Synchronized skating is a team sport in which 8-20 skaters perform a program together. It is characterized by teamwork, speed, intricate formations and challenging step sequences. As with the other disciplines, all teams perform a free skate with required well-balanced program elements. In addition, teams at the junior and senior level perform a short program consisting of required elements.

Elements in synchronized skating include blocks, circles, wheels, lines, intersections, moves in the field, creative elements, no-hold elements, spins, lifts, and pairs moves. The variety and difficulty of elements require that each team member be a highly skilled individual skater. 

Synchronized teams in the U.S. can compete in many different levels according to the age and skill level of the team members. Teams competing at the Aspire (beginner) levels compete locally or may choose to travel, teams at the developmental levels of Preliminary, Pre Juvenile, Open Juvenile, Open Collegiate, Open Adult or Open Masters may also compete at the Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships, held annually at the end of January.

Teams at the competitive levels of Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior, Senior, Collegiate, Adult or Masters compete at the sectional championships and if they secure a placement in the top four, they earn a spot at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships.