How does figure skating competition work?
B · Beginner · Competition and scoring · 1 of 4Singles and pairs skate a short program and then free skating; ice dance couples skate a rhythm dance and then a free dance. Each segment scores the technical elements plus the program components, minus deductions. The two segment scores are added, and the highest final score wins.
How it works
- Disciplines: women's singles, men's singles, pairs and ice dance.
- Singles and pairs: short program, then free skating.
- Ice dance: rhythm dance, then free dance.
- Alone on the ice: each skater, pair or couple performs alone.
- Segment score: technical elements score plus program components score, minus deductions.
- Final score: the segment scores added together.
- Qualifying: at ISU championships, the top 24 singles, 16 pairs (20 at Worlds) and 20 couples go through to the second segment.
- Order: the second segment is skated in reverse order of the first.
The glossary has the disciplines, the segment, the short program, the free skate, the segment score and the final score.
Tricky cases
Does the short program count less than the free skate?
There is no weighting; the free skate has more elements and longer time, so it usually carries more points.
Who skates last in the free skate?
The leader after the short program, as the order is reversed and skated in groups.
A qualified skater withdraws before the free skate. Does someone move up?
No. The spot is left empty, unless the skater was disqualified.
Can the short program and free skate be on the same day?
Yes, at some events, with at least 4 hours between them; not at ISU championships or the Grand Prix.
Why the rule exists
Two segments test different things: the short program checks set elements, and the free skate rewards a full, balanced program. Adding them stops one good or bad skate deciding everything.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Singles and pairs | Short program and free skating | ISU 300, 335 |
| Ice dance | Rhythm dance and free dance | ISU 300, 335 |
| Some international competitions | Free skating only (senior) | ISU 335 |
From the rule book
ISU, Sports Rules: Single & Pair Skating and Ice Dance (as of 12 June 2026), rules 300, 335, 344, 353, 513 and 520. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the ISU Sports Rules and the season's ISU Communications.