Spins – The Crown Jewels of Every Routine

How Are Spins Judged in Figure Skating?A Parent’s Guide for the 2025/2026 Season

Spins are an essential part of every figure skating program and are judged just as seriously as jumps. But while even a beginner can recognize a jump, spins are more difficult to understand.Why do some kids get lower points for a spin, even when they spin intensely? Why does the letter "V" appear in the protocol? And what do abbreviations like "CCoSp3V" actually mean?Here’s a clear and simple guide for parents.

What a Spin Looks Like

A spin is a position in which a skater rotates on the spot. There are three basic types:

• Upright spin: The skater stands on one leg; the free leg can be held forward, to the side, or behind—or pulled close to the body.

• Sit spin: Like a deep squat on one leg, with the body low to the ice.

• Camel spin: The skating leg is straight, and the free leg is extended backward horizontally, while the body leans forward.

There are also special positions, such as the layback spin (often done by girls, leaning back) or the Biellmann, where the skater pulls their leg over their head.

Some spins include changes of foot or position—these combinations increase the difficulty.

What Do the Levels (B, 1, 2, 3, 4) Mean?

The letter B stands for Basic level. Numbers show increasing difficulty: the higher the level, the more complex and valuable the spin. Levels are awarded based on the number of "features" included. These can be:

• Difficult positions (e.g., Biellmann, layback, pancake)

• Clear speed increases during rotation

• Smooth and clean transitions between challenging positions

• Holding a difficult position for at least 8 rotations

• Changing direction while spinning

• Changing edge (e.g., inside to outside) during the spin

• Difficult entry or exit

To reach Level 4, the spin must include at least four features, with at least one from the "most difficult" category defined by ISU rules.

What Is a Difficult Entry or Exit?

A difficult entry means entering the spin from a challenging element—like an Ina Bauer, spread eagle, deep forward bend, or transition from steps. It must clearly require balance and lead smoothly into the spin.

A difficult exit involves leaving the spin with a challenging move—like gliding into a step, rotation, or another hard position. One example is the illusion move, which may count as a variation if done with wide leg separation, but not as an exit.

Only one of these—either the difficult entry or exit—can count for the spin’s level, not both.

What Does the Letter "V" Mean in the Protocol?

If a spin has a V in its name (e.g., CCoSp3V), it means one of the required features was not fulfilled.

Examples:

• In spins with a foot change, one foot had fewer than 3 rotations

• A combination spin had only two different positions instead of three

• A flying spin didn’t include a clearly visible jump

The spin still gets points, but its base value is lowered.For example, instead of 3 points, it might receive 2.3.

Why Did My Child Get a Lower Level Than They Practiced?

It doesn’t always mean the spin was bad. Judges lower the level if a planned feature wasn’t done clearly or correctly. For example:

• A position wasn’t held long enough (e.g., only 6 instead of 8 rotations)

• Transitions weren’t smooth or visible

• A variation was repeated and already used earlier

• Edge change wasn’t clear

• The entry or exit wasn’t done properly

The technical panel follows strict rules: unclear elements don’t count. It’s strict, but it’s fair for everyone.

What’s New for the 2025/2026 Season?

• To get Level 4, the spin must include at least one "very difficult" feature, or it will be limited to Level 3

• The illusion no longer counts as a difficult exit, only as a variation (and only if well-executed)

• A repeated difficult position doesn’t count again in a second spin during the same program

• “8 rotations in one position” can only be counted once per program

Summary for Parents

• A spin is more than spinning—it’s about positions, technique, endurance, transitions, balance, and creativity

• Each level brings more points, but also stricter rules

• The letter "V" means a key requirement was missing—even if the spin looked good

• Rules are precise and always evolving—to keep judging fair

Coaches and skaters work hard to meet these standards. This guide can help parents understand what’s behind those mysterious letters in the protocol.