ISU proposed figure skating changes

[Senseo]

6 jumping passes is bad, especially if the +2Axel sequences continue to be overvalued and they reduce to 2 jump combinations, as was originally proposed. Every woman's jump layout will be:

3Lutz+3Toe
3Flip+2Axel+2Axel
3Lutz
3Flip
3Loop
3Sal
(the only variation will be if someone repeats the 3Loop instead of the Lutz or Flip. Or if you have a 3Axel, then it means you're entirely cutting the Salchow from your training)

On the Men's side, they will stop training an entire jump type, likely 2 entire jump types. For example, this would be a typical jump layout in the Men's event:

4Lutz
4Toe+3Toe
4Sal
4Toe
3Axel+2Axel+2Axel
3Axel

No point in training a Flip or Loop anymore, unless you're able to do a Quad version, in which case you're then likely cutting the Lutz or Salchow jump out of your training, unless you're going for ALL the quads like Malinin.
----
The biggest problem and waste of time within programs are the footwork sequence rules. They go on far too long and fail to capture the music and create the magic that footwork sequences used to create, because of the stupidly restrictive and monotonous requirements.

The second biggest problem are the spins - they should ALL be "choreographic spins". This rule adjustment of the last spin being less restrictive will help a little, but not enough, particularly since it will always be 100% predictable that everyone's last spin of the program will be this element. Making the choreography predictable is not helpful.

In 2014 they lowered the men's jumps from 8 to 7, it didn't work. Hopefully someone will put pressure on and leave the 7 jump steps.

 

[Anna K.]

In 2014 they lowered the men's jumps from 8 to 7, it didn't work. Hopefully someone will put pressure on and leave the 7 jump steps.

What do you mean by "didn't work"? I remember quite a lot of the discussion back then. Changes were made because, with more quads included, Men's long programs became physically unsustainable. Skaters kept complaining that programs were too long, "cheap" jumps were too many, and step sequences demanded too much physique while they didn't give much points, in the result of which they struggled to find power for quad jumps. Hence one jump and one step sequence were axed and program time reduced so that skaters could keep their amazing quads (the quad hype was in its full bloom back then). The change worked exactly how it was meant to work.

 

[Anna K.]

6 jumping passes is bad, especially if the +2Axel sequences continue to be overvalued and they reduce to 2 jump combinations, as was originally proposed. Every woman's jump layout will be:

3Lutz+3Toe
3Flip+2Axel+2Axel
3Lutz
3Flip
3Loop
3Sal
(the only variation will be if someone repeats the 3Loop instead of the Lutz or Flip. Or if you have a 3Axel, then it means you're entirely cutting the Salchow from your training)

On the Men's side, they will stop training an entire jump type, likely 2 entire jump types. For example, this would be a typical jump layout in the Men's event:

4Lutz
4Toe+3Toe
4Sal
4Toe
3Axel+2Axel+2Axel
3Axel

No point in training a Flip or Loop anymore, unless you're able to do a Quad version, in which case you're then likely cutting the Lutz or Salchow jump out of your training, unless you're going for ALL the quads like Malinin.
----
The biggest problem and waste of time within programs are the footwork sequence rules. They go on far too long and fail to capture the music and create the magic that footwork sequences used to create, because of the stupidly restrictive and monotonous requirements.

The second biggest problem are the spins - they should ALL be "choreographic spins". This rule adjustment of the last spin being less restrictive will help a little, but not enough, particularly since it will always be 100% predictable that everyone's last spin of the program will be this element. Making the choreography predictable is not helpful.

Well, ISU needs to learn this from experience. I'm guessing they'll make this change and then tweak it afterwards.

I think that this change is inevitable since long programs are hitting the ceiling of physical sustainably once again. At the same time, radical changes are not possible (tbh I think that whole list was trolling ). Young skaters are raised - and it takes many years to raise a young skater - with existing standards in mind. You just can't tell everybody: "Nah, it won't matter from now on!" Nobody will vote for this. Just nobody.

 

[TallyT]

Maybe Snoopy has the right idea on what needs to be changed (sorry, this has been everywhere on my feeds and I can't resist sharing...)

 

[NaVi]

I once wrote a long post on reforming the scheduling here(and linked to it again here). It's a long read so I put an AI overview made using AIStudio in a quote at the bottom of this post.

If the choice was between doing the schedule change(as articulated here and here... though there's a slight conflict between the two in when the semi finals and GPF take place...Dec/Jan vs Jan/Early Feb) and keeping things the way they are, I would definitely vote for the schedule change.

1. It adds 2 more significant events where people can buy tickets.
2. It provides far more consistent and regular pacing to the season over a slightly longer period of time. It's far better for advertisers as it spreads out exposure and it's better for sponsors of individual skaters(or at least the top consistent ones) over a longer period of time.
3. With those 2 things together, there should be more money given to at least the top skaters.

But I have some thoughts/concerns...
1. The GPF being much closer to worlds means that it's more important that they be differentiated in some manner.
2. I'd prefer it if there were at least 3 events per year where absolutely everyone of the best skaters in the world skated against each other so that at least one event could be in each of the big time zone areas(America, Europe, Asia). I'm not sure these semi finals really cut it.
3. The schedule change is more beneficial for the top skaters than it is for more mid level skaters... in fact, some may lose out if they allow the top skaters to skate at multiple Grand Prix events.
4. Expanding the Grand Prix Final to 8 is still not a full guarantee that a local skater will be at the Grand Prix and I think some broadcasters kind of want that. For some federations it might be pretty close though.
5. The infographic has 2 Grand Prixs at the end of October and 2 at the end of November. I don't have any metrics, but those are busier times in the US at least in comparison to middle October and middle November. Late October/November may still be better, but it's something to think about.

BTW, the last that I can find of the media rights situation in the US points to the current contract running through this season. It will be interesting to see what happens with the media rights next. It's extremely doubtful it would ever leave NBC but perhaps there might be some other changes.

From 2018: U.S. FIGURE SKATING AND NBC SPORTS GROUP PARTNER ON LONG-TERM MEDIA RIGHTS AGREEMENT
NBC Sports Group to be Home of U.S. Figure Skating & ISU Through 2026

Here's the AI generated outline of my old post:

How to Fix Figure Skating's Popularity: A Proposal to Replace the Grand Prix​

I. The Problem: Why the Current Grand Prix System Fails​

The current structure creates a repetitive grind that limits viewership and media growth.

• Terrible Timing: The GP schedule competes directly with the most jam-packed sports months in the US (NFL, MLB playoffs, NHL, NBA, College Football, and elections).
• Lack of Media Hype: The Grand Prix Final (GPF) gets no extra media attention over regular events. Because there’s no guarantee a "local" skater will qualify, networks can't plan year-over-year hype.
• Stagnant & Repetitive: The "One True Ruleset" forces skaters to grind the exact same programs all year, preventing the sport from trying new, exciting formats.
• Redundant with Worlds: There is zero fundamental difference between the GPF and Worlds. It’s the same skaters doing the same programs four months apart.

II. The Proposed Solution: The "Tennis Model" Tournament System​

To fix this, figure skating should be restructured around three core concepts: Regionalism, Parity, and Novel Repetition.

• Three Major Tournaments: Replace the GP with at least three major tournaments a year, with a Final hosted in each major timezone (Americas, Europe, Asia).
• Unique Rulesets: Like different court surfaces in tennis, each of the three tournaments would feature competitive differentiators or ruleset changes to keep programs fresh and exciting.
• Regional Conferences: Skaters qualify for these tournaments through regional conferences (e.g., US/CAN, Russia, Europe, Asia).
• Simultaneous Qualifiers: Qualifiers happen at the same time globally, functioning like a "Conference Championship." The Tournament Finals take place two weeks later.
• Inclusivity & "Division 2": Skaters from countries outside major conferences would join a relevant timezone, or compete in new localized championships (e.g., Latin America, MENA, SE Asia, or "Div 2" for Europe/Asia).

III. How Qualification & Worlds Would Work​

• Fairer Qualification: Conference medalists automatically qualify for the Tournament Finals. Committees would allocate remaining spots to ensure top skaters aren't left out due to one bad skate.
• Worlds as the Ultimate Test: Worlds remains the most prestigious event, but must be distinct. Ideally, Worlds becomes a culmination event where skaters compete across all three of the different tournament rulesets.
• Euros / 4CC: These could either be integrated into the new Conference Championships or supplanted by this system entirely.

IV. The Benefits (By Stakeholder)​

• For the ISU: Increases highly monetizable events from ~10 to 16+. Also creates an easy framework to reintegrate Russian skaters via their own separate conference.
• For Broadcasters & Sponsors: A simpler narrative to sell. Guaranteed top-tier local events in every major timezone, allowing for better audience targeting and year-round relevance.
• For the Fans: Less repetition, more program variety, and guaranteed elite events accessible in every timezone.
• For Top Skaters: Frequent, high-profile matchups in novel formats (similar to F1 or Tennis) will drastically raise their global profile and sponsorship value.
• For Skaters in "Deep" Federations (e.g., US/Japan): Longer seasons. Reduces the brutal mental health toll of having your entire year defined by a single 3-minute skate at Nationals.
• For European Skaters (Non-Russian): More pan-European events, granting access to high-profile competitions they are currently locked out of by the GP system.
• For Developing Skating Nations: Meaningful, competitive events against skaters of similar skill levels and backgrounds, growing the sport organically in regions like Latin America and SE Asia.

V. Conclusion / The Main Takeaway​

When discussing the decline of figure skating's popularity, too many people focus purely on judging and the scoring system. The real root of the problem is scheduling and formatting. By replacing the Grand Prix with a dynamic, regional, and varied tournament schedule, the sport can naturally generate the hype, novelty, and relevance it desperately needs.

 

[gsk8]

Four months after circulating a set of rules modification proposals that would have radically transformed the sport of figure skating as early as the 2027-28 season, the International Skating Union has apparently decided to hold off on trying to implement any such cataclysmic changes until at least after the next Winter Olympics in 2030.

Top skaters, dismayed by proposed rules changes, ask international federation to hear their voices — Globetrotting by Philip Hersh

Four months after circulating a set of rules modification proposals that would have radically transformed the sport of figure skating as early as the 2027-28 season, the International Skating Union has apparently decided to hold off on trying to implement any such cataclysmic changes until

www.globetrottingbyphiliphersh.com

The article goes on to repeat what we already know: Malinin, Sato and Kagiyama are not happy with the proposed changes. Now Kagiyama is sitting out this season to "rediscover what makes skating so special."

Looks like Hersh got a vague response to his questions as I did (above).

Needless to say, the ISU’s biennial congress in June should be an interesting one!

 

[elektra blue]

i think the skaters and coaches's opinion should be the only one that matter (and many, maaaaany of them have been very vocal on what they think about all those ideas). personally i hope they keep postponing them until they finally flush them where they belong

 

[cheerknithanson]

The one thing we should keep in mind is that nothing has been voted on. So it very well could mean that they don't get voted through.There's always a possibility on that.

 

[4everchan]

well... the no jump program is ridiculous.. so I am glad the ISU is not trying to lose
<----- this fan.

However, I cannot wait for one jumping pass I may change my mind later on but that rule change sounds very good to me.

 

[Dawn825]

This information has been floating around social media. Still looking for official sources.

Hate every single one