What happens if a skater stops during a program?
A · Advanced · Officials and the event · 6 of 6Each group warms up together, 6 minutes for singles and pairs. If the music fails in the first 20 seconds, the skater may restart. If the problem is the skater's own, they may resume within 40 seconds for a small deduction, or take 3 more minutes for a 5-point deduction. A second long stop means withdrawal.
How it works
- Warm-up: 6 minutes for singles (up to six) and pairs (up to four); 5 for rhythm and free dance.
- Music fault, first 20 seconds: restart or continue, the skater's choice.
- Music fault, later: resume from the stop; no deduction.
- Outside problem (lights, ice, objects): resume from the stop; no deduction.
- Own problem, up to 40 seconds: -1 to -3 by length.
- Own problem, longer: 3 more minutes, -5.
- Medical attention: no deduction if the referee lets them go on within 3 minutes.
- Second long stop, or not finishing: withdrawn.
The glossary has the warm-up, the interruption, the deduction, the referee, the late start and the program.
Tricky cases
The music skips 15 seconds in. Can the skater start again?
Yes. Within the first 20 seconds they may restart the program from the beginning.
A skater's lace comes undone mid-program. What happens?
They stop; if they resume within 40 seconds, a deduction of 1 to 3 points applies by length.
The interruption lasts over 10 minutes. What then?
The skaters affected get a second warm-up.
A skater has a nosebleed. Is there a deduction?
No, if the referee lets them continue after medical attention.
Why the rule exists
Faults outside a skater's control should not cost them, so those stops are free. Deductions for their own stops keep equipment and readiness the skater's job.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Singles | 6-minute warm-up, up to six skaters | ISU 514 |
| Pairs | 6-minute warm-up, up to four pairs | ISU 514 |
| Rhythm and free dance | 5-minute warm-up, up to five couples | ISU 514 |
From the rule book
ISU, Sports Rules: Single & Pair Skating and Ice Dance (as of 12 June 2026), rules 353 (1)(n), 514 and 515. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the ISU Sports Rules and the season's ISU Communications.