How many times can a skater repeat a jump?
A · Advanced · Singles elements · 2 of 6In free skating, the same type of jump may appear no more than three times. Only two triple or quadruple jumps may be done twice, and only one of those may be a quad. No double may appear more than twice. If a repeated jump is done twice as a solo jump, the second gets 80 per cent of its value.
How it works
- Same type: at most three times, whatever the rotations.
- Repeated triples and quads: only two jumps may be done twice.
- Of those two: only one may be a quad.
- Doubles: none more than twice, including the double Axel.
- No triple or quad: may be tried more than twice.
- Both as solo jumps: the second gets 80 per cent of its value.
- Same name, different rotations: a triple and a quad are counted as different jumps.
- Extra jumps: the one breaking the rule has no value.
The glossary has the repetition of jumps, the quad, the free skate, the listed jumps, the well-balanced program and the base value.
Tricky cases
Is this the Zayak rule?
Yes. That is the common name, after a skater who repeated triples in 1982; the rules do not use it.
Can a skater do a quad Lutz twice?
Yes, if it is their one repeated quad and one is in a combination; as two solos, the second gets 80 per cent.
Are a triple toe and a quad toe the same jump for repeats?
They count as different jumps for the triple-and-quad limit, but the same type for the three-times limit.
A skater does a fourth toeloop. What happens?
That jump has no value.
Why the rule exists
Without limits, a skater could fill a program with their one best jump. Capping repeats rewards a range of jumps, which is what a well-balanced program means.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Singles free skating | Repetition limits | ISU 612 |
| Short program | Solo jump and combination jumps must differ | ISU 611 (4) |
| Pairs free skating | Jumps over two rotations must differ | ISU 621 (4) |
From the rule book
ISU, Sports Rules: Single & Pair Skating and Ice Dance (as of 12 June 2026), rules 611 (4), 612 and 621 (4). Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the ISU Sports Rules and the season's ISU Communications.