ISU Decisions of the Council from Nov 2025

[Mathman]

I do think, though, that we should dial down the panic mode a little. Give the slimmed down "Olympic 9s" a chance. If it pans out, fine. If it doesn't, it's not the end of the world.

In either case there is no reason why existing synchro programs should be negatively affected, financially or otherwise. Try to keep costs in check (while acknowledging that some hobbies are expensive no matter what), encourage broad participation at all levels, have fun, hone your skills, take pride in your accomplishments.

 

[Diana Delafield]

I do think, though, that we should dial down the panic mode a little. Give the slimmed down "Olympic 9s" a chance. If it pans out, fine. If it doesn't, it's not the end of the world.

In either case there is no reason why existing synchro programs should be negatively affected, financially or otherwise. Try to keep costs in check (while acknowledging that some hobbies are expensive no matter what), encourage broad participational all levels, have fun, hone your skills, take pride in your accomplishments.

Like choral singing. As well as working as a soloist, I sang in duets with friends, in small chamber choirs, up to huge massed choirs..........different repertoires, different sounds, all enjoyable to do and to listen to.

 

[4everchan]

Like choral singing. As well as working as a soloist, I sang in duets with friends, in small chamber choirs, up to huge massed choirs..........different repertoires, different sounds, all enjoyable to do and to listen to.

Sorry but that analogy won't work for me
Sure, if you like singing anything, you can enjoy yourself in all kinds of setting but there is repertoire that cannot happen with specific number of voices as well as well, orchestra. Let's say what you enjoy the most is exactly that " symphonic choral singing" for instance, the requiems and what not...well you need professional soloists for these (not just choir soloists) you need the orchestra, sometimes a double choir if you are doing things like Bach Passions etc... So if that's your thing, and suddenly your choir's funding is cut for whatever reason, you can no longer perform the music you really enjoy. Sure, you can do a cappella chamber choir repertoire, but what if that's not your thing ?

So the "new synchro 9' for me, if you want to stick to a choir analogy means that some people who enjoy the large teams, the larger figures, the lifts (because you need one skater on top and 3 to lift) and so on, a lot of this is now gone in synchro 9. So, it's not guaranteed that you will still enjoy it... but wait, it may now be the only available thing in your club because well, the club wants to do competitions...

I am sorry but I am far from being in panic mode. I am just realistic about the implications of the new rule. I dislike it very much and I am refraining to use harsher language because I'd like to start the year without swearing

 

[gkelly]

I don't know a lot about synchronized skating, and what I do know is mostly US specific.

In my area there are two synchronized clubs that each have several different teams at various skill levels. None of them is senior level.

According to the US Figure Skating rulebook, here's some edited information about the ages and number skaters required for each competition level:

Preliminary 8-20 skaters who are 13 years of age and younger
Pre-Juvenile 8-20 skaters who are 17 years of age and younger
Open Juvenile 8-20 skaters who are 19 years of age and younger
Juvenile 12-20 skaters who are 13 years of age and younger
Intermediate 12-20 skaters who are 19 years of age and younger
Novice 12-20 skaters who are 19 years of age and younger
Junior 12-20 skaters who are 12 through 19 years of age (Note for ISU competitions, you must follow ISU requirements)
Senior Elite 12 12 skaters who are 17 years of age or older
Senior 16 skaters who are 17 years of age or older
Most levels also have minimum test requirements.
Then there are also levels for collegiate teams, adult teams, and Special Olympics teams.

So whatever happens at the international elite level is not likely to have much effect on opportunities to participate in synchronized skating at recreational or developmental levels. There's no reason to believe that USFS (or other federations with many clubs hosting teams) would suddenly require all levels to downsize their teams to the lowest number of skaters.

According to the latest (2024) ISU Special Regulations Synchronized Skating,

In all International Synchronized Skating Competitions:
Senior Eilte 12: a Team shall consist of twelve Skaters;
Senior: a Team shall consist of sixteen Skaters,
Senior Combined: Seinor Elite 12 adn Senior may be combined into one category
Junior: a Team shall consist of twelve to sixteen Skaters,
Novice Advanced: a Team shall consist of twelve to sixteen skaters.

In all ISU Synchronized Skating Championships a Team shell consist of sixteen Skaters.

I.e., at most levels there is some flexibility in the number of skaters on a team, which allows clubs, or federations, to form teams even if they don't have 16 skaters to fill out a team, and to compete internationally with fewer skaters.
However, for ISU championships, 16 skaters are still required.

Here is the ISU press release about the new Synchro 9 category:

Synchro9: A new era for Synchronized Skating begins

The International Skating Union (ISU) is delighted to unveil a groundbreaking development in Synchronized Skating with the launch of “Synchro9”– an innovative competitive category designed to elevate the discipline, expand its global reach, and strengthen its pathway toward an Olympic future...

isu-skating.com

As of now, it does not appear that the intention is to eliminate the 16-skater format, but rather to introduce an additional category that is more likely to be included in the Olympics than the current standard team size.

I suppose it remains to be seen how that will play out if in fact the Synchro 9 category is accepted for Olympic inclusion.

If the ISU continues to offer standard junior and senior championships for 16-member teams in addition to Synchro 9 events, that could make for more opportunities at the elite level. Just not in the Olympics. But it's not in the Olympics now either.

We'll have to wait and see where they want to go with this. So far there's no reason to jump to the conclusion that the sport as it currently exists will be eliminated in favor of the smaller-team version.

 

[4everchan]

I don't know a lot about synchronized skating, and what I do know is mostly US specific.

In my area there are two synchronized clubs that each have several different teams at various skill levels. None of them is senior level.

According to the US Figure Skating rulebook, here's some edited information about the ages and number skaters required for each competition level:

Preliminary 8-20 skaters who are 13 years of age and younger
Pre-Juvenile 8-20 skaters who are 17 years of age and younger
Open Juvenile 8-20 skaters who are 19 years of age and younger
Juvenile 12-20 skaters who are 13 years of age and younger
Intermediate 12-20 skaters who are 19 years of age and younger
Novice 12-20 skaters who are 19 years of age and younger
Junior 12-20 skaters who are 12 through 19 years of age (Note for ISU competitions, you must follow ISU requirements)
Senior Elite 12 12 skaters who are 17 years of age or older
Senior 16 skaters who are 17 years of age or older
Most levels also have minimum test requirements.
Then there are also levels for collegiate teams, adult teams, and Special Olympics teams.

So whatever happens at the international elite level is not likely to have much effect on opportunities to participate in synchronized skating at recreational or developmental levels. There's no reason to believe that USFS (or other federations with many clubs hosting teams) would suddenly require all levels to downsize their teams to the lowest number of skaters.

According to the latest (2024) ISU Special Regulations Synchronized Skating,


I.e., at most levels there is some flexibility in the number of skaters on a team, which allows clubs, or federations, to form teams even if they don't have 16 skaters to fill out a team, and to compete internationally with fewer skaters.
However, for ISU championships, 16 skaters are still required.

Here is the ISU press release about the new Synchro 9 category:

Synchro9: A new era for Synchronized Skating begins

The International Skating Union (ISU) is delighted to unveil a groundbreaking development in Synchronized Skating with the launch of “Synchro9”– an innovative competitive category designed to elevate the discipline, expand its global reach, and strengthen its pathway toward an Olympic future...

isu-skating.com

As of now, it does not appear that the intention is to eliminate the 16-skater format, but rather to introduce an additional category that is more likely to be included in the Olympics than the current standard team size.

I suppose it remains to be seen how that will play out if in fact the Synchro 9 category is accepted for Olympic inclusion.

If the ISU continues to offer standard junior and senior championships for 16-member teams in addition to Synchro 9 events, that could make for more opportunities at the elite level. Just not in the Olympics. But it's not in the Olympics now either.

We'll have to wait and see where they want to go with this. So far there's no reason to jump to the conclusion that the sport as it currently exists will be eliminated in favor of the smaller-team version.

I appreciate your optimism. I'm not really worried about the very low levels. I'm worried about the higher level synchro skaters. I suspect national federatioms will cut down funding for the larger teams because there isn't actually that much money to start with. The focus will be for synchro 9. Just like it is for rugby 7.

And my other worry, is just how the sport will evolve. 9 skaters is, I repeat, boring . I fail to imagine how it can rival with 16 skaters in creating diversity in choreography.

 

[Mathman]

I fail to imagine how it can rival with 16 skaters in creating diversity in choreography.

To tell the truth, that is my reservation about the whole thing. Is "choreography" a sport? An Olympic sport? A higher. faster, stronger sport?

Sychro skating got it's start in 1956 with the "Hockettes" -- a team of pretty girls who did entertainment routines (sort of like "Rockettes on Ice") between periods of local hockey games in Michigan.

Here is the start of synchronized swimming. Olympic champion Esther Williams in the movie extravaganza Million Dollar Mermaid. Sport?

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

(In contrast, males who won Olympic Gold Medals in swimming races cashed in by starring in Tarzan movies.)

 

[gkelly]

Some updates on what the ISU has in mind for synchronized skating:

Inside ISU

Corporate Home - International Skating Union

isu.org

Synchronized Skating​

Synchronized Skating is set for exciting growth following the ISU Council’s approval of a new Synchronized Skating Category, “Synchro 9”. This new category features a fully reimagined event format with teams of nine skaters, a simplified and more intuitive judging system, and a show-enhanced, TV-friendly approach. Together, these elements will unlock the full potential of Synchronized Skating while highlighting its unique essence.

The Working Group also discussed with the Council the possibility of including the Synchro 9 category in the future Olympic Winter Games. In this context, Synchro 9 was submitted to the IOC for inclusion in the programme of the Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG). This application has been approved, marking the historic first appearance of Synchronized Skating at an Olympic event.

In parallel, the ISU Council has approved new rule changes for immediate implementation:

• Teams composed of 12 to 16 skaters will now be eligible to compete at ISU Championships, opening the door to broader participation and more competitive fields.
• Teams from organizing ISU Members will receive automatic entry without the requirement to achieve minimum combined total element scores, creating new opportunities for local involvement, increased audience engagement, and enhanced event visibility.

These developments represent a significant step forward in supporting the continued global expansion and evolution of Synchronized Skating, both within the ISU Vision 2030 and the Olympic movement.

 

[Sasha'sSpins]

To tell the truth, that is my reservation about the whole thing. Is "choreography" a sport? An Olympic sport? A higher. faster, stronger sport?

Sychro skating got it's start in 1956 with the "Hockettes" -- a team of pretty girls who did entertainment routines (sort of like "Rockettes on Ice") between periods of local hockey games in Michigan.

Here is the start of synchronized swimming. Olympic champion Esther Williams in the movie extravaganza Million Dollar Mermaid. Sport?

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

(In contrast, males who won Olympic Gold Medals in swimming races cashed in by starring in Tarzan movies.)

While the legendary Esther Williams WAS a US champion swimmer who qualified for the 1940 Olympics, she was never an Olympic champion. Unfortunately, she was robbed of the chance due to the fact that the 1940 Olympics were cancelled (as were the 1944 Olympics) because of World War II.

Happily, Williams (only 63 years young at the time) was at the inaugural synchronized swimming events at the 1984 Olympics and by all accounts she was 'thrilled' at the inclusion of the sport at the Games. Esther also served as a commentator for the event at those Games.

Esther Williams lived a long life. She passed away in 2013 at the age of 91.

She is of course in the International Swimming Hall of Fame:

Esther Williams - International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF)

No other person is asked or talked about more at the International Swimming Hall of Fame than Esther Williams

ishof.org

 

[ladyjane]

I actually have a little problem with the formulations by the ISU. I don't see an exciting growth coming with the 9. Even when there is growth (and that's doubtful), it will be boring to me. And what do we need a tv-friendly approach for? Does that also mean stream-friendly approach?

 

[4everchan]

I actually have a little problem with the formulations by the ISU. I don't see an exciting growth coming with the 9. Even when there is growth (and that's doubtful), it will be boring to me. And what do we need a tv-friendly approach for? Does that also mean stream-friendly approach?

They certainly mean stream friendly as TV won't show synchro 9 all that much. I was told that saying it will be boring is not an argument. Thank you for pointing out that the fact that the ISU says it will be exciting is also not an argument. Exciting for whom?

 

[Mathman]

Here is the ISU press release about the new Synchro 9 category:

Synchro9: A new era for Synchronized Skating begins

The International Skating Union (ISU) is delighted to unveil a groundbreaking development in Synchronized Skating with the launch of “Synchro9”– an innovative competitive category designed to elevate the discipline, expand its global reach, and strengthen its pathway toward an Olympic future...

isu-skating.com

You know what I wish? I wish that PR teams wouldn't say things like, " The ISU is delighted to unveil a groundbreaking development..."

I wish they would say, instead, "The ISU is pleased to announce a new program..."

 

[4everchan]

To tell the truth, that is my reservation about the whole thing. Is "choreography" a sport? An Olympic sport? A higher. faster, stronger sport?

By diversity in choreography, I didn't mean exclusively how pretty things will be put together. I meant literally that cutting down from 16 to 9 skaters implies that some elements will no longer be possible. Other than 3 groups of 3 or a line of 4 crossing a line of 5, and the whole 9 doing something together, it's hard to imagine some of the current elements in synchro and how they would be translated to synchro 9. Daring choreographers may play with 2+2+2+3 . or 4+2+3 etc but yeah... 12 or 16 allowed for much more varied groupings, at least, it's an even number to start with.