What Is the Women's Short Program in Figure Skating
The women's short program is a disciplined segment of singles figure skating competitions governed by the International Skating Union (ISU). It lasts 2 minutes and 40 seconds and requires a defined set of elements, including a double or triple axel, a triple jump combination, a flying spin, and a choreographic sequence. The short program accounts for roughly one-third of the total score in events such as the ISU Grand Prix, ISU Championships, and the Winter Olympic Games ISU Results.
Skaters receive base values for each element, which are then adjusted by Grade of Execution (GOE) scores from a panel of judges. The Technical Element Score (TES) combines these values, while the Program Component Score (PCS) evaluates skating skills, transitions, performance, composition, and interpretation. The total segment score is the sum of TES and PCS, minus any deductions for falls, time violations, or costume infractions.
Current Scoring Rules and Technical Requirements
Element Requirements and Base Values
Under the current ISU Judging System, the women's short program must include exactly seven required elements. These include a double or triple axel, a triple jump combination or sequence, a flying spin with a change of foot, a spin combination, a step sequence, and a choreographic sequence. Each element has a defined base value, which can be increased or decreased by GOE marks ranging from -5 to +5 depending on execution quality.
Deductions and Timing Rules
Skaters must start their program within 30 seconds of the referee's signal and must not exceed the 2 minute 40 second time limit. A deduction of 1.0 point is applied for every fall, and additional deductions apply for stepping out of jumps, incomplete rotations, or costume violations. Music with lyrics has been permitted in the short program since the 2023-24 season, provided it meets ISU guidelines for appropriate content Forbes.
Top Scores and Leading Competitors
Record Holders and Highest Short Program Scores
As of the latest ISU season records, the highest women's short program score is held by Kamila Valieva with 93.90 points, set at the 2021 Rostelecom Cup. Other top scorers include Alexandra Trusova and Anna Shcherbakova, whose technical consistency and GOE gains have pushed segment scores above 90 points in multiple international events ISU Results.
Current Season Standings and Notable Performers
In the 2024-25 ISU Grand Prix series, skaters such as Kaori Sakamoto, Loena Hendrickx, and Isabeau Levito have posted short program scores above 80 points, reflecting strong technical content and high component marks. National championships and ISU Challenger Series events continue to serve as key qualifying stages for the Grand Prix Final and World Championships U.S. Figure Skating.