The entry quota system comprises two types of entries; Direct entries and Preliminary Round entries. The total quota for each country is determined by a points system which is calculated on the basis of the results obtained by the country in the previous year‘s competition. This total quota comprises a number of Direct entries – skaters who qualify automatically- and entries decided on a basis of a Preliminary Round.
World and Junior World Championships:
The top 12 Men and Ladies, the top 8 Pair Skating couples and the top 10 Ice Dance couples, from the Preliminary Round are qualified to compete in the Short Program/Short Dance with the skaters entered through the Direct entries.
In total 30 Men and Ladies (18 Direct entries and 12 Preliminary Round entries), 20 Pair Skating couples (12 Direct entries and 8 Preliminary Round entries) and 25 Ice Dance couples (15 Direct entries and 10 Preliminary Round entries) compete in the first segment.
Competitors placed in the top 24 in Single Skating, the top 16 Pair Skating couples and the top 20 Ice Dance couples in the Short Program/Short Dance qualify for Free Skating/Free Dance.