Referees are the designated leaders and spokespeople for an event. They also manage the panel of judges and, depending on the size of the competition, may serve as one of the event's judges as well. Before becoming a referee, one must be certified as a competition judge.
The event referee’s responsibilities include timing the programs, taking certain deductions (in IJS), deciding on all protests with respect to their event, conducting pre-event meetings (usually held at qualifying competitions) and allowing a skater/team to restart a program that has been stopped in accordance with U.S. Figure Skating rules.
Chief referees are responsible for setting up the competition schedule, assigning officials, overseeing seeding and draws for events, interpreting rules, deciding on protests and any breaches that occur without protests and determining if the condition of the ice will permit conducting the competition.
U.S. Figure Skating appoints referees in all disciplines:
- Singles
- Pairs
- Ice Dance
- Synchronized Skating
- Showcase
- Theatre On Ice
View requirements to become a referee (i.e. appointment guidelines) here.
Interested in becoming a referee? Begin the process to become a competition judge.
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