Short Track Speed Skating Rules: The Do’s and Don’ts

Short track speed skating is a thrilling and fast-paced sport that requires split-second decisions and lightning-fast reflexes. While the basic rules are simple, there are many dos and don’ts that athletes must adhere to in order to be successful.

Short track speed skating is a form of competitive ice skating in which the competitors skate on a smaller rink, usually 111.12 m (365 ft) in circumference. The events are shorter than those in long track racing, with the longest being the men’s 3000 m and the women’s 3000 m relay.

In short track speed skating, the competitors skate around a tight oval track, racing against each other to be the first to cross the finish line. The sport is governed by the International Skating Union (ISU), and there are four official disciplines: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the basic rules of short track speed skating, as well as some of the more advanced rules that govern the sport.

The Basic Rules of Short Track Speed Skating.

Short track speed skating, like any sport, has its own set of rules that must be followed in order to ensure a fair and safe competition. These rules are designed to protect the skaters as well as to provide a level playing field. However, not all rules are created equal and some may be seen as more important than others. It is important to know the basic rules of short track speed skating before competing in order to avoid any potential penalties or disqualifications.

One of the most important rules in short track speed skating is the rule against impeding. This rule states that a skater may not block or obstruct another skater who is trying to pass them. This rule is designed to prevent collisions and injuries on the ice. If a skater is found to be impeding another skater, they will be given a warning or a penalty.

Another important rule in short track speed skating is the rule against assistance. This rule states that a skater may not receive help from another person while racing. This includes push starts, being pulled around the track, or having someone else help you change directions. If a skater is found to be receiving assistance, they will be given a warning or a penalty.

The last major rule that all short track speed skaters should know is the rule against shooting the line or kicking out. This rule states that a skater may not cross the finish line before their competitor does. This rule is in place to prevent interference with other competitors and to keep races fair. If a skater crosses the finish line before their competitor does, they will be given a warning or a penalty.

Read: Short track speed skating facts

Short Track Speed Skating Rules

Impeding

One of the most commonly broken rules in short track speed skating is impeding. Impeding is defined as skating in such a way that impedes or blocks another skater. This can be done by skating in front of another skater, cutting them off, or forcing them to change direction. Skaters can also be called for impeding if they are not paying attention and collide with another skater.

This means that you cannot block, push, trip, or otherwise interfere with another skater. If you do so, you will be penalized.

There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if two skaters are racing for the same position and one of them falls, the other skater is allowed to pass them. However, if the fallen skater gets back up and continues racing, the other skater must yield and allow them to pass.

There are two types of impeding: major and minor. Major impeding results in a disqualification, while minor impeding only results in a warning. If a skater receives two warnings for minor impeding, they will be disqualified.

Read: Difference between short and long track speed skating

Assistance

Assistance is defined as any outside help that a skater receives during a race. This can include being pushed by another skater, having someone give them water or food, or being helped up if they fall. Skaters can also be called for assistance if they grab onto the boards or any other object while racing.

Assistance is always considered to be major infraction, and results in an automatic disqualification.

There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if your skate comes undone during a race, another person is allowed to tie it for you. However, if they help you in any other way (such as pushing you), you will be disqualified.

Shooting the line or Kicking out

“Shooting the line” refers to when a skater crosses the finish line before their competitors, even if they have not completed all the laps of the race. “Kicking out” refers to when a skater deliberately kicks out their leg to impede another skater. Both of these actions are against the rules and result in an automatic disqualification from the race.

Unsportsmanlike conduct

Unsportsmanlike conduct is any behavior that is not considered to be fair play. This can include taunting or trash talking another competitor, excessive celebration before crossing the finish line, or fighting on the ice. Unsportsmanlike conduct can result in a warning, deduction of points, or disqualification from the race depending on the severity of the infraction.

Equipment Rules

In addition to following the basic rules of short track speed skating, competitors must also ensure that they are using the correct equipment. This includes wearing a helmet, gloves, shin guards, and knee pads at all times while on the ice.

Competitors must also use short track specific skating boots and blades which are shorter and narrower than those used in traditional figure skating or hockey. The length of the blades cannot exceed 12 inches (30 cm).

All of the equipment must be approved by the ISU in order to be used in competition.

Skaters are not allowed to use any type of sharp object on their blades. Skaters’ uniforms must be approved by the International Skating Union and must not give them an unfair advantage.

Each racer is only allowed to use two skate blades; using more than two skate blades is not allowed and will result in disqualification from the race.

Read: the best inline speed skates to buy

False Start

A false start is when a racer starts the race before the starting gun goes off. False starts are not allowed in short track speed skating. A false start is when a skater leaves the starting line before the starter pistol fires. If a skater false starts, they will be announced disqualified from the race.

Did not finish

If a racer does not cross the finish line, they are said to have “DNF” or “did not finish”. This means that they did not complete the race and will not receive a time or placing.

A DNF can occur for a number of reasons, including if a skater falls during the race or if they are disqualified.

Read: The 10 best speed roller skates to buy

Did not skate

If a racer does not start the race or falls and is unable to continue, they are said to have “DNS” or “did not skate”. This means that they did not participate in the race and will not receive a time or placing. This can happen for a number of reasons, including if a skater is injured or if they are disqualified from the event.

Disciplines

Short track speed skating consists of four disciplines: sprints, middle distances, relays, and team races. sprints are races that are between 500 meters and 1,000 meters in length. Middle distances are races that are between 1,500 meters and 3,000 meters in length. Relays are races where teams of four skaters each skate one lap of the rink before passing off to the next teammate. Team races consist of two teams of four skaters each racing against each other over eight laps of the rink.

Read: Types of speed skating events

Starting rules

The starting rules for short track speed skating are relatively simple. All of the competitors must start behind the starting line and they cannot cross it until the starter gives the signal to begin skating. If a competitor crosses the line before the starter gives the signal, it is considered a false start and they will be disqualified from the race.

Competitors must also skate within their own designated lane at all times. If they cross into another lane, it is considered interference and they will be disqualified.

There are two ways to start a short track speed skating race: by block start or by standing start. In a block start, all of the skaters line up behind each other at the starting line with their skate blades touching the blocks in front of them. When the starting gun goes off, they push off from the blocks and begin racing. In a standing start, all of the skaters line up side-by-side at the starting line with their skate blades on the ice behind them. When the starting gun goes off, they begin racing.

Scoring rules

In short track speed skating, the first skater to cross the finish line is the winner. If two skaters cross the finish line at the same time, then the skater who was ahead at the last intermediate time point is declared the winner. In addition, if two skaters are tied for first place at the end of a race, then a “photo finish” will be used to determine the winner.

The following points are awarded for each race:

1st place: 3 points

2nd place: 2 points

3rd place: 1 point

4th place: 0 points

Safety rules

Safety is always a priority in any sport, but it is especially important in short track speed skating given the high speeds that competitors reach and close proximity of other skaters on the rink. As such, there are a number of safety rules that all competitors must follow:

• Competitors must wear helmets at all times while on the ice.
• Gloves must be worn at all times while on the ice.
• Shin guards and knee pads must be worn at all times while on the ice.
• Boots and blades used for short track speed skating must be approved by the ISU in order to ensure they meet safety standards.
• Another important safety rule is that no more than two skaters can be on the same side of the rink at any given time.
• Finally, all races must be started and finished within a designated zone on the rink.

Advancement rules

In short track speed skating, advancement to subsequent rounds is based on both qualifying times and ranking points. Qualifying times are set by officials prior to each event and vary depending on the distance of the race. For example, in a 500 meter event, only the top 32 skaters with qualifying times will advance to subsequent rounds. In contrast, in a 1500 meter event, only the top 16 skaters with qualifying times will advance to subsequent rounds.

Ranking points are calculated based on each skater’s finishing position in each heat (race). The number of ranking points awarded for each heat varies depending on how many athletes competed in that heat –

8 or fewer competitors: 1st – 4pts; 2nd – 2pts; 3rd – 1pt; 4th – 0pts

9-12 competitors: 1st – 5pts; 2nd – 3pts; 3rd – 2pts; 4th – 1pt; 5th-0pts

13 or more competitors: 1st – 6pts; 2nd – 4pts; 3rd – 3pts; 4th-2pts; 5th-1 pt

The top two finishers in each heat automatically advance to subsequent rounds regardless of their ranking points total. The remaining spots in subsequent rounds are filled by those with the highest ranking point totals until all available spots are filled.

Elimination rules

In short track speed skating, elimination races are held when there are too many athletes competing for available spots in subsequent rounds (i.e., when there isn’t enough time or space to accommodate everyone in one heat). In an elimination race, only those athletes who finish in first or second place advance to subsequent rounds while those who finish third or lower are eliminated from competition.

Yellow card rules

In short track speed skating, if an athlete commits an infraction, they may be given a yellow card. This is a warning from officials and does not result in any penalty. However, if an athlete accumulates three yellow cards throughout competition, they will receive a red card and be disqualified from that particular event. Some infractions that may result in a yellow card include: impeding another athlete, failing to maintain proper lane position, false starting, etc.

Disqualification rules

Disqualification from a short track speed skating race can occur for a number of reasons, including impeding, skating outside the designated racing lane, or unsportsmanlike conduct. One of the most serious infractions that can lead to disqualification is deliberately causing another skater to fall. This is considered a dangerous act and can result in a skater being banned from competition for a period of time.

Olympic qualification rules

To be eligible to compete in the Olympics, skaters must meet certain criteria set by the International Skating Union (ISU). For example, skaters must have competed in at least two ISU-sanctioned events during the qualifying period and must have achieved a minimum qualifying score. The rules for Olympic qualification are subject to change and vary depending on the host country.

What are the rules of team speed skating?

Speed skating is a sport in which teams of skaters race around an oval track. The rules of team speed skating are very similar to those of individual speed skating, with a few important differences. First, in team speed skating, each team consists of four skaters, instead of the usual two. Second, the teams skate in pairs, with each pair staying together throughout the race. This means that each team must maintain a certain distance between its members at all times. Failure to do so will result in a penalty. Third, unlike individual races, team speed skating races are not timed. Instead, the winner is determined by the number of laps completed by each team. The team that completes the most laps in the allotted time period is declared the winner. fourth and final difference is that in team speed skating, there is no such thing as an “outside pass.” This means that if one team member passes another from behind, he or she must immediately return to his or her original position behind the other skater.

How does short track speed skating relay work?

In a typical short track speed skating relay race, each team consists of four skaters. Each skater races one lap around the track before passing off to the next team member. The first team to cross the finish line wins the race.

There are two main types of relays in short track speed skating: the 4×400 meter relay and the 4×1000 meter relay. In a 4×400 meter relay, each skater races 400 meters before passing off to the next team member. In a 4×1000 meter relay, each skater races 1000 meters before passing off to the next team member.

There are also mixed gender relays, where teams must consist of two women and two men. In a mixed gender 4×400 meter relay, each man skates two laps and each woman skates one lap. In a mixed gender 4×1000 meter relay, each woman skates two laps and each man skates one lap.

To ensure fair competition, there are rules in place regarding how team members must pass off to each other. For example, in a 4×400 meter relay, team members must pass off within a 20 meter zone marked on the inside of the turn. If a team member passes outside of this zone, their team will be disqualified from the race.

The Dos and Don’ts

Short track speed skating is a dangerous sport. The high speeds, the close proximity of the competitors to one another, and the hard surfaces all contribute to the risk of serious injury. Because of this, there are a number of rules that have been put in place to help keep the athletes safe.

Here are some of the most important do’s and don’ts for short track speed skating.

DO: Wear proper safety equipment All short track speed skaters must wear helmets, gloves, shin guards, and neck guards while competing. This equipment is designed to help protect the athlete in case of a fall or collision.

DON’T: Use inappropriate clothing Skaters should not wear clothing that is loose or could become entangled with another skater or their own skate blades. Clothing should also not impede the skater’s vision in any way.

DO: Make sure your skates are in good condition Skaters should inspect their blades before each race to make sure they are not chipped or damaged in any way. Blades that are damaged can cause cuts or breaks in other

Positives and Negatives of Short Track Speed Skating

Short track speed skating can be a great way to get exercise and have fun. However, there are some dangers that come with the sport. It is important to be aware of these dangers and take precautions to avoid them.

Some of the positive aspects of short track speed skating include:

• It is a great way to get exercise
• It is a great way to socialize and meet new people
• It can be very exciting to watch or participate in
• It is a great way to relieve stress

Some of the negative aspects of short track speed skating include:

• The risk of injury is higher than in other sports due to the high speeds and close proximity of skaters
• There is a risk of collision with other skaters or obstacles on the rink
• The cold weather can be a hazard for skaters who are not properly dressed
• Short track speed skating can be very competitive and some skaters may feel pressure to win at all costs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules of short track speed skating?

The basic rules of short track speed skating are pretty simple: skate around the rink as fast as you can without falling down or getting disqualified. But there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to stay on the right side of the rules.

First, impeding is not allowed. That means you can’t block or obstruct another skater, either on purpose or by accident. If you do, you’ll be given a warning (shown by a yellow card) and may be disqualified if you continue to impede.

Second, assistance is not allowed. You can’t help another skater by pushing them, holding them up, or otherwise giving them an advantage. Again, this can result in a warning or disqualification.

Third, shooting the line or kicking out is not allowed. This is when a skater tries to cut off another skater by crossing the finish line first, or kicks out their leg to trip another skater. This is also grounds for a warning or disqualification.

Fourth, unsportsmanlike conduct is not tolerated. This includes things like trash talking, fighting, and deliberately trying to injure another skater. Again, this can result in a warning or disqualification.

Finally, there are some equipment rules that all skaters must follow. For example, all skaters must wear approved helmets and gloves, and they must have their blades sharpened to a certain specification. Failure to follow these rules can also result in a warning or disqualification.

So those are the basic rules of short track speed skating. Remember to skate safely and respectfully, and you should be able to stay on the right side of the rules.

Can you push in short track speed skating?

Pushing is defined as using your hands, arms, or any other part of your body to propel yourself forward. It is also prohibited to use skates or blades in a way that could be considered pushing. Pushing is only allowed when two skaters are racing side-by-side and neither one has the advantage. If one skater has the advantage, then the other skater is allowed to push off of him/her in order to try and even the playing field.

There are certain rules that govern pushing in short track speed skating:

1. Pushing is only allowed when two skaters are racing side-by-side.
2. Pushing is not allowed if one skater has the advantage over the other.
3. Pushing is only allowed if both skaters are trying to even the playing field.
4. Pushing is not allowed if it could be considered unsafe for either skater involved.

How is starting position determined in short track speed skating?

Starting position in short track speed skating is determined by a draw. The skaters are split into two groups, A and B, and each group is assigned a starting lane. The skaters in Group A start in the odd-numbered lanes, and the skaters in Group B start in the even-numbered lanes. The order of the skaters in each group is then determined by a random draw.

How do you get disqualified in speed skating?

There are a number of ways that a skater can be disqualified from a speed skating race. Some of the more common reasons for disqualification include:

• Impeding another skater: This is when a skater interferes with another skater’s progress, either on purpose or accidentally. This can happen if a skater cuts off another skater, or if they block them from passing.
• Assistance: A skater cannot receive any help from coaches or other people during the race. This includes being pushed, pulled, or given any other type of assistance.
• Shooting the line or kicking out: Skaters must stay within their own lane during the race. If they cross over the line into another lane, or kick out and interfere with another skater’s progress, they will be disqualified.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct: This can include things like using offensive language, making obscene gestures, or engaging in any type of disruptive behavior.

Why did USA get disqualified in speed skating?

The U.S. speed skating team was disqualified from the final of the men’s 5,000-meter relay at the 2018 Winter Olympics for having too many skaters on the ice during a changeover. The infraction resulted in a DQ for the U.S. team, which finished the race in fourth place.

It was a controversial call, as it appeared that only four skaters were on the ice for the U.S. when the fifth skater, Chris Creveling, made contact with an opponent while attempting to enter the race. However, upon review, it was determined that Creveling had not yet been cleared to enter the race by officials, and thus he was considered to be a fifth skater on the ice, resulting in a disqualification for his team.

This ruling caused some consternation among members of the U.S. team, as they felt that they had been unfairly penalized. It also led to questions about why other teams were not similarly punished for infractions during previous races. Nevertheless, the ruling stood and the U.S. team was forced to watch from the sidelines as their opponents raced for gold in the final event of the Games.

How many laps are there in a short track speed skating race?

A typical short track speed skating race consists of 8 laps. However, the number of laps may vary depending on the distance of the race. For example, races that are 500 meters or less are typically 4 laps, while races that are 1000 meters or more are typically 16 laps.

What are the dimensions of an Olympic short track speed skating track?

The dimensions of an Olympic short track speed skating track are 500 meters long and 111.12 meters wide.

What does yellow card mean in short track speed skating?

A yellow card in short track speed skating is given as a warning to a skater for an infraction. The most common infractions that lead to a yellow card are:

• Not keeping up with the pack
• Impeding another skater
• Blocking another skater
• Cutting off another skater

Conclusion…

The basic rules of short track speed skating are simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Always skate in the designated direction and be aware of other skaters around you. If you cause another skater to fall, you will be automatically disqualified. There are also rules about impeding, shooting the line, and unsportsmanlike conduct. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these before you race.