Section 8: Safety Considerations
8.1 Mandatory Protective Gear
- Park discipline: Certified helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads are mandatory for all practice sessions and competition runs. Athletes will not be permitted to drop in without full protective equipment.
- Street discipline: Helmet recommended but not mandatory at the international level. National federations may enforce stricter requirements for domestic competitions or age-group events (e.g., helmets mandatory for athletes under 18).
8.2 Course Safety
- The course must be inspected by the Technical Delegate and certified as safe before any practice or competition session
- All obstacles must be structurally sound with no sharp edges, protruding bolts, or loose elements
- Coping must be securely attached and free of chips or gaps
- Course surfaces must be swept and cleared of water, sand, pebbles, or debris before each session
- Drainage systems must prevent water accumulation on the riding surface
- Spectator barriers must be positioned at a safe distance from the competition area, particularly near landing zones
8.3 Medical Provisions
- A qualified medical team (including orthopedic capability) must be present on-site throughout practice and competition
- An ambulance must be on standby with direct access to the venue
- A designated medical room or tent with appropriate equipment for treating fractures, lacerations, and concussions
- Athletes who sustain a head impact must be evaluated for concussion before being permitted to continue. If concussion is suspected, the athlete is withdrawn from the event under return-to-play protocols.
- Heat management: in outdoor venues with temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F), cooling stations, shade structures, and modified schedules with extended breaks must be provided
8.4 Athlete Welfare
- Athletes may withdraw from any attempt at any time without penalty (the attempt is scored as 0.0)
- Competition officials may suspend the event due to severe weather (lightning, high winds, extreme heat), unsafe course conditions, or lighting failure
- Practice sessions must be provided for athletes to familiarize themselves with the course before competition
- Warm-up areas separate from the competition course must be available at all times during the event