Skeleton

General Rules

Weight Restriction

The sled can weigh a maximum of 43 kg for men and 35 kg for women and the combined weight for the skeleton and racer must not exceed 115 kg for men and 92 kg for women.

Finish Line Rule

The racer and the sled must be in contact with one another at the time of crossing the finish line. Otherwise, the run will be considered as invalid.

Officials

Race Director

Ensures the smooth running of the competition and keeps updating the jury about the track.

Jury

4-6 members form a jury who ensures smooth operation of the start and end zones and are responsible for monitoring the temperature of the runners at the start (which can’t be more than 4 degree Celsius than reference runner) and the weight of the sled and racers at the end of the race. Jury members report to the chairperson.

Chairperson

Ensures that the rules are followed, makes all major decisions regarding the weather conditions and handles all issues related to the competitions.

Timekeeper

Responsible for timing the racers with the help of a computer which records the information transmitted by the photoelectric cells installed along the track.

Technical Delegate

Inspects the equipment and facilities at the starting line.

Events

Men’s

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Women’s

Techniques

Starting And Landing

The skeleton racer pushes the sled at the start and runs as fast as possible by holding the sled handles for approximately 50m to reach a speed of over 40km/h. After this, the racer leaps up from the track by raising his legs into the air and then dives onto the sled with the head first, belly down and straight legs. For the more aerodynamic profile, the racer keeps his/her arms pulled in tightly against the side of the body.

Steering

Steering of the sled is done by leg and shoulder manipulations which help to change the sled direction. On the sled, racers can reach speeds up to 150km/h and can experience gravity of up to 5G.

Participants

Skeleton is an individual sport in which only single riders either men or women compete.

Playing Area

Skeleton races take place on artificial ice tracks which are used for bobsledding and luge races as well. These tracks are constructed with reinforced concrete and covered with layers of ice and are artificially refrigerated to cool the track down before the competitions except the track in St. Moritz, Switzerland which is naturally refrigerated. The artificial tracks are specially created with curved banks and sidewalls. These tracks are very smooth. Tracks with high banked curves offer speed around 120-145 km/h.