What does a data specialist (data and replay operator) do?
Rule- Canada
- Skate Canada
- Figure skating
- Judging
- Technical panel
- Officials
- ISU
- 2026-27
- Skate Canada role: a data specialist is 16 or older, and is trained and appointed to calculate the results of sanctioned competitions. Skate Canada data specialists are appointed at introductory, Level I, Level II and Level III.
- On the technical panel (ISU handbook, where the role is called Data and Replay Operator): the operator inputs the panel's calls, runs the video replay at the speed the technical controller instructs, and reads back "the list" of elements, all deductions and the total number of falls at the end of the review. The technical controller then instructs the operator to authorize the elements, and the operator confirms once the authorization has been sent.
- The operator takes part in the sound check before the event. If a fall is called outside an element, the replay operator must make sure it is not included in that element's video clip.
- At international competitions, ISU events and the Olympics, data and replay operators attend the pre-event panel meeting, and the post-event discussion when possible.
- Skate Canada data specialists are trained in the Competition Scoring System (CSS) for the Cumulative Points Calculation (CPC) judging system.
Sources: Skate Canada Officials Appointment and Qualification Procedure, https://info.skatecanada.ca/index.php/en-ca/procedures/501-officials-appointment-qualification-procedure.html; ISU Technical Panel Handbook, Single Skating 2026-2027, https://isu-d8g8b4b7ece7aphs.a03.azurefd.net/isudamcontainer/CMS/Corporate-Site/Sports-Rules/Figure-Skating-Rules/Handbooks-Single-&-Pair-Skating/TP-HandbookSingles-26-27-15-July-2026-1784641784-3364.pdf
Added 25 Oct 2026