ISU

Key Fact: Fixed-blade speed skates are required in short track, with blades positioned slightly to the left of centre for better cornering. Blade radius is 11-12 m, shorter than long track. Blades must be symmetrically ground.

Blade type: Fixed-blade speed skates. Clap skates (used in long track) are not permitted in short track because the hinged mechanism could be dangerous in pack racing with frequent contact.; Blade length: Minimum 30.5 cm (12 in); maximum proportional to boot size. Blades are typically longer than...

Hard-shell helmet: Mandatory at all times on the ice. Must conform to ISU specifications for impact resistance.; Chin strap: Must be securely fastened. If the chin strap comes undone during racing, the skater must not continue and will be directed to leave the ice.; No protrusions: No aerodynamic...

Cut-resistant suit: The entire racing suit must meet ISU cut-resistance standards (EN 388 or equivalent). The suit material must withstand blade contact to prevent laceration injuries in crashes and collisions.; Neck protection: Cut-resistant neck guard mandatory. Protects the throat and major ne...

Number patches: Visible number patches on both thighs and on the helmet. Numbers must be clearly legible for officials and television cameras.; National team uniform: At IIHF-level competitions, all team members must wear matching uniforms with national identification.

Lap distance: 111.12 m (364.6 ft) per lap, measured at the innermost edge of the track.; Rink size: Standard ice hockey rink: 60 m × 30 m (197 ft × 98 ft). The track is marked within this rink surface.; Corner radius: 8 m (26.2 ft) at the apex of each corner.

Races held on a standard-size ice hockey rink with track marked by rubber blocks.

Apex blocks: Rubber block markers placed at each corner to define the inner boundary of the track. Skaters may not cross inside the apex blocks (cutting the corner results in a penalty). The blocks are designed to dislodge on contact to prevent tripping.; Track lines: The track boundaries are not...

Perimeter padding: Safety mats (crash pads) around the entire rink perimeter, minimum 60 cm (24 in) thick. The padding must extend above the board height to protect against over-the-boards crashes.; Board openings: All gates and openings in the boards must be padded and flush with the boarding su...

Pack racing: 4–8 skaters per heat depending on distance and round. Referee, assistant referees, video review officials.