The International Skating Union (ISU) released updated Levels of Difficulty and Guidelines for marking Grade of Execution and Program Components as part of its 2026-27 Figure Skating Rule Changes for singles and pair skating. The new communication replaces the rules used during the 2025-26 season and introduces changes to step sequences, spins, jump combinations, death spirals, and choreographic elements.

Step Sequences

The ISU added new requirements to step sequences in both singles and pair skating.

In singles, skaters must now execute at least two difficult turns or steps on clean edges to satisfy the basic level requirement. The ISU also added a new feature called “Body movements included in a combination of 3 difficult turns.”

To receive credit, skaters must perform two movements that affect the balance of the main body core during a three-turn combination. The movements may involve the arms, head, torso, hips, or legs, and the skater must maintain clean execution throughout the combination.

In pair skating, teams now face the same clean-edge requirement and can also earn credit for the new body movement feature.

The updated communication also removes the previous pair step sequence feature involving rotations in both directions across the sequence pattern.

The rules also now state that a twizzle must include at least two revolutions to count.

Spin Requirements Receive Multiple Revisions

The ISU made several changes to spin features and level requirements.

The updated rules add a new feature called Windmills. A windmill is a spinning movement in which a skater bends forward and circles the free leg around the body in an illusion-like motion. Beginning in 2026–27, skaters can receive a spin feature by performing three consecutive windmills, with each movement reaching close to a split position of at least 135 degrees.

The list of features used to satisfy the additional Level 4 spin requirement also changed. The 2026–27 rules include:

• Difficult exit
• Clear change of edge
• Both directions immediately following each other
• Clear increase of speed
• Difficult variation of flying entry
• Windmills

The updated rules remove difficult change of position on the same foot from the Level 4 requirement list, although it still counts as a feature.

The updated rules also remove difficult variations in non-basic positions as a feature in singles and solo spins. Pair spins remain an exception.

Jump Combination Rules Change

The updated communication revises rules involving Euler jumps.

For singles:

• Skaters cannot include a Euler in Short Program jump combinations.
• Skaters may execute only one Euler between listed jumps in the Free Skate.
• The rules classify a Euler used in combinations or sequences as a non-listed jump that receives no value.

For pair skating:

• Jump combinations and sequences now consist of two jumps.
• Pair teams can still execute an Euler between jumps, but the rules classify it as a non-listed jump and do not assign it value.

Death Spirals Gain Separate Features

The ISU revised death spiral features in pair skating.

The updated rules now count difficult entries and difficult exits in death spirals as separate features. Under the previous rules, teams could receive credit for only one of the two. Beginning in 2026–27, teams can receive credit for both within the same element.

New Choreographic Elements Enter the Rulebook

The updated communication also introduces additional choreographic elements.

Singles skating adds:

• Choreographic Spin

Pair skating adds:

• Choreographic Pair Lift
• Choreographic Pair Spin

The ISU states that these elements carry fixed base values and judges evaluate them through GOE only.

Additional Changes

• Difficult carry no longer counts as a lift feature in pair skating.
• The updated rules clarify that change-of-foot-by-jump features count only when the jump enters a camel or sit position.
• Windmills performed during a spin in one position do not count toward the required revolutions in the basic position.
• The updated communication also includes additional clarifications for death spiral exits.

More 2026-27 ISU Rule Changes

• ISU tightens GOE rules and refines judging criteria for 2026–27 figure skating season
• ISU 2026-27 Scale of Values in Figure Skating

Paula Slater

Founder of Golden Skate in 1999, Paula has followed the sport of figure skating for over four decades. A retired U.S. Army veteran, she takes joy in promoting the sport worldwide, covering events, interviewing skaters, and providing resources. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and in her free time, enjoys reading, walking her dogs, painting, and consuming large quantities of coffee.