Day 2 of the 60th ISU Congress featured reports from several ISU commissions and technical committees, including updates on new Singles and Pairs requirements for the 2026-27 season, continued growth in International Solo Dance and expanded athlete welfare initiatives.

The day’s discussions focused primarily on the development of skating disciplines, athlete support and preparations for the next Olympic cycle.

Technical Committee Reviews Singles Program Changes

Fabio Bianchetti, Chair of the ISU Figure Skating Technical Committee, provided an update on program changes for the 2026-27 season.

In singles skating, free skates will be limited to six jump elements, one of which must be an Axel. Programs will also include three spins: a combination spin, a flying spin and a choreographic spin (minimum of three revolutions performed on one or two blades with as many changes of foot as the skater chooses). Skaters will additionally perform one step sequence and one choreographic sequence.

The committee also confirmed that the Euler will no longer count as an executed jump element. However, skaters may continue to use it once between two listed jumps in the free skate as part of a jump combination or jump sequence.

A jump type may be repeated a maximum of three times, subject to existing repetition rules.

According to the committee, the introduction of the choreographic spin is intended to provide skaters with greater creative freedom and encourage artistic expression.

New Pair Skating Requirements Introduced

The Technical Committee also outlined updated requirements for pair skating.

The short program will include a Group 3 lift, pair spin combination and forward inside death spiral.

In the free skate, teams will perform a maximum of two lifts, one choreographic pair lift (with a minimum of one rotation), one choreographic pair spin and one death spiral (minimum 3 consecutive revolutions on one or two blades by at least one partner). The required death spiral must differ from the one performed in the short program.

The ISU also updated how lift groups are determined. Beginning next season, the lift group will be identified by the hold used when the woman passes above the man’s head rather than at shoulder level.

The committee said the new choreographic lifts will provide additional opportunities for innovation and performance quality.

Solo Dance Continues Rapid Growth

Shawn Rettstatt, Chair of the Ice Dance Technical Committee, highlighted the continued expansion of International Solo Dance.

According to the report, the discipline has grown from just two international competitions three years ago to nine international events during the 2025-26 season.

A total of 37 ISU Members have now participated in international Solo Dance competitions.

The committee also announced the introduction of a new Creative Dance Element as part of the continued evolution of the Rhythm Dance.

Looking ahead, the committee said it will continue focusing on official education, athlete engagement and the further development of Solo Dance.

Athlete Welfare Remains a Priority

ISU Head of Athlete Welfare and Sustainability Ruth Trevallion presented a report on the federation’s athlete welfare initiatives.

The Arwen cyber safety program analyzed more than 300,000 social media comments and monitored 92 athlete social media profiles during the 2025-26 season.

According to the report, more than 50 percent of all negative comments recorded through the program occurred during the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

The ISU also expanded athlete welfare support during the Olympics, including dedicated mental health and safeguarding resources.

Other initiatives included the launch of a survey examining athlete career transition support and continued collaboration with Member federations on safeguarding programs.

Medical Commission Highlights Mental Health and Safety Initiatives

Medical Commission Chair Dr. Jane Moran reported on several initiatives focused on athlete health and wellbeing.

During the 2025-26 season, 14 ISU events hosted Calm Zones, which recorded more than 1,000 athlete visits.

The commission also introduced a Mental Health Action Plan for event organizers and announced a collaboration with the Podium Institute at the University of Oxford to study head impacts in Short Track Speed Skating and support future improvements in helmet safety.

A dedicated working group has also been established to review developments related to athlete eligibility policies following recent guidance from the International Olympic Committee.

Evan Bates to Lead Athletes Commission

Presenting his final report as Athletes Commission Chair, Douwe de Vries reflected on the growth of athlete representation within the ISU since the commission was established in 2016.

The Congress also marked the conclusion of de Vries’ tenure as chair. Olympic champion Evan Bates will assume leadership of the Athletes Commission moving forward.

According to the report, the commission will continue focusing on athlete communication, engagement across all disciplines and athlete involvement in the implementation of the ISU’s Vision 2030 strategy.

Synchronized Skating Looks Ahead to Synchro 9

Lois Long, Interim Chair of the Synchronized Skating Technical Committee, highlighted the continued growth of synchronized skating and preparations for the introduction of Synchro 9.

According to the report, 30 ISU Members currently participate in synchronized skating, with more than 1,300 teams and approximately 22,000 athletes competing across ISU and non-ISU categories.

The committee is also developing new education pathways and training programs to support the rollout of Synchro 9 ahead of its debut at the Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Looking Ahead

Unlike Day 1, which focused on strategic initiatives and long-term planning, Day 2 centered on reports from ISU commissions and technical committees.

The updates provided additional details on program changes for the 2026-27 season while highlighting ongoing efforts in athlete welfare, discipline development and education.

The 60th ISU Congress continues in Tenerife with additional discussions and presentations tomorrow.

Overview of the 60th ISU Congress

DAY 1: Wednesday, 10 June 2026 RECAP

• ISU President’s and Director General’s Reports
• Financial Reports
• Budget Approvals
• Partner Presentations
  • Deloitte
  • Swiss Timing
  • Maelstrom

DAY 2: Thursday, 11 June 2026 RECAP

• Legal Advisor’s Report
• Disciplinary Commission Report
• Athletes Committee’s Report
• Medical & Anti-Doping Commission Report
• Athlete Welfare Report
• Technical Committee Reports

DAY 3: Friday, 12 June 2026 RECAP

Elections & Closing

• ISU President
• Vice Presidents
• Council Members
• Technical Committee Chairs and Members
• Audit, Risk & Investment Committee
• Disciplinary Commission
• Skating Integrity Unit Board

Paula Slater

Founder of Golden Skate in 1999, Paula has followed the sport of figure skating for over four decades. A retired U.S. Army veteran, she takes joy in promoting the sport worldwide, covering events, interviewing skaters, and providing resources. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and in her free time, enjoys reading, walking her dogs, painting, and consuming large quantities of coffee.