How many points do you lose for a fall in figure skating?
B · Beginner · Competition and scoring · 4 of 4A fall is when a skater loses control and most of their weight rests on the ice on anything but the blades. In senior singles the first two falls cost 1 point each, the third and fourth 2 and any more 3. Other deductions cover time, illegal elements, costumes and interruptions, taken off the segment score.
How it works
- Fall: most of the body weight on the ice, supported by hands, knees, back or hips.
- Senior singles: -1 for falls 1 and 2, -2 for falls 3 and 4, -3 after that.
- Junior singles: -1 for every fall.
- Pairs and dance: -1 for one partner falling, -2 for both.
- Illegal element: -2 each time.
- Costume or prop: -1; part of the costume falling on the ice, -1.
- Interruption: -1 to -3 by length; -5 if 3 extra minutes are allowed.
- Applied to: the segment score.
The glossary has the fall, the deduction, the illegal element, the clothing, the interruption and the ice dance deductions.
Tricky cases
A skater touches a hand down but stays up. Is that a fall?
No. A fall needs most of the body weight to be on the ice off the blades; the judges reduce the GOE instead.
A sequin drops from a costume. Is there a deduction?
Yes. Part of a costume or decoration falling on the ice costs 1.0.
Who decides the costume deduction?
The referee with the judges, by majority; a 50:50 split means no deduction.
Does kneeling count as a fall in ice dance?
Yes. Kneeling, sliding on two knees or sitting on the ice is treated as a fall.
Why the rule exists
Falls disrupt a program and risk injury, so they are penalised beyond the lost element. Rising deductions for repeat falls stop skaters gambling on too many hard jumps.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Senior singles | Rising scale of fall deductions | ISU 353 (1)(n) |
| Junior singles | -1 per fall | ISU 353 (1)(n) |
| Ice dance | Kneeling or sitting counts as a fall | ISU 709 (1)(k), 710 (1)(k) |
From the rule book
ISU, Sports Rules: Single & Pair Skating and Ice Dance (as of 12 June 2026), rules 353 (1)(n), 430 (1), 501, 503 and 504 (2). Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the ISU Sports Rules and the season's ISU Communications.