Rules, Rules, Rules (read further)

The 2018-2019 season begins with some significant changes:

Please note that as of September 2, 2018, all U.S. Figure Skating tests (except figure tests and tests that are pass and retry only) will be marked with an evaluation scale of -3 to +3 in place of the 6.0 marks, and skaters will have the opportunity to earn honors and distinction for performing well above the passing average. It is critical that all judges, test chairs, coaches and skaters are familiar with the new rules before attending a test session. 

Skaters preparing to take Moves-in-the-Field tests can find an active checklist link on the USFS website for the focus of each test (go to www.usfsa.org.  (Skater Checklist for Moves in the Field Tests).

You should also be aware that there are changes in IJS competition scoring, as well:  the +3/-3 system has been expanded to +5/-5.

Another noteworthy change this season is that the half loop, the popular connecting jump in a three-jump series, is no more.  Instead, it has a new name, “Euler.” The International Skating Union changed the terminology in June. It can only be done as a single jump (you will not see double, triple, or quadruple Eulers being attempted). When the Euler is used in a combination, it is credited on a score sheet as a “1Eu,” worth a base value of  0.50.  BTW, the Euler is not pronounced the way it is spelled!  it is pronounced, “oiler.”