Changes to the regulations and rules in singles and pairs skating made at the 2014 ISU Congress
SYWTW FS
ISU Communication 1874. Some of the most pertinent changes:
All disciplines (including ice dance):
Skaters must take their starting position 30 seconds or less after they are called to start by the announcer, except for the first skater in each warm-up group, who gets 60 seconds. (Everyone used to have 60 seconds.) If they take more than 30 seconds, they will receive a 1-point deduction from their score. If they take more than 60 seconds, they will be withdrawn from the competition.
Singles:
No double jump of the same type can be included more than twice in a singles free program, either as solo jumps or in combination. (Ie. A skater cannot do three 2Ts or three 2Los, etc. in a program.) There used to be no restriction on the number of doubles, except for the 2A.
Out of all six types of triple or quad jumps, only two can be done twice (and no more than twice) in a singles free program. If the jump is a solo jump both times, the second jump will receive 70% of its full base value. (Ie. If a skater does two solo 3Fs, the second one will get 70% of its base value.) The second solo jump used to be counted as a failed sequence and would get 80% of its full base value. Repeated solo jumps will no longer be counted as a failed sequence, but as a solo jump with reduced base value.
Choreographic sequences for singles free programs can now include spins and jumps with two or fewer revolutions (they will not be counted as elements, only as part of the choreo sequence). The choreo sequence can now be performed before or after the step sequence instead of only after the step sequence.
Pairs:
Elements done in the second half of a pairs’ free program will no longer receive an extra 1.1 factor.
Junior pairs’ short programs can now include either a double or triple twist. (Only doubles were allowed before.)
Lifts in junior and senior pairs’ free programs cannot all be from Group 5.
Choreographic sequences for pairs’ free programs can now include spins and jumps with two or fewer revolutions, but not twizzles.