Data Analytics in Figure Skating Scoring

This chapter describes how data analytics and statistics can be used to analyze the consistency of figure skating judging at the Winter Olympic Games (WOG). In 2002, there was a judging scandal related to the pairs and ice dance events at the WOG conducted under the 6.0 judging system. Subsequently, the International Skating Union developed a new system to improve the consistency of judges’ ratings and reduce biases present. The research team compared the consistency of judging in WOG across years where different judging systems were used. Findings indicate that for most event segments, the new system did not exhibit significantly more consistent judging. These analyses can be used to inform scoring regulations in international figure skating and other subjectively judged sports.