What is the IJS scoring system in figure skating?

IJS replaced the older 6.0 system at the international and elite domestic levels. Most USFS tests at lower levels still use 6.0; competitions at Juvenile and above typically use IJS.

The two main score parts:

1. Technical Element Score (TES)
- Each jump, spin, and step sequence has a base value (BV) — a published table of how much each element is "worth" if executed cleanly
- Each element gets a Grade of Execution (GOE) from the judging panel: −5 to +5, multiplied by an element-specific factor
- Final element score = base value + GOE adjustment

2. Program Components Score (PCS)
- Five "components" historically: Skating Skills, Transitions, Performance, Composition, Interpretation of the Music (the recent ISU revision consolidated these to fewer components)
- Each scored 0 to 10 by judges, then averaged and multiplied by a factor based on level/discipline

Why TES vs PCS weighting matters:
- The factor applied to PCS varies by level and discipline. At higher levels (Senior), PCS is weighted heavily; at lower levels, TES tends to dominate.
- A double Axel (base value 3.30) is worth more than a single Lutz (base value 0.60) — but that's because they're different jumps, not because rotation count alone scales linearly
- A skater can lose more from a fall (which is both a GOE deduction AND a separate fall deduction of about −0.5 to −1.0 per fall) than from a slightly missed jump

For parents: the score sheet you'll see at competitions itemizes every element with its GOE — that's where you can see exactly which jump or spin lost or gained points. Ask your coach to walk through it once after each event.

Want to understand which of your child's elements are losing the most points? SkateMarks helps you see jump rotation, edge quality, and landing position so the score sheet starts making sense.