How to Avoid Disqualification in Speed Skating

Speed skaters are similar to other Olympic athletes in terms of the strict guidelines that dictate their actions. National, international and Olympic organizers establish speed skating rules to balance the playing field for all competitors. You need to know how these rules affect you during practice and competition to avoid disqualification. Read on to learn how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Protective glasses
• Arm band
• Skates
• Speed skating suit

Avoid Disqualifications in Speed Skating

1. Consult with your coach and equipment manager to review your race attire. You can avoid disqualification during competition by wearing skin tight race suits without modification or enhancements of any kind. Your team should run a mock inspection during practice to keep everyone on the same page.
2. Wear the appropriate colored arm band before the start of a race to avoid disqualification. Skaters in the outside lane need to wear a red band and skaters on the inside need to wear white during one-on-one races.
3. Arrive early at the starting line for every race to ensure you qualify for each race. Few exceptions are made for late arrivals. You must be at the starting line by the time the announcer calls ready to participate in a race.
4. Refrain from leaving your opening stance and crossing the start line before the starting pistol is fired. Every skater receives one false start without penalty during a race. Additional false starts will lead to disqualification and additional punishment if false starts are frequent.
5. Keep your arms and legs close to your body to avoid touching other competitors. Each skating lane is relatively narrow and skaters who lack body discipline make contact with fellow racers. Any contact with other skaters leads to immediate disqualification from a race with the contacted skater advancing to the next stage automatically.
6. Stay within your lane before and after the exchange zone to stave off disqualification. Each lane is bordered by small piles of snow to indicate the boundaries for each skater. The use of appropriate lanes will prevent major accidents on the ice and ensure fair competition among all skaters.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain peak physical condition without the assistance of performance enhancing drugs or supplements. Speed skaters at the Olympic level are tested regularly for steroids and other banned substances published every four years. Consult ingredient labels and your personal physician if you doubt the legality of a new supplement.
• Videotape every practice and race you participate in to judge your adherence to rules. You can determine areas where you can improve within the confines of international rules.