A figure skating total is not simply one overall impression converted into a number. In the ISU judging system, identifying technical elements, assessing their quality and evaluating the programme contribute separately to the result. Value tables and requirements can change by season, so the appropriate regulations and official score sheet are essential when examining a particular performance.
Identification and base value
The technical panel identifies what was actually performed and determines relevant levels or technical issues. A jump's type and rotations, or the recognised features of a spin or step sequence, affect its value. Intended content and credited content are not always identical, which helps explain why a live technical score can change after review.
Quality adjusts the value
The judging panel assesses execution and applies the corresponding adjustment. A more difficult element with substantial problems can score less than an easier one completed well. When watching a jump, consider take-off, landing, speed and its connection to the programme, instead of assuming that the largest planned number of rotations settles the comparison.
Programme-level assessment
Programme components assess the skating and presentation as a whole, under the categories applicable to that season. They are not a score for appearance or costume. Falls and other situations may also bring separate deductions. Reading the element table, component assessment and deductions individually usually reveals where the final difference between skaters was created.
