Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 Disqualification Offences
- Brake applied before finish: Disqualification for that run. Time is voided.
- Runner temperature violation: If runner temperature exceeds ice temperature by more than 4°C at pre-race inspection, the crew is disqualified for that run.
- Overweight sled: Combined weight exceeding the maximum limit results in disqualification.
- Equipment modification after inspection: Any alteration to the sled, runners, or personal equipment after official scrutineering results in disqualification and potential further sanctions.
- Unauthorised substances: Use of any friction-reducing substance on runners (beyond standard polishing) is prohibited and results in disqualification.
7.2 Start Violations
- False start: Crews are allowed one false start. A second false start results in disqualification for that run.
- Late start: Crews must begin their push within a specified time window (typically 60 seconds) after being cleared by the start referee. Failure to start results in a DNS (Did Not Start) for that run.
- Push zone violation: All crew members must be aboard the sled before it exits the designated loading zone. A crew member who fails to board or falls off during loading results in disqualification for that run.
- Assistance: No outside assistance (pushing, touching, or stabilising the sled by non-crew members) is permitted after the start command. Officials positioned at the start may steady the sled before the command but must release on the start signal.
7.3 Post-Race Violations
- Sled modification discovery: If post-race inspection reveals equipment changes made after pre-race scrutineering, all results from the affected run and subsequent runs are voided.
- Weight discrepancy: If the crew + sled combined weight is found to exceed the maximum limit at the post-race weigh station, the run is disqualified. Crews who are found to be underweight are not penalised (lighter crews have no unfair advantage).
7.3 Behavioural Infractions
Unsportsmanlike conduct, interference with another crew's equipment, or failure to comply with official instructions may result in fines, suspension from subsequent races, or referral to the IBSF Disciplinary Commission. Teams may protest technical decisions within 30 minutes of the official results being posted, accompanied by a protest fee.