Rules & Resources - Ice & Solo Dance

ICE DANCE & SOLO DANCE: RULES & RESOURCES

U.S. Figure Skating provides marking guides for competition events. This page includes the latest updates and clarifications to support athletes and coaches in competition.

ICE DANCE

Latest Updates & Clarifications:

8/18/26 – An ISU Q&A Clarification document was posted.

8/18/26 – The 2026-27 ISU Technical Panel Handbook for Ice Dance was updated. Changes are on page 2 with the removal of the effective dates.

8/18/26 – The 2026-27 Judging Reminders for Ice Dance were posted.

7/28/26 – An updated version of ISU Communication 2797 was posted. The latest version is dated 7/27/26.

7/27/26 – The 2026-27 Ice Dance Deductions were posted.

7/9/26 – ISU Communication 2803 – Ice Dance – Scale of Values 2026-27 – was posted.

7/1/26 – The Skater’s Choice Pattern Dance Timing Chart was updated.

7/23/26 – Ice Dance 2026-27 rules changes presentation.

Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik skate side by side with Emilea holding on to Vadym's outstretched hand. Emilea is a young woman with long blonde hair wearing a sparkly sleeveless top and black pants. Vadym is a young man with short black hair wearing a black tshirt and black pants.

ISU Communication #2803 - Ice Dance - Scale of Values 2026-27 (PDF, posted 7/9/26)
This replaces a portion of ISU Communication #2705.
ISU Communication #2798 - Ice Dance - Marking Guides 2026-27 (PDF, updated 7/14/26)
This replaces a portion of ISU Communication #2704.
ISU Communication #2797 - Ice Dance - Calling Specifications for Levels of Difficulty 2026-27 (PDF, updated 7/27/26)
This replaces a portion of ISU Communication #2716.
ISU Communication #2795 - Ice Dance - Requirements for Technical Rules for 2026-27 (PDF, updated 7/14/26)
This replaces a portion of ISU Communication #2704.
ISU Communication #2698 - Ice Dance - Music Requirements (PDF, posted 4/9/25)
ISU Q&A Clarification Document (PDF, posted 8/18/26)
How Should the Referee Check the Duration of a Lift (PDF, 7/25/19)
2026-27 Scale of Values (ISU Communication #2803) (PDF, posted 7/9/26)
Pattern Dance Scale of Values with Sequences/Sections (No Key Points) (PDF, 5/13/19)
2026-27 Ice Dance Deductions for Novice and Below and Adult (PDF, 7/27/26)
2026-27 Ice Dance Deductions for Junior and Senior (PDF, 7/27/26)
Element Codes for Ice Dance (PDF, 8/14/26)
2026-27 ISU Calling Specifications and Levels of Difficulty (ISU Communication #2797) (PDF, updated 7/27/26)
2026-27 ISU Technical Panel Handbook (PDF, updated 8/18/26)
2026-27 Ice Dance Calling Clarifications for Novice and Below (PDF, updated 8/14/26)
2026-27 Pattern Dance Key Points for Juvenile (Effective May 19, 2026) (PDF, 7/27/26)
2026-27 Pattern Dance Key Points for Intermediate (Effective May 19, 2026) (PDF, 6/1/26)
2026-27 Pattern Dance Key Points for Novice (Effective May 19, 2026) (PDF, 7/14/26)
Golden Waltz Reference Diagram (PDF, posted 8/14/26)
Westminster Waltz Reference Diagram (PDF, posted 8/14/26)
2026-27 Judging Reminders - Dance (PDF, 8/18/26)
2026-27 Marking Guide for GOEs for Ice Dance (PDF, 7/14/26)
Program Component Chart (Pattern Dance) (PDF, 7/14/26)
Program Component Chart (Rhythm Dance and Free Dance) (PDF, 7/14/26)
Composition, Presentation and Skating Skills Charts (PDF, 8/1/24)
Thinking Words for Program Component Scale (PDF, posted 8/21/25)

SOLO DANCE

Latest Updates & Clarifications:

7/6/26 - The 2026-27 International Solo Ice Dance Competition General Rules and Resources document was posted

7/1/26 – 2027 Solo Dance Series Pattern Dance Selections was posted.

6/19/26 - ANNOUNCEMENT regarding tempo timing for the 2026 Solo Dance Series was posted

5/18/26 - ANNOUNCEMENT regarding early start times 2026 Solo Dance Series was posted

Solo dance National final podium photo of the top four medalists

Click Here for 2027 Solo Dance Series Pattern Dance Selections (posted 7/1/2026)
Click Here for 2026 Skater's Choice Pattern Dance Timing Chart (posted 7/1/2026)
Click Here for 2026 Solo Dance Handbook (updated 3/10/2026)
Click Here for 2026 Solo Dance Series Clarifications (updated 3/10/2026)
Click Here for 2026 Solo Dance Series Officials' Manual (posted 1/24/26)
Click Here for 2026 Solo Dance Series Competitions (posted 11/10/2025)
Click Here for 2026 Pattern Dance Selections (posted 10/23/2025)
Click Here for 2026 Solo Dance Series GOE Marking Guides (posted 10/30/2025)
Click Here for 2026 Solo Dance Series Pattern Dance Element Codes
Click Here for 2026 Solo Dance Series IJS Element Codes
Click Here for 2026 Solo Dance Program Components
Click Here for the 2026-27 International Solo Ice Dance Competition General Rules & Requirements
Click Here for the 'How To Judge Solo Ice Dance' Document
Click Here for the Solo Dance Series Officials Conflict Of Interest Document
Click Here for the Solo Dance Series Clarification for Scoring Officials & Referees
Attention: No formal critiques/feedback may be offered during Solo Dance Series competitions. The Referee and Technical Controller may answer specific questions about deductions and levels.
International Solo Dance Competitions
Blackburn Trophy Event Announcement
Click Here for the 2026-27 International Solo Ice Dance Competition General Rules & Requirements

NATIONAL SOLO DANCE FINAL

The top skaters from each section will be invited to compete at the National Solo Dance Final.

Click Here for the standard schedule of the event.
The 2026 National Solo Dance Final will be held September 16-19, 2026 in Kalamazoo, MI.
2027 National Solo Dance Final: Awarded to Ashburn, VA
Event dates: September 15-19, 2027

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

ICE DANCE & SOLO DANCE: RULES & RESOURCES

ICE DANCE

Latest Updates & Clarifications:

SOLO DANCE

Latest Updates & Clarifications:

International Solo Dance Competitions

NATIONAL SOLO DANCE FINAL