The Technical Panel assesses "what" teams do. The panel is made up of the Technical Controller (TC) and two Technical Specialists (TS). A Data Operator (DO) assists them for recording purposes. A slow-motion video replay system is operated by a Replay Operator, to support the Technical Panel in the identifying the performed elements.

The Technical Specialists identify and call the performed elements and the specific Levels of Difficulty each performed element (e.g. intersections, blocks, etc). They also identify illegal or additional elements and falls.

The Technical Controller authorizes and/or corrects all calls, supervises the Data Operator and can propose corrections, if necessary.

In case of disagreement, the majority among the three Officials prevails.

Under the ISU Judging System, the Judges focus entirely on evaluating the quality of how each element performed (Technical Score) and the quality of the performance (Presentation Score).

They base their scores on specific quality criteria for each element, and assess each team's skills and performance using the specific criteria, without comparing teams to each other. Each Judge enters the scores through a touch screen unit. At ISU Events, Judges may review certain elements in a team's performance using an instantaneous Video Replay System.

Panel of Judges

For ISU events, the panel consists of a maximum of 9 Judges who independently judge each performance. The highest and lowest judge's score for each element or program component are ignored, and the remaining scores are averaged, generating the trimmed mean (average score).

Base Value: In synchronized skating, each element (like blocks, wheels, circles, etc.) has a Base Value reflecting its difficulty. For example, a team may perform a Pivot Block (PB) with a level Base, 1, 2, 3, or 4. In order to have a higher level awarded, the team will have to execute difficult features correctly (as identified by the Technical Panel), thus resulting in receiving a higher score for the element.

All elements and feature requirements are published in each season's Well-Balanced Program communication.

Grade of Execution: The name of the identified element will be listed instantaneously on the Judge’s screen, and the Judges then grades the quality of the element ("Grade of Execution" or "GOE") from-5 to +5. The GOE is added to or subtracted from the Base Value to determine the final score of each element.

In Sum: The total of all the elements scores gives the Technical Score. These element Base Values and Levels of Difficulty ensure that skaters receive the appropriate and consistent credit for every element performed.

The team's overall performance is evaluated by three Program Components (PC's): Composition, Presentation and Skating Skills. A team can attain a score between 0.25 (Extremely Poor) to 10 (Outstanding) for each PC.

Composition: How the program is designed or built in relation to the music. The following is considered: Multidimensional movements and use of space; Connections between and within elements; Choreography reflecting musical phrase and form; Pattern and ice coverage; Unity.

Presentation: How the program is performed in relation to the music. The following is considered: Expressiveness & projection; Variety & contrast of energy and of movements; Musical sensitivity & timing; Oneness & awareness of space.

Skating Skills: The technique of skating and movement. The following is considered: Variety of edges, steps, turns, movements and directions; Clarity of edges, steps, turns, movements and body control; Balance & glide; Flow; Power & Speed; Unison

The Total Segment Score for a program is obtained from the Technical Score plus the Presentation Score, after subtracting any deductions (for example 1.0 for a fall of one person).

The Short Program and the Free Skating scores are added together to form the final score, and the participant with the highest total score wins.