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. Operates the rear brake lever but may only apply it after crossing the finish line. 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
All crew members must be of the same nationality for Olympic and World Championship events. Mixed-nationality crews are permitted in lower-tier IBSF competitions. 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
- Race Director: Overall authority for the competition. Responsible for start order, weather decisions, and race conduct.
- 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 and signals any false starts or violations.
- Timing officials: Operate the electronic timing system, recording start time (50 m split), intermediate splits at designated curve markers, and finish time to 1/100th of a second.