After more than two decades representing South Africa at the highest levels of international figure skating, Neil Garrard is stepping down from the ISU circuit. This marks the close of one of the continent’s most distinguished judging careers, defined by technical excellence, integrity, and a deep commitment to the sport he has served since 1965.
“I am really sad,” says Neil Garrard. “I am going to miss all my friends and my skating family from all over the world.”
Neil Garrard’s own skating journey was cut short during the apartheid era when South Africa was sanctioned from international competition. But his passion for the sport never waned.
“Once skating is in the blood, it is hard to leave the sport,” he says.
As a judge, Garrard reached the pinnacle of his profession. Over the past 23 years, he has served as the only ISU-level judge on the African continent and remains the only South African to have judged at three ISU World Championships. His international judging résumé includes four Junior Grand Prix events, nine Junior World Championships, 14 Four Continents Championships, and three World Championships, with appointments across Europe, Asia, and North America.
“The highlight was definitely those three World Championships,” he says. “But there were so many incredible moments. I was lucky enough to judge some of the top skaters in the world.”
Behind the scenes, judging is both an art and a science.
“It is not as easy as people think. Judges award hundreds of marks per competition — 638 per judge when there are 50 skaters. So, accuracy, consistency, and fairness are essential. You have to come into every event without preconceived ideas, stay up to date with rule changes, and focus entirely on each performance.”
In total, Neil Garrard represented South Africa as a judge or referee in more than 50 international competitions, 14 Four Continents Championships, and nine Junior Grand Prix events. He completed judging appointments in Israel, Australia, the US, Canada, Iceland, Latvia, Russia, Ukraine, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and many more. Furthermore, he attended several ISU congresses and numerous ISU seminars on various subjects to improve his knowledge of judging.
“Being an international judge is the best seat in the house. The travel is amazing, but it is also hard work. Judges attend seminars, do constant self-evaluation, and maintain their credentials through tests and local appointments. It takes years to get there, and you never stop learning.”
Neil Garrard is also passionate about mentoring future judges and uplifting the standard of judging in South Africa.
“Fairness, impartiality, and integrity are key. We need more judges who bring those values. And we must always support the skaters. Judging is not about putting them down; it is about helping them grow.”
Despite retiring from international events, Garrard will continue judging locally, although he notes the growing challenges of doing so.
“It is difficult. There is no reward, and there is constant criticism. People do not realise the time and effort involved. Judges take leave from work, sacrifice family time, and get no financial compensation.”
His commitment to skating development remains unwavering. Garrard was instrumental in introducing solo dance to South Africa and has long advocated for the adoption of the USFSA test structure, a system now formally adopted by SAFSA’s National Technical Committee.
“It took 25 years for the US to perfect that structure. Hopefully, we can benefit from their hard work and improve our basic skating skills to be internationally competitive.”
Looking back, he is proudest of the small, steady contributions he has made to judging, athlete development, and skating administration over the years.
“I have always tried to give honest feedback with my marks. Not every coach or parent sees it that way, but some do. And when they understand what we are trying to convey, it really helps the skater grow.”
His advice to new judges?
“Study. Watch videos. Do mock judging. Read the rules. Go to every seminar. It is a long road, but it is worth it.”
As for his legacy: “I was the only ISU judge in Africa for more than 20 years. I judged three World Championships. That’s something I am very proud of.”
And the sport he loves? “Figure skating is one of the toughest sports in the world. It demands physical ability, musicality, nutrition, off-ice training, and schooling. Discipline and commitment are the keys. And if I have helped any athlete or judge on their journey, then I have done my job.”
SAFSA thanks Neil Garrard for his decades of service, both internationally and at home, and for his unwavering commitment to fairness, excellence, and athlete development.
“On behalf of SAFSA, I would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Neil for his hard work, unwavering dedication, and the pride with which he has represented South Africa over a distinguished career at the ISU level. His contributions on the international stage have been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing to benefit from his expertise here at home, as we work together to develop and inspire the next generation of South African figure skaters,” says Christo Viljoen, President of SAFSA.
