Additional features add technical difficulty in synchronized skating. AI-generated explanatory illustration; not an actual skater or competition photograph.
Quick Definition
Additional features are technical content that increases the difficulty of an element in synchronized skating. They have defined recognition requirements, rather than simply being extra movements. For the 2026/27 Synchro12–16 rules discussed here, two examples are the point of intersection (pi) and the step sequence (s). [1–3]
How They Work
Skate Canada’s glossary gives a broad definition of additional features, with examples including step sequences and points of intersection. To understand what receives credit in a particular program, however, you need the rules for the relevant season and discipline. A glossary definition is a starting point, rather than a complete checklist for a technical call. [1]
The International Skating Union (ISU) distinguishes Features from Additional Features. Use the requirements for the correct term. [2]
Two Examples to Recognize
Point of intersection (pi): Look at the technical content as skaters pass through an Intersection Element. Requirements depend on the intersection type and attempted level. [2]
Step sequence (s): In the No Hold Element, skaters perform without holding one another. Watch their footwork. Recognition requirements address turn and step counts, types, correct execution and the team performing the required turns and steps together. [2]
These are viewing cues, not enough information to assign a level from a single image. A team’s intended difficulty and the difficulty actually recognized can differ.
For 2026/27 Synchro12-16, pi is associated with the Intersection Element and s with the No Hold Element. Each has specific recognition requirements. This chart summarizes relationships, not movement paths or a complete level checklist.
How Additional Features Affect Scoring
“Additional Features” is an umbrella term, not the name of an element with one fixed base value. In the ISU Scale of Values, the Intersection and No Hold tables list combinations of element levels and additional-feature levels. The recognized combination determines the applicable base value. [3]
Grade of Execution (GOE) is a separate part of the score that reflects how well an element is performed. Recognized difficulty and execution quality answer different questions. Adding content does not automatically guarantee either a higher recognized level or a positive GOE. [2][3]
Common Confusions
More movement does not automatically mean more credit. Recognition depends on the requirements, rather than how busy the choreography looks. [2]
There is no universal additional-feature bonus. Read the relevant element-and-feature combination in the Scale of Values instead of adding a flat amount to every element. [3]
This entry uses 2026/27 Synchro12–16 examples. Check the appropriate documents before applying them to another season or synchronized skating format.
Related Terms
Intersection Element · No Hold Element · Step Sequence · Grade of Execution (GOE)
References & Last Reviewed
1. Skate Canada — Defined Terms: A, “Additional Features.” No revision date displayed for the entry.
2. ISU Communication No. 2787 — Difficulty Groups of Elements, Features and Additional Features Synchro12–16, 5 May 2026; effective for 2026/27. Intersection and point of intersection, pp. 7–9; No Hold Element and step sequence, pp. 13–14.
3. ISU Communication No. 2776 — Synchronized Skating: Scale of Values, 15 April 2026; valid from 1 July 2026. Abbreviations, p. 2; Intersection, p. 4; No Hold Element, p. 5.
Last reviewed: 9 November 2026.