Go Figure Skating

Grade Of Execution (GOE) in IJS

By Go Figure Skating · Last reviewed November 9, 2026

In the ISU Judging System each element in a figure skating program has a base value. For example, in 2026-27 a double toe loop has a base value of 1.30 and a double Lutz 2.10. The grade of execution (GOE) measures the quality of the element, and is added to (or taken away from) the base value.

The scale

Each judge marks the GOE on a scale from −5 to +5. Each step is worth 10% of the element's base value, so on a double Lutz (2.10) every grade is worth 0.21 points and a +3 adds 0.63; on a triple Axel (8.00) every grade is worth 0.80. Choreographic sequences and choreographic spins are the exception: their GOE steps are a fixed 0.50 points each.

The panel's GOE is the average of the judges' marks after dropping the highest and the lowest.

How a judge arrives at a GOE

A judge first looks at the positive features of the element (the "bullets" listed below) to set a starting GOE, then reduces it for any errors to reach the final GOE. The ISU's general recommendations are:

GOE Positive bullets shown
+1 1 bullet
+2 2 bullets
+3 3 bullets
+4 4 bullets
+5 5 or more bullets

For a GOE of +4 or +5, the first two bullets in the element's list must be among them. If the element has any mistake that requires a reduction, the starting GOE cannot be higher than +4. Some errors cap it lower still: after a fall, a two-foot landing, a step-out, a wrong edge take-off or a downgraded jump, the starting GOE can be no higher than +2.

Jumps

  1. Very good height and very good length (of all jumps in a combination or sequence)
  2. Good take-off and landing
  3. Effortless throughout (including rhythm in a jump combination or sequence)
  4. Steps before the jump, unexpected or creative entry or exit
  5. Very good body position from take-off to landing
  6. Element matches the music

Spins

  1. Good speed and/or acceleration during the spin
  2. Good, controlled, clear position(s) (including height and air or landing position in flying spins)
  3. Effortless throughout
  4. Maintaining a centered spin
  5. Creativity
  6. Element matches the music

Step sequences

  1. Deep edges, clean steps and turns, control of the whole body
  2. Element matches the music
  3. Effortless throughout, with good energy, flow and execution
  4. Creativity of body movements, including variations of the free foot
  5. Good ice coverage or an interesting pattern
  6. Good acceleration and deceleration

Choreographic sequences

  1. Element matches the music and reflects the concept or character of the program
  2. Creativity
  3. Effortless throughout, with good energy, flow and execution
  4. Varied directions and pattern
  5. Good clarity and precision
  6. Excellent commitment and control of the whole body

Choreographic spins (new in 2026-27)

  1. Element matches the music and reflects the concept or character of the program
  2. Creativity
  3. Effortless throughout
  4. A highlight of the program
  5. Good, controlled position(s) matching the music
  6. Intentional use of speed matching the music

What happened to spirals? Older versions of this page listed a spiral sequence. Spiral sequences are no longer a required element in singles; spirals now appear as movements inside the choreographic sequence.

Sources

ISU Communication 2788, Levels of Difficulty, GOE guidelines and Program Components 2026-27 (U.S. Figure Skating's annotated copy), ISU Communication 2786, Scale of Values 2026-27 and the ISU Sports Rules, June 2026 (rules 353 and 504). The bullets are revised most seasons.