Section 3: Playing Area
3.1 Track Dimensions
- 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.
- Track width: Minimum 7 m (23 ft) across the straightaways, providing room for pack racing and overtaking.
- Direction: All racing is counterclockwise.
3.2 Track Markers
- 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 painted on the ice (unlike long track). Only the rubber apex blocks and finish line are physical markers. This is a distinctive feature of short track racing.
- Finish line: A painted line across the ice at the start/finish location. Photo-finish camera aligned with this line.
3.3 Safety Infrastructure
- 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 surface during competition.
- Camera positions: Overhead camera, corner cameras, and finish-line camera positions must not protrude into the safety padding zone.