uppercased. At first mention, the full term should be spelled out, ideally supported by an explanatory footnote about the system change (see sample below). At subsequent mentions, the terms can be shortened to "+3/-3 GOE System" and "+5/-5 GOE System", respectively.
6.0 System		The official name of the discontinued judging system is "6.0 System, which should be used at every mention. Use uppercase letters when referring to this system in specific and lowercase for "judging system" as a general term. Note that the 6.0 System is a placement system.

Standard markup code for the explanatory footnote on the change of the ISU Judging System in 2018:

{{NoteTag|name=HR|With the change of the [[ISU Judging System]] in 2018, the [[International Skating Union]] decided to start the recording of [[List of highest scores in figure skating|highest scores]] statistics from zero and declared all records [[List of highest historical scores in figure skating|historical]] that were achieved before the [[2018–19 figure skating season|2018–19 season]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.isu.org/media-centre/press-releases/2018-8/18119-new-grade-of-execution-2018-final/file|title=The new range of Grade of Execution|work=[[International Skating Union]]|location=[[Lausanne]]|format=PDF|date=September 26, 2018|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201031850/https://www.isu.org/media-centre/press-releases/2018-8/18119-new-grade-of-execution-2018-final/file|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

Renders as

Scores and marks

Scores and marks

Official term	Abbr.	Correct terminology	Wrong terminology
Combined total score		The official term is "combined total score" or "combined total", which is recommended to be used at every mention. It is the sum of scores achieved by a skater or team in all segments of one event. Usually it is the sum of the short program and free skating score (rhythm dance and free dance score in ice dance). If a skater has not qualified for the free skating segment, the combined total equals the short program score.	This score should be clearly distinguished from the "total segment score" (TSS). Avoid using ambiguous terms like "total score", "final score" or "total".
Total segment score	TSS	The official term is "total segment score". It is the sum of the technical element score (TES) and program component score (PCS). If the competition segment is not clear from the context, specify it as "total segment score in the short program" for example.	The TSS should not be shortened as "total score" to avoid confusion with the "combined total score".
Technical element score	TES	The official ISU term is "technical element score" or "total element score". It is a cumulative score, with the executed elements being evaluated locally and isolated from each other by difficulty and quality. It is the sum of all base values (BV) and grades of execution (GOE) of a skater's or team's performed elements in a competition segment.	Though occasionally used by the ISU, the term "technical score" should not be used for the TES, since the program component score (PCS) is a technical score as well (see below). The TES also must not be mixed up with the "technical merit" and "technical mark(s)" of the 6.0 system.
Base value	BV	The official term for the score is "base value". It is made up of an element's level or value of difficulty and optional calls or invalidations by the technical panel. The "level of difficulty" or "level" (LV) of a technical element is uppercased if followed by an integer, otherwise lowercased. Examples: "four level features", "spin level", "a Level 4 step sequence" or "The spin was downgraded to Level 3".	Do not hyphenate the level of an element like "Level 4-spin".
Grade of execution	GOE	The official term for the score is "grade of execution" with the unit GOE. The grade of execution of a technical element is based on a set of positive and negative quality criteria called "GOE bullets". The final "GOE score" (e.g. 1.24 GOE or -2.35 GOE) for an element is the average of all "GOE marks" (e.g. +2 or -3) across the judging panel after dropping the highest and lowest mark and factoring the remaining with an element-specific number based on the ISU Scale of Values (SOV).
Program component score	PCS	The official term is "program component score", which is recommended to be used at every mention. An extended term used by the ISU is "total program component score" to better distinguish it from scores for single components. It is a quantification of different technical aspects called "program components" or "components" globally across the full program. In the current judging system, the PCS is the sum of the three components "composition" (CO), "presentation" (PR), and "skating skills" (SK). Until the 2021–22 season, the five components were "skating skills" (SS), "transitions" (TR), "performance" (PE), "composition" (CO), and "interpretation" (IN). In some cases, the IN component was also called "interpretation and timing".	Do NOT use "presentation score" for the PCS! "Presentation" is only one of the three current components. The PCS also must not be mixed up with the "presentation" and "presentation mark(s)" of the 6.0 system. Do NOT use "artistic score" for any of the terms above, unless it is part of a direct quote. Neither "artistry" nor any derived term has been used in any official scoring guideline published by the ISU.
Mark vs. score		The term "mark" refers to all numerical entries on an ISU score sheet made by a single judge (GOE marks and component marks). Example: "Judge 6 did not award any GOE marks higher than +3 and component marks higher than 8.50." The term "score" refers to all numerical entries that are based on marks of the full judging panel and calls by the technical panel. Example: "The triple Axel jump was awarded a GOE score of 1.52" and "The triple Axel jump was awarded 1.52 GOE" are both correct with the same meaning. The terms "score" and "point(s)" can be used interchangeably, while single GOE marks or component marks should not be called "score(s)" or "point(s)".	Examples: Judge 4 gave 8.50 points for skating skills. → Judge 4 gave a (mark of) 8.50 for skating skills. The jump got a negative mark of -1.03. → The jump got a negative score of -1.03 GOE.
Format of scores		Figure skating scores are always written as numbers with two decimal places and not preceded by a "+"-sign. This goes for base values, GOE scores, single component scores as well as TES, PCS, TSS, and the combined total. Take note that GOE scores can be negative like -2.35 GOE.	Examples: 126.2 points → 126.20 points +1.24 GOE → 1.24 GOE
Format of marks		GOE marks are single digit integers between -5 and +5 and are not followed by the unit "GOE" to distinguish them from the final GOE score. It is possible to use the plural form "three +5s and six +4s". Though it is practiced differently on the official score sheets, positive GOE marks should be preceded by a "+"-sign for clarity. PCS marks are numbers with two decimal places between 0.25 and 10.00. To indicate the range of awarded marks, the plural form "8s" can be used. Example: "The pair was awarded 9s for composition". Marks awarded in the old 6.0 system are numbers with one decimal place, ranging from 0.0 to 6.0. To indicate the range of marks, the plural form "5s" can be used.	Examples for GOE marks: 3 → +3 -1.00 → -1 +0 → 0 Examples for PCS marks: 8.5 → 8.50 10 → 10.00 +9.50 → 9.50

Highest scores and best scores

Scoring records

Official term	Abbr.	Correct terminology	Wrong terminology
Highest score (world record score)	WR	The official term used by the ISU is "ISU highest score" or "highest score". While Guinness World Records still recognizes current ISU highest scores as "world records", the ISU itself does not use that term since the introduction of the +5/-5 GOE System, as stated on their official website. It is up to the discretion of the editor to refer to a highest score as a "world record score". The ambiguous term "record score" should only be used at subsequent mentions and only if its meaning is clear from the context. It is important to clarify in which competition segment the highest score was achieved, distinguishing between the "highest total score", "highest short program score", and highest "highest free skating score". "Highest score" always refers to records achieved at ISU-sanctioned events, considering both senior and junior level. For records at junior level in specific, the official term is "highest junior score" or "junior record (score)". Record scores achieved at domestic events like national championships must be clearly labelled as such and must not be mixed up with ISU highest scores.	The term "highest senior score" or "senior record (score)" must not be mixed up with the more general "highest score" or "world record score". The latter can also be achieved at junior level.
Highest historical score	HR	The official term is "ISU highest historical score" or "highest historical score". The terms "historical world record (score)" and "historical record (score)" are correct as well. The ambiguous terms "highest score" and "record score" should only be used at subsequent mentions and only if their meaning is clear from the context. The other terminology and style guidelines are analogous to the "highest score".
National record score	NR	The term "national record score" or "national record" refers to highest scores achieved by skaters representing a specific nation at ISU-sanctioned events. It must not be mixed up with records achieved at domestic events like national championships. The other terminology and style guidelines are analogous to the "highest score".
Personal best score	PB	The official term is "ISU personal best score" or "personal best (score)". It refers to the best score achieved by a skater or team in a specific judging system at ISU-sanctioned events. It is important to clarify in which system and competition segment the personal best score was achieved. Example: "Yuzuru Hanyu's personal best total score was 330.43 in the +3/-3 GOE system and 322.59 in the +5/-5 GOE system." In comparison to absolute best scores, lists of personal bests include only one score by a skater or team.
Season's best score	SB	The official term is "ISU season's best score" or "season's best (score)". It refers to the best score achieved by a skater or team in a specific figure skating season at ISU-sanctioned events. It is important to clarify in which competition segment the season's best score was achieved.
Absolute best score	AB	"ISU absolute best scores" or "absolute bests" refer to a list of best scores achieved in one discipline in a specific judging system at ISU-sanctioned events. In comparison to personal bests, lists of absolute best scores can include multiple scores by one skater or team. It is important to clarify in which discipline and competition segment the absolute best scores were achieved. Example: "Yuzuru Hanyu scored the four highest absolute best scores in the men's short program in the +3/-3 GOE system."

Technical elements in singles and pairs

• Technical elements are written with lowercase letters, unless they are named after a person.
• In the prose part of articles, the name of the element or skating movement should always be spelled out. In the article about the element itself, the official abbreviation can be added after the spelled-out term in parentheses at first mention.
• In tables and templates, abbreviations must be annotated with the spelled-out term for readers who are not familiar with the ISU's abbreviation system.
• Technical terms should be used sparingly, and elements should only be mentioned if they are encyclopedically notable like a skater's signature moves, elements of particular difficulty or a record score, costly mistakes or elements with controversial judging.
• The recommendations presented in this section, if not otherwise stated, are based on the official ISU Technical Panel Handbooks and ISU Scale of Values.

Skating moves and elements

Skating elements

Official term	Abbr.	Correct terminology	Wrong terminology
Nomenclature of skating moves		Skating moves are characterized and distinguished by their execution (1) on the left (L) or right (R) foot (2) in forward (F) or backward (B) skating direction (3) on the inside (I) or outside (O) edge of the blade (4) resulting in a clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW) rotation along the skating curve. There are eight basic variations to enter a skating move: LFI, LFO, LBI, LBO (and the same with the right foot). Example: an "RBO-rocker turn" is performed on the right foot, entered backward on the outside edge.	Only use this type of nomenclature in articles if it is essential for the context (supported by an explanatory footnote if needed). Follow the correct order of abbreviations (foot, direction, edge). Abbreviations like OBR or FIL are incorrect.
Forward and backward		When used as an adjective, it is always "forward" or "backward" like "backward counter turn". When used as an adverb, the preferred term is "forward" or "backward" in American English, and "forwards" or "backwards" in British English.	The term "backwards counter turn" is incorrect. The phrase "skating backwards" is not preferred in American English.
Figure skating step		The official term is "figure skating step" or "step". It is defined as a visible tracing on the ice executed on one foot featuring a change of foot. The ISU lists six types of skating moves as a "step" for singles and pairs: the "toe step", "chassé", "cross roll", "Mohawk turn", "Choctaw turn", and the "change of edge" (which has no change of foot, but it is still considered a step).	If used, the terms "mohawk" and "choctaw" should not be lowercased as they are named after the respective Native American people.
C step and S step		With the aim to "decolonize figure skating terminology", Skate Canada officially changed the terms "Mohawk turn" to "C step" and "Choctaw turn" to "S step", named after the shape of their skating traces. On English Wikipedia, both variations are accepted, but only one of them should be used consistently in an article. Ideally, the change of terminology by Skate Canada is mentioned in a sourced footnote.	As defined by Skate Canada, the terms "C-step" and "S-step" should not use hyphens but a no-break space.
Figure skating turn		The official term is "figure skating turn" or "turn". It is defined as a rotational skating move with a change of direction, distinguishing between a "one foot turn" and "two foot turn". The ISU lists six types of skating moves as a "turn" for singles and pairs: the "three turn" (or "3 turn"), "bracket turn", "rocker turn", "counter turn", "loop turn", and the "twizzle turn", which are all one foot turns. The Mohawk and Choctaw turn, though listed as steps, also count as two foot turns due to the change of foot and skating direction.	The ambiguous term "loop" should not be used to avoid confusion with the more common "loop jump". For other types of turns, the addition "turn" can be omitted at second or later mentions. The term "three-turn" or "3-turn" should not use a hyphen. The variation "3 turn" must be written with a no-break space.
Difficult turn		The ISU lists six types of turns as a "difficult turn" for singles and pairs: the Choctaw, bracket, rocker, counter, loop turn, and the twizzle. The Mohawk and three turn are not considered difficult turns and do not contribute to the level of difficulty in a step sequence.
Step sequence	StSq	The official term for the element is "step sequence". It is a sequence of steps, turns, and other skating moves with an assigned level of difficulty (B for basic or an integer between 1 and 4). Until 2012, the ISU distinguished two mandatory types of step sequences in singles and pairs by the shape of the skating pattern: the "straight line step sequence" (SlSt) and "circular step sequence" (CiSt). A key level feature for step sequences is the correct execution of a "combination of three difficult skating turns", also called a "skating cluster", "one foot cluster" or "cluster". Example: a "rocker-counter-loop combination".	Do not shorten "step sequence" with the ambiguous term "sequence", which can also refer to a "choreographic sequence", "jump sequence" etc. The term "skating sequence" should not be used either, since the "choreographic sequence" is a type of skating sequence as well. Clusters should be written with hyphens, not en dashes like "rocker–cluster–loop combination".
Choreographic sequence	ChSq	The official term for the element is "choreographic sequence", which should be used at first mention. At subsequent mentions, it can be shortened to "choreo sequence". Though it is not assigned any level of difficulty, it is abbreviated with ChSq1 on ISU score sheets.	The term "choreographed sequence" is incorrect. Do not use the ambiguous terms "skating sequence" or "sequence" either.
Move in the field		The official term is "move in the field", which should be used at first mention. At subsequent mentions, it can be shortened to "field move". Moves in the field cover all types of skating movements that demonstrate edge control, extension, and ice coverage, including the "spiral", "spread eagle", "hydroblading", and the "Ina Bauer", named after Ina Bauer.
Compulsory figures		The official term is "compulsory figures" for the full competition segment and "compulsory figure" for a single figure. Until 1990, the required compulsory figures included the "figure eight" (or "figure 8"), "three turn", "bracket turn", "rocker turn", "counter turn", and the "loop turn".

Jump elements

Jump elements

Official term	Abbr.	Correct terminology	Wrong terminology
Nomenclature of jumps		A figure skating jump is determined by its type and number of revolutions. The ISU distinguishes between "edge jumps" and "toe jumps", with the latter using the toe of the free foot to assist the vaulting at the take-off: Edge jumps: "Salchow jump" (S), "loop jump" (Lo), "Axel jump" (A) Toe jumps: "toe loop jump" (T), "flip jump" (F), "Lutz jump" (Lz).
		In competition, a jump is allowed to be executed with the following number of revolutions: (1) "single jump" – one revolution (11⁄2 for the single Axel) (2) "double jump" – two revolutions (21⁄2 for the double Axel) (3) "triple jump" – three revolutions (31⁄2 for the triple Axel) (4) "quadruple jump" – four revolutions (41⁄2 for the quadruple Axel) Note: The quadruple jump can be shortened to "quad" at second or later mentions.
Rotation		The base value of a jump depends on its rotation in the air from take-off to landing. The ISU distinguishes four negative and one positive features: (1) "cheated take-off" or "(excessive) pre-rotation" (2) "under-rotation" (jump missing a 1⁄4 (q) more than a 1⁄4 (<) rotation at the landing) (3) "over-rotation" (jump exceeding required rotation by more than a 1⁄4 at the landing) (4) "downgrade" (jump missing more than a 1⁄2 (<<) rotation from take-off to landing) (5) "delayed rotation" (jump with completed rotation in mid-air, positive feature) The unofficial term "pre-rotation" should only be used if supported by reliable sources. Example 1: "a quad toe loop landed on the quarter", abbreviated with 4Tq. Example 2: "over-rotated double Axel", abbreviated with 3A<<.	When using the term "pre-rotation", note that certain jump types (esp. Salchow and loop) require some natural pre-rotation due to their take-off mechanics, which is about a 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 rotation. This is not considered a "cheated take-off".
Toe loop jump	T	The official term is "toe loop jump", which should be used at first mention, then "toe loop" at subsequent mentions. In wordy combinations or sequences, it can be shortened to "toe", but it should be fully spelled out at a previous mention in the prose. Examples: "quadruple toe loop jump" and "quad toe-triple toe combination".	The term "toeloop" without spacing is incorrect. The toe loop must not be confused with the "loop jump", which is an edge jump, or the general term "toe jump". The flip and Lutz are toe jumps as well.
Salchow jump	S	The official term is "Salchow jump", named after Ulrich Salchow. This term should be used at first mention, then "Salchow" at subsequent mentions. Example: "Javier Fernández landed a quadruple Salchow in his short program."	The colloquial short form "Sal" must not be used.
Loop jump	Lo	The official term is "loop jump". The short form "loop" should only be used if it is clearly distinguished from the "loop turn" by context or wording like "triple loop". The European term "Rittberger jump", named after Werner Rittberger, should only be mentioned in the article about the specific element, since it is not used by the ISU in their official competition rules and guidelines.	The ambiguous abbreviation L is incorrect.
Flip jump	F	The official term is "flip jump", which should be used at first mention, then "flip" at subsequent mentions. A flip jump performed with a wrong take-off edge, officially abbreviated as "Fe", is commonly named a "lip" (a fusion of Lutz and flip), but take care that "lip" is not an official term introduced by the ISU, so it should be supported by a referenced explanatory footnote.	The term "flutz" must not be used for a jump that was planned to be executed as a flip.
Lutz jump	Lz	The official term is "Lutz jump", named after Alois Lutz. This term should be used at first mention, then "Lutz" at subsequent mentions. A Lutz jump performed with a wrong take-off edge, officially abbreviated as "Lze", is commonly named a "flutz" (a fusion of flip and Lutz), but take care that "flutz" is not an official term introduced by the ISU, so it should be supported by a referenced explanatory footnote.	The term "lip" must not be used for a jump that was planned to be executed as a Lutz. The ambiguous abbreviation L is incorrect.
Axel jump	A	The official term is "Axel jump" or "Axel Paulsen jump", named after Axel Paulsen. In general articles, "Axel jump" should be used at first mention, then "Axel" at subsequent mentions. Take care that the Axel jump always has an extra half revolution in the air, this means a "triple Axel" (3A) has three and a half revolutions.
Euler jump	Eu	The official term is "Euler jump" with "Euler" being capitalized although its origin is not clarified. "Euler jump" should be used at first mention, then "Euler" at subsequent mentions. The European term "Thorén jump", named after Per Thorén, should only be mentioned in the article about the specific element, since it is not used by the ISU in their official competition rules and guidelines. The Euler is usually a connecting jump in combinations, taking off like a loop, but landed on the inside edge of the opposite foot. Example: "triple Axel-Euler-triple Salchow combination".	The jump's former name "half loop" and abbreviation 1Lo is outdated and should no longer be used with exception of the article about the element itself.
Tano jump vs. Rippon jump		The "Tano jump", named after Brian Boitano, is a jump variation performed with one arm raised above the head. The "Rippon jump", named after Adam Rippon, is a jump variation performed with both arms raised. Take care that these are no official terms introduced by the ISU, so they should be supported by a referenced explanatory footnote at first mention and only be used if particularly notable like a skater's signature variation, new first, the cause of a costly mistake or controversial habit. Examples: "All twelve jumps were performed as a Tano or Rippon variation." or "Rippon triple flip-Tano triple toe loop combination".
Jump vs. jump element		In figure skating, a "jump element" can consist of one or multiple jumps. Example: The "triple Lutz" is both a jump and jump element, while a "triple Lutz-triple toe loop combination" is a jump element consisting of two jumps.	"a triple loop-triple loop jump" is incorrect. It has to be either "jump element" or "combination".
Solo jump vs. single jump		A "solo jump" is a jump element consisting of one jump like a "triple flip". A "single jump" is a jump with one revolution in the air like a "single flip", which can be part of a combination or sequence. Take care that a single Axel, which has one and a half revolutions, is also considered a single jump.	The solo jump must not be mixed up with the "side-by-side jump element" in pair skating, which can also be a combination or sequence.
Jump combination	COMBO	The official term used in the ISU Technical Panel Handbooks is "jump combination", which should be used at first mention, then "combination" at subsequent mentions. In the spelled-out form of a jump combination, the jumps are connected with unspaced hyphens, while abbreviations use a "+"-sign. Example: "quad Salchow-triple toe loop jump combination", abbreviated as 4S+3T. The abbreviation "+COMBO" should only be added if indicating a missed combination like 3F+COMBO.	Though often used by news outlets, the term "combination jump" is incorrect. It implies the execution of only one jump with the combination of different (technical) features, while a "jump combination", as defined by the ISU, consists of multiple jumps.
Jump sequence	SEQ	The official term is "jump sequence". The short form "sequence" should only be used if it is clearly distinguished from other types of sequences by context or wording. In the spelled-out form of a jump sequence, the jumps are connected with unspaced hyphens, while abbreviations use a "+"-sign and "+SEQ" at the end. Example: "quad toe loop-triple Axel sequence", abbreviated as 4T+3A+SEQ.	"quad toe loop-triple Axel combination" and 4T+3A are both incorrect.
Combination vs. sequence		In a "jump combination", the skater must not change the skating edge, foot or direction between two jumps. In a "jump sequence", the skater can change the skating edge, foot or direction between two jumps. Example: In a quad toe loop-triple Axel sequence, the skater lands backward after the toe loop, then changes foot and direction to enter the Axel forward.
Throw jump	Th	The official term is "throw jump". A throw jump is a solo jump performed by one skater assisted by the partner at the take-off. A specific throw jump element is made up of the term for the respective solo jump with "throw jump" placed after it. Example: "triple toe loop throw jump", abbreviated as 3TTh. The shortened form "throw triple toe loop" is accepted, but not preferred.

Spin elements

Spin elements

Official term	Abbr.	Correct terminology	Wrong terminology
Nomenclature of spins		The full term for a specific spin element includes the performed basic position(s), the type of entry if notable, and the change of foot if executed. The level of difficulty is optional. Example 1: "a flying upright spin Level 4" or "a Level 4 flying upright spin". Example 2: "a spin combination with change of foot", abbreviated with CCoSp.	Use full terms for spins sparingly. In most cases, the basic position is sufficient like "camel spin".
		The official abbreviation for a spin element has the structure: (1) flying spin entry (F) if executed (2) change of foot (C) if executed (3) basic position (USp, LSp, SSp, CSp, CoSp; see meanings below) (4) optional level of difficulty (B for basic or integer between 1 and 4). Example 1: FUSp4 for a flying upright spin Level 4. Example 2: CCoSp for a spin combination with change of foot.	Only use this type of nomenclature in articles if it is essential for the context. Follow the correct order of abbreviations (entry, foot change, positions, level).
Position vs. variation		The official terms are "spin position" and "spin variation". The ISU distinguishes between four "basic spin positions", namely "upright", "layback", "sit", and "camel", and "non-basic positions" like the "windmill", also called "illusion". The layback position is considered a special type of upright position. Each spin position can be executed in different variations, some of them being considered a "difficult variation" like the "doughnut variation" of the camel position. Variations should only be mentioned if notable like a new invention or skater's signature variation.	Positions and variations must not be mixed up. The term "doughnut position" for example is incorrect.
Upright spin	USp	The official term for the basic position is "upright spin". Common variations are the "A spin", "I spin", "Y spin", "crossfoot spin", "corkscrew spin", and "headless spin".	Following
Layback spin	LSp	The official term for the basic position is "layback spin" or "upright layback spin". A common variation in women's singles is the "layback Biellmann spin", named after Denise Biellmann. It should only be shortened to "Biellmann spin" if it is clearly distinguished from the "camel Biellmann", also called "half-Biellmann", which is considered a camel spin variation.
Sit spin	SSp	The official term for the basic position is "sit spin". Common variations are the "pancake spin", "shoot-the-duck spin", "broken leg spin", and "tuck-behind spin".
Camel spin	CSp	The official term for the basic position is "camel spin". Common variations are the "doughnut spin", "bent-leg layover spin", also known as "Yuna camel spin" named after Yuna Kim, and the "camel Biellmann spin" or "half-Biellmann spin", which must be clearly distinguished from the "layback Biellmann spin". The "flying camel spin entry" or "flying camel" is also known as the "Button camel", named after Dick Button.
Spin combination	CoSp	The official term used in the ISU Technical Panel Handbook is "spin combination". It is defined as a spin element with a change of position. A spin element that only includes a change of variation within one basic position, is not considered a spin combination.	The term "combination spin", though commonly used by news outlets, is incorrect.
Spin vs. spin element		A "spin element" can consist of multiple spins if they immediately follow each other by a change of foot, rotation direction or a mid-spin jump. According to the ISU Technical Panel Handbook 2023–24, a spin element with these features is considered as one spin, so these two terms can be used interchangeably, unless the context requires a clear distinction.
Pair spin	PSp PCoSp	The official term is "pair spin" if executed in one position, or "pair spin combination" if executed with a change of position. Example: "a pair spin combination Level 2" or "a Level 2 pair spin combination", abbreviated as PCoSp2.	The pair spin must not be confused with the "dance spin" in ice dance.
Solo spin vs. pair spin		In pair skating, the term "solo spin" refers to a spin element that is executed side-by-side, while a "pair spin" is peformed with the skaters touching each other. The "solo spin" must not be called "pair spin", even though it is an element specific for pair skating. Solo spins are abbreviated the same way as spin elements in single skating.	The "solo spin" must not be mixed up with a spin performed in one position or a spin element that consists of one spin.

Other elements

Other technical elements

Official term	Abbr.	Correct terminology	Wrong terminology
Spiral sequence	SpSq	The official term is "spiral sequence". It refers to a discontinued technical element in women's singles, consisting of two or more spirals, which could be executed in different variations. Some common variations were the "arabesque spiral", "fan spiral", "Biellmann spiral" (named after Denise Biellmann), "Charlotte spiral" (named after Charlotte Oelschlägel), "Kerrigan spiral" (named after Nancy Kerrigan), and the "Y spiral". The spiral sequence was assigned a level of difficulty (B for basic or an integer from 1 to 4). Example: "a Level 2 spiral sequence", abbreviated as SpSq2.	Make sure to clearly distinguish the full "spiral sequence" as a technical element from a single "spiral" as a move in the field.
Lift	Li	The official term is "pair skating lift", which is recommended to be used at first mention to distinguish it from lifts in ice dance. At subsequent mentions, it can be shortened to "lift". Each lift is assinged a level of difficulty (B for basic or an integer from 1 to 4). The ISU distinguishes five groups of lifts in pairs: Group 1: "lift in armpit hold" Group 2: "lift in waist hold" Group 3: "lift in hip or upper leg hold" Group 4: "press lift" (in arm or hand hold) Group 5: "lasso lift" (five types) Example 1: "a Level 3 press lift" or "a press lift Level 3", abbreviated with 4Li3. Example 2: "a lift in waist hold" or "a group 2 lift", abbreviated with 2Li.
Lasso lift		The official term for this lift group is "lasso lift". The ISU distinguishes five types of lasso lifts, namely the "toe lift" (5TLi), "step lift" (5SLi), "backward lift" (5BLi), "Axel lift" (5ALi), and "reverse lift" (5RLi). Example: "a Level 3 reverse lift", abbreviated with 5RLi3.	In "axel lift", the term "Axel" must be capitalized, as it is named after Axel Paulsen.
Twist lift	Tw	The official term is "twist lift", which should be used at first mention. At subsequent mentions, it can be shortened to "twist". The base value of a twist element is determined by the number of revolutions and the level of difficulty (B for basic or an integer between 1 and 4). Example 1: "a Level 4 triple twist", abbreviated with 3Tw4. Example 2: "quadruple twist" or "quad twist", abbreviated with 4Tw.	The term "twist jump" is incorrect. A figure skating element is only considered a "jump" if the skater lands without assistance by the partner.
Death spiral	Ds	The official term is "death spiral", while its most basic execution is also called a "pivot figure" (PiF). Death spirals are distinguished by the skating direction and edge and assigned a level of difficulty (B for basic or an integer between 1 and 4). Example 1: "a forward inside death spiral Level 3", abbreviated as FiDs3. Example 2: "a backward outside death spiral", abbreviated as BoDs.	The shortened form "spiral" must not be used. In figure skating, the term "spiral" refers to a move in the field.

Technical elements in ice dance

• The general recommendations regarding style and usage are essentially the same as for singles and pairs above.
• The names of specific pattern dances are always uppercased.
• Abbreviations in ice dance can be particularly long and complex with many required explanations like "SqTwW4+SqTwM3". They should only be mentioned if absolutely necessary.
• The recommendations presented in this section, if not otherwise stated, are based on the official 2023–24 ISU Technical Panel Handbook and ISU Scale of Values for ice dance.

Pattern dances

Pattern dances

Official term	Abbr.	Correct terminology	Wrong terminology
Pattern dance		The official term is "pattern dance", which should be used at every mention. A full pattern dance usually comprises two or more technical elements called "pattern dance sequences", which can be performed back-to-back or enclose other elements in between. Depending on the type of pattern dance, a sequence can be divided into "sections", which are evaluated as distinct elements. The ISU distinguishes 34 types of pattern dances, of which 15 are defined by key points in the 2023–24 ISU Scale of Values, listed with their official abbreviations below.	This element must not be mixed up with the "pattern dance type step sequence". Make sure to clearly distinguish the "pattern dance" as a technical element from the discontinued "compulsory dance" competition segment.
Fourteenstep	FO	The official term is "Fourteenstep", written as one word.
Foxtrot	FT	The official term is "Foxtrot".	Make sure to clearly distinguish it from other Foxtrot-type pattern dances.
Rocker Foxtrot	RF	The official term is "Rocker Foxtrot".	Do not shorten it with "Foxtrot".
Tea-Time Foxtrot	TTF	The official term is "Tea-Time Foxtrot", using a hyphen.
European Waltz	EW	The official term is "European Waltz".	Do not shorten it with "Waltz".
American Waltz	AW	The official term is "American Waltz".
Westminster Waltz	WW	The official term is "Westminster Waltz".
Starlight Waltz	SW	The official term is "Starlight Waltz".
Kilian	KI	The official term is "Kilian". The official abbreviation uses a capital letter I, not a lowercase l.
Quickstep	QS	The official term is "Quickstep", written as one word.
Finnstep	FS	The official term is "Finnstep", written as one word.
Paso Doble	PD	The official term is "Paso Doble".
Tango	TA	The official term is "Tango".	Make sure to clearly distinguish it from other Tango-type pattern dances.
Argentine Tango	AT	The official term is "Argentine Tango".	Do not shorten it with "Tango".
Blues	BL	The official term is "Blues".
Key point	kp	The base value of a pattern dance sequence is determined by the number of successfully executed "key points", marked with Y for "yes". Missed key points are marked with N for "no". The key points determine the level of difficulty (B for basic or an integer between 1 and 4). Example: "The second Argentine Tango pattern dance sequence was called Level 3 with the first key point missed", abbreviated with 2AT3+kpNYYY.	Only use this nomenclature if absolutely necessary.

Other dance elements

Other dance elements

Official term	Abbr.	Correct terminology	Wrong terminology
Pattern dance type step sequence	PSt	The official term is "pattern dance type step sequence", which is recommended to be used at every mention to clearly distinguish it from the "pattern dance" and other types of step sequences. The pattern dance type step sequence is assigned a level of difficulty (B for basic or an integer between 1 and 4). Example: "a Level 3 pattern dance type step sequence", abbreviated with PSt3.	Do not shorten this element with "pattern dance" or "step sequence".
Step sequence in hold or not touching	St	The official term is "step sequence in hold" or "not touching step sequence". The ISU distinguishes four types of such step sequences: the "midline step sequence" (MiSt), "diagonal step sequence" (DiSt), "circular step sequence" (CiSt), and the "serpentine step sequence" (SeSt). It is assigned a level of difficulty (B for basic or an integer between 1 and 4). Example: "a Level 3 midline step sequence", abbreviated with MiSt3.	Make sure to clearly distinguish this type of step sequence from the "pattern dance type" and the "one foot turns type".
One foot turns sequence	OFT	The official term is "one foot turns sequence", which is recommended to be used at every mention to distinguish it from other types of sequences. The one foot turns sequence is assigned a level of difficulty separately for each partner (B for basic or an integer between 1 and 4). Example: "a one foot turns sequence with Level 4 for both partners", abbreviated with OFTW4+OFTM4.	The term "one foot turn sequence" is incorrect.
Set of twizzles	STw	The official term for the technical element is "set of twizzles". Since the 2022–23 season, the ISU distinguishes between a "set of sequential twizzles" (SqTw) and a "set of synchronized twizzles" (SyTw). Sequential twizzles must not be separated by more than one step, while in a set of synchronized twizzles, the first two twizzle turns must be separated by two to four steps. A set of twizzles is assigned a level of difficulty separately for each partner (B for basic or an integer between 1 and 4). Example: "a set of synchronized twizzles called Level 4 for Madison Chock and Level 3 for Evan Bates", abbreviated with SyTwW4+SyTwM3.	Avoid using the ambiguous term "twizzles". Make sure to clearly distinguish the "set of twizzles" from a single "twizzle turn".
Dance spin	DSp	The official term is "dance spin", which should be used at every mention. It is assigned a level of difficulty (B for basic or an integer between 1 and 4). Example: "a dance spin Level 2" or "a Level 2 dance spin", abbreviated as DSp2.	The dance spin must not be confused with the "pair spin" in pair skating.
Dance lift	Li	The official term is "dance lift". The ISU distinguishes four types of dance lifts: the "stationary lift" (StaLi), "straight line lift" (SlLi), "curve lift" (CuLi), and the "rotational lift" (RoLi). A dance lift is assigned a level of difficulty (B for basic or an integer between 1 and 4). Example: "a Level 2 curve lift", abbreviated with CuLi2.	Though the "stationary lift" is executed with a rotational movement, it must not be mixed up with the "rotational lift" or "dance spin".
Choreographic element	Ch	The official term is "choreographic element", which covers eight types of elements: the "choreographic rhythm sequence" (ChRS), "choreographic character step sequence" (ChSt), "choreographic sliding movements" (ChSl), "choreographic twizzling movement" (ChTw), "choreographic hydroblading movement" (ChHy), "choreographic assisted jumps" (ChAJ), "choreographic spinning movement" (ChSp), and the "choreographic dance lift" (ChLi). Though these elements are not assigned any level of difficulty, they are abbreviated with ChRS1, ChSt1, etc. on ISU score sheets.	The "choreographic element" must not be mixed up with the "choreographic sequence" in singles and pairs. Make sure to clearly distinguish the different types of choreographic elements from their non-choreographic counterparts.

Program titles

The naming of figure skating programs follows the general conventions for music titles as per WP:NCMUSIC and MOS:MUSIC. Here is a quick overview:

Program titles

Title type	Correct stylization	Examples
Classical music	Musical forms and generic titles of classical music pieces are not italicized. True titles and major works of classical pieces are italicized.	Piano Concerto No. 2, Ballade No. 1, Sixth Symphony Moonlight Sonata, Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, The Four Seasons
Ballet	Full ballets as well as single acts or dances are italicized.	Danse des petits cygnes from Swan Lake, The Nutcracker
Opera	Full operas are italicized. Single songs are placed in quotation marks.	Carmen, Turandot "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot
Musical	Full musicals, both theatre and film, are italicized. Single songs are placed in quotation marks.	The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King "The Music of the Night" from The Phantom of the Opera
Soundtrack	Full soundtracks of movies, video games or other audiovisual works are italicized. Single songs are placed in quotation marks.	Moulin Rouge!, Game of Thrones, Super Mario Bros. "El Tango de Roxanne" from Moulin Rouge!
Song	Songs are placed in quotation marks.	"Bohemian Rhapsody", "Pokerface", "Hey Jude"
Medley	Medleys of different music pieces with a true title are italicized, medleys with general titles are not.	Hope and Legacy, International Angel of Peace Michael Jackson medley, Queen medley
Title in foreign language	For original titles in a foreign language with Latin script, use {{lang}}. For original titles in non-Latin script like Cyrillic or Kana and Kanji, add a Latin transliteration using {{transliteration}}. Do NOT use the markup ''...'' to italicize titles in foreign language.	"{{lang|es|Malagueña}}" renders as "Malagueña" "{{transliteration|ja|Hana ni nare}}" renders as "Hana ni nare"

Ice shows

Ice shows

Official term	Correct terminology	Wrong terminology
Ice show	The official term is "ice show", lowercased and written as two words. The term "ice revue" is accepted but discouraged. The name of a specific ice show is uppercased like "Stars on Ice", "Prince Ice World", or "All That Skate". Recurring (usually annual) ice shows are written in standard font, one-off events are italicized like Heroes and Future or Continues with Wings.	"Stars on Ice" as an annual ice show should not be italicized.
Ice show tour	The official term is "ice show tour", lowercased. It is usually held with stops in at least three different cities. The term "touring ice show" refers to a recurring (usually annual) ice show tour. Prominent touring ice shows are Stars on Ice, Art on Ice, and Fantasy on Ice.
Stop vs. leg	An "ice show tour stop" or "stop" refers to all shows of a tour held in one city. An "ice show tour leg" or "leg" refers to a larger unit of a tour, usually separated by a longer break or change in the cast. Example: "The A-Tour and B-Tour of the Fantasy on Ice show are considered a leg".
Ensemble ice show	The term "ensemble ice show", lowercased, refers to shows with a cast of multiple figure skaters. This is the case for most ice show formats. One of the few exceptions is the Yuzuru Hanyu Ice Story series of "solo ice shows" with Hanyu as the only scheduled skater.	The term "group ice show" is discouraged.
Opening and finale	Many ice shows open and close with a group performance skated by the full cast, called "ice show opening", in short "opening", and "ice show finale", in short "finale".

See also

• Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Figure skating
• Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers
• Wikipedia:Make technical articles understandable

External links

• International Skating Union (official website)
• U.S. Figure Skating (official website)
• Skate Canada Info Centre (official website)