15 Strict Rules Female Figure Skaters Have To Follow

Summary

Competitive figure skating is governed by strict and sometimes bizarre rules that shape every aspect of the sport. From costume regulations to restrictions on jumps and spins, skaters face intense challenges both on and off the ice. The sport requires meticulous attention to timing, modesty, and precise routines, while athletes are also subject to rigorous testing and health concerns. With a history of changes like the removal of skirt requirements and the introduction of new music rules, figure skating is a blend of athleticism, artistry, and complex regulations. This video delves into the often-surprising rules female skaters must follow to compete at the highest level.

Takeaways

• 😀 Skirt Requirement: Female skaters were once required to wear skirts in competitions until 2003, when the ISU allowed full body suits for gender equality.
• 😀 Random Drug Testing: Skaters undergo random drug tests, including checks on birth control, to ensure compliance with anti-doping regulations.
• 😀 Modesty in Costumes: ISU requires modest, dignified costumes. Skaters cannot wear overly theatrical outfits, and wardrobe malfunctions result in point deductions.
• 😀 Fueling the Body: Skaters follow strict diets, often focusing on lean proteins and vegetables, though body image pressures are common in the sport.
• 😀 Intense Training Hours: Skaters typically train 3-4 hours daily, starting at a young age, with additional exercises like yoga, Pilates, and ballet.
• 😀 The Lipinski Rule: Following Tara Lipinski's Olympic gold win at 15, the ISU instituted a rule that competitors must be 15 by July 1st of the year before a competition.
• 😀 Limited Jumps: Female skaters are restricted to performing only seven jumps in a routine, with at least one being a triple and one an axle-type jump.
• 😀 Backflip Ban: The backflip, once performed by Surya Bonaly in 1998, is banned in competitive skating due to its theatrical nature, though it's still popular in show skating.
• 😀 Strict Timing Penalties: Skaters lose one point for every five-second discrepancy in their routine, including for falls or taking extended breaks.
• 😀 Spin Restrictions: Skaters are allowed only three spins in their program, with specific requirements for each spin, including one combination and one flying spin.

Q & A

What is the significance of the skirt rule in figure skating, and how did it change over time?

The skirt rule in figure skating required all female skaters to wear skirts in competition to maintain modesty and uniformity. This rule was in place until 2003 when the International Skating Union (ISU) changed it to promote gender equality. By 2019, the rule allowed skaters to wear a full-body suit instead of a skirt, though the body suit must still meet specific design standards.

Why is it important for female figure skaters to avoid certain types of birth control?

Some types of birth control can cause a positive result in drug tests, potentially leading to disqualification or sanctions. As a result, female figure skaters must be cautious about the medication they take, including certain birth control methods, to avoid testing positive for banned substances.

What are the basic costume rules for female figure skaters?

Female figure skaters must adhere to the ISU's modesty rules, meaning their costumes must be dignified and appropriate for athletic competition. The clothing should reflect the character of the chosen music. No two-piece outfits are allowed, and skaters often use flesh-colored mesh panels or fabric strips to maintain modesty while avoiding deductions.

What kind of diet do figure skaters typically follow?

Figure skaters focus on a balanced, nutritious diet that provides the energy needed for intense training. For example, Ashley Wagner sticks to grilled chicken, rice, and veggies, while Marina Gasp is a fan of celery juice and carbs. While they eat to fuel their bodies, figure skaters also face pressure to maintain a certain body size.

How does the intense training regimen impact figure skaters' physical health?

Figure skaters train for several hours a day, starting at young ages, often incorporating stretching, weight training, yoga, Pilates, ballet, and off-ice conditioning. The demanding training regimen can lead to body image issues and mental health challenges, as seen in the case of Gracie Gold, who took a break from competition due to depression and an eating disorder.

What is the Lipinski Rule, and how does it affect figure skaters?

The Lipinski Rule, named after Tara Lipinski, was introduced after she won the 1998 Winter Olympics at the age of 15. The rule mandates that skaters must be at least 15 years old by July 1st of the year before a competition to participate. This rule aims to protect young athletes from intense pressure and competition at an early age.

What are the restrictions on the number of jumps in a figure skating routine?

In professional figure skating, female skaters are allowed a maximum of seven aerial jumps in their routines. These jumps must include at least one axel-type jump and a triple jump. Skaters are also required to perform a jumping sequence, ensuring a balance between difficulty and fairness in competition.

Why are wardrobe malfunctions particularly problematic in figure skating?

Wardrobe malfunctions are especially problematic in figure skating because they not only cause embarrassment but also result in point deductions. If any part of the costume, including sequins, beads, or straps, touches the ice, points are automatically deducted. To prevent this, skaters ensure their costumes are securely fastened and may even use hairspray to keep them in place.

What led to the ban on backflips in figure skating?

The backflip was banned in 1976 after American skater Terry Kubicka landed the maneuver, which was deemed too theatrical for the elegant nature of competitive figure skating. The ban was reinforced even after French skater Surya Bonaly's iconic backflip at the 1998 Olympics, although she landed it on one leg and became a legend for the daring move.

How are figure skaters penalized for timing issues during their routines?

Figure skaters are penalized if their performance exceeds or lacks timing by even five seconds, as this results in a one-point deduction. Even minor delays or extending the routine for too long can cost valuable points, emphasizing the importance of precision and timing in figure skating performances.