Technical Corner Special Edition: Understanding the New ISU Spin Rules for 2026-27
Contributing author: Leila Smith
What Competitive Skaters Need to Know About Levels, Features, and Spin Construction
If you've heard coaches talking about "rebuilding spins" this summer, you're not imagining things.
Beginning with the 2026-27 season, the International Skating Union (ISU) has implemented significant changes to how spin features are evaluated. While most recreational skaters won't notice much difference, developmental and competitive skaters may need to rethink how their spins are constructed in order to maximize levels and scoring potential.
Some spin combinations that were able to consistently earn Level 4 last season may no longer receive the same credit under the updated rules.
Let's break down what changed and what it means for skaters.
First, A Quick Refresher: How Spin Levels Work
Under the ISU Judging System, spins can earn Levels 1 through 4 based on the number of recognized features performed within the spin.
Generally speaking:
1 valid feature = Level 1
2 valid features = Level 2
3 valid features = Level 3
4 valid features = Level 4
However, to earn Level 4, one not only has to exhibit four features, but one of them has had to be a specific “difficult” feature completed successfully to qualify for Level 4 points. Previously such “difficult features” included change of edge, difficult change of position, difficult exit, change of direction, 8 revolutions in one position, and clear increase in speed.
What Changed for 2026-27?
The biggest change is that a difficult change of position on the same foot is no longer one of the special Level 4 qualifying features. Instead, the parameters for a skill to count as a difficult change of position as a Level 4 difficult feature have been narrowed. Any type of one-foot difficult change of position still counts as a basic feature (to get levels 1-3), but only a few specifically outlined ones satisfy the additional Level 4 difficult feature requirement on their own.
The ISU also removed non-basic positions as a recognized feature for singles spins.
At the same time, the ISU introduced new opportunities such as:
Windmill features (3 consecutive illusions as a difficult change of position)
Difficult blade features (toe and heel spins as difficult changes of position)
Expanded options for jump changes of foot in certain spins
The New "Level 4 Features"
For the 2026-27 season, at least one of the following must appear in a spin for it to achieve Level 4:
Difficult exit
Clear change of edge
Both directions immediately following each other
Clear increase of speed
Difficult variation of flying entry
Windmills (new) (3x illusion)
This means coaches can no longer rely on certain difficult position changes alone (such as a sit spin to a camel catch spin) to satisfy the Level 4 requirement.
*Example #1: A Spin That Was Level 4 Last Season
Imagine a Change Foot Combination Spin containing:
Camel Position
Difficult camel variation
Sit Position
Difficult sit variation
Upright Position
Difficult upright variation
Additional Feature
Difficult change of position on the same foot
Under the previous system, this spin could often achieve Level 4 because the difficult change of position qualified as one of the mandatory Level 4 features.
Under the new rules, that same spin may now only receive Level 3 because it lacks one of the newly required Level 4 qualifying features.
*Example #2: How That Same Spin Could Become Level 4 Again
A coach might keep all of the original features and add:
Clear Change of Edge in Camel Position
or
Difficult Exit
Now the spin again contains a qualifying Level 4 feature and can achieve Level 4 status under the new system.
*Example #3: A Modern 2026-27 Level 4 Combination Spin
A possible Level 4 combination spin might include:
Difficult camel variation
Difficult sit variation
Difficult upright variation
Clear change of edge
This remains a straightforward and reliable Level 4 construction.
*Example #4: A More Creative Modern Level 4 Spin
The new rules may encourage more creativity.
A skater could potentially earn Level 4 through:
Difficult entrance
Difficult variation
Windmill feature
Difficult exit
This type of construction was not possible under previous rules.
*These examples are illustrative educational examples, since exact levels always depend on the specific execution and interpretation of the Technical Panel at competition.
What Does This Mean for Skaters?
For most skaters, the goal shouldn't be to memorize the rulebook.
Instead, understand this:
The Quality of the Spin Matters More Than Ever
The ISU has continued moving toward rewarding:
Clear execution
Recognizable features
Better control
More variety
The days of "feature hunting" through obscure position changes are gradually being reduced in favor of features that are more visible and easier for judges and audiences to recognize. The outlined rules of what defines a Level 4 spin, and especially a “difficult” enough change of position to achieve the Level 4 feature, have become stricter, showing that the system is now outlining exactly what earns points and not looking as much for obscure variation.
How Skate VIDA Is Preparing Skaters
This summer, Skate VIDA coaches are already evaluating spin layouts and feature strategies for the coming season.
For developmental and competitive skaters, this means:
Reviewing existing spin construction
Identifying features that may no longer maximize scoring
Building spins that align with the new requirements
Maintaining strong fundamentals while adapting strategically
The best spin is not necessarily the most complicated spin—it's the spin that combines strong technique, excellent execution, and smart construction, but most importantly fits a given skater and their abilities.
As the rules evolve, so does the strategy behind competitive skating.
And that's exactly what makes this sport so fascinating.