Editing Synchronized skating (section)

=== International IJS System ===
The competitive levels of synchronized skating, like those in other disciplines of [[Figure skating]], are now judged using the [[ISU Judging System]] that was introduced in 2004. Each element is assigned a difficulty level by the technical panel made up of a technical specialist, assistant technical specialist and a technical controller. Each level of difficulty for a particular element corresponds to a pre-determined base value. The base value is the number of points that are awarded for an executed element before the grade of execution or any deductions are applied.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.isu.org/inside-isu/isu-communications/communications/24326-2302-sys-sov-2020-21/file|title=Communication No. 2322 SYNCHRONIZED SKATING SCALE OF VALUES|publisher = ISU}}</ref> Judges assign a grade of execution from -3 to +3 to each of the elements. Each grade of execution, or GOE, corresponds to a point value. For each element, the highest and lowest GOE values are dropped and the rest are averaged then added to the base value. The sum of all the scores of the elements comprises the Technical Elements score.

==== Program Component Score ====
The judges will award points on a scale from 0.25 to 10 (in increments of 0.25) for three program components to grade overall presentation. As with Grade of Execution (GOEs), the highest and lowest scores for each component are thrown out, and the remaining scores are averaged. The final program components scores are then multiplied by a set factor to ensure the technical score and program components score are balanced.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|url=https://www.usfigureskating.org/about/scoring-system|title = Scoring System &#124; U.S. Figure Skating}}</ref>

The five program components are:

* '''Skating Skills''' - The ability of the skater to execute the skating repertoire of steps, turns and skating movements with blade and body control.
* '''Performance''' - The demonstration of engagement, commitment and involvement based on an understanding of the music and composition.
* '''Composition''' - The intentional, developed and/or original arrangement of the repertoire and all types of movements into a meaningful whole according to the principles of proportion, unity, space, pattern, and musical structure.

==== Technical Score ====
Each element of the program is assigned a base value, which gives skaters credit for every element they perform. Some elements, such as spins and step sequences, have levels of difficulty on which the base values are established. Judges grade the quality of each element using a grade of execution score within a range of −5 to +5, which is added to or deducted from the base value. GOEs are proportional to the base value of each element. The highest and lowest scores for each element are thrown out, and the remaining scores are averaged to determine the final GOE for each element. The GOE is then added to or subtracted from the base value for each element, and the sum of the scores for all elements forms the technical score.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

==== Segment Score ====
The technical score is added to the program components score to determine the segment score (short program/rhythm dance or free skate/dance). The scores for each segment are then added together to determine the competition score. The skater with the highest competition score is declared the winner. In the event of a tie, the team with the highest free program score wins the competition. The IJS is used at events in the national qualifying structure including the U.S. Championships as well as many local competitions at the juvenile through senior levels, including Excel.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>