Falls and Stops During Competition (2012 Rules)

Falls (1400-1402)

First let it be noted that a fall is not a bar to winning an event. A fall is defined as the loss of control by a skater with the result that the majority of his/her own body weight is on the ice being supported by any other part of the body other than the blades, e.g. hand(s), knee(s), back, buttock(s) or any part of the arm.

Falls – fault of the skater

In freeskating programs, elements marred by falls are not marked under the 6.0 system, and will receive reduced GOE marks under the ISU judging system, in addition to a 1.0 point deduction. A fall on a required element during a Short Program would require a deduction under the 6.0 system, and would receive reduced GOE marks and a 1.0 point deduction under ISU system.

A large number of falls or a fall which seriously interrupts the harmonious composition of the program will cause a reduction in the both marks.

A skater who falls should get up as quickly as possible and continue with the program. No extension of the program timing is permitted to account for falls caused by the skater.

If the skater is injured as a result of a fall, and is unable to complete the program then no marks are awarded for the performance. No allowance may be made by the judges for personal accidents due to the fault of the skater (1403f).

Falls – not the fault of the skater

In the event of a fall or interruption which is not the fault of the skater (for example, caused by interference, or poor ice conditions), the referee will direct the skater to begin again after a suitable resting period. If this is the case, the judges will mark only the reskated program

Other Stoppages (Safety, Laces, Music, etc) (#1403)

If there is an interruption in the music, or circumstances arise which jeopardize the safety of the skater (i.e. untied lace, clothing issues, obstacles on the ice, building fire, etc) the referee may signal the skater to stop skating (note that the skater may initiate the stoppage under these circumstances).

If this happens, the skater will be allowed up to 2 minutes to rest or correct the problem; then the program is continued from the point of interruption. No restarts are permitted (except as noted in #1403c (see below)). If the skater is unable to continue the program, the skater is considered to be withdrawn. The allowed 2-minute period starts immediately after the referee's decision.

If the tempo or quality of the music is deficient, the skater should stop and inform the referee within the first 30 seconds of the performance. Usually, a restart from the beginning of the music will be allowed under those conditions. No restart may be made if the skater fails to inform the referee within the specified 30 seconds (same rule applies if the wrong tape is played, or the tape is started somewhere other than the beginning) (#1403c).

If (in the opinion of the referee) medical attention is required, the referee will stop the performance and allow the competitor to to continue immediately from the point of interruption, or if that is not possible, allow a period of up to 3 minutes before the continuation (#1403d).