The ISU’s 2026–27 Scale of Values: A Subtle Shift with Strategic Consequences

The International Skating Union (ISU) released Communication No. 2786 outlining the Scale of Values (SOV) for the Singles and Pair Skating for the 2026–27 season.

At first glance, the update looks incremental, with only modest adjustments to base values. However, a closer look reveals several structural additions and refinements. These changes may influence how programs are constructed and evaluated.

These changes may influence how programs are constructed and evaluated throughout the season, including early events such as the Challenger and the Grand Prix series.

Rather than overhaul the scoring system, the ISU refines it. As a result, the updated scale expands scoring opportunities and broadens how programs can earn value. How those values ultimately translate into scores, however, depends on the stricter GOE framework introduced for the 2026–27 season.

New Choreographic Elements Reshape Program Design

The most significant structural change comes from the addition of new choreographic elements within the 2026–27 rules.

In singles, the updated scale includes a choreographic spin as a distinct element. In pairs, the expansion goes further. Both a choreographic spin and a choreographic lift are now included alongside the existing choreographic sequence.

Previously, programs relied on a single choreographic sequence to represent this category. Now, skaters have multiple choreographic elements available within the program structure.

As a result, program construction may evolve. A free skate can now feature multiple designated choreographic moments, such as a choreographic sequence followed later by a choreographic spin. Instead of building toward a single highlight, choreography can appear throughout the program.

Base Values Shift the Risk–Reward Balance

While no element sees a dramatic increase or decrease in base value, the most significant numerical additions come from new choreographic elements. These introduce fixed scoring values where none previously existed.

Among existing elements, some of the more noticeable adjustments appear in pairs elements such as lifts and twist lifts. In these cases, values have been refined by slightly larger margins than in singles elements. Even so, changes remain measured rather than substantial.

Jumps

The updated scale includes small adjustments to the base values of both quadruple and triple jumps. Consequently, their relative weighting changes slightly.

What changed: Minor base value adjustments slightly alter how quadruple and triple jumps compare within overall scoring.

Although the differences are modest, they can affect how jump content contributes to the overall score. For example, a skater who lands two clean quadruple jumps but makes errors on others may not necessarily outscore a competitor who delivers a clean program built around triples with strong Grade of Execution.

This dynamic may place greater emphasis on consistency alongside difficulty, particularly when execution varies across elements. In turn, even small differences in base value can influence how risk and reward play out across a program.

Spins

Spin values maintain the existing level structure while refining the base values assigned to each level. As a result, the distinction between levels becomes more pronounced.

What changed: Base values between spin levels have been refined, maintaining clear distinctions between levels.

For instance, a spin that misses a difficult variation or does not clearly establish a position may receive a lower level. Consequently, the difference in value between levels becomes more consequential. This places greater importance on completing features with clarity to achieve higher levels.

Step Sequences

Step sequences remain an integral part of the program and continue to be evaluated by level.

However, with the addition of new choreographic elements, they now sit alongside a broader range of scoring opportunities. As a result, they contribute to the overall composition of the program rather than serving as the sole choreographic highlight.

What changed: No structural change to step sequences; they remain evaluated by level alongside the addition of new choreographic elements.

For example, a step sequence that previously served as the primary choreographic highlight of a program may now be complemented by additional choreographic elements, such as a choreographic spin appearing later in the free skate.

Pairs: Refining Difficulty Through Quality

Pairs elements also reflect measured adjustments.

Revised base values for lifts, twist lifts, death spirals, and pair spins maintain the existing structure while making incremental adjustments to how these elements contribute to the overall score.

What changed: Select pairs elements, including lifts and twist lifts, show some of the more noticeable value adjustments within the SOV.

For example, a lift with a simpler entry but strong flow and clean execution may compare more favorably to a more difficult lift performed with visible instability.

Bringing Base Value and Execution into Closer Alignment

Base values are defined within the SOV, while Grade of Execution (GOE) continues to apply separately under ISU judging guidelines.

In addition, Program Component Scores (PCS) continue to assess composition, presentation, and skating skills, with established factors used to balance these scores against technical elements.

What this means: Total score continues to combine base value, GOE, and Program Component Scores (PCS).

Even so, the updated values appear to align more closely with execution quality. As a result, judges can more clearly differentiate between well-executed and flawed elements.

A Strategic Shift in Program Construction

These updates may influence how skaters and coaches approach program design.

Programs may place greater emphasis on clean execution, incorporate choreographic elements at multiple points, and distribute scoring opportunities more evenly.

A layout that concentrates difficulty in one section, such as multiple high-value jumps grouped together, may instead be balanced with a more varied structure. As a result, programs may rely less on concentrated difficulty and more on consistency and overall composition.

Evolution, Not Overhaul

The overall framework of the International Judging System remains unchanged. The 2026–27 scale builds on this foundation while introducing new element categories and adjusted values.

Conclusion

The ISU’s latest Scale of Values introduces new choreographic elements and refined base values without altering the structure of the judging system.

Individually, the updates are modest. Collectively, they point toward a system that increasingly rewards programs that balance technical content, execution, and composition.

The post ISU 2026-27 Scale of Values in Figure Skating appeared first on Golden Skate.