What is the start in Skeleton?

Section 5: Rules of Play

Olympic and World Championship: 4 runs over 2 days (2 runs per day). Combined cumulative time of all 4 runs determines the final ranking.
World Cup: 2 runs in a single day (combined time). Top 20 after run 1 advance to run 2.
Training: 3–6 official training runs over the days preceding competition; athletes must complete a minimum number to be eligible to race

Athlete positions the sled at the start block, gripping the front handles (bumpers)
On the start signal (green light or audible tone), the athlete sprints while pushing the sled for 30–40 m
After building maximum speed, the athlete dives head-first, face-down (prone) onto the sled
The start is the only phase where the athlete can generate speed — after loading, momentum comes entirely from gravity
Start time (measured over approximately 50 m) is a critical performance differentiator; top athletes complete the push phase in under 5 seconds
A false start (leaving before the signal) requires the athlete to return and restart

Athletes steer by shifting body weight: pressing the right shoulder into the sled to turn left, and vice versa
Knee pressure against the sled frame provides additional directional control
Toe spikes dragged lightly on the ice surface create friction on one side for fine steering adjustments
Head position affects aerodynamics; athletes keep their chin tucked and body streamlined
Arms are held tight alongside the body or sled after loading; arms dragging on ice results in friction and time loss
No mechanical steering devices, brakes, or moving parts on the sled are permitted

Athlete must cross the finish line on the sled to receive a valid time
If the athlete separates from the sled before the finish (crash, ejection): DNF (Did Not Finish)
If the athlete crashes but remains on the sled and crosses the finish line: time is valid
After crossing the finish, the athlete rides into the deceleration zone and uses toe spikes and body drag to slow the sled

Sleds are weighed after each run; combined weight (sled + athlete) verified against the maximum
Runner temperature measured immediately at the finish area after each run
Sled dimensions and runner profiles may be checked against IBSF templates at any point during competition
Any modification to the sled between inspection and the start is prohibited

Olympic and World Championship: 4 runs over 2 days (2 runs per day). Combined cumulative time of all 4 runs determines the final ranking.
World Cup: 2 runs in a single day (combined time). Top 20 after run 1 advance to run 2.
Training: 3–6 official training runs over the days preceding competition; athletes must complete a minimum number to be eligible to race

Athlete positions the sled at the start block, gripping the front handles (bumpers)
On the start signal (green light or audible tone), the athlete sprints while pushing the sled for 30–40 m
After building maximum speed, the athlete dives head-first, face-down (prone) onto the sled
The start is the only phase where the athlete can generate speed — after loading, momentum comes entirely from gravity
Start time (measured over approximately 50 m) is a critical performance differentiator; top athletes complete the push phase in under 5 seconds
A false start (leaving before the signal) requires the athlete to return and restart

Athletes steer by shifting body weight: pressing the right shoulder into the sled to turn left, and vice versa
Knee pressure against the sled frame provides additional directional control
Toe spikes dragged lightly on the ice surface create friction on one side for fine steering adjustments
Head position affects aerodynamics; athletes keep their chin tucked and body streamlined
Arms are held tight alongside the body or sled after loading; arms dragging on ice results in friction and time loss
No mechanical steering devices, brakes, or moving parts on the sled are permitted

Athlete must cross the finish line on the sled to receive a valid time
If the athlete separates from the sled before the finish (crash, ejection): DNF (Did Not Finish)
If the athlete crashes but remains on the sled and crosses the finish line: time is valid
After crossing the finish, the athlete rides into the deceleration zone and uses toe spikes and body drag to slow the sled

Sleds are weighed after each run; combined weight (sled + athlete) verified against the maximum
Runner temperature measured immediately at the finish area after each run
Sled dimensions and runner profiles may be checked against IBSF templates at any point during competition
Any modification to the sled between inspection and the start is prohibited