Speed skaters compete in races on ice. Long-track speed skaters race on a large, oval ice rink. The distance is 1,312 feet around, so races typically are long and require endurance. Short-track speed races take place on a rink that is 364.57 feet around. Short-track races require many sharp turns, so dexterity and balance are important. Participants of both types of speed skating start the race from a crouched position.
Types
The rules that govern a race depend on many factors, such as the type of race and the nature of the competition. During eligibility time trials, for example, skaters aim to rank in the upper portion of skaters so they can compete in later races. Other races feature mass starts, in which racers take starting positions in accordance with previous time rankings.
Starting
Typically, skaters wait to hear their names announced and then move to the pre-start line. When the official orders them to the start line, the skaters move forward and adopt a stable position. The official then says the word "ready," which is the signal for skaters to adopt a crouched pose, called the starting position, to prepare to launch forward. Racers must keep their skates entirely behind the starting line. About a second after the skaters adopt their starting position, an official fires a shot to signal the start of the race.
False Start
Deviating from this process can result in a false start, which forces the official to reset the starting process. For example, a false start occurs if a skater adopts a starting position before the official says "ready." A false start also occurs if skaters take too long to get into starting position or cross the starting line before the shot is fired.
Result
The first offense earns a warning from the official. After that, a racer who commits a second false start is disqualified. Any racers who break from their mark because their neighbor initiated it by committing a false start first are not disqualified.
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