In previous issues we have described the short program deductions used in singles skating and in pair skating. synchronized skating skating also includes a short program in its junior and senior events. Like the other short programs, the synchronized skating short program consists of required elements that must be completed within a time not to exceed 2 minutes 40 seconds. Elements that are not completed in the manner specified in the rules result in required deductions that are subtracted from a team's first mark, and any element completed after two minutes and forty seconds is considered as omitted in the marking of the program.
The short program for synchronized skating skating contributes one third to the final placements in the junior and senior events. It consists of five required elements and sufficient connecting steps to join the elements together into a harmonious composition. There should be enough steps so the program does not look like a set of disconnected of maneuvers, but the inclusion of steps should not be taken to excess. As in the other disciplines of skating, elements cannot be repeated or reattempted and the inclusion of any extra elements will result in a deduction. Lifts are not permitted in precision short programs. Small jumps are permitted in some elements but not in others, and hop-like movements can be included in step sequences.
The following elements make up the synchronized skating short program.
Senior - Any type or combination of circles. At least one change of hold and at least one step sequence is required. Jumps of no more than one-half rotation are permitted. Free skating moves such as Bauers, lunges, shoot the ducks, and spirals may be included. Separations are permitted.
Junior - The maneuver must consist of a single circle in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, or in a combination of both. There must be at least one change of hold. The circle must include two different step sequences. Jumps of up to one half rotation can be included for the purpose of changing direction. Free skating moves such as Bauers, lunges, shoot the ducks, and spirals may be included. Separations are permitted.
Senior - Any type or combination of single or double straight line(s) that moves in either a horizontal and/or longitudinal direction in permitted. The line must progress with not retrogressions and must travel the full length of the ice surface. At least one change of hold and at least one step sequence are required. Jumps are not permitted. Free skating moves such as Bauers, lunges, shoot the ducks, and spirals may be included. Separations are permitted.
Junior - Only one line can be included and it must utilize the full ice surface. The line must extend across the width of the ice surface and travel the full length of the ice surface. The motion of the line must be entirely progressive (in the forwards direction); retrogression (reversing direction) is forbidden. At least one change of hold and at least two different step sequence are required. Jumps are not permitted. Free skating moves such as Bauers, lunges, shoot the ducks, and spirals may be included. Separations are permitted.
The block must be a closed block (i.e., not an open block) consisting of 4 to 6 lines, with the number of skaters in each line as close to equal as the total number of skaters allows. Movement of the block must use the full ice surface and must include motion along two different axes (e.g., motion down the length of the ice, and motion across the width of the ice). The movement of the block must include at least two different step sequences, and at least one change of hand hold. Separations are permitted. The skaters may not separate except to change hold. Jumps and free skating moves are not permitted.
The maneuver must consist of only one wheel. The "egg beater" may not be used. The wheel may rotate either clockwise or counter-clockwise, or a combination of both. Combinations or variations of the wheel are permitted to a maximum of three geometrical shapes. Any type or combination of holds is permitted. Jumps are not permitted.
Any type or combination to a maximum of three intersections are permitted during this move. The intersection(s) may occur simultaneously or separately. Skaters may execute different movements during the intersection but the highlighting of individual skaters is forbidden. Any break in the maneuver during which additional moves are included for the sake of regrouping in not permitted. Any combination or variety of hand holds and step sequences may be used in this element. Free skating moves such as Bauers, lunges, etc. may be included, except that back spirals are not. Jumps are not permitted. Jumping over or stepping over clasped hands or outstretched arm is not permitted.
Each of the five required elements is subject to a deduction of 0.6 if it is omitted. A fall during an element results in a deduction of 0.2 to 0.5 depending on how serious an impact it has on the program. Other errors in an element, and elements that do not meet requirements, are subject to deductions of 0.1 to 0.2 depending on their seriousness, as are each extra or repeated element. Like elsewhere in skating, deduction are taken from the first mark, but serious errors may also result in a lower second mark if they adversely affect the harmonious presentation of the program.
The table below lists the typical deductions for the different elements in the synchronized skating short program.
| Element | Error | Deduction |
| Circle | Omission Less than required revolutions Less than one change of hold Holds not according to requirements Footwork not according to requirements Both forward and backward skating not executed Jumps of more than one-half turn Break in execution of maneuver Not according to requirements Stumble during maneuver |
0.6 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1-0.2 0.1-0.2 0.1 |
| Line | Omission Retrogression of line Pattern not correct Break in execution of maneuver Less than one change of hold Holds not according to requirements Footwork not according to requirements Jumps with rotation included Not according to requirements Stumble during maneuver |
0.6 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1-0.2 0.1-0.2 0.1 |
| Block | Omission Only one axis used Block configuration incorrect Free skating moves included Less than one change of hold Break in execution of maneuver Jumps with rotation included Not according to requirements Stumble during maneuver |
0.6 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1-0.2 0.1-0.2 0.1 |
| Wheel | Omission More than one wheel Less than required revolutions Break in execution of maneuver Jumps with rotation included Not according to requirements Stumble during maneuver |
0.6 0.3 0.3 0.1-0.2 0.1-0.2 0.1-0.2 0.1 |
| Intersection | Omission More than three intersections Intersections not continuous Break in execution of maneuver Jumps with rotation included Not according to requirements Stumble during maneuver |
0.6 0.3 0.3 0.1-0.2 0.1-0.2 0.1-0.2 0.1 |
| Falls | Major - involving more than one skater for a prolonged period of time. Medium - either one skater for a prolonged period of time or a down-and-up fall of more than one skater. Small - a down-and-up fall of only one skater. |
0.4-0.5 0.3 0.2 |
| Extra or repeated element | 0.1-0.2 |