The top six were offered a US$10,000 bonus to compete at three events but face a fine if they later withdraw, even for valid medical reasons.
Skaters who reach the age of 14 by 1 July 2011 were eligible to compete on the senior Grand Prix circuit.
Prior to competing in a Grand Prix event, skaters were required to earn the following scores: The International Skating Union decided that the minimums do not apply to "host picks", i.e. Canadians Adriana DeSanctis and Elladj Balde were allowed to compete at their home country's event, 2011 Skate Canada International, despite failing to reach the minimums at the 2011 Nebelhorn Trophy.
They also had the option of competing at a third event, receiving a US$10,000 bonus if they chose to do so, with their best two results counting toward qualifying for the Grand Prix Final.
[citation needed] The following skaters have received assignments for one or more Grand Prix events:[10] A list of alternates was used to call up replacements, in the following order:[citation needed] Skaters from split teams which placed in the top 12 at the 2010 or 2011 World Championships and earned the minimum score in that period were not required to earn a new minimum with the new partner.
Top senior Grand Prix scores after six events: Skate America, Skate Canada International, Cup of China, NHK Trophy, Trophée Eric Bompard, Rostelecom Cup, and Grand Prix Final.
[21] Top senior Grand Prix scores after six events: Skate America, Skate Canada International, Cup of China, NHK Trophy, Trophée Eric Bompard, Rostelecom Cup, and Grand Prix Final.
[24] The top finishers earned prize money, as well as points toward qualifying for the Grand Prix Final, according to the chart below.