How long is the artistic roller skating long program?
B · Beginner · Free skating · 4 of 4The long program lasts 4:00 for youth, juniors and seniors, give or take 10 seconds. Seniors may show up to eight jumps including an Axel, with up to three combinations of no more than five jumps each. A jump may be repeated only twice. They also show a choreographic sequence and two different spins, one a combination with a sit.
How it works
- Youth, junior and senior: 4:00, plus or minus 10 seconds.
- Younger groups: 3:30 cadet down to 2:30 Tots.
- Jumps: up to eight, not counting connecting jumps.
- Combinations: up to three, each up to five jumps.
- Axel: required, solo or in combination.
- Repeats: a jump at most twice, once in a combination.
- Spins: two different ones, one a combination with a sit.
- Choreographic sequence: up to 30 seconds.
The glossary has the long program (artistic), the choreographic sequence, the connecting jump, the second-half bonus, the starred out and the spin (artistic).
Tricky cases
A skater does nine jumps. What happens?
The ninth is starred out and gets no value, without a penalty.
Does a jump late in the program earn more?
Yes. Jumps in the second half earn 10 per cent more for cadets and older.
How many flips and Lutzes may a program have?
At most three in all; any more get no value.
Can Minis do double jumps?
Only the double toe loop and double Salchow, among twelve single-rotation jumps.
Why the rule exists
Limits on jumps and repeats push skaters to show range, not one strong jump many times. The choreographic sequence rewards artistry.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Youth, junior, senior | Three combinations | AF p8 |
| Cadet, espoir | Two combinations | AF p8, p9 |
| Minis, Tots | Twelve one-rotation jumps | AF p9 |
From the rule book
World Skate, Free Skating Rules for Artistic Skating (2026), Long programs and Jumps. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the World Skate artistic technical rules 2026.