Editing Synchronized skating (section)

== Elements and formations ==
Competition programs include a variety of elements utilizing various shapes or formations. Scoring of each element is determined by their base value (BV) and grade of execution (GOE), together this determines the teams technical element score (TES). In competition the technical panel identifies elements as each element is performed, elements are then assigned a level of difficulty ranging from B (basic) to Level 4 (most difficult).<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-03-20 |title=ISU Synchronized Skating Media Guide |url=https://current.isu.org/media-centre/guides/media/33625-synchronized-skating-media-guide-2023-24/file |access-date=2024-12-25}}</ref> Element shapes are a set of distinct configurations that are easily identifiable, these shapes are used as the basis of most synchronized skating elements.

=== Formations ===
Certain elements are composed of specific distinctive shapes or formations, occasionally transitioning from one shape to a different shape for a higher level of difficulty.

==== Block ====
Identifiable by skaters lined up in at least three separate lines forming a [[polygon]]al shape, characterized as block, pyramid or diamond shapes in straight even spaced lines. The shapes can be closed or open formation, with open formations maintaining distinct empty space in the middle of the formation.

==== Circle ====
[[File:GoldenBlades, Tappara 20091213-4.jpg|alt=|Golden Blades performing a circle.|thumb]]
Characterized by rotating around a common center with even distance from the midpoint and spacing from teammates, circles can be connected or disconnected. different circle configurations include multiple circles, circle within a circle, and interlocking. To increase the level of difficulty a circle can include changes of place, or configuration, step sequences, weaving, interlocking, and changes of rotational direction.

==== Line ====
[[File:2015_Grand_Prix_of_Figure_Skating_Final_Team_Paradise_IMG_9114.JPG|alt=Team Paradise at 2015 Grand Prix performing a line|thumb|Team Paradise at 2015 Grand Prix performing a line]]
Lines are integral to many elements and transitions as they demonstrate the team's collective skating skills and serve as building blocks for both blocks and wheel formations. Lines can be connected and disconnected.

==== Wheel ====
[[File:Marigold_IceUnity.jpg|alt=Marigold IceUnity performing a wheel|thumb|Marigold IceUnity performing a wheel]]
A wheel is characterized by every skater rotating around a common center point in connected lines. Different formations that teams can form including a two to five spoke or a parallel wheel. Each spoke (line) of the wheel should be straight and the team should be leaning into the center of the wheel. The difficulty of the wheel can be increased by adding footwork, changing the rotational direction of the wheel, configuration of the wheel.

=== Elements ===
Programs incorporate a set number of specific elements that is announced at the beginning of each season.<ref name=":2" /> Currently junior and senior teams both complete 5 elements in the [[Short program (figure skating)|short program]], in the [[Free skating|free skate]] junior teams attempt 8 elements, and senior teams attempt 10.

==== Artistic Element ====
Done in ether a circle/wheel formation, or a line/block formation, this element should be used to emphasize the music or theme of the program with no requirements for steps or changes of place.

==== Creative Element ====
Selected each season, the creative element is intended to be a unique interpretation of the other defined elements or formations (e.g.: creative wheel, creative lift)

==== Group Lift Element ====
[[File:Haydenettes2013-01.jpg|alt=|thumb|Haydenettes performing a group lift]]
Incorporating all members of the team, skaters form different groups with each lifted skater supported by two or more teammates at any height. Group lifts can be classified as being ether gliding or rotational, with rotational lifts starting gliding then having the supporting skaters switch between forwards and backwards gliding to rotate the lifted skater.

==== Intersection Element ====
[[File:GoldenBlades, Tappara 20091213-5.jpg|Golden Blades performing an intersection|alt=Golden Blades performing an intersection|thumb]]
An intersection, is when the skaters proceed towards each other in lines and intersect. The intersection can consist of two to four lines, with three and four line intersections forming a triangle or box shape before and after intersecting. The entry to the intersection can be made more difficult by executing various free skating or pair movements while forming the lines, or intersecting from an angle or a whip. The moment when the lines intersect is known as the point of intersection, here skaters do rotational turns or free skating movements to increase the level of difficulty.

==== Mixed Element ====
Consisting of at least two separate element formations occurring simultaneously and interacting with each other. Some examples would be a circle within a wheel or line intersecting a block.

==== Move Element ====
This element is a sequence of movements that must include free skating moves such as spirals, biellmanns, or 180's. The team can be split into units to execute additional features for levels of difficulty, such as ducking under each other's legs, changing edge, or transitioning from one position to another.

==== No Hold Element ====
[[File:2015 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final Team Nexxice IMG 9184.JPG|thumb|Nexxice at 2015 Grand Prix performing a no hold element]]
Done in a block formation, the skaters are disconnected but maintain even spacing while executing step sequences and changes of configuration.

==== Pair Element ====
[[File:2015 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final Team Suprise IMG 9105.JPG|thumb|Team Surprise at the 2015 Grand Prix performing death spirals, a common high-level pair element movement |alt=Team Surprise at the 2015 Grand Prix performing death spirals]]
Incorporating all members of the team, skaters are paired to execute pairs moves, free skating moves, and or step sequences.

==== Pivoting and Linear Elements ====
Done in block, or line formations, programs can include both pivoting and linear elements though they would be done in separate shapes. Pivoting elements rotate around a common center point and must remain connected for the majority of the element while maintaining shape and even spacing. Linear elements need to progress across the ice, and can utilize changes of placement and configuration.

==== Synchronized Spin Element ====
Characterized by all members of the team, in ether a solo or [[Pairs spins|pairs spin]]. Positioned on the ice in any identifiable shape, with all skaters maintaining the same spin position simultaneously, and moving from one position to another as a team.

==== Traveling and Rotating Elements ====
Done in circle, or wheel formation, rotation is necessary in both elements. Programs can include both traveling and rotating elements though they would be done in separate shapes, if a program only includes one element both wheel and circle formations can be used as a change of formation for difficulty. Traveling elements are characterized by ice coverage during the element with the circle or wheel required to continually move a certain distance along a set path while rotating. Rotating elements remain stationary. Both elements can utilize changes of position, rotation, and configuration for higher levels of difficulty.

==== Twizzle Element ====
Highlighting the [[twizzle]] turn, the team executes two to three twizzles, this element can be done in any identifiable formation. The skaters must execute their twizzles while maintaining the chosen shape or transitioning from one configuration to another, and rotating simultaneously. For added levels of difficulty teams can attempt the aforementioned change of place or configuration, different rotational directions for each twizzle, and certain difficult arm and free leg positions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-27 |title=Difficulty Groups of Elements, Features and Additional Features Effective for the 2024/25 season |url=https://current.isu.org/synchronized-skating/rules/sys-communications/33826-isu-communication-2639/file |access-date=2024-12-25}}</ref>