Figure Skating - Terminology

Terminology

The term "professional" in skating refers not to skill level but eligibility status. Figure skaters competing at the highest levels of international competition are not "professional" skaters. They are sometimes referred to as amateurs, though they generally receive some money. A professional skater is one who is not eligible for ISU competitions and the Olympics. Professional skaters may range from former Olympic and World champions who have ended their competitive career to skaters with little or no international competitive experience.

In languages other than English and Russian, figure skating is usually referred to by a name that translates as "artistic skating."