Competition Program Requirements

COMPETITION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Members in good standing can compete in U.S. Figure Skating–sanctioned events. Program requirements for all event types are listed below. Learn more about participating in sanctioned competitions here.

GUIDELINES FOR CRITIQUES AT NONQUALIFYING COMPETITIONS (2/10/21)

For resources and requirements for hosting sanctioned U.S. Figure Skating competitions, to go Members Only - Clubs - Hosting an Event.

Need to miss school for a U.S. Figure Skating competition or event? Fill out the School Absence Letter Request Form

Standard Nonqualifying Announcement Template: DOWNLOAD

Latest Updates & Clarifications:

4/20/26 – The Jump Challenge Chart has been updated regarding the Euler.

3/10/26 – The 2026 Solo Dance Series Handbook was updated.

1/15/26 – The 2026-27 Showcase Handbook was updated.

1/15/26 – The 2026-27 Championship Track Singles Free Skate chart was updated to correct information for the novice, junior, and senior spin requirements.

Program Requirements Charts:

Short Program (Juvenile - Senior):
2025-26 [March 4, 2025-March 2, 2026]
2026-27 [March 3, 2026-March 1, 2027]
Well-Balanced Free Skate (Pre-Preliminary - Senior):
2025-26 [March 4, 2025-March 2, 2026]
2026-27 [March 3, 2026-March 1, 2027]
Adult Well-Balanced Free Skate:
2025-26 [July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026]
Excel Free Skate:
2025-26 [Jan 1, 2026-December 31, 2026]
Excel Technical Info:
2026 Excel Technical Info (last updated 10/15/2025)
Short Program (Novice-Senior):
2025-26 [June 2, 2025-May 18, 2026]
Free Skate (Juvenile-Senior):
2025-26 [June 2, 2025-May 18, 2026]
Adult Pairs:
2025-26 [July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026]
2025-26 Adult Pairs Dance Calling Clarifications
Pattern Dance (All Levels):
2025-26 [June 3, 2025-May 18, 2026]
Skater's Choice Pattern Dance Timing Chart for Pre-Juvenile through Senior
Rhythm Dance (Junior-Senior):
2025-26 [June 3, 2025-May 18, 2026]
Free Dance (Pre-Juv.-Senior):
2025-26 [June 3, 2025-May 18, 2026]
Adult Partnered Pattern Dance:
2025-26 [July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026]
Skater's Choice Pattern Dance Timing Chart for Adult Events
Adult Partnered Free Dance:
2024-25 [July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025]
2025-26 Adult Dance WBP
For the 2026 Solo Dance Series Handbook with competition information and requirements, CLICK HERE.
Non-Series Pattern Dances (in effect until September 30, 2026)
Starting October 1, 2026: All competitions that plan to offer Solo Pattern Dance events and are NOT part of the Solo Dance Series must utilize the Pattern Dance Selections from the Solo Dance Series
2026 Pattern Dance Selections (posted 10/23/2025)
Adult Solo Dance:
2025-26 Pattern Dance [July 1 - June 30]
Skater's Choice Pattern Dance Timing Chart for Adult Events
Adult Solo Dance Handbook 2025-26
2025-26 Adult Pairs Dance Calling Clarifications
Short Program (Junior, Senior Elite 12 and Senior):
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Free Skate (Preliminary-Senior):
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Aspire Synchro (Aspire 1-4):
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Special Olympics Unified SYS Well-Balanced Program Requirements:
2024-25 [July 1 - June 30]
2025-26 Showcase Handbook (updated 1/15/26)
2025-26 Showcase (FAQs)
The Compulsory Moves Challenge, Jump Challenge and Spin Challenge events have been created to support both athletes and coaches in skill development. By performing elements that may be above the skater’s current competition level, participants can build confidence and gain valuable experience performing in front of officials.
Compulsory Moves Challenge (Levels 1 - 8)
Jumps Challenge (Levels 1 - 9)
Spins Challenge (Levels 1 - 6)
PROGRAMS & FREE SKATES
Program (Snowplow Sam - Basic 6):
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Excel Free Skate:
2024-25 [July 1 - Dec 31]
2025-26 [Jan 1 - Dec 31]
Aspire 1-4:
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Well-Balanced Free Skate (Pre-Preliminary - Preliminary):
2025-26 [Jan. 1 - June 30]
Adult 1-6 Free Skate:
2025-26 [July. 1 - June 30]
Adult Free Skate (Beginner-Bronze):
2025-26 [Jan. 1 - June 30]
ELEMENTS & COMPULSORIES
Elements (Snowplow Sam–Basic 6):
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Team Compulsory:
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Adult 1-6 Compulsory:
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT EVENTS
Jump Challenge:
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Spin Challenge:
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Compulsory Challenge:
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
SPECIALTY EVENTS
Showcase and Interpretive:
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Solo Pattern Dance:
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Theatre On Ice:
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Adaptive:
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Special Olympics (Badges 1-12):
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Special Olympics Singles Free Skate (1-6):
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Special Olympics (Pairs 1-2):
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Special Olympics (Ice Dance 1-2):
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
HOCKEY
Hockey Elements and Skills (Hockey 1-4):
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
TEAM EVENTS
Aspire Synchro (Aspire 1-4):
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Adaptive:
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Special Olympics (Badges 1-12):
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Special Olympics Singles Free Skate (1-6):
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Special Olympics (Pairs 1-2):
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
Special Olympics (Ice Dance 1-2):
2025-26 [July 1 - June 30]
For additional details about adaptive skating, CLICK HERE.
High School Team Maneuvers:
2024-25 (in effect until September 30, 2025)
2025-26 (in effect starting October 1, 2025)
High School Artistic Free Skate:
2024-25 (in effect until September 30, 2025)
2025-26 (in effect starting October 1, 2025)

Looking for other rule information? Access the Skating Rules and Resources main page here.