Figure Skating Penalties and Deductions

Figure Skating Penalties and Deductions: What Costs Skaters Points

In the ISU Judging System, deductions are applied separately from the Grade of Execution (GOE) reductions on elements. They’re subtracted from the total segment score after TES and PCS are calculated. Understanding the penalty structure reveals why certain mistakes are more costly than others.

Falls (-1 Point Each)

The most visible deduction: each fall costs -1 point from the segment score, applied by the referee regardless of the judges’ GOE marks. A fall also triggers a mandatory negative GOE on the element where it occurred (typically GOE -3 to -5).

The combined effect of a fall on a quad Lutz:

• Base value: 11.50
• GOE (fall): approximately -5.75
• Fall deduction: -1.00
• Net effect: the element contributes roughly 4.75 points instead of a potential 17.25. The swing: ~12.50 points lost.

Multiple falls escalate: a skater who falls three times loses -3 in deductions plus roughly -15 to -20 in GOE impact. At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Kamila Valieva’s free skate included multiple falls that cratered her score from medal contention to fourth place.

Time Violations

Each program has a specified duration:

• Men’s short program: 2:40 (±10 seconds).
• Men’s free skate: 4:00 (±10 seconds).
• Women’s free skate: 4:00 (±10 seconds).
• Ice dance free dance: 4:00 (±10 seconds).

Exceeding or falling short of the time by more than 10 seconds results in a -1 deduction for every 5 seconds outside the window. Music must match the program length — if the music runs and the skater is still performing elements after the maximum time, those elements are not scored.

Interruptions

If a skater stops their program (due to a wardrobe malfunction, equipment failure, or injury):

• Under 40 seconds: -2 deduction.
• 40 seconds to 3 minutes: the skater may restart with a -5 deduction.
• Over 3 minutes: the program is considered withdrawn.

Illegal Elements

Certain elements are prohibited:

• Backflips (somersault-type moves): -2 deduction per occurrence. This rule famously prevents the kind of gymnastics-style moves Surya Bonaly performed.
• Lifts above the head in singles: prohibited and deducted.
• Excessive use of props or costume pieces: -1 if a piece detaches and falls on the ice.

Repeated Jump Violations

In the free skate, a skater may repeat a triple or quad jump type, but at least one repetition must be in a combination. If both attempts of the same jump type are performed solo (not in combination), the second one receives zero credit — it’s as if it wasn’t performed.

This rule prevents score inflation through repetition and encourages diverse jump content.

Music Violations

In singles and pairs, music with lyrics has been allowed since the 2014–15 season. However, ice dance has specific music requirements for the rhythm dance (a mandated theme and tempo). Deviating from the prescribed rhythm dance theme can result in PCS penalties rather than formal deductions.

Edge Calls and Their Impact

While not a “deduction” per se, edge calls (wrong takeoff edge on Lutz or flip) significantly affect scoring:

• “e” (wrong edge): the GOE is mandatorily reduced, and the element’s GOE starts from a lower cap.
• "!" (unclear edge): a lesser GOE reduction, but still impactful.

An edge call on a quad Lutz can cost 3–5 points compared to a clean takeoff, making edge technique a constant focus in training.

Cumulative Impact

Deductions may seem small (-1 per fall, -1 for time), but their cumulative effect is significant. A program with two falls (-2) also loses approximately -10 in GOE impact, plus reduced PCS (judges tend to lower component marks when a program is disrupted by errors). The total damage from two falls can exceed 15 points — easily the difference between gold and fifth place.