ISI Endorsed Events

Effective September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2028

2026 ISI TEST & COMPETITION RULE REVISIONS

TEST REVISIONS & CLARIFICATIONS

Freestyle 4 & 5 Spins – The sit spin (FS 4) and camel spin (FS 5) must be performed on a backward inside edge after entry. Changes of edge are allowed on spin variations after the basic spin requirements have been performed.
Freestyle 5 Dance Step – A chasse step is added before the LFO bracket turn.
Open Freestyle Crossover Equivalent Levels added for USFS Adult tests – See the 2026 ISI Handbook for the updated charts. As a reminder, the Open Freestyle Crossover Chart lists the lowest equivalent crossover level. This is the level where the skater must start testing in ISI – they are not “grandfathered” into that level. Coaches and skaters should carefully check the program duration and jump limitations. The equivalent level may not be appropriate for the skater’s current program content. Skaters can change their program content to comply with the maneuver limitations, or they can “test up” to a higher ISI Open Freestyle level to perform their current program. There is never a penalty for skating under the prescribed program duration time.
Open Solo Free Dance Program Duration – Gold is 2:30 / Platinum is 3:00 / Diamond is 3:30
Open Solo Free Dance Maneuvers – See the 2026 ISI Handbook for updated maneuver descriptions and test maneuver changes for all Open Solo Free Dance levels.
USFS 3^rd Figure Test and Higher Skaters – Skaters who have passed the USFS 3^rd figure test and higher will be allowed a one-time opportunity to crossover to the ISI equivalent level, take the equivalent level ISI Figure test, and compete in ISI competitions. After this one-time crossover, skaters will be required to continue taking ISI Figure tests to compete at a higher ISI Figure level.
New! Accessible Skater Program – The current ISI Special Skater 1-10 tests have been revised into a new ISI Accessible Skater Program. Levels 1-10 are still part of the beginning skating skill progression (Tot-Delta levels) and must be taken in order. Additional gem levels (Emerald, Topaz, Ruby, Sapphire) have been added to include more advanced skating skills (Freestyle 1-5). The gem levels are similar to Open Freestyle levels and also more closely aligned with maneuvers from the Special Olympics program, making it easier for routines to fit in both skating programs. Please see the 2026 ISI Handbook for more details on the new ISI Accessible Skater Program.

COMPETITION EVENT REVISIONS & CLARIFICATIONS

Event Groups – The maximum number of entries (individuals, partners, or teams) in an event group is seven (7). This is reduced from the current maximum of nine.
Event Posting – Results will be posted for all seven places (without judge scores). At ISI national events, the 7th-place medal will have an orange ribbon.
Edges in Delta, Freestyle 1, Freestyle Synchro, Team Compulsories / Swing Rolls for Couple 1 – If the required edges/swing rolls are not performed consecutively, the skater will receive a bottom of the point range score of 7.0 or 7.5 if skating against the book.
Open Freestyle Program Duration – Gold Short is 2:30 / Platinum Short is 3:00 / Platinum is 3:30 / Platinum Plus Short is 3:00 / Platinum Plus is 4:00
Open Freestyle Jump Limitations – Platinum Short and Platinum programs – no double Axel or triple jump. Platinum Plus Short and Platinum Plus programs – can include any jumps.
New! Platinum Plus Short Event – This new event is for higher-level skaters with more difficult maneuvers.
Solo Compulsory Events – Only the 3 required maneuvers can be performed, along with 3 turns, mohawks, crossovers, and arm movements, with no additional required maneuvers or uncaptured moves. Only the first attempt at each maneuver will be scored. If a required maneuver is attempted more than once, the first attempt is scored, and the skater will be given a score of 2.0 under Penalty by Judge 1 (Referee) only.
Spotlight and other events with props – Entrances to the ice vary greatly from rink to rink, so check with the competition director and plan your props accordingly. It may not be possible to use a different ice door.
Dance 1-2 – The Chasse, Progressive, and Swing Roll sequences have a mandatory pattern and must be performed two times each with a T-stop at the end of each sequence.
Pair, Open Pair, Couple, Free Dance, Couple Spotlight, Family Spotlight, and all Team events – The Lift Reference Chart has been updated to show acrobatic, adagio, dance, group, and stationary/rotational lift limitations for each event and level. All coaches should carefully review the 2026 ISI Handbook Lift Definitions & Lift Reference Chart to ensure all lifts are allowed at your event and program level.
Kaleidoskate Event – This event is like Pattern skating, in which skaters should form various designs, such as lines, squares, circles, blocks, wheels, intersections, triangles, stars, and diamonds. Emphasis should be on creating constantly changing formations that resemble the unique visual patterns seen in a kaleidoscope or a marching band halftime show. Since the judging criteria are different, this event is not for production or synchronized team programs.
NEW! Ice Show Team Event – A new group event where you can enter a group number or program routine from your local ice show. Costumes and props can be used to illustrate the theme of the program, but they are not required. There are no maneuver limitations and no required maneuvers. See additional event details in the 2026 ISI Handbook.

JUDGING REVISIONS & CLARIFICATIONS

2026 Update Test – All currently certified ISI judges are required to take the 2026 Update Test after 8/1/26 to maintain their current certification level. If you take a Bronze, Silver, or Gold certification test after 8/1/26, you are not required to take the 2026 Update Test.
Artistic Event – The Innovative Moves judging criterion has been changed to Creative Moves. This will include the skater’s ability to perform a variety of different, unique, and innovative moves. Variations of traditional maneuvers are also scored here.
Synchronized Dance Event – Three (3) of the five following synchro maneuvers must be included: line, circle, block, wheel, intersection. The first 3 maneuvers performed will each be scored by one judge under Correctness of Maneuver by a different judge. Each judge will score one of the three maneuvers.
Updated Lift Reference Chart – The Lift Reference Chart has been updated to show acrobatic, adagio, dance, group, and stationary/rotational lift limitations for each event and level. All coaches should carefully review the 2026 ISI Handbook Lift Definitions & Lift Reference Chart to ensure all lifts are allowed at your event and program level.
Family-Friendly Programs – Judges can score at the bottom of the point range (in General Overall or Judge Appeal) for programs that do not follow these family-friendly program guidelines: Costumes, props, themes, song lyrics, and choreography for all ISI competition programs should be family-friendly and suitable for viewing by skaters of all ages. Family-friendly implies that the content or experience is free from explicit or inappropriate material. Program content should prioritize values such as safety (non-violence), inclusivity, and entertainment that all ages can share and enjoy.
Additional Penalties – There are some events where guidelines have been given regarding performance; however, if a penalty is not listed in the ISI Handbook, a penalty cannot be given for not following the guidelines.

2024 Rule Revisions

Effective September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2026

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2024 TEST REVISIONS & CLARIFICATIONS

Open Bronze Freestyle – Program duration time is reduced to 1:30 (not including the 10-second leeway).
Freestyle 7 & Freestyle 9 Opposite Jump Requirement – When testing compulsory maneuvers and performing the test & competition programs, two jumps (clockwise and counterclockwise directions) must be demonstrated in succession with a minimum number of steps between each jump.
High Level Testing – For all tests that require three examiners, the skater must receive a passing score by 2 of the 3 examiners to pass the test.
Open Platinum Testing – The Open Platinum Freestyle test can be passed by one examiner who is a current ISI Professional member.
High Level Freestyle Video Tests – Skaters who pass the compulsory maneuvers in isolation but do not pass the program portion will have a maximum of 30 days to re-test the program at no additional charge. After 30 days, the entire test must be re-submitted with a new application form and test fee payment.
Couple 1 Swing Rolls – The two series of 4 lobes must be performed
Pair 6 Testing – The Pair 6 test can be passed by one examiner who is a current ISI Professional
USFS Pre-Silver and Higher Dance Skaters – Skaters who have passed the USFS Pre-Silver and higher dance tests will be allowed a one-time opportunity to crossover to the ISI equivalent level, take the equivalent level ISI Dance test, and compete in ISI After this one-time crossover, skaters will be required to continue taking ISI Dance tests to compete at a higher dance level in ISI competitions.
New International Dances – The Finnstep and Tea-Time Foxtrot have been added. All International Dance tests and events may be performed solo or with a partner.

COMPETITION EVENT REVISIONS & CLARIFICATIONS

Skaters who have passed the Delta test can test and compete in Figure 1, Dance 1, Free Dance 1, Open Bronze Solo Free Dance, Couple 1, Pair 1, and Open Pair Bronze. They can also continue to compete in Delta level events (i.e. Delta program, Stroking, Spotlight, etc.)
Freestyle 1-10 Technical Events – Uncaptured spins are not allowed if they include a spin position from a higher level than the skater’s current test level.
Couples Spotlight – Skaters cannot be given off-ice assistance or participation during their program.
Rhythmic Events – Props cannot be left laying stationary on the ice while the skater performs a maneuver.
Open Bronze Freestyle – Program duration time is reduced to 1:30 (not including the 10-second leeway).
Couple 1 Swing Rolls – The two series of 4 lobes must be performed
Jump & Spin events – All participants must have passed any ISI test
Open Solo Free Dance events – Split jumps are allowed.
Family-Friendly Programs – Costumes, props, themes, song lyrics, and choreography for all ISI competition programs should be family-friendly and suitable for viewing by skaters of all ages. Family- friendly implies that the content or experience is free from explicit or inappropriate material. Program content should prioritize values such as safety (non-violence), inclusivity, and entertainment that all ages can share and enjoy.
Pair, Open Pair, Couple, Free Dance, Couple Spotlight, Family Spotlight, and all Team events – New definitions have been established for acrobatic, adagio, dance, and group A new Lift Reference Chart has been created for lift limitations at each event and level. All coaches should refer to the 2024 ISI Handbook Lift Definitions & Lift Reference Chart and carefully check all lifts to make sure they are allowed in programs at that level.
Synchronized Advanced Formation teams are allowed to perform 3-turns and Mohawks from forward to backward (and vice versa) and single twizzles.
Synchronized Dance team programs may resemble Broadway and “showy” types of routines like those of the Radio City Rockettes, while still incorporating technical synchronized skating moves such as: Line, Circle, Block, Wheel, Intersection.
Synchronized Skating / Dance – Teen & Collegiate Teams – Lifts are now allowed where the hands of the lifters can be extended higher than the head.
Pattern Team – Skaters can begin the program on, inside, or outside of the common circle. Skaters must establish and work off a common circle throughout the program. New judging criteria for “Use of Common Circle” has been added for Pattern Team event to emphasize the importance of this incorporation for the team program choreography.
Ensemble skaters are not limited to the number of Ensemble entries in which they may participate; however, if participating on more than one team, skaters must be able to change costumes during one team’s performance time so they are ready to perform again with the next team.

Judging Revisions & Clarifications

ISI Judges must be 18 years old and have a current ISI Professional Membership
Ice Dance 1-10 – Solo event judging criteria (change is underlined and in red):
- Judge 1 – Correctness, Interpretation (Dutch Waltz & higher), General Overall (Dutch Waltz & higher)
- Judge 2 – Posture, Timing, General Overall (Dutch Waltz & higher)
- Judge 3 – Extension, Pattern, General Overall (Dutch Waltz & higher)
Pattern Team – Judging criteria (changes are underlined and in red):
- Judge 1 – Use of Common Circle, Variety of Turns & Edges, General Overall
- Judge 2 – Unison, Correctness of Turns & Edges, General Overall
- Judge 3 – Team Posture & Presentation, Duration, General Overall
Pair, Open Pair, Couple, Free Dance, Couple Spotlight, Family Spotlight, and all Team events – New definitions have been established for acrobatic, adagio, dance, group, and stationary/rotational. A new Lift Chart has been created to show lift limitations for each event and level. All coaches should refer to the 2024 ISI Handbook Lift Definitions & Lift Chart and carefully check all lifts to ensure they are allowed in the programs at that level. We have revised the Lift Reference Chart, effective Feb. 1, 2025 – Download and use the revised chart HERE
Family-Friendly Programs – Costumes, props, themes, song lyrics, and choreography for all ISI competition programs should be family-friendly and suitable for viewing by skaters of all ages. Family- friendly implies that the content or experience is free from explicit or inappropriate material. Program content should prioritize values such as safety (non-violence), inclusivity, and entertainment that all ages can share and enjoy.
Additional Penalties – There are some events where guidelines have been given regarding performance; however, if a penalty is not listed in the ISI Handbook, a penalty cannot be given for not following the guidelines.

2022 Rule Revisions

2022 ISI RULE REVISIONS

The rule revisions and clarifications summarized in these pages go into effect for all ISI events and testing beginning September 1, 2022.

Please take the time to review all of these changes to see what’s new for you and your skaters. The time you invest will make your job easier and your skaters more successful.

TEST REVISIONS & CLARIFICATIONS

Open Solo Free Dance – If a skater has passed the USFS dance test or ISI dance test level below, the skater must test and compete no lower than the corresponding ISI Open Solo Free Dance level:

USFS Dance Test	ISI Dance Test	ISI Open Solo Free Dance Level	Program Duration
Preliminary	Ice Dance 3	Bronze Open Solo Free Dance	1:40
Bronze	Ice Dance 5	Silver Open Solo Free Dance	1:50
Silver – one dance	Ice Dance 7 – one dance	Gold Open Solo Free Dance	2:00
Pre-Gold – two dances	Ice Dance 8	Platinum Open Solo Free Dance	2:20
Gold	Ice Dance 10	Diamond Open Solo Free Dance	2:40

Open Solo Free Dance Test Requirements – There are several changes for all levels. Carefully check the 2022 ISI Handbook for the new changes and descriptions.

Split jumps of more than 45 degrees and consecutive 1/2 rotation jumps are not permitted in Open Solo Free Dance.
Flying spins are not permitted in Open Solo Free Dance or partnered Free Dance
Additional testing criteria are Extra Content and General Overall

Pair 3-10 Test Requirements – There are several maneuver changes for Pair 3-10 levels. Carefully check the 2022 ISI Handbook for the new changes and maneuver descriptions.

Freestyle 7-10, Couple 8-10, and Pair 6-10 testing – At District High-Level test sessions and National Event test sessions, if one of the required maneuvers does not receive a passing score during the compulsory portion of the test, retesting that one maneuver (with two additional attempts) prior to the program portion of the test will be allowed at the discretion of the Referee.

Video Testing – To help maintain the integrity of our judging process, ISI video tests should not be posted on social media sites.

COMPETITION EVENT REVISIONS & CLARIFICATIONS

Delta skaters can compete in Delta-level events and/or Figure 1 and Dance 1 events.

In all Stroking events, forward crossovers are required on the end pattern and will be judged.

Open Solo Free Dance test requirements and duration times have changed. Recheck Solo Free Dance programs to make sure the maneuvers meet the new requirement and maneuver limitations.

In Pair 3-10 levels, the test requirements have changed. Recheck Pair programs to make sure the maneuvers match the new requirements and maneuver limitations.

Team Compulsory Skaters – Skaters who have only passed Open Freestyle tests can only compete in the following Team Compulsory event levels:

Open Bronze – Team Compulsory 3 and higher
Open Silver – Team Compulsory 5 and higher
Open Gold – Team Compulsory 7 and higher
Open Platinum – Team Compulsory 8 and higher

Pair 1-6, Open Pair Bronze-Gold, Couple 1-6, Free Dance 1-10, and all Synchronized Skating events – Uncaptured adagio-style, acrobatic, and overhead lifts are not permitted for safety reasons. Adagio lifts are when the lifting partner (with extended arms) is gliding on one or two feet with no turning. Acrobatic lifts are moves in which a skater is only held by the blade(s), foot(feet), leg(s), and swung around. All lifts where the lifted skater is in a totally vertical sustained position with the head down are illegal maneuvers.

The “headbanger spin” is an illegal maneuver in all ISI events.

Ensemble Team events – The 30-second timing for teams to exit the ice has been removed and no penalty will be given.

Synchronized Team Age Groups – Collegiate teams no longer fall into the chronological listing of age divisions. Collegiate teams are to be considered a separate division unto themselves for skaters meeting eligibility requirements. Adult team skaters may compete on a Teen team.

Synchronized Open Skating event has been removed because teams were not entering that event in the manner that it was designed.

If a Synchronized Advanced Formation team wants to skate a compulsory program, they must compete in the Skating Compulsories event.

JUDGING REVISIONS & CLARIFICATIONS(Criteria changes in red and underlined)

Freestyle event judging criteria:

Judge 1 – Maneuver #1, Maneuver #2, Correctness, Duration, General Overall
Judge 2 – Maneuver #3, Maneuver #4, Extra Content, Choreography & Pattern, General Overall
Judge 3 – Maneuver #5, Maneuver #6, Maneuver #7 (if applicable for 6 & up), Posture & Presentation, Music Interpretation, General Overall

Ice Dance 1-10 – Solo event judging criteria:

Judge 1 – Correctness, Interpretation (Dutch Waltz and higher)
Judge 2 – Posture, Timing
Judge 3 – Extension, Pattern

Ice Dance 1-10 – Similar / Mixed / Choice / Pro Partner event judging criteria:

Judge 1 – Correctness, Interpretation (Dutch Waltz and higher)
Judge 2 – Pattern, Position, Timing (moved to Judge 2)
Judge 3 – Unison, Posture

Pattern Team event judging criteria:

Judge 1 – Pattern, Creativity, General Overall
Judge 2 – Unison, Correctness of Turns & Edges, General Overall
Judge 3 – Team Posture & Presentation, Duration, General Overall

Rhythmic event judging criteria:

Judge 1 – Music & Choreography, Use of Prop, Judge Appeal
Judge 2 – Pattern, Originality, Judge Appeal
Judge 3 – Duration, Presentation, Judge Appeal

Stroking event judging criteria:

Judge 1 – Cleanness of Edges, Forward Crossovers, Rhythm
Judge 2 – Flexible Skating Knee & Flow, Posture
Judge 3 – Free Leg Extension, Proper Push-Offs

Team Compulsory event judging criteria:

Judge 1 – Maneuver #1, Maneuver #2, Correctness, Pattern, General Overall
Judge 2 – Maneuver #3, Maneuver #4, Music Interpretation, Team Posture & Presentation, General Overall
Judge 3 – Maneuver #5, Maneuver #6, Maneuver #7 (if applicable), Duration, General Overall

Creative Figure / Free Figure events – The duration time limit has been removed.

Pair 1-6, Couple 1-6, Free Dance 1-10, and all Synchronized Skating events – The penalty for performing uncaptured adagio-style, acrobatic, and overhead lifts will be the score of 2.0 given under Extra Content. In all Synchronized Skating events, the score of 2.0 will be given under Correctness or Technical Merit depending on the event.

Open Pair Events – Not following maneuver limitations will result in a score of 2.0 under Variety of Moves.

Synchro Formation – A penalty should only be considered if more than half of the team is skating backward on one foot and it appears to be choreographed as part of the routine. If a few skaters accidentally lift one foot off the ice while going backward, no penalty should be given.

For more information and details about any rule revision or clarification, please refer to the 2022 edition of the ISI Handbook. To order click here.