What happens if one minor error occurs in a group lift?

In synchro skating, a minor error during a group lift typically leads to the element being downgraded once. This means that while the skater attempted the intended lift, any minor discrepancies—such as a slight loss of balance or improper positioning—will affect the overall execution of the element. As a result, the element cannot be credited at its full value, and the judges will assess the performance accordingly.

The reasoning behind this approach is to maintain a standardized evaluation of performances while still acknowledging the complexity of the maneuver attempted. When a minor error is present, it reflects on the group’s execution, but does not necessarily indicate a failure to perform the element as intended. Consequently, the downgrade serves as a measure to balance the performance assessment without dismissing the effort put into executing the lift.

This approach ensures that skaters are still rewarded for their skills while also emphasizing the importance of precision in synchro skating, which affects their overall score in the competition.