Although the rate of minimum GOEs between the two seasons is nearly identical, the number of jumps cut in half due to negative GOEs has doubled this season. There is a slight increase in the amount of elements which have been positively influenced by GOE scores but it has hardly outweighs the increase in elements where the base value was halved. Less than 10% of jumps this season have increased by 20% or more of the base value, while 15% of elements have been cut in half. It is a small wonder skaters heading off the ice with a few elements under review are bewildered by their scores.

If the goal of the new scale is to broaden the range of deductions and bonuses skaters incur on their base values then this goal has probably been met. Has it shifted incentives enough to change behaviors among skaters? We haven’t seen much evidence that skaters are playing it any safer. Skaters are being more harshly penalized for messy skates, but for the skaters fighting for a spot on the World Championships podium the imperative to maximize base value may still be there. When Nathan Chen, Shoma Uno, Keegan Messing, and Yuzuru Hanyu face off will any of them bet that their GOEs will be able to outweigh the potential higher base values of their competitors? I wouldn’t bet on it and neither should any skater hoping to min a major championship.