Account

FAQ's - Introduction

How do I apply?

There are a few key steps before the application process. To be prepared for entries opening please ensure you have done the following

  • Become a British Ice Skating as a member – you will require your membership number and log in details to apply – you can sign up Here
  • Completed passport or star document which should be uploaded within the British Ice Skating members platform. Please allow time for this document to be approved on the platform. You should already have this as advised by your coach but if not, you can purchase Here
  • Your Planned Programme Contents (PPC) – your coach should be able to help you with this but we have some help available Here
  • Your Music Information – we have some information on this available Here
  • Your Coaches’ details – their BIS number and seminar dates and venues

Once this is done you can await the entries opening. Competitions and details on when you can apply can be found Here and Here

Entry must be completed with PPC and Music information uploaded for the entry to be successful

When is the timetable release?

The timetable will be released as soon after the closing date as we are able to. This will usually coincide with a list of entries being released. Soon to follow will be details and booking for practice ice, spectator tickets and video purchasing should you choose to purchase them. The draw will be released the week before the event – this will let you know which warm up group the skater will be in and what order they will be in that group.

When do I turn up?

You should liaise with your coach over this, but the competition may run up to 30 minutes early, so you should ensure you are in the building in plenty time to prepare for running early or delays. Unfortunately, the draw cannot be changed so if the skater is late, they will miss the opportunity to skate.

What do I need?

Your coach should let you know what the skater requires but the minimum we would advise is

  • Skating boots
  • Guards
  • Their skating outfit (if wearing a dress spare tights may be a good plan)
  • Spare CD

How is the competition scored?

Olympic figure skating is renowned for having a complex scoring system, but it’s just a case of understanding the different elements. Every performance is given a Total Elements Score (TES) and Program Component Score (PCS). These two numbers are combined to give the Total Segment Score (TSS), of which the highest wins.

Total Elements Score (TES)

The TES judges the technicality of the routine, awarding points for skating moves based on their difficulty and execution. All jumps, spins and step sequences/choreographic sequences have a predefined mark of difficulty and a base value score which reflects that. There are strict rules on how many technical elements can be performed in each routine to ensure competitors are judged fairly.

During the performance, 3-5 judges will assess each designated move, awarding a Grade of Execution (GoE) between -5 and +5 points. The highest and lowest are excluded, and then the remaining scores are averaged. This number is then added or subtracted from the base value score. The more difficult the move, the higher the base value score and the greater the potential gains – or indeed, losses.

This process is repeated for every technical aspect of the routine. At the end of the performance, the scores for each move are added together to give the TES.

Program Component Score (PCS)

The PCS focusses on three elements of the performance: composition, presentation, and skating skills. The same judges award a mark out of 10 for each of the five categories, scoring in 0.25 increments. The highest and lowest scores are dropped, and the remaining are averaged out to give the PCS.

Total Segment Score (TSS)

When the TES and PCS have been recorded, they are added together to give the Total Segment Score. At this stage, any penalty points will be deducted for errors including:

  • Falling during the routine
  • Lifts which last longer than the rules allow
  • Part of the costume falling on the ice

What happens after I skate?

Medal ceremonies will take place for the top three scoring in each event. This will happen at the published time. If competing in Young Stars then please see the timetable for the masterclasses.