Section 8: Safety Considerations
8.1 Track Safety Features
- Track walls are constructed of reinforced concrete with smooth ice surfaces to guide the sled. High-speed curves are profiled with steep banking to contain sleds under high G-forces.
- Overflow lips (raised edges) at the top of curve walls prevent sleds from leaving the track.
- Speed-reducing chicanes or deflection walls may be installed at dangerous sections if track speeds exceed design parameters.
- Run-off areas and deceleration zones are provided at critical points, particularly after high-speed curves.
8.2 Crew Safety
- Full-face helmets are mandatory for all crew members during training and competition.
- Each pilot must complete two training heats per discipline without accident before racing (Art. 10.1).
- Novice pilots must progress through lower-level IBSF licensing before competing at World Cup or Olympic level.
- G-forces in high-speed curves reach 4–5G, requiring crew members to brace with neck and core muscles to prevent injury.
8.3 Medical Provisions
A medical team with sled-mounted stretcher capability must be stationed at the finish area. Additional medical spotters are positioned at high-risk curve locations. A medical vehicle used as an emergency ambulance must be present (Art. 9.1). All crew members undergo mandatory medical examinations before each competition season. The Jury can interrupt or stop the race (Art. 10.6.10).
8.4 Crash Protocol
If a sled overturns during a run, crew members must remain inside the sled (or as close as possible) and allow the sled to slide to a natural stop. Standing or attempting to exit a moving overturned sled is extremely dangerous. Track marshals clear the track and assist crew evacuation. After a crash, the team is ranked only if it crosses the finish with the sled (Art. 10.6.5).
8.5 Environmental and Ice Conditions
Ambient temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation are continuously monitored by track officials. Ice surface temperature is measured at multiple points along the track and recorded before each run. Warmer conditions soften the ice, increasing friction and slowing times, while extremely cold conditions can make the ice brittle and unpredictable. If air temperature rises above approximately 5°C (41°F), the race director may shorten the competition window or cancel runs to protect ice integrity. Fog and heavy snowfall can impair visibility and lead to race suspensions.
8.6 Sled Inspection and Anti-Tampering
Pre-race and post-race sled inspections are conducted by IBSF technical delegates. Inspections include verifying sled weight (with and without crew), measuring runner temperature with a contact sensor that stays on the runner (Art. 10.11), checking runner profile against IBSF templates, and examining the sled for unauthorised modifications. Runner polishing compounds are regulated, and teams may only use approved substances. Any crew found with prohibited heating devices, aerodynamic modifications, or weight concealment faces immediate disqualification and referral to the IBSF Disciplinary Commission.