Section 4: Players & Officials
4.1 Crew Positions
- Pilot (driver): Sits at the front of the sled and steers using two D-shaped rings connected by cables to the front runner axle. Precise steering inputs determine the sled's line through each curve. The pilot is the only crew member who actively controls the sled during the run.
- Brakeman: Sits at the rear of the sled and operates the harrow-type brake (Art. 12.2.8.2) to stop the sled after the finish. The brakeman is typically the strongest pusher and loads last during the start.
- Pushers (four-man only): Two middle crew members who contribute to the push start and then tuck inside the sled. They provide additional mass and help stabilise the sled through weight distribution.
4.2 Crew Requirements and Athletics
Only athletes of the same nation, holding a valid IBSF license and registered for the competition, may form a team (Art. 10.1). In case of injury or illness, and with the Jury’s permission, any athlete except the pilot may be replaced by an athlete from the same National Federation; only the team that ran the final heat is ranked (Art. 10.6.5, changed in 2026). Monobob is a solo event requiring the pilot to push and drive alone. Each national federation may enter a maximum number of sleds per event as determined by IBSF ranking quotas.
Bobsled crew members are among the most powerful athletes in winter sports. Many are recruited from track and field (sprinters, shot putters) or American football due to the explosive speed and strength required for the push start. The 50 m push phase on ice demands a combination of top-end sprint speed and the ability to generate force against the sled while maintaining balance on a slippery surface. Elite two-man crews complete the push in under 5 seconds; four-man crews in under 4.8 seconds.
4.3 Officials and Jury
- Jury: Can interrupt or stop the race, for example for track damage or weather, in consultation with the Technical Delegate, the Race Director and the Chief of Track (Art. 10.6.10).
- Race Director: Organiser’s official responsible for running the competition.
- Technical Delegate: IBSF-appointed official who ensures compliance with all technical regulations, including sled inspection and runner temperature checks.
- Track Chief: Responsible for ice conditions, track safety inspections, and curve maintenance.
- Start referee: Supervises the push-start zone; no help from a third party is allowed during the start procedure (Art. 10.6.8).
- Timing officials: Operate the electronic timing system, recording the start time at 50 m, four intermediate times, and the finish time to 1/100th of a second (Art. 10.6.14).