# Synchronized Skating Rules, Law 3: Features and additional features (ISU Sports Rules)

Figure Skating · Law 3: Features and additional features · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/figure-skating/laws/synchronized-skating-law-3-features-and-additional-features/)

The Features and additional Features that raise an element's difficulty in synchronized skating: the point of intersection and the step sequence, approaches, body movement, the changes of configuration, place, side and direction, lift positions, interlocking, intersecting, mirror image patterns, pivoting, travel and weaving.

## 3.31 Features and additional features

Approaches, body movement and the changes; lift positions, interlocking, mirror patterns and travel.

### Test 1: Approaches, body movement and the changes

- The point of intersection is the type of movement or rotation the skaters perform at the axis of intersection. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.5)
- All skaters execute the same steps and turns in the same direction, on the same edge, at the same time, except when starting or ending a mirror image pattern; crossovers are kept to a minimum. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.5)
- The skaters' backs, shoulders and hips included, face the axis of intersection during the entire approach phase, whatever the skating direction; a pivoting entry with backward skating also counts. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)
- In a change of configuration the number of lines, spokes or circles changes and the skaters move to form it; in a change of element shape they go from one shape to a different one. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)
- A change of side is a skater going from one side of another skater to that skater's other side. A change of place is a change in the order of spokes, lines or skaters. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)
- An element or movement performed first clockwise and then anti-clockwise, or the other way round. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)
- Body movement uses arms, legs, head and torso during turns and linking steps so that the core leaves its centred balance and the weight over the blade is clearly affected. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)
- Movements are low below the hips, medium between shoulder and hip, and high above the shoulders. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)
- The pivot point may progress through the line but may not go back, and the skaters may not cross their own old tracks while it changes ends. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)
- In B both lines face away from the axis, their backs towards it. In A they face it, in C only one line turns its back, and in D the skaters face along the axis. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)

### Test 2: Lift positions, circles, patterns and travel

- In a balancing position the lifted skater is stabilised mostly by their own strength, and the position becomes precarious, affecting their balance. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)
- Flexible positions include a front split, a side split, 135 degrees, and a backward arch in a semicircle or full circle. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)
- In a self-supported position the lifted skater holds most of their own weight, and the lifting partner gives only passive assistance. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)
- A choreographic series consists of different skating movements, different types of turns and different arm and body movements, as an ISU Communication sets out. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)
- In intersecting individual skaters crisscross between other skaters; in passing through it is pairs or groups that crisscross between other pairs or groups. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)
- Some skaters go clockwise while the rest go anti-clockwise at the same time, half and half or one third and two thirds of the team. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)
- Travel means the rotating element or shape moves in a direction or along a path for a required distance; rotation and travel happen together, on a curved or straight path. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)
- Weaving is skaters passing each other by moving side to side, for example from an outer circle into a centre circle or the other way round. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)
- A change of rotational direction is an element or movement first in one rotational direction and then in the opposite one. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)
- Interlocking circles turn in opposite directions and overlap, skaters of one passing between consecutive skaters of the other (C). A and B are apart, D is one circle inside the other. (Source: ISU SR SYS 2026, Rule 841.6)

Sources: ISU Sports Rules, Synchronized Skating, 2026, Rule 841.5-841.6 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the rules, not reproduced)

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