Balancing act: How AI could make figure skating judging fairer while preserving artistic merit

Figure skating judging faces inherent challenges of human bias and technical complexity that AI systems may help overcome. Human judges must assess intricate athletic performances while accounting for both technical execution and artistic expression, creating opportunities for subjective interpretation and even political considerations. As sports increasingly embrace data-driven evaluation methods, figure skating presents a unique test case for how AI might enhance judging fairness while preserving the sport’s artistic essence.

The big picture: Figure skating judging combines technical scoring with subjective artistic assessment, creating an environment where AI could potentially reduce human bias and improve fairness.

• While sports like baseball have embraced AI for performance analysis, figure skating presents unique challenges as a sport that blends athletic precision with artistic expression.
• The integration of AI into scoring systems could address longstanding concerns about political influences and inconsistency in judging.

Current challenges: Traditional judging systems in figure skating must account for both imperfect performances and potential human biases.

• According to Amelie Chan in her TED talk on AI in synchronized skating, judges must factor in inevitable performance variations since “ice tends to be a little slippery.”
• Chan notes that “this sport can sometimes get political” with “human biases always exist[ing],” a sentiment echoed in online figure skating communities where judging complaints are common.

Why this matters: Implementing AI in figure skating judging could standardize evaluation metrics while preserving the sport’s artistic integrity.

• The sport’s combination of precise technical elements and creative expression makes it an ideal testing ground for AI systems that can evaluate both objective and subjective factors.
• A successful implementation could serve as a model for other performance-based sports and competitions where judging fairness is essential.

Looking ahead: As AI technology advances, figure skating organizations will need to determine how to balance technological assistance with human expertise.

• The ideal system would likely combine AI’s consistency in technical evaluation with human judges’ ability to assess artistic merit and emotional impact.
• The sport’s evolution could accelerate the development of AI systems capable of recognizing and evaluating both athletic performance and creative expression.