How do judges score grade of execution (GOE)?

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Each judge gives an element a GOE on an 11-point scale from -5 to +5. A GOE of 0 means the element is worth its normal Base Value. Step 1, starting GOE from the positive bullets (ISU Communication 2788, season 2026/27): +1 needs 1 bullet, +2 needs 2, +3 needs 3, +4 needs 4, and +5 needs 5 or more. For a starting GOE or final GOE of +4 or +5, the first two bullets (highlighted in bold in the communication) must be present. For example, the jump bullets include very good height and length, good take-off and landing, effortless throughout, unexpected or creative entry/exit, very good body position and the element matching the music. Step 2, reductions for errors: the judge then reduces the GOE using the error charts, and the result is the final GOE. If there is any mistake that requires a reduction, the starting GOE cannot be higher than +4. Multiple errors: the reductions are added. In Pair Skating, a mistake by one partner or the same mistake by both partners gives the same reduction. Fixed values: a fall is -5. An element performed fully or partly when music is not playing is -1 to -4. In the short program a jump element with an asterisk (not according to requirements) must have a final GOE of -5. Starting GOE capped at +2 for: fall, landing on two feet, stepping out of landing, wrong edge (e), downgraded jump (<<), poor take-off, two three turns between jumps, unequal number of revolutions by partners, serious problems during a lift or on the catch of a twist, short program spins with missing revolutions, spins with a poor change of foot, and spins with a poor fly and/or incorrect take-off or landing. Examples from the chart: jump under-rotated (<) -2 to -3; step out of landing, landing on two feet or downgraded (<<) -3 to -4; spin missing 1 or 2 revolutions -1 to -2, 3 or more -3 to -4. Sources: ISU Communication 2788 (Season 2026/27), https://isa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2788-SP-Levels-and-GOE-2026-Updated-MAY-19-1779351385-9626.pdf (national federation copy of the ISU communication); Skate Canada, https://info.skatecanada.ca/index.php/en-ca/rules-of-sport/52-marking-of-skate-canada-competitions.html