General Rules of Figure Skating: How to Play

Do you want to see a bunch of artistic performances on the ice? Welcome to know all about figure skating sport, a sport in which single athletes or teams of athletes try to conduct all those performances on the ice. Here, both men and women try to participate in their very own singles events with a significant pair of skating events. Plus, it also includes dancing events open to both genders usually containing one male and one female.

In a fully official Figure Skating sport, the Athletes produce a wide variety of moves in order to impress a large panel of judges. These judges count or score the athletes which is usually based on their total grace, control, and flair. The moves inside this game include jumps and spirals in the air. On top of that, the spins on the ice and a number of different step sequences are there inside this pretty awesome game for youngsters.

It all states that knowing about this masterpiece would really be worth and that’s why we are here to make an impression. Please keep reading to find out more about figure skating in this comprehensive guide.

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Brief History Of Figure Skating:

This Figure Skating sport has been a vital part of the Winter Olympics since the games first began in the 1924. Moreover, it also made appearances at the 1906 and 1920 Summer Olympics before this time period.

In the Olympic Figure Skating, The United States Of America is the world’s current leader for this sport. This country proudly holds an overall of 49 medals. Besides, the Russia and Austria are the closest rivals having up to 26 and 20 medals respectively. Another country named Soviet Union has also picked up to 24 medals during their very own time in the exact competition of figure skating.

The Ultimate Objective Of Figure Skating:

There is a full truth in saying that the overall objective of the Figure Skating is always to score more points or highest marks possible from the judges. However, there are also some unique ways to score more points that totally depends on the nature of the event being conducted.

In almost all Figure Skating Competitions, the Athletes are highly required to perform a high number of different moves. They do this to obtain the highest possible score from the judges. In a typical performance, athletes will execute a Selection of The Spins, Jumps and the Steps.

However, in some pair skating competitions, the Athletes perform several actions with one and another to always score a high level of points. This includes throwing a partner in the air and spinning the partner around in multiple directions.

Besides, the ice dancing is somewhat similar to the Pair Skating. But its entire focus is on the footwork and the coordination as partners usually dance together in time with the music being played overhead.

Required Number Of Players In The Figure Skating:

In a Figure Skating Match, both men and women participate. This game is usually played in singles as only one women and one men in most cases.

The Equipment Inside Figure Skating:

Players are very easy on deciding or collecting over the number of equipment required inside a Figure Skating game. These are described as follows. Please have a look!

A Pair Of Figure Skates:

The most needed piece of equipment you required inside this kind of game is a pair of skates. Because you will not be able to play the game independently without this equipment. Therefore, these Figure Skaters are those especially designed skating shoes having some thick steel blades at the base.

Plus, they have jagged grooves at the front which are known as the “toe picks”. These assist the players or athletes with their footwork on the ice. Plus, these also assist the athlete in landing as well as spinning on the ice. However, a very specific size of the toe picks may vary significantly.

The main blades of these skates are normally around 4 millimeters thick. But that’s only one side of the picture. Because they may vary depending on the shoe size of the athlete. Moreover, these blades also curve around to one side in order to assist with the turns on the ice.

In this way, the Athletes will always try their best and attempt to skate on the very edges of the figure skate blades.

But for ice dancing, the athletes usually have a slightly shorter blade on the base side of their shoes. These are also with a slightly different design to accommodate a step work rather than just jumping around.

Costumes For The Players:

In a Figure Skating Match, the men and women are also directed and required to wear some specific costumes so that they may be able to perform on the professional stage. Here, the men are asked to wear trousers. But at the meantime, the women are required to wear tights, skirts, trousers and unitards etc.

How Does Scoring Happen In Figure Skating?

The players in Figure Skating are usually scored according to a developed ISU Judging System. It is done by a panel of judges in which there are usually nine judges. These include the technical inspector and also a referee. This developed system functions by awarding different amounts of points to the players for their unique moves. It also includes how efficiently and effectively these moves get executed. Besides, a grade of an execution which is also called GoE is calculated. And then the scale of value table is mostly used to turn such grade into an overall mark for the players.

In a typical Figure Skating Performance, the main aspects usually include Skill Footwork, Interpretation, Performance, Overall execution, timing, and Choreography. However, those who appeared to be the more complex maneuvers, they will be awarded with a highest score provided that they are fully executed correctly. For instance, the more rotations in a jump would be, the higher it will lead a player and he will get an ultimate higher rank for that.

How To Win In Figure Skating?

Winning is so simple and easier for players in figure skating. Because here, any individual or a team who achieves an utmost higher number of scores overall is called the ultimate winner of the competition.

All Figure Skating Rules:

The game has couple of rules that players need to follow otherwise. These rules are described as follows.

The Zayak Rule:

In this figure skating sport, the Zayak rule states that there shall be no participant attempting a triple or a quadruple jumps on more than two occasions. Therefore, they have to keep their performances varied.

Disqualification Of Participants:

The judges leading a match Figure Skating may also mark down the participants or totally disqualify them if they fail to adhere to the rules and regulations of music and costumes. On this notice, several types of music are not permitted. And the costumes can never contain excessive decoration. Or be considered as too revealing.

Moreover, the athletes may also be disqualified for several time violations.

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Final Thoughts:

Lastly, I would only say that Figure skating and knowing all about figure skating is highly recommended for those people who live in areas where there is too much ice. They can get information about this game and organize their very own if they would want to. On top of that, the, game is highly tactical so you have to be strong and rigid enough to stand in the very ground. And I know very well that after reading this article, I hope your all doubts about figure skating have been cleared. Please let me know if you have something to ask or add.

But thanks for being here today. Take good care of yourself and keep visiting for more latest sports and to know their rules. Have a pleasant day!