Acrobatic Lifts: Definition and Illegal Elements in Synchronized Skating | Glossary A01

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Figure Skating Glossary · A01

Acrobatic Lifts: Definition and Illegal Elements in Synchronized Skating

⚡ Quick Definition

An Acrobatic Lift in synchronized skating refers to holding a lifted skater solely by the skate blade, foot, or leg while swinging them or maintaining them in an inverted (upside-down) position. It is classified as an illegal element with 0.00 Base Value and carries an automatic penalty under competitive rules.

In figure skating—especially in synchronized skating—lifting techniques are strictly regulated to protect athlete safety while encouraging technical mastery. Among various lift restrictions, specific maneuvers are classified under the official regulatory term "Acrobatic Lifts."

1. What Exactly Is an Acrobatic Lift?

Under official technical handbooks, an Acrobatic Lift occurs when lifting skaters support the lifted skater solely by the skate blade, foot, or leg, combined with either of the following actions:

  • Actively swinging the lifted skater through the air.
  • Sustaining the lifted skater in an upside-down (vertical head-down) position.

2. Are All Rotational or Inverted Lifts Banned?

No. A move is not banned simply because it looks spectacular, high, or acrobatic in nature. The violation is defined strictly by the combination of grip contact points and bodily orientation:

❌ Illegal: Acrobatic Lift Supported only by the skate blade, foot, or lower leg + swung through the air OR held in an inverted (upside-down) posture.
✅ Legal: Authorized Lift Inverted postures or dynamic entries supported by proper core contacts (hands supporting the torso, hips, waist, or shoulders).

3. Where Does This Rule Apply & Why?

This regulation specifically governs Synchronized Skating:

  • Skate Canada: Explicitly classifies acrobatic lifts within synchronized skating lift defined terms as illegal elements.
  • ISU Synchro9 Guidelines: Under ISU Communication No. 2784 (Well-Balanced Program content for 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons), acrobatic lifts are strictly prohibited across all program rounds (including Group Lifts and Creative Lifts).
⚠️ Skater Safety Rationale: Synchronized skating involves multiple skaters gliding at high speeds in dense proximity. Holding an airborne skater purely by their sharp blades or lower extremities without core stability creates severe risks of blade collisions, catastrophic falls, and head injuries.

*Note: This specific prohibition applies to Synchronized Skating. Pair Skating and Ice Dance follow their own distinct lift guidelines and safety criteria.

4. Scoring & Penalties

  • Base Value (BV): None (0.00 points).
  • Grade of Execution (GOE): Not applicable. It is an illegal element rather than an evaluable difficulty element.
  • Penalty: Results in an immediate panel deduction and element invalidation according to the event's referee/technical panel rules.
📚 Figure Skating Glossary Series
• Current Entry: A01 Acrobatic Lifts (Synchro / Rules)
• Next Entry: ➡️ A02 Additional Features (Level Features & Difficult Variations)

References & Verification

Verified as of October 5, 2026:

  1. Skate Canada, Defined Terms: Synchronized Skating Lift, Acrobatic lifts definition and competitive prohibition.
  2. ISU Communication No. 2784, Well Balanced Program Content for Synchro9 (2026/27 & 2027/28 seasons), p.4 Group Lift & p.6 Creative Lift regulations.

#FigureSkatingGlossary #AcrobaticLifts #SynchronizedSkating #Synchro9 #ISU #FigureSkatingRules

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