Section 5: Rules of Play
5.1 Competition Format
Olympic and World Championship events consist of 4 runs over 2 days (2 runs per day). World Cup and lower-tier events may use 2 runs in a single day. The combined cumulative time of all runs determines the final ranking. Monobob follows the same format.
5.2 The Push Start
The push start is one of the most critical phases of a bobsled run. Crew members sprint alongside the sled for approximately 50 m on the ice surface, pushing the sled to build maximum velocity before loading in sequence. The pilot enters first, then pushers (four-man), and the brakeman loads last. Start time — measured from the first timing beam to a point approximately 50 m down the track — is a primary competitive differentiator. A difference of 0.1 seconds at the start can translate to 0.3 seconds at the finish.
5.3 Driving and Steering
The pilot steers using two D-rings connected by pulley cables to the front runner axle. Steering adjustments must be subtle — overcorrection scrubs speed by increasing friction between the runners and the ice wall. The ideal line through a curve enters high, crosses the apex at the lowest point, and exits high to carry maximum speed. Pilots study track geometry extensively and memorise optimal lines for each curve during training runs.
Different curve types demand different techniques. In a high-banked Kreisel (360-degree loop), the pilot must commit early to a high line and maintain steady pressure. In a labyrinth (rapid S-curve combination), quick transitions between left and right steering are critical. Straight sections between curves require the pilot to centre the sled and minimise runner contact with the walls, as even light wall touches create significant time losses. At 150 km/h, the pilot's reaction window is measured in milliseconds.
5.4 Braking Rules
The brakeman operates a serrated metal brake located between the rear runners. The brake may only be applied after the sled crosses the finish line to decelerate in the braking zone. Applying the brake at any point before the finish line results in immediate disqualification for that run. In an emergency (e.g., a crash or imminent danger), the brake may be applied without penalty at the race director's discretion.
5.5 Monobob Specifics
The monobob event, introduced for the 2022 Beijing Olympics, uses a standardised sled provided by the IBSF. All pilots race in identical equipment, eliminating the technology advantage that wealthier nations enjoy in two-man and four-man events. The pilot pushes the sled alone from the start, loads in, and drives. Monobob push starts are shorter and slower than crewed events because a single athlete generates less force. The event has been praised for expanding access and making bobsled more equitable across nations.
5.6 Training Runs
Before competition, crews are allocated a set number of official training runs (typically 6 training heats, sometimes divided over 2–3 days). Training runs allow pilots to learn the track geometry, test different steering lines, and build confidence at progressively higher speeds. Start-order for training runs is rotated to give all crews exposure to different ice conditions. Timing data from training runs is published but does not affect competition seeding.
5.7 Start Order and Seeding
Start order for the first run is determined by IBSF World Rankings (highest-ranked crews start first to benefit from optimal ice conditions). For subsequent runs, the start order is reversed based on current standings — the last-placed crew goes first, and the leader goes last. This gives trailing crews an advantage of fresher ice.
5.6 Weather and Cancellation
The race director may postpone or cancel runs due to excessive wind, precipitation, warm temperatures degrading ice quality, or unsafe visibility. If fewer than the scheduled number of runs are completed, results stand based on completed runs (minimum 2 runs for a valid result).