What is athlete welfare in Skateboarding?

Section 8: Safety Considerations

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).

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

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 If concussion is suspected, the athlete is withdrawn from the event under return-to-play protocols.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

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

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).

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

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

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