Banned Figure Skating Elements

Figure skating is constantly evolving! New talents are pushing the limits of mandatory elements. Years ago, it was unimaginable that the quadruple jump would become a standard for women, but now we can see teenage girls spinning in the air for long seconds.

However, there are elements that, despite the fact that their flawless execution really shows amazing technical knowledge, are so dangerous that they simply do not fit into the ISU rulebook. Scroll down for banned figure skating elements!

It’s a Dangerous Sport!

Perhaps the most popular discipline of winter sports is figure skating, the glamor of which captivates millions of fans. However, it’s a dangerous sport. The main source of the problem is continuous shaking, which, according to experts, although no one has studied it in depth yet, can be harmful to the brain.

If we observe children learning to skate, practice consists of constant falling and getting up. According to one of the American athletes, Evan Lysacek, a figure skater suffers around 20 concussion episodes during their career. 

The impact sometimes occurs at a speed of 40 km/h. About 11% of injuries sustained during skating require emergency treatment, while the rate for soccer is only 7%. Anna Kallmeyer was only 16 years old when she suffered a concussion, and residual symptoms included dizziness, headaches, and balance disorders.

The source of accidents is often not unique or acrobatic movements but simple slips and falls, so to eliminate the potential risks, the ISU banned certain figure skating elements.

It happens many times that athletes try to imitate a movement that has suddenly gained popularity, and it starts to spread even among less prepared competitors, and a serious accident is waiting to happen. In this case, the professionals of the International Skating Union can do nothing but regulate what can and cannot be done.

However, anything can happen outside of the ISU’s operational area. In show ice dancing, at events created solely for the entertainment of the audience, there is no such restriction. If they can, the skaters can even do otherwise banned stunts.

Banned Figure Skating Elements

At the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, American Terry Kubicka was the first and only skater who could officially and legally include a backflip in his program. It was banned immediately afterward. Of course, that hasn’t stopped everyone from showing off what they’re capable of.

For example, the French five-time European champion Surya Bonaly showed in her program in 1998 a backflip where she landed on one foot. Later, she even completed it with a combination when she nailed a triple salchow with the same momentum. Even though Bonaly knew they would punish her for it, it was worth it overall since she wrote herself into the history of skating and the Winter Olympics. 

The Headbanger Move

Headbanger doesn’t refer to metal music here, but a form of not proper lifting technique which is prohibited. It is pretty spectacular but super dangerous. Only pairs can present it, now only in show programs. One member of the duo spins the other by the legs while their head is only inches above the ice, hence the name.

Even fans of big crashes and falls probably wouldn’t enjoy watching such an accident as the skate blades are right in front of the face of the skater hanging upside down. Of course, there are also video collages of poorly done elements or tragic executions at online gambling sites in Norway, but only for those who have the stomach for them.

Banned Figure Skating Elements

Hands-free lifting is banned, but how could they raise each other without their hands? There are moves where one member of the pair spins the other on their head. Without hands. Or one sits or stands on top of the other’s shoulder. All of them are very spectacular, but they are definitely not allowed in official competitions.

For example, there is the Detroiter, where the man only holds the woman’s leg with one hand. However, you can come across these elements in practically any ice dance show. Technically they are not so hard to perform, and they are definitely spectacular, but there is the danger factor.

In the early nineties, the skaters often lay down or threw themselves down on the ice for dramatic effect. Then the ISU caught on and included it among the banned figure skating elements. Of course, they argued that lying on the ice is not skating, but to be honest, the judges probably just had enough of almost everyone trying to impress the viewers with this move.

The same goes for undressing during the program. It is not skating! Discarding pieces of clothing, changing clothes on the go, and spectacularly unbuttoned shirts do not fit into the atmosphere of a figure skating competition, regardless of how well it might look.

Less Show More Skills!

For the sake of avoiding accidents, they can’t use plus tools either. Also, it would be only for the show. There are no flags, ribbons, tennis balls, animals, fireworks, or anything similar. It’s probably for the better. The beauty of figure skating and the fact that we can concentrate almost exclusively on the technique and movements give us the authentic figure skating experience.

Like the striking comebacks in figure skating at the Olympics! You can also check out the most skillful and popular figure skaters at Unibet Sportsbook! 

It is no wonder why the contestants and their choreographers have to follow strict rules even in the choice of music. Until 2014, they did not even allow vocals in the music during the programs, competitors could only use instrumental melodies. So, there are not only bans but also concessions, mostly to get us, the viewers, to sit in front of the televisions.

Although, there are skaters who catch our eye with their four-minute routines, even if they don’t use any modern music or dangerous elements. For example, Alina Zagitova’s Olympic gold-winning free program from 2018, but there are many other fascinating choreographies at online gambling sites in Norway!

Click here to try the best odds at Unibet Sportsbook