How to Learn the Rules of Luge
The outcome of a luge competition is based almost entirely on the effects of gravity; it is easy to understand that the fastest competitor to reach the bottom of the run will win. However, watching the sport is more entertaining if you understand its more specific rules.
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Instructions
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Preliminary Luge Rules
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Know that each luge sled must include two runners, two blades, a seat and two bridges. The runners hold the blades in place, and the bridges link the runners together underneath the seat of the luge. Only the blades touch the ice.
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2
Understand that the blades are adjustable, and that their positioning determines the direction that the sled will take.
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3
Know that there are restrictions to the length of the sled, based on the length of its rider. The sled cannot project below the rider's knees or above the rider's shoulders.
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4
Be aware that there are maximum weights for the riders of each sled. The restrictions vary depending upon the racers' age and gender. If riders weigh less than the maximum, the rules allow them to add more weight to their sleds.
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Know that there is a weight limit to the amount of gear each sled rider can wear. This gear usually includes a one-piece stretch suit and a helmet with a face mask.
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Understand that the length of a regulation luge track varies between 1000 and 1500 meters.
Rules of Competition
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Know that the winner of a luge competition is determined through a number of qualifying heats. Only one sled will come down the track at any time. The competitors with the shortest time in the qualifying heat compete in the final round.
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Notice that a competitor's qualifying time will only count if that competitor finishes the course and is still making bodily contact with the sled.
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Be aware that there are four runs in the qualifying heats of Olympic singles and doubles luge and only two qualifying runs for the same competitions in World Cup and world championship competitions. The qualifying heats of Olympic luge take place over two days.
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Notice that there is a pre-determined starting order based on the seedings from previous competitions. You do not need to understand seeding or the reasoning behind this starting order. Just know that it exists.
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Pay attention to the start of each competitor's qualifying run. Each racer sits on his sled on the starting ramp and pulls two fixed start handles to set his sled in motion.
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Note that the instant the sled is in motion, the competitor lies prone on her sled.
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Watch for slight changes in the rider's body position as he slightly shifts his weight in order to adjust the positioning of his blades against the ice.
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Pay attention to the names of the competitors and to their relative times as the qualifying heats progress. Be aware that the competitor with the fastest final time will win the competition.
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Tips & Warnings
Notice that a competitor whose sled crashes on the course can still remount the sled and continue the run.
Explore some of the more specific details of the rules of luge by consulting an Olympic luge or International Luge rule book.
Street luge is done, as its name suggests, on a street free of ice or snow. Its rules are slightly different from those of ice luge.
