Open Freestyle: A Challenge to Judge

by Kim Hansen 

The Open Freestyle category has really gained popularity since it was introduced into ISI competitions eight years ago. Its intended purpose of creating an easy crossover between ISI and U.S. Figure Skating programs has been a success. In fact, it is not unusual to find the Open Freestyle category to be larger than some of the traditional leveled events at some competitions. It appears that many coaches and skaters are embracing it because of the ease with which they can switch between the two programs without having to create separate routines.

While the popularity of this category has been a great addition to the ISI competitive program, it has also brought a few challenges to the coaches that have served as judges. It is true that an Open Freestyle event is more difficult to judge than a traditional leveled Freestyle event due to the simple fact that, in the traditional events, we are comparing apples to apples. In the Open Freestyle event, programs are much more varied, both in terms of maneuvers and time. It takes a focused, attentive judge to assess these programs fairly and accurately. It is vital that there is a clear understanding of the difference between technical difficulty and correctness. It is easy for judges and coaches to fall into the trap of thinking that the skater with the harder jumps must be the best skater. This is certainly not true in all or even many cases. We have all accepted that premise when judging a Jumps/Spins event. It is not unusual to see a well-executed double Salchow beat out a less than stellar double loop, for example. A nice half loop often trumps an Axel, and many backspins have failed to rival sit spins. The technical difficulty is not considered. The skaters are asked to do what they do, and to do it well.

Remembering that there is one score each for correctness of jumps, spins, and turns and edges, helps to keep some perspective while judging. In addition, there are seven other equally weighted criteria, including Posture, Presentation, Music Interpretation, Variety of Moves, Choreography, and Pattern and Duration.

All of these factors must be considered equally and without bias in order for a fair judgment to be made.

There is one criterion, however, that is actually weighted more heavily than all of the others in the event, because it is included on each judge’s scorecard — the General Overall criterion. The beauty of this mark is that it allows the judge to take the full composition of the program into consideration, even criteria not specifically on their tablet, to make a general statement about the program. Simply put, this mark represents how well that program impressed and entertained the judge.

So, next time you find yourself on a panel about to judge an Open Freestyle event, or as a coach creating a program, keep this criterion in mind. If we all do, our skaters will continue to reap the benefits of this popular Open Freestyle track.

Kim Hansen is director of ISI Skating Programs and National Events.