Who judges figure skating?
A · Advanced · Officials and the event · 5 of 6The technical panel, a technical controller and two technical specialists with a data and replay operator, identifies each element and its level. The judges then grade each element and mark the components. The referee runs the event, times programs and applies most deductions. At the Olympics there are nine judges per segment.
How it works
- Technical specialists: call the elements and levels.
- Technical controller: supervises and can correct the call.
- Data and replay operator: records the calls and runs replays.
- Judges: award GOE and program components, independently.
- Referee: times programs, runs draws, decides deductions for time, interruptions and costume falls.
- Joint deductions: costume, choreography and music deductions by majority of judges and referee.
- Olympics: nine judges per segment.
- Conduct: officials must be impartial and not discuss marks except with the referee.
The glossary has the technical panel, the Technical Specialist, the Technical Controller, the Data and Replay Operator, the Panel of Judges and the referee.
Tricky cases
The two technical specialists disagree with the controller. Whose call stands?
The specialists' original decision stands if both disagree with the controller's correction.
Can a coach stand on the ice during a program?
No. The referee may forbid any coach from being on the ice surface during the competition.
Who decides protests at the event?
The referee.
Can a judge see the scores of the judge next to them?
No. The referee must make sure judges do not look at each other's marks.
Why the rule exists
Splitting the work keeps the facts of what was done apart from the judgment of how well. Officials who mark alone and in silence are harder to sway.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| With a technical panel | The panel calls elements | ISU 352 (3), 430 |
| Without a panel, five judges or fewer | Technical judges call elements; one acts as referee | ISU 352 (4) |
| Olympics | Nine judges per segment | ISU 402 |
From the rule book
ISU, Sports Rules: Single & Pair Skating and Ice Dance (as of 12 June 2026), rules 352, 402 and 430. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the ISU Sports Rules and the season's ISU Communications.