While the judges determine how well a skater performs, a separate group of officials decides what the skater actually did. This group is the Technical Panel. Their job is to identify every jump, spin, and step sequence, creating a precise list of elements that will be scored. They are the fact-checkers of the performance.

This distinction is fundamental to the International Judging System (IJS). The panel's decisions form the foundation of a skater's score. If they identify a triple Axel, the judges score a triple Axel. If they decide the jump was under-rotated and call it a double Axel, the judges score a double Axel, regardless of how big or beautiful it looked.

The Technical Panel typically consists of three voting members and two support operators, all watching the performance from a booth with access to instant replays.

The Technical Specialist (TS) has the primary responsibility of identifying each element in real-time. As the skater performs, the TS calls out the element and its level of difficulty. For example, they might say, “Triple Lutz, level four spin.” This is the initial assessment.

Overseeing this process is the Technical Controller (TC). The TC leads the panel and has the final say. Their main job is to ensure the calls made by the TS are correct according to the rules. If the TC disagrees with the TS, they can propose a correction. The third voting member is the Assistant Technical Specialist (ATS), who also identifies elements and provides input.

Supporting them are two crucial operators. The Data Operator inputs the identified elements and levels into the scoring system. The Video Operator manages the replay system, providing the panel with slow-motion footage from multiple angles on demand.

Identifying elements in real-time is intense. A jump happens in less than a second. The TS must immediately identify the type of jump, the number of rotations, and the quality of the takeoff edge.

After the initial call by the TS, the TC and ATS weigh in. A final decision requires a majority vote. If the TS calls a triple Lutz, but the TC and ATS both see a flawed takeoff edge (an 'e' mark for an edge error), the call is changed by a 2-to-1 majority. The TC acts as the tie-breaker if there's a three-way disagreement, although this is rare.

This collaborative process isn't just for disagreements. It’s a system of checks and balances. The panel often uses video replay to confirm their initial thoughts. The Video Operator can instantly provide slow-motion replays from different angles, allowing the panel to scrutinize a jump's takeoff edge or determine if a spin completed the required number of rotations.

For example, to be fully credited, a jump must be fully rotated. A jump that is short by more than a quarter of a rotation is downgraded. One that is exactly a quarter short is marked with a 'q' and receives a lower value. Distinguishing between these in real-time is nearly impossible, making video replay an indispensable tool for accuracy.

Once the panel finalizes the list of elements and their levels, their job is done. The Data Operator transmits this information to the judges' terminals. This vetted list becomes the basis for the entire score. The Technical Panel provides the objective facts, setting the stage for the judges to provide their subjective evaluation of how well each element was performed.