FIL

The luge sled has no steering or braking and is limited by weight and size for singles (men: max 23 kg, women: same) and doubles (max 27 kg combined). Weight regulations ensure fair play across different athletes' sizes.

The combined weight of athlete(s) plus sled is also regulated. Lighter athletes may add ballast weight (lead plates secured to the sled or worn in a weight vest) up to a specified limit.

Material: tempered steel with a specific hardness range regulated by the FIL; Runner temperature: must not exceed the ice surface temperature by more than 5°C (9°F) at pre-race inspection. Artificial heating is prohibited.; Runner profile: standardised gauge dimensions. Athletes may polish and pr...

Helmet: Aerodynamic visor helmet mandatory, conforming to FIL specifications. Full face shield required. Helmets must pass impact testing standards.; Racing suit: Skin-tight aerodynamic suit with maximum material thickness regulated to prevent concealed weight or aerodynamic modifications. Suits ...

Luge competitions take place on the same artificially refrigerated tracks used for bobsled and skeleton. However, luge athletes start from different (often higher) positions on the track.

Races held on artificially refrigerated tracks (shared with bobsled/skeleton).

The luge start area is fundamentally different from bobsled. Athletes begin seated on the sled, gripping fixed start handles mounted alongside the track.

The finish area includes electronic timing beams that capture finish times to 1/1000th of a second (more precise than bobsled's 1/100th). A deceleration zone follows the finish, with an uphill incline and braking area to bring sleds to a safe stop.

Because luge, bobsled, and skeleton share tracks, competition scheduling requires careful coordination. Luge training and competition sessions alternate with the other disciplines.

Men's Singles: One athlete per sled. Athletes must meet minimum age requirements (typically 16 for World Cup, 18 for Olympics) and hold a valid FIL licence.; Women's Singles: One athlete per sled. Same licensing and age requirements as men's.; Doubles: Two athletes on one sled, one lying on top o...