http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_spor...rts/4459800.stmSkating: Figure skating (singles)Ice skating is the sport that brings glitz and glamour to the Winter Olympics.
The high-speed steps, spins and jumps make for some spectacular action.
And the wait for the marks to be announced after a routine only heightens the drama.
The singles events often produce the most compelling viewing, as the skater glides around the ice knowing the slightest mistake or fall could be the difference between a gold medal and nothing at all.
HOW THE COMPETITION UNFOLDSCompetitors skate two programmes:
The
short programme consists of eight elements which must be completed - three jumps, three spins and two fast step sequences.
Performing to music, the skater can execute the elements in any order, with a time limit of two minutes and 50 seconds.
There are penalties for failing to complete an element correctly, and the 24 skaters with the best marks advance to the free skate.
The
free skate (long program) forms the finale to the competition, and carries two thirds of the total marks.
There are no required elements, but the skater aims to impress the judges in a choreographed programme containing as many jumps, spins and step sequences as possible.
The women are limited to four minutes and the men to four minutes 30 seconds.
The marks from the two programmes are added together to reach a final total.
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THE JUDGING SYSTEMTurin in 2006 saw the Olympic debut of a new system designed to eliminate the risk of biased judging.
This was prompted by events in the pairs competition at the last Winter Games in Salt Lake City, when the gold medals had to be shared after a judging scandal marred the event.
In the past, judges gave one mark for technical merit and one for artistic impression, with 6.0 the maximum that could be awarded in each case.
Under the new, more complicated system, each programme is now given a technical score and a score for 'programme components'.
Technical score (TES)Each jump, spin, lift or step sequence is given a 'base value' before the competition begins. A triple axel, for example, is worth 7.5.
It is the job of a 'technical specialist' to decide during a skater's routine which move has been executed - whether it is a double or a triple axel, for example. Two assistants are on hand to correct any errors.
As that happens, the nine judges - drawn randomly from a panel of 12 - each decide how well the element has been executed.
They use a scale ranging from -3 to +3. The highest and lowest of these nine marks are taken away, and the average of the remaining marks taken.
This average is then added to the 'base value' to obtain a mark for each element which goes towards the final score.
Programme components (PCS)The old artistic impression mark has been replaced by a set of five judging criteria, each with a scoring scale ranging from 0.25 to a maximum of 10.
Skating skills - reflects the general quality of the skating.
Transitions - covers how well the skater has executed the steps which link each element.
Performance/execution - assesses style, posture and changes in speed.
Choreography - how well the movements, steps and music work together as a whole.
Interpretation/timing - how well the skater works in time with the music.
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Skating guideApart from the skates, all that is required in figure skating is a costume - but choosing the right outfit is a tricky business.
Costumes must complement the music and moves for maximum dramatic effect, and they are custom-made at great expense.
Men must wear full-length trousers, and the skaters' clothing "must not give the effect of excessive nudity for athletic sport".
