What is helmet in Skeleton?

Section 2: Equipment

2.1 The Sled

Maximum sled weight: 45 kg (99.2 lb) for men, 38 kg (83.8 lb) for women (Art. 10.14, 12.2)
Maximum combined weight (sled + athlete with complete race equipment): 120 kg (264.6 lb) for men, 102 kg (224.9 lb) for women (Art. 10.14). Ballast may be added to reach the limit, but only fixed securely to the frame, base plate or saddle; ballast on the athlete’s body is prohibited.
Sled dimensions: Length 800–1,250 mm (31.5–49.2 in); overall height 80–200 mm (3.1–7.9 in) as prepared for the race (Art. 12.3). The 2026 edition raised the maximum length from 1,200 mm.
Runners: Two steel runners with a gauge of 340–380 mm (13.4–15 in), measured runner centre to runner centre (Art. 12.3). Runner profile must match IBSF specifications (Art. 12.8).
Frame: Steel or composite frame. Handle bumpers (padded protrusions on the front) for the athlete to grip during the start push. No mechanical steering mechanisms — no moving parts.
Sled identification: Each sled is registered with the IBSF and marked with a unique identification number. Sleds are weighed and inspected before each race.

2.2 Helmet

A safety helmet is mandatory in all training and races; its shell and padding must cover the head and at least the ear area, and National Federations are responsible for safety-standard compliance (Art. 10.16.1)
Helmets with spoilers or protruding edges are not allowed; the chin guard, visor and their fixings are the only permitted protrusions (Art. 10.16.1)
Visor or goggles may be used to protect against ice spray and wind
Helmet must be securely fastened with a chin strap at all times during a run

2.3 Suit and Shoes

Speed suit: Skin-tight racing suit made of approved materials. Maximum material thickness regulated by IBSF. No aerodynamic aids, ribbing, or surface texturing beyond normal fabric weave.
Spike shoes: Purpose-built shoes with brush-form spikes on the sole for traction during the running start. Spikes may be at most 5 mm (0.2 in) long and 1.5 mm in diameter, with at least 250 spikes per shoe (Art. 10.16.2). Spikes are also used for minor steering adjustments during the run (toe pressure on the ice).

2.4 Runner Temperature Regulations

Runner temperature is measured with an IBSF-approved device before each heat (Art. 10.11)
The runners mounted on the sled may be at most 4 °C warmer than the reference runner; if the reference runner is below -14 °C, the sled’s runners may be at most -10 °C (Art. 10.11)
The reference runner is set out in the open air 45 minutes before the race (Art. 10.12)
If a reading exceeds the limit, both runners are measured again immediately; a second reading over the limit means immediate disqualification (Art. 10.11)

Section 2: Equipment

2.1 The Sled

Maximum sled weight: 45 kg (99.2 lb) for men, 38 kg (83.8 lb) for women (Art. 10.14, 12.2)

Maximum combined weight (sled + athlete with complete race equipment): 120 kg (264.6 lb) for men, 102 kg (224.9 lb) for women (Art. 10.14). Ballast may be added to reach the limit, but only fixed securely to the frame, base plate or saddle; ballast on the athlete’s body is prohibited.

Sled dimensions: Length 800–1,250 mm (31.5–49.2 in); overall height 80–200 mm (3.1–7.9 in) as prepared for the race (Art. 12.3). The 2026 edition raised the maximum length from 1,200 mm.

Runners: Two steel runners with a gauge of 340–380 mm (13.4–15 in), measured runner centre to runner centre (Art. 12.3). Runner profile must match IBSF specifications (Art. 12.8).

Frame: Steel or composite frame. Handle bumpers (padded protrusions on the front) for the athlete to grip during the start push. No mechanical steering mechanisms — no moving parts.

Sled identification: Each sled is registered with the IBSF and marked with a unique identification number. Sleds are weighed and inspected before each race.

2.2 Helmet

A safety helmet is mandatory in all training and races; its shell and padding must cover the head and at least the ear area, and National Federations are responsible for safety-standard compliance (Art. 10.16.1)

Helmets with spoilers or protruding edges are not allowed; the chin guard, visor and their fixings are the only permitted protrusions (Art. 10.16.1)

Visor or goggles may be used to protect against ice spray and wind

Helmet must be securely fastened with a chin strap at all times during a run

2.3 Suit and Shoes

Speed suit: Skin-tight racing suit made of approved materials. Maximum material thickness regulated by IBSF. No aerodynamic aids, ribbing, or surface texturing beyond normal fabric weave.

Spike shoes: Purpose-built shoes with brush-form spikes on the sole for traction during the running start. Spikes may be at most 5 mm (0.2 in) long and 1.5 mm in diameter, with at least 250 spikes per shoe (Art. 10.16.2). Spikes are also used for minor steering adjustments during the run (toe pressure on the ice).

2.4 Runner Temperature Regulations

Runner temperature is measured with an IBSF-approved device before each heat (Art. 10.11)

The runners mounted on the sled may be at most 4 °C warmer than the reference runner; if the reference runner is below -14 °C, the sled’s runners may be at most -10 °C (Art. 10.11)

The reference runner is set out in the open air 45 minutes before the race (Art. 10.12)

If a reading exceeds the limit, both runners are measured again immediately; a second reading over the limit means immediate disqualification (Art. 10.11)

2.2 Helmet