Proposed Rule Changes
Rule #
Existing Rule
B1-200
Category Name
FUNdamentals
(FUNd)
Learning to Train
(L2T)
Training to Train
(T2T)
Junior B
Junior A
Neo Senior B
Neo Senior A
Senior
Masters 30+
Masters 35+
Masters 40+
Masters 45+
Masters 50+
Masters 55+
Masters 60+
Masters 65+
Masters 70+
Masters 75+
Masters 80+
Masters 85+
Proposed Change
Category Name
FUNdamentals
(FUNd)
Learning to Train
(L2T)
Skater’s Age
Male
Female
6 to 9
6 to 8
10 to
12
12
Calculation of age
Age of participant before July 1st prior to the
event
9 to 11
11
13
12
14
13
15
14
15 or 16
Events between July 1st & December 31st:
Age of participant before January 1st prior to
the event
Events between January 1st & June 30th:
Age of participant before July 1st prior to the
event
Age of participant before July 1st prior to the
event
17 or 18
19 or 20
21 or 22
23+
30+
35+
40+
45+
50+
55+
60+
65+
70+
75+
80+
85+
Skaters Age
Male
Female
6 to 9
6 to 8
10 to 12
Calculation of Age
Age of participant before July 1st
prior to the event
9 to 11
12
11
13
12
Training to Train
(T2T)
Events between July 1st &
December 31st: Age of
participant before January 1 prior
to the event.
Events between January 1st &
14
14
13
15
14
Junior B
15 or 16
Junior A
17 or 18
Neo Senior B
19 or 20
Neo Senior A
21 or 22
Senior
June 30th: Age of participant
before July 1st prior to the event
Age of participants before July 1st prior to the event
23+
Long Track
Short Track
Age
Calculation of
Age
Age
Masters 30
30+
30-34
Masters 35
35+
35-39
Masters 40
40+
40-44
Masters 45
45+
45-49
Masters 50
50+
Age of
participants
before July 1st
prior to the
event
50-54
Masters 55
55+
Masters 60
60+
Masters 65
65+
Masters 70
70+
70-74
Masters 75
75+
75-79
Masters 80
80+
80-84
Masters 85
85+
85-89
Masters 90
55-59
60-64
65-69
Calculation of
Age
Age of
participants
during
competition
year after July
1st
90+
Reason
Change to accommodate new LT Masters age class
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
15
Rule #
Existing Rule
B5-201
Canada East Short Track Championships
Can6ada West Short Track Championships
Proposed Change
Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships
Reason
Use proper LT competition name.
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
B5-201 – To Remove Rule
Canadian Open Masters Championships
Proposed Change
Remove “Canadian Open Masters Championships”
Reason
Competition no longer considered an SSC Championship
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
B5-400 – If B5-201 is not Removed, Amend as follows…
Only skaters registered with SSC as Competitive members and who are eligible to represent
Canada internationally are allowed to skate in SSC Championships. Each Branch is
responsible for confirming the list of preliminary and final entries for each SSC
Championships.
Only skaters registered with SSC as Competitive members and who are eligible to represent
Canada internationally are allowed to skate in SSC Championships with the exception of the
Canadian Open Masters Championships, where international skaters are permitted to
compete. Each Branch is responsible for confirming the list of preliminary and final entries
for each SSC Championships.
Canadian Open Masters Championships are considered SSC Championships, however they
allow for international participation.
Proposed Change
Reason
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
B5-201 – ENGLISH VERSION ONLY
Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships - Male: 12, 13, A14 & 15, 16+
Proposed Change
Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships - Male: 12, 13, 14 & 15, 16+
Reason
Housekeeping. Remove A from before 14.
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
16
Rule #
Existing Rule
B5-202
Canadian Short Track Championships
Proposed Change
Canadian Age Class Short Track Championships
Reason
Change to proper new name of competition.
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
B5-202 – ENGLISH VERSION ONLY
Canadian Junior Championships - Junior A, Junior B, T2T A5
Proposed Change
Canadian Junior Championships - Junior A, Junior B
Reason
Removed T2T Age Class from Canadian Junior Championships
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
Reason
B5-300 – ENGLISH VERSION ONLY
The Competitions Development Committee shall annually confirm a host for each SSC
Championship from a list of applicants by way of an open bid process made available to all
members at least 18 months prior to the scheduled date of the competition. The host cities
and venues should be confirmed no later than A6 months prior to the start of the event.
The Competitions Development Committee shall annually confirm a host for each SSC
Championship from a list of applicants by way of an open bid process made available to all
members at least 18 months prior to the scheduled date of the competition. The host cities
and venues should be confirmed no later than 16 months prior to the start of the event.
Typographical error A6 intended to be 16 months.
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
B5-401
Preliminary entries must be submitted electronically to the competition/event coordinator
nineteen (19) days prior to the start of the competition/event on an official preliminary
entry form.
Preliminary entries must be submitted electronically as per the applicable bulletin to the
competition/event coordinator prior to the start of the competition/event on an official
preliminary entry form.
This rule is not applicable for all competitions. Some competitions may have other earlier or
later requirements for the receipt of preliminary entries, as specified in competition/high
performance bulletins.
Competitions Development Committee
Proposed Change
Proposed Change
Reason
Proposed By
17
Rule #
Existing Rule
B5-402
Final entries must be submitted electronically to the competition/event coordinator no later
than seven (7) days prior to the start of the competition/event on an official form for final
entries. The competition/event coordinator will confirm the cut-off time for submission on
the final day that entries may be submitted. Final entries shall include the real name of the
applicant including the skater’s date of birth, address and club and SSC number.
Pseudonyms are permitted but must be accompanied by the real name.
An individual entry form must also be completed for each participant, including signed
waiver. These forms are to be submitted with the final entries or with the payment of entry
fees.
Proposed Change
Final entries must be submitted electronically to the competition/event coordinator, as per
the applicable bulletin, on an official form for final entries. The competition/event
coordinator will confirm the cut-off time for submission on the final day that entries may be
submitted. Final entries shall include the real name of the applicant including the skater’s
date of birth, address and club and SSC number. Pseudonyms are permitted but must be
accompanied by the real name.
Proposed By
An individual entry form must also be completed for each participant, including signed
waiver. These forms are to be submitted with the final entries or with the payment of entry
fees.
This rule is not applicable for all competitions. Some competitions may have other earlier or
later requirements for the receipt of preliminary entries, as specified in competition/high
performance bulletins.
Competitions Development Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
B5-501 – ENGLISH VERSION ONLY
SSC Short Track Training to Train Championships
Proposed Change
Canada East and Canada West Short Track Championships
Reason
Change to proper name of competitions.
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
Reason
18
Rule #
Existing Rule
B5-502
Canadian Short Track Championships
1. Entries may be subject to a minimum time standard to be established by the
Competitions Development and/or High Performance Short Track Committee as
determined by the racing category. This time standard must be published as part of a
Bulletin at least three (3) months prior to the start of the event.
2. In order to ensure meaningful competition and a minimum number of racing opportunities for participants a maximum number of entrants may be imposed on any
age category by the Competitions Development Committee.
3. Amongst skaters meeting the minimum time standard a minimum of two (2) skaters
per branch will be allowed entry.
4. Additional skaters will gain entry on the basis of branch performance at the previous
Canadian championship until the maximum number of entrants is attained. Criteria
for earning additional branch positions will be published at least three (3) months
prior to the first qualification event in an SSC Competitions Bulletin.
Proposed Change
Canadian Age Class Short Track Championships
1. Entries may be subject to a minimum time standard to be established by the
Competitions Development as determined by the racing category. This time standard
must be published as part of a Bulletin at least three (3) months prior to the start of
the event.
2. In order to ensure meaningful competition and a minimum number of racing opportunities for participants a maximum number of entrants may be imposed on any
age category by the Competitions Development Committee.
3. Amongst skaters meeting the minimum time standard, two (2) skaters per branch will
be guaranteed entry.
4. Additional skaters will gain entry on the basis of branch performance at the previous
Canadian championship until the maximum number of entrants is attained. Criteria
for earning additional branch positions will be published at least three (3) months
prior to the first qualification event in an SSC Competitions Bulletin.
Reason
Change to the appropriate competition name and remove reference to High Performance
Short Track Committee.
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
19
Rule #
Existing Rule
B5-504
New rule
Proposed Change
Canadian Junior Short Track Championships and Canadian Open Short Track
Championships
1. In order to ensure meaningful competition and a minimum number of racing opportunities for participants a maximum number of entrants may be imposed by the
High Performance Short Track Committee
2. The High Performance Short Track Committee may at its absolute discretion publish
additional entry criteria including minimum time standards and entry criteria based
on performance at previous competitions/events or Canadian Rankings. Any such
criteria will be published in the High Performance Bulletin at least three (3) months
prior to the start of the event.
Reason
New rule to include regulations for Canadian Junior Short Track Championships and
Canadian Open Short Track Championships.
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
B5-505
New rule
Proposed Change
Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships
1. Entries may be subject to a minimum time standard to be established by the
Competitions Development as determined by the racing category. This time standard must
be published as part of a Bulletin at least three (3) months prior to the start of the event.
2. In order to ensure meaningful competition and a minimum number of racing opportunities for participants a maximum number of entrants may be imposed on any age
category by the Competitions Development Committee.
3. Amongst skaters meeting the minimum time standard, two (2) skaters per branch will be
guaranteed entry.
4. Additional skaters will gain entry on the basis of branch performance at the previous
Canadian championship until the maximum number of entrants is attained. Criteria for
earning additional branch positions will be published at least three (3) months prior to the
first qualification event in an SSC Competitions Bulletin.
Reason
New rule to include regulations for Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships.
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
20
Rule #
Existing Rule
Proposed Change
Reason
B5-603
Branch Awards - A suitable overall SSC Championship award is to be purchased by the host
organizer and awarded to the Branch who has the best overall performance at an SSC
Championship and the Branch who has the greatest improvement from a previous season.
The criteria for these awards are to be determined by the Competitions Development
Committee and published in the Competitions Bulletin.
Remove rule.
Proposed By
Branch awards are provided by SSC for Canada East/West Short Track Championships and
Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships. Branch awards are not awarded for any
other SSC Championships.
Competitions Development Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
B10-300 – ENGLISH VERSION ONLY
30-409
Proposed Change
30-49
Reason
Correct typographical error.
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
Reason
D6-100
In all outdoor competitions, the temperature guide attached as Appendix D2 will be utilized
to determine if the weather conditions that exist at the time of the competition and so
described in Appendix D2 are suitable and appropriate for racing to commence or continue.
In all outdoor competitions, the temperature guide attached as Appendix D3 will be utilized
to determine if the weather conditions that exist at the time of the competition and so
described in Appendix D3 are suitable and appropriate for racing to commence or continue.
Reference appropriate appendix.
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
Proposed Change
21
Rule #
Existing Rule
D5-100 (3)
The guidelines and minimum requirements defined in Appendix C of the SSC Hosting Manual
must be respected. It is the responsibility of the Chief Referee to ensure that this occurs.
Proposed Change
Reason
The guidelines and minimum requirements defined in Appendix B of the SSC Hosting
Manual must be respected. It is the responsibility of the Chief Referee to ensure that this
occurs.
Reference appropriate appendix.
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
D5-200 – ENGLISH VERSION ONLY
D5-20
Proposed Change
D5-200
Reason
Fix typographical error in rule #.
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
Reason
D5-200 (3)
3. The guidelines and minimum requirements defined in Appendix C, section 3 of the SSC
Hosting Manual must be respected. It is the responsibility of the Chief Referee to ensure
that this occurs.
3. The guidelines and minimum requirements defined in Appendix B, section 2 of the SSC
Hosting Manual must be respected. It is the responsibility of the Chief Referee to ensure
that this occurs.
Reference appropriate SSC’s Competition Hosting Manual appendix.
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
E1
400m Olympic Style Track
Proposed Change
• Junior A & B
• Senior
Proposed Change
• Masters 30+; 35+; 40+; 45+; 50+; 55+; 60+; 65+; 70+; 75+; 80+; 85+
400m Olympic Style Track
• Junior
• Senior
Reason
• Masters 30+; 35+; 40+; 45+; 50+; 55+; 60+; 65+; 70+; 75+; 80+; 85+
Remove A&B from Junior category as no-longer applicable.
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
22
Rule #
Existing Rule
Proposed Change
E4-100
Records in this category may be obtained only in North American Long Track Championships
or North American Short Track Championships which are sanctioned by SSC and United
States Speed skating in compliance with the Articles of Alliance between the two
Associations.
Records in this category may be obtained only in North American Long Track Championships
or North American Short Track Championships which are sanctioned by SSC and United
States Speed skating in compliance with the Articles of Alliance between the two
Associations.
400m Olympic Style Track
• Junior A & B
• Senior
Reason
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
Section O - Speed Skating Canada Awards System
Canadian Championship Shield
Proposed Change
Doreen Ryan Shield -Canadian Senior Long Track Championships, Canadian Junior Long
Track Championships and Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships
Doreen Ryan Shield - Canadian Single Distance Championships, Canadian Junior Long Track
Championships and Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships
Reason
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
Section O - Speed Skating Canada Awards System
Canadian Championship Shield
Proposed Change
Pat Underhill Shield -Canadian Open Short Track Championships, Canadian Junior Short
Track Championships, Canadian Short Track Champions (Senior, Neo-Senior, Junior A, Junior
B)
Pat Underhill Shield -Canadian Open Short Track Championships, Canadian Junior Short
Track Championships, Canadian Short Track Champions (Senior, Neo-Senior, Junior A, Junior
B)
Reason
Proposed By
Competitions Development Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
D2-100, D2 101, D2-102 Short Track
D2-100 Short Track
Minimum standards and recommended best practices for Short Track protective padding
are to be published in SSC’s Crash Protection Specifications and Guidelines. Until the 1st
23
edition is approved the following regulations shall apply:
D2-101 | 111.12m Track
1. All padding shall be at least the height of the boards, a minimum of 20cm in thickness,
and made of medium or high density open cell foam covered with a cut and water
resistant material as per the characteristics defined in Appendix D1.
2. The protective padding for sanctioned Short Track competitions on a 111.12m track
shall extend from a point three (3) meters or less before the finish line continuously
back along the side and entire back board and the mirror image of a diagonal across
the ice surface. (Appendix D2)
3. When an electronic timer is attached to the board at the finish line, the padding shall
extend to butt against the timer.
4. Full-height mats must be attached to the boards or to one another.
5. Any attachment used shall be placed such that a skate cannot be caught by it.
6. Mats must lie with their weight on the ice.
D2-102 | Tracks of 111.12m and Less and Skills Events
1. The protective padding for sanctioned Short Track competitions on tracks less than
111.12m and skills events shall cover all possible fall zones that are within 10 meters
of the marked course.
2. All padding shall be at least the height of the boards, a minimum of 20cm in thickness, and made of medium or high density open cell foam covered with a cut and
water resistant material as per the characteristics defined in Appendix D1.
3. Full-height mats must be attached to the boards or to one another.
4. Any attachment used shall be placed such that a skate cannot be caught by it.
5. Mats must lie with their weight on the ice.
Proposed Change
Replace with D2-100, D2-101, D2-102, D2-103, D2-104 as listed in Addendum.
Reason
Changes made in following with the release of Speed Skating Canada’s Crash
Protections Specifications and Guidelines document for Long Track and Short Track,
allowing time for implementation of minimum standards
Sport Injury and Medical Emergency Committee
Proposed By
24
Rule #
Existing Rule
D2-103 Ice Resurfacing
Proposed Change
Content moved to Section D6-200 as listed in Addendum
D2-103 | Ice Resurfacing
During sanctioned competitions, excluding board-less facilities, competitions organizers and
officials must use “security” resurfacing along a path corresponding to the appropriate track
layout diagram, see appendices C2, C3 and C4.
In order to ensure that the ice resurfacing operator follows the appropriate path it is
recommended that dots be placed on the ice as indicated in the diagram and blocks be
placed over the dots during resurfacing.
Reason
Proposed By
Sport Injury and Medical Emergency Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
D2-200 Long Track
Proposed Change
Replace with D2-200, D2-201, D2-202 as listed in Addendum
Reason
Changes made in following with the release of Speed Skating Canada’s Crash
Protections Specifications and Guidelines document for Long Track and Short Track.
Sport Injury and Medical Emergency Committee
Proposed By
Minimum standards and guidelines for Long Track protective padding are to be published in
SSC’s Crash Protection Specifications and Guidelines. Until the 1st edition is approved, ISU
regulations shall apply.
25
Rule #
Existing Rule
D3-100 Skater’s Equipment
D3-100 Short Track and Long Track Mass Start Competitions
The following equipment is required for short track and long track mass start training and
competition.
Safety Headgear (Helmet)
A helmet securely fastened under the chin in which the
blade cannot penetrate the aeration holes must be worn
for all activities.
For Learn to Skate and Learn to Speed Skate Programs, as
well as competitions for Active Start and FUNdamentals
aged participants, helmets must be ASTM F 1849 - 07
speed skating helmets or CSA approved hockey,
snowboard/ski skateboarding helmets only.
For all other competitions and activities, the helmet must
have a seal of certification meeting the actual ASTM F 1849
- 07 standards.
Gloves or Mitts
Cut-resistant and water-resistant.
Shin Guards
Hard plastic or built-in puncture/cut-resistant material
Knee Pads
Knee pads may be worn over a skater’s skin suit or be
integrated and must be made of high density foam. Knee
pads made of hard plastic are not permitted.
Long-sleeved Clothing
Shirt or other clothing that cover the skater’s entire torso
and arms. Must not be rolled up or otherwise exposing
bare skin. It is not permitted to have any skin visible
between the skater’s boot and skin suit.
Skate Blades
The rear and front tips of all skate blades shall be rounded
to a minimum radius of 1cm.
Skaters participating in events sanctioned as SSC
Championships and/or as Selection/International
competitions must wear cut resistant clothing meeting the
minimum standards established by the ISU. It is not
permitted to have any skin visible between the skater’s
boot and skin suit. This clothing is recommended for all
other activities where skaters are performing at a level
similar to the lowest level of SSC Championship.
Cut Resistant Clothing
Neck Protection
All skaters are required to wear neck protection of a design
covering the neck and all the soft parts of the upper chest
area. It must be made with ballistic nylon or another cut
resistant material demonstrated to meet the level of cut
protection afforded by ballistic nylon by a recognized
testing protocol. When specific neck protectors are worn
they must be securely fastened and tucked into the skin
suit.
26
Eye Protection
Proposed Change
Reason
Shatter-resistant glasses (clear or yellow are
recommended) or a complete visor are required for all
skaters. Glasses must be held in place by a strap.
Addendum Listing:
D3-100 Short Track
D3-300 Long Track Mass Start Competition
Separate LT Mass Start and ST. Adjust to provide intent, minimum requirements
and additional guidance. General guidelines remain unchanged. Mass start events
of a type similar to that of a marathon have been introduced at the international
and national level at Olympic style competitions. It is necessary to address the
requirement to ensure competitors who participate in a mass start race in long
track Olympic style competitions do so in as safe as an environment as is possible
taking into account the nature of the event and its circumstances.
The proposed rule makes a distinction between long track mass start competitions
which is covered by rule D3-100 and a mass start event/race that is included as part
of an Olympic-style competition.
Proposed By
The current provision is insufficient in this regard. The ISU rule for mass start,
which complements ISU Technical Rule 253, paragraph 4 b, only makes shin guards
and gloves mandatory. The proposed rule concerning the skate blade is the same
as the current ISU provision for mass start races. In Olympic-style competitions, the
ISU provides that helmets, neck, and knee protection may be worn; but, does not
require that they be worn by the participants in such races.
Sport Injury and Medical Emergency Committee and High Performance Committee
Long Track
Rule #
Existing Rule
D3-200 Long Track Olympic Style Competitions
Proposed Change
D3-200 Long Track Olympic Style Training and Competition as listed in Addendum
Reason
Specified ankle protection for all sanctioned long track events added requirements
regarding rounding of blades (training safety). Adjust to provide intent, minimum
requirements and additional guidance.
Sport Injury and Medical Emergency Committee
Proposed By
The following equipment is required for skaters participating in all SSC Championships,
Canada Cups, and Team Selection events. All skaters competing in these events must wear
cut resistant ankle protection. This equipment must cover the area surrounding the top of
the boot and ankle tendons above the boot.
27
Rule #
Existing Rule
D3-301
New Rule
Proposed Change
D3-301 Additional Protective Equipment for Participants Under 15 Years of Age
Reason
Distinguishes where all short track equipment is required for mass start racing and
where it is no longer required. Removes the requirement for cut resistant suit at
SSC Championships as it would only be required at a single event.
Sport Injury and Medical Emergency Committee
Proposed By
Rule #
Existing Rule
D5 – Medical Personnel and Equipment
D5 | MEDICAL PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT
D5-100 SSC Championships and Selection/International Sanctioned Events
1. At SSC Championships and events sanctioned as selection/international, a medical
doctor or certified paramedic shall be on duty at all times.
2. A First Aid room adequately equipped for the level of competition must be available
within the event venue. A temporary trailer or heated tent is acceptable for outdoor
events with no permanent fixtures.
3. The guidelines and minimum requirements defined in Appendix C of the SSC Hosting
Manual must be respected. It is the responsibility of the Chief Referee to ensure that
this occurs.
D5-20 Ability, Age Class and Festival Sanctioned Events
1. At sanctioned Ability, Age Class and Festival competitions a medical doctor or certified
paramedic shall be on duty at all times.
2. A first aid room adequately equipped for the level of competition must be available
within the event venue. A temporary trailer or heated tent is acceptable for outdoor
events with no permanent fixtures.
3. The guidelines and minimum requirements defined in Appendix C, section 3 of the
SSC Hosting Manual must be respected.
Proposed Change
Replace section with D5-Medical Personnel, Equipment and Emergency Response
Addendum Listing:
D5- Medical Personnel, Equipment and Emergency Response
D5-100 Requirements for all SSC Sanctioned Events
D5-101 Medical Team
D5-102 Equipment
D5-103 Emergency Response
D5-104 Designated Medical Area
D5-105 Arena Medical Clinic
D5-106 Emergency Action Plan
D5-107 Reporting
D5-200 Additional Requirements for SSC Championships and Selection/International
28
Sanctioned Events
D5-201 Medical Team
Reason
Proposed By
Incorporation of primary elements of Appendix C of Hosting Manual. Removal of
requirement for a physician at ability, age class and festival sanctioned events.
Replaced with 2 first responders.
Sport Injury and Medical Emergency Committee
Rule #
Existing Rule
D6 – Ice Surface
D6 – Special Guidelines And Regulations For Outdoor Competitions And Events
Proposed Change
Addendum listing
D6- Ice Surface
D6-100 Size of Ice Surface for Short Track Practice and Competitions
D6-101 Ice Surface size for SSC Championships and Selection/International Events
on Boarded Rinks on 111.12m Track
D6-102 Ice Surface size for SSC Championships and Selection/International Events
on Boarded Rinks on 100m Track
D6-103 Ice Surface size for SSC Sanctioned Short Track Competitions
D6-200 Short Track Ice Resurfacing
**Note: D2-103 from 2011 Red Book is now D6-200 in 2012 Red Book
Reason
**Note: D6- Special Guidelines And Regulations For Outdoor Competitions And
Events will be renumbered and listed as D7- Special Guidelines And Regulations For
Outdoor Competitions And Events.
Proposed By
Sport Injury and Medical Emergency Committee
29
Addendum – Proposed Rule Changes to the Red Book Section D
D2-100 Short Track
Specific specifications and guidelines regarding the design and installation of pads are published in SSC’s
Short Track Crash Protection Specifications and Guidelines. This document is maintained and reviewed
periodically by Speed Skating Canada’s Sport Injury and Medical Emergency Committee. Speed Skating
Canada’s procedures and regulations spell out specifically how these specifications are to be
implemented in relation to specific training and competition situations. As the nature of participants
varies greatly for all events not sanctioned as either SSC Championships or Selection/International
Events it is recommended that Provincial/Territorial Associations prepare regulations which specify
required levels of crash protection within specific competition circuits based on the eligible participants.
D2-101 Short Track Crash Protection for SSC Championships and Selection/International Events on
Boarded Rinks
Level 4 crash protection is required for all events sanctioned as SSC Short Track Championships and/or
Selection/International events. Where the KEF value of competitors requires Level 5 protection
(Boardless System) and such a system is unavailable, Level 4 protection must be exceeded.
See Appendix D-4 for the specific placement of pads.
D2-102 Short Track Crash Protection in SSC Sanctioned Short Track Competitions
Minimum requirements for crash protection at SSC Sanctioned events is determined by the skater with
the highest forecast KEF value (as per the calculation in the Short Track Crash Protection Specifications
and Guidelines) known to be participating in the event. For specific placement of pads, consult the
appendices as follows:
KEF Value
<.30
.30 to < .60
.60 to < .90
.90 to < 1.15
Crash
Protection Level
1
2
3
4
Appendix
D1
D2
D3
D4
As SSC’s Short Track Crash Protection Specifications and Guidelines represent a significant increase in
minimum standards, their full application will not come into force until the 2014-2015 season. The
following table specifies the minimum requirement for the seasons during the transition period. During
the transition period, event organisers who have skaters for whom Level 3, Level 4 or Level 5 crash
protection is recommended and have the ability to meet or partially meet this level of protection, must
do so.
2012-2013 Season
2013-2014 Season
For competitions where skater KEF values are equal to or greater than those
specified for Level 2 crash protection, Level 2 crash protection must be provided.
For competitions where skater KEF values are equal to or greater than those
specified for Level 3 crash protection, Level 3 crash protection must be provided.
30
D2-103 Short Track Crash Protection for Short Track Practices
These regulations apply to all regular short track speed skating practices but exclude learn to skate
programs, for which crash protection is recommended but not required. Minimum requirements for
crash protection at regular speed skating practices is determined by the skater with the highest forecast
KEF value (as per the calculation in the Short Track Crash Protection Specifications and Guidelines) to be
participating in a given practice session. For specific placement of pads, consult the appendices as
follows:
KEF Value
<.30
.30 to < .60
.60 to < .90
.90 to < 1.15
Crash
Protection Level
1
2
3
4
Appendix
D5
D6
D7
D8
As SSC’s Short Track Crash Protection Specifications and Guidelines represent a significant increase in
minimum standards, their application full application will not come into force for the practice
environment until the 2015-2016 season. The following table specifies the minimum requirement for the
seasons during the transition period. During the transition period, clubs who have skaters for whom
Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 or Level 5 crash protection is recommended and have the ability to meet or
partially meet this level of protection, must do so.
2012-2013 Season
2013-2014 Season
2014-2015 Season
A minimum of level 1 protection must be in place for all speed skating practice
sessions
For practice sessions where skater KEF values are greater than or equal to those
specified for Level 2 crash protection, Level 2 crash protection must be provided.
For practice sessions where skater KEF values are greater than or equal to those
specified for Level 3 crash protection, Level 3 crash protection must be provided.
D2-104 Level 5 Protection (Boardless Systems)
As each venue is different, systems affording Level 5 protection (boardless systems) must be submitted
to Speed Skating Canada for review by qualified experts.
D2-200 Long Track
Specific specifications and guidelines regarding the design and installation of pads are published in SSC’s
Long Track Crash Protection Specifications and Guidelines. This document is maintained and reviewed
periodically by Speed Skating Canada’s Sport Injury and Medical Emergency Committee. Speed Skating
Canada’s procedures and regulations spell out specifically how these specifications are to be
implemented in relation to specific training and competition situations. As the nature of participants
varies greatly for all events not sanctioned as either SSC Championships or Selection/International
Events it is recommended that Provincial/Territorial Associations prepare regulations which specify
required levels of crash protection within specific competition circuits based on the eligible participants.
For training sessions, it is recommended that the same crash protections measures be put in place for
athletes as they would be afforded for competition.
31
D2-201 Minimum Crash Protection Requirements for SSC Sanctioned Long Track SSC Championships
and SSC Selection/International Events
All Long Track SSC Championships and SSC Selection/International Events with events shorter than
3000m, except the Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships, shall require Level 5 crash protection
(Appendix D13).
The Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships and any events restricted to distances 3000m and
longer will require Level 4 crash protection (Appendix D12).
D2-202 Minimum Crash Protection Requirements for Long Track Sanctioned Competitions
Minimum requirements for crash protection at SSC Sanctioned events is determined by the skater with
the highest forecast KEF value (as per the calculation in the Long Track Crash Protection Specifications
and Guidelines) known to be participating in the event.
For skaters whose KEF value is less than 0.020 no crash protection is required. For all other skaters crash
protection is required as follows and with placement described in appendices.
KEF Value
.020 to <.035
.035 to < .055
.055 to <.080
.080 to <.115
0.115+
Crash
Protection Level
1
2
3
4
5
Appendix
D9
D10
D11
D12
D13
As SSC’s Long Track Crash Protection Specifications and Guidelines represent a significant increase in
minimum standards, their full application will not come into force until the 2015--2016 season. The
following table specifies the minimum requirement for the seasons during the transition period. During
the transition period, event organisers who anticipate skaters for whom Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 or Level
5 crash protection is recommended and have the ability to meet or partially meet this level of protection,
must do so.
2012-2013 Season
2013-2014 Season
2014-2015 Season
For competitions where skater’s KEF values are equal to or greater than those
specified for Level 1 crash protection, Level 1 crash protection must be provided.
For competitions where skater KEF values are equal to or greater than those
specified for Level 2 crash protection, Level 2 crash protection must be provided.
For competitions where skater KEF values are equal to or greater than those
specified for Level 3 crash protection, Level 3 crash protection must be provided.
D3-100 Short Track
The following equipment is required for short track training and competition.
Equipment
Intent, Minimum Requirement and Guidance
32
Equipment
Intent, Minimum Requirement and Guidance
Ankle Protection
Intent: Prevent cut and puncture wounds of the Achilles tendon from
blades during the thrust phase of the stride.
Minimum Requirement: When no cut resistant suit is worn, a cut and
puncture resistant anklet made of Kevlar or Dyneema must be worn
on both legs, covering the legs from the tops of the boots to 10 cm
above the tops of the boots.
Guidance: Extend coverage higher up the legs, as desired. The more
cut and puncture resistance, the better.
Eye Protection
Intent: Prevent eye injuries resulting from ice chips or a collision with
a blade or other object.
Minimum Requirement: Shatter-resistant glasses or a complete visor
are required for all skaters. All glasses must be held in place by a
strap.
Guidance: Clear or yellow lenses are recommended. The higher the
level of shatter resistance and the more extensive the protection, the
better.
Hand Protection
Intent: Prevent cut and puncture wounds on the hands from blades.
Minimum Requirement: For Learn to Skate programs, gloves or mitts
must be worn. For any long blade activity, full leather gloves or a
synthetic glove which offers an equal or superior level of cut and
puncture resistance to leather must be worn.
Guidance: The more cut and puncture resistance of the gloves, the
better.
Head Protection
Intent: Prevent major and minor head trauma and traumatic brain
injury due to impacts with ice, boots, blades, bodies, boards and crash
pads
Minimum Requirement: A helmet must be worn for all on-ice
activities. It must be securely fastened under the chin at all times. A
skate blade should not be able to penetrate any ventilation holes in
the helmet.
For Learn to Skate and Learn to Speed Skate Programs, as well as
training for Active Start and FUNdamentals aged participants, helmets
must be ASTM F 1849 certified or CSA approved (hockey,
snowboard/ski skateboarding helmets only). For all other
competitions and activities, helmets must be ASTM F 1849 certified.
33
Equipment
Intent, Minimum Requirement and Guidance
Knee Protection
Intent: Prevent puncture and blunt force impact wounds to the knees.
Minimum Requirement: Full frontal knee coverage providing complete
coverage of the patella. Made of puncture resistant (e.g. Kevlar or
Dyneema) and impact absorbing (e.g. high density foam) material.
Protection may be worn over a skater’s skin suit or it can be integrated
in the suit.
Guidance: The more puncture resistance and blunt impact energy
absorption, the better.
Neck Protection
Intent: Prevent cut and puncture wounds to the neck area, especially
in the areas of the major arteries.
Minimum Requirement: All skaters must wear neck protection
covering the lower half of the full circumference of the neck and
covering all soft tissue below the chin to a point extending below a
line joining the armpits at the front of the body.
Neck protection must be made of Kevlar, Dyneema, or ballistic nylon.
Protection may be integrated into the design of a skater’s skin suit or
worn tucked into a skater’s skin suit. If separate neck protection is
worn it must fastened securely.
Guidance: The more cut and puncture resistance and the greater the
extent of neck coverage, the better.
Rest of Body Protection
Intent: Prevent cut and puncture wounds on any other part of the
body not already covered by other protective equipment.
Minimum Requirement: All skin below the mid-line of the neck must
not be bare. Skaters participating in events sanctioned as SSC
Championships and/or as Selection/International competitions must
wear cut resistant clothing meeting or exceeding the minimum
standards established by the ISU.
Guidance: Minimum requirement “rest of body protection” is
recommended for all other activities (e.g. training) where skaters are
performing at a level similar to the lowest level of SSC Championships.
The more cut and puncture resistance, the better.
34
Equipment
Intent, Minimum Requirement and Guidance
Shin Protection
Intent: Prevent cut and puncture wounds along the shin from blades,
as well as some measure of blunt impact protection from hitting hard
objects/bodies.
Minimum Requirement: When wearing long blades, skaters must wear
hard plastic or built-in cut and puncture resistant material with some
impact energy absorption. Full frontal shin coverage is from within 2.5
cm of the top of the boot to within 2.5 cm of the bottom of the knee
protection. Protection may be worn over/under a skater’s skin suit or
it can be integrated in the suit.
Guidance: The more cut and puncture resistance and impact
protection of the shins, the better.
Skate Blades
Intent: Reduce the puncture making capacity of the blades.
Minimum Requirement: The rear and front tips of all skate blades shall
be rounded to a minimum radius of 1cm.
Guidance: The rounder the tips, the better.
D3-200 Long Track Olympic Style Training and Competition
The following equipment is required for long track Olympic Style training and competition.
Equipment
Intent, Minimum Requirement and Guidance
Ankle Protection
Intent: Prevent cut and puncture wounds of the Achilles tendon from
blades during the thrust phase of the stride.
Minimum Requirement: a cut and puncture resistant anklet made of
Kevlar or Dyneema must be worn on both legs, covering the legs from
the tops of the boots to 10 cm above the tops of the boots
Guidance: Extend coverage higher up the legs, as desired. The more
cut and puncture resistance, the better.
Skate Blades
Intent: reduce the puncture making capacity of the blades
Minimum Requirement: The rear and front tips of all skate blades shall
be rounded to a minimum radius of 1cm.
Guidance: The rounder the tips, the better.
35
D3-300 Long Track Mass Start Competition
The following equipment is required for all long track mass start competitions.
Equipment
Intent, Minimum Requirement and Guidance
Ankle Protection
Intent: Prevent cut and puncture wounds of the Achilles tendon from
blades during the thrust phase of the stride.
Minimum Requirement: When no cut resistant suit is worn, a cut and
puncture resistant anklet made of Kevlar or Dyneema must be worn on
both legs, covering the legs from the tops of the boots to 10 cm above
the tops of the boots.
Guidance: Extend coverage higher up the legs, as desired. The more
cut and puncture resistance, the better.
Eye Protection
Intent: Prevent eye injuries resulting from ice chips or a collision with a
blade or other object.
Minimum Requirement: Shatter-resistant glasses or a complete visor
are required for all skaters. All glasses must be held in place by a strap.
Guidance: Clear or yellow lenses are recommended. The higher the
level of shatter resistance and the more extensive the protection, the
better.
Hand Protection
Intent: Prevent cut and puncture wounds on the hands from blades.
Minimum Requirement: For Learn to Skate programs, gloves or mitts
must be worn.
For any long blade activity, full leather gloves or a synthetic glove which
offers an equal or superior level of cut and puncture resistance to
leather must be worn.
Guidance: The more cut and puncture resistance of the gloves, the
better.
Rest of Body Protection
Intent: Prevent cut and puncture wounds on any other part of the body
not already covered by other protective equipment.
Minimum Requirement: All skin below the mid-line of the neck must
not be bare.
Guidance: Minimum requirement “rest of body protection” is
recommended for all other activities (e.g. training). The more cut and
puncture resistance, the better.
36
Shin Protection
Intent: Prevent cut and puncture wounds along the shin from blades, as
well as some measure of blunt impact protection from hitting hard
objects/bodies.
Minimum Requirement: When wearing long blades, skaters must wear
hard plastic or built-in cut and puncture resistant material with some
impact energy absorption. Full frontal shin coverage from within 2.5
cm of the top of the boot to within 2.5 cm of the bottom of the knee
protection. Protection may be worn over/under a skater’s skin suit or
it can be integrated in the suit.
Guidance: The more cut and puncture resistance and impact protection
of the shins, the better.
Skate Blades
Intent: Reduce the puncture making capacity of the blades.
Minimum Requirement: The rear and front tips of all skate blades shall
be rounded to a minimum radius of 1cm.
Guidance: The rounder the tips, the better.
D3-301 Additional Protective Equipment for Participants Under 15 years of Age
For participants under the age of 15, the following additional protective equipment is required for Long
Track Mass Start Competitions.
Equipment
Intent, Minimum Requirement and Guidance
Head Protection
Intent: Prevent major and minor head trauma and traumatic brain
injury due to impacts with ice, boots, blades, bodies, boards and crash
pads
Minimum Requirement: A helmet must be worn for all on-ice activities.
It must be securely fastened under the chin at all times. A skate blade
should not be able to penetrate any ventilation holes in the helmet.
For Learn to Skate and Learn to Speed Skate Programs, as well as
training for Active Start and FUNdamentals aged participants, helmets
must be ASTM F 1849 certified or CSA approved (hockey,
snowboard/ski skateboarding helmets only). For all other competitions
and activities, helmets must be ASTM F 1849 certified.
37
Knee Protection
Intent: Prevent puncture and blunt force impact wounds to the knees.
Minimum Requirement: Full frontal knee coverage providing complete
coverage of the patella. Made of puncture resistant (e.g. Kevlar or
Dyneema) and impact absorbing (e.g. high density foam) material.
Protection may be worn over a skater’s skin suit or it can be integrated
in the suit.
Guidance: The more puncture resistance and blunt impact energy
absorption, the better.
Neck Protection
Intent: Prevent cut and puncture wounds to the neck area, especially in
the areas of the major arteries
Minimum Requirement: All skaters must wear neck protection covering
the lower half of the full circumference of the neck and covering all soft
tissue below the chin to a point extending below a line joining the
armpits at the front of the body. Neck protection must be made of
Kevlar, Dyneema, or ballistic nylon. Protection may be integrated into
the design of a skater’s skin suit or worn tucked into a skater’s skin suit.
If separate neck protection is worn it must fastened securely.
Guidance: The more cut and puncture resistance and the greater the
extent of neck coverage, the better.
D5 | MEDICAL PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The following section outlines minimum requirements for medical personnel, equipment and
emergency response. Specific guidelines on how requirements are to be implemented and additional
procedures will be published in the SSC Sport Safety and Return to Play handbook published by SSC’s
Sport Injury and Medical Emergency Committee. The publication of the first edition of this handbook is
targeted for fall of 2012. Until its publication, event organisers should refer to the hosting manual for
specific guidelines.
In addition, for the purposes of this section the following definitions shall apply:
Advanced Care
Paramedic
(Ambulancier
paramédical en soins
de santé avancés)
An Advanced Care Paramedic has a diploma from a CMA (Canadian
Medical Association) accredited institution and is licensed to practice at
the Advanced Care Paramedic level by the official registering body in the
province in which the event is taking place.
Advanced Medical
Responder
(Intervenant médical
de pointe)
Advanced Medical Responder is defined as a person who has a minimum
of 65 hours of advanced responder training. This could be through
Canadian Ski Patrol System, Canadian Red Cross, St John Ambulance or
equivalent agency.
Medical Coordinator
(Coordonnateur
The medical coordinator is an individual designated by the organizing
committee to ensure that all emergency response requirements are put
38
médicale)
in place for a given competition and that appropriate arrangements have
been made with a local hospital. The medical coordinator must NOT
have specific emergency response duties within the context of a
competition.
Physician
(Médecin)
A physician for a speed skating competition may be a Licensed Sports
Medicine Doctor, an Emergency Doctor, Internist or Doctor with
emergency room experience.
Primary Care
Paramedic
(Ambulancier
paramédical en soins
de santé primaires)
A Primary Care Paramedic has a diploma from a CMA (Canadian Medical
Association) accredited institution and is licensed to practice at the
Primary Care Paramedic level by the official registering body in the
province in which the event is taking place.
Sports Therapy
Professional
(Thérapeute
professionnel en
sports)
For the purposes of these regulations Sports Therapy Professionals are
recognised as Certified Athletic Therapist or Sports Physiotherapist (SPC1)
D5-100 Requirements for all SSC Sanctioned Events
The following regulations are in place to ensure appropriate response and treatment of skaters in the
event of injury for all SSC Sanctioned events. Additional measures may be put in place as deemed
necessary by event organisers and other sanctioning bodies.
D5-101 Medical Team
Event organisers shall form a medical team comprised of at least two individuals meeting the definition
of one or more of the following:



Physician
Advanced Care Paramedic
Primary Care Paramedic


Advanced Medical Responder
Sports Therapy Professional
These individuals should have training and experience in applying immobilization devices and at least
one member of the team should be able to administer the SCAT 2 Concussion Assessment Tool.
All medical personnel should be easily recognizable by their uniform. It is preferable that at least one of
the members of the medical team has experience in Sports Medicine.
D5-102 Equipment
The following equipment must be available to the medical team:
39

A communications system which provides a link between the medical team and the event
coordinator

Medical equipment and fully stocked first aid kits (see handbook)
Before an event begins the medical team must make sure that all equipment is working in order and
that all medical team members are capable of carrying out appropriate emergency procedures.
D5-103 Emergency Response
At least one member of the medical team must be rink side at all times while skaters are on the ice
including warm-ups and practice sessions.
An ambulance must be able to respond quickly whenever on-ice evacuation or ambulance
transportation is required. Guidelines for required response time are to be determined based on the
level of emergency response available on-site and the level of risk associated with the event. Consult
SIMEC’s sport safety and return to play handbook for more information.
D5-104 Designated Medical Area
Event organisers must designate at least one designated medical area which must be located at rink side
near a door giving direct access to the ice surface, in a central area of the rink. (If the medical team is
associated with a team of skaters, plan to place these skaters nearby.)
Only the designated medical team and the medical coordinator for the event may remain in the
designated medical area.
D5-105 Arena Medical Clinic
An adequately equipped medical clinic based on the nature of the event must be available within the
event venue. A temporary trailer or heated tent is acceptable for an outdoor event with no permanent
fixtures.
D5-106 Emergency Action Plan
All SSC Sanctioned events must have adequate emergency action plan in place for the nature of the
event. All members of the medical team, officials, members of the organising committee and team
leaders/head coaches should be made aware of this plan and their responsibilities should the plan be
enacted. Medical team members and on-ice officials must be fully aware of the plan and their duties in
implementing the plan.
D5-107 Reporting
The medical coordinator, or the event coordinator when no medical coordinator is named is responsible
for ensuring that all injuries that occur during an event are documented using SSC’s Injury Report Form
and duly submitted to the Speed Skating Canada National Office. The medical section of the Injury
Report serves as a medical record. A copy of this report is sent with injured athletes who are
transported to a hospital centre. A copy of the Medical Report is therefore automatically put on record
in a hospital centre for the most significant events.
All medical documents must be kept secured at all times during the competition.
40
D5-200 Additional Requirements for SSC Championships and Selection/International Sanctioned
Events
The following regulations are in place to ensure appropriate response and treatment of skaters in the
event of injury at SSC Championships and Selection/International Sanctioned Events. Additional
measures may be put in place as deemed necessary by event organisers and other sanctioning bodies.
D5-201 Medical Team
The event organiser must assemble a medical team comprised of at the very least three (3) individuals
as follows:

A Medical Coordinator designated by the organizing committee;

A Physician

An Advanced Care Paramedic, an Advanced Medical Responder or Sports Therapy
Professional who has training and experience applying immobilization devices.
All members of the medical team must be easily recognizable by their uniform and at least one member
of the medical team should have experience using the SCAT 2 concussion assessment tool. It is
preferable that at least one of the members of the medical team has experience in Sports Medicine.
D6 | Ice Surface
The ice surface refers to the skatable ice area prior to the placement of pads.
D6-100 Size of Ice Surface for Short Track Practice and Competitions
Entry level speed skating can occur on any size ice surface, in so long as adequate crash protection is
provided. The minimum size for Short Track training and competition is determined based on the KEF
value (see Short Track Crash Protection Guidelines and Specifications) of skaters and the track on which
they are skating.
D6-101 Ice Surface size for SSC Championships and Selection/International Events on Boarded Rinks
on 111.12m track
The ice surface must be no shorter than 59.4m (195 feet) long and no narrower than 28m (92 feet) wide
with the recommended ice surface being at least 60m (197 feet) long and 30m (98 feet) wide.
D6-102 Ice Surface size for SSC Championships and Selection/International Events on Boarded Rinks
on 100m track
The ice surface must be no shorter than 59.4m (195 feet) long and no narrower than 25.9m (85 feet)
wide with the recommended ice surface being at least 60m (197 feet) long and 30m (98 feet) wide.
D6-103 Ice Surface size for other SSC Sanctioned Short Track Competitions
For SSC Sanctioned competitions where the 111.12m track is used, the following rink size requirements
must be met as per the defined KEF value.
41
<.30
.30 to < .60
.60 to < .90
Crash
Protection Level
1
2
3
.90 to < 1.15
4
KEF Value
Minimum
Length
None
None
59.4m (195
feet)
59.4m (195
feet)
Minimum
Width
None
None
26m (85 feet)
28m (92 feet)
Note that an ice surface of at least 59.4m (195 feet) long and no narrower than 30m (98 feet) is
recommended for skaters with a KEF value greater than 0.60.
D6-200 Short Track Ice Resurfacing
During sanctioned competitions, excluding boardless facilities, competition organizers and officials must
use a resurfacing path which provides for a deceleration zone prior to impacting crash protection
corresponding to the appropriate track layout diagram, see appendices C2, C3 and C4. In order to
ensure that the ice resurfacing operator follows the appropriate path it is recommended that dots be
placed on the ice as indicated in the diagram and blocks be placed over the dots during resurfacing.
42
Appendix D1 – Level 1 Short Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Competition (KEF <.30)
Level 1 Crash Protection is the minimum standard of crash protection for holding a sanctioned short
track speed skating competition where KEF values are below 0.30 and with all pads respecting the
characteristics defined in the Crash Protection Specifications & Guidelines.
Placement of Crash Protection
Crash protection is required in the Red, Yellow and Blue Zones. Pads should be ruggedly connected to
adjacent pads with Velcro at both the fronts and backs of pads, and must be attached to the boards.
Pads should be positioned and secured so that skaters do not tend to slide under the pads in case of a
crash into them, and the weight of the pads must rest on the ice.
Should additional, or thicker padding be available it should be placed in priority at i) the end of the Red
Zone nearest to the Yellow Zone, working back towards the Blue Zone, ii) in the Yellow Zone and finally
iii) in the Blue Zone. For more information, see Level 2 Short Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Competition.
Thickness off Crash Protection
Red Zone
Boards in the Red Zone must be covered with a maximum of one (1) layer of pads
achieving a minimum thickness of 20cm (8 inches).
Yellow Zone
Boards in the Yellow Zone must be covered with a maximum of one (1) layer of pads
achieving a minimum thickness of 20cm (8 inches).
Blue Zone
Boards in the Blue Zone must be covered with a maximum of one (1) layer of pads
achieving a minimum thickness of 15cm (6 inches).
Appendix D2 – Level 2 Short Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Competition (KEF 0.30 to <0.60)
Placement of Crash Protection
Crash protection is required in the Red, Yellow and Blue Zones. Pads should be ruggedly connected to
adjacent pads with Velcro at both the fronts and backs of pads, and must be attached to the boards.
Pads should be positioned and secured so that skaters do not tend to slide under the pads in case of a
crash into them, and the weight of the pads must rest on the ice.
Should additional, or thicker padding be available it should be placed in priority at i) the end of the Red
Zone nearest to the Yellow Zone, working back towards the Blue Zone, ii) in the Yellow Zone and finally
iii) in the Blue Zone. For more information, see Level 3 Short Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Competition.
For guidance on placing multiple layers of pads with different compressibility, consult the Specifications
and Guidelines, under item 4, Foam Type Matters and/or the section on Adequate Quality Padding.
Thickness of Crash Protection
Red Zone
Boards in the Red Zone must be covered with a maximum of two layers (2) layers of
pads achieving a minimum thickness of 45.5cm (18 inches).
Yellow Zone
Boards in the Yellow Zone must be covered with a maximum of two (2) layers of
pads achieving a minimum thickness of 25cm (10 inches).
Blue Zone
Boards in the Blue Zone must be covered with a maximum of one (1) layer of pads
achieving a minimum thickness of 20cm (8 inches).
Appendix D3 – Level 3 Short Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Competition (KEF 0.60 to <0.90)
Skaters requiring level 3 crash protection should compete on rinks which are no shorter than 59.4m (195
feet) long and no narrower than 26m (85 feet) wide.
Placement of Crash Protection
Crash protection is required in the Red, Yellow, Blue and Green Zones. Pads should be ruggedly
connected to adjacent pads with Velcro at both the fronts and backs of pads, and must be attached to
the boards. Pads should be positioned and secured so that skaters do not tend to slide under the pads
in case of a crash into them, and the weight of the pads must rest on the ice.
Should additional, or thicker padding be available it should be placed in priority at i) the end of the Red
Zone nearest to the Yellow Zone, working back towards the Blue Zone, ii) in the Yellow Zone and finally
iii) in the Blue Zone. For more information, see Level 4 Short Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Competition.
For guidance on placing multiple layers of pads with different compressibility, consult the Specifications
and Guidelines, under item 4, Foam Type Matters and/or the section on Adequate Quality Padding.
Thickness of Crash Protection
Red Zone
Boards in the Red Zone must be covered with a maximum of three layers (3) layers
of pads achieving a minimum thickness of 56cm (22 inches).
Yellow Zone
Boards in the Yellow Zone must be covered with a maximum of two (2) layers of
pads achieving a minimum thickness of 35cm (14 inches).
Blue Zone
Boards in the Blue Zone must be covered with a maximum of two (2) layers of pads
achieving a minimum thickness of 30.5cm (12 inches).
Green Zone
Boards in the Green Zone must be covered with a maximum of one (1) layer of pads
achieving a minimum thickness of 15cm (6 inches).
Appendix D4 – Level 4 Short Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Competition (KEF 0.90 to <1.15)
Level 4 crash protection is the highest minimum standard of crash protection available for boarded
rinks. Skaters requiring level 4 crash protection should compete on rinks which are no shorter than
59.4m (195 feet) long and no narrower than 28m (92 feet) wide.
Placement of Crash Protection
Crash protection is required in the Red, Yellow, Blue and Green Zones. Pads should be ruggedly
connected to adjacent pads with Velcro at both the fronts and backs of pads, and must be attached to
the boards. Pads should be positioned and secured so that skaters do not tend to slide under the pads
in case of a crash into them, and the weight of the pads must rest on the ice.
Should additional, or thicker padding be available it should be placed in priority at i) the end of the Red
Zone nearest to the Yellow Zone, working back towards the Blue Zone, ii) in the Yellow Zone, iii) in the
Blue Zone, and finally iv) in the Green Zone.
For guidance on placing multiple layers of pads with different compressibility, consult the Specifications
and Guidelines, under item 4, Foam Type Matters and/or the section on Adequate Quality Padding.
Thickness of Crash Protection
Red Zone
Boards in the Red Zone must be covered with a maximum of three layers (3) layers
of pads achieving a minimum thickness of 70cm (28 inches) with the final pad in the
zone being tapered to the thickness of the Yellow Zone padding.
Yellow Zone
Boards in the Yellow Zone must be covered with a maximum of two (2) layers of
pads achieving a minimum thickness of 40.5cm (16 inches).
Blue Zone
Boards in the Blue Zone must be covered with a maximum of two (2) layers of pads
achieving a minimum thickness of 30.5cm (12 inches).
Green Zone
Boards in the Green Zone must be covered with a maximum of one (1) layer of pads
achieving a minimum thickness of 20cm (8 inches).
Appendix D5 – Level 1 Short Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Training (KEF <0.30)
Level 1 Crash Protection is the minimum standard of crash protection for regular speed skating training
where KEF values are below 0.30 and with all pads respecting the characteristics defined in the Crash
Protection Specifications & Guidelines.
Placement of Crash Protection
Crash protection is required in the Red and Yellow Zones. Pads should be ruggedly connected to
adjacent pads with Velcro at both the fronts and backs of pads. Pads should be positioned and secured
so that skaters do not tend to slide under the pads in case of a crash into them, and the weight of the
pads must rest on the ice.
Should additional, or thicker padding be available it should be placed in priority at i) the end of the Red
Zone nearest to the Yellow Zone, working back towards the Blue Zone, ii) in the Blue Zone and finally iii)
in the Yellow Zone. For more information, see Level 2 Short Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Training.
Thickness off Crash Protection
Red Zone
Boards in the Red Zone must be covered with a maximum of one (1) layer of pads
achieving a minimum thickness of 20cm (8 inches).
Yellow Zone
Boards in the Yellow Zone must be covered with a maximum of one (1) layer of pads
achieving a minimum thickness of 20cm (8 inches).
Appendix D6 – Level 2 Short Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Training (KEF 0.30 to < 0.60)
Placement of Crash Protection
Crash protection is required in the Red, Yellow and Blue Zones. Pads should be ruggedly connected to
adjacent pads with Velcro at both the fronts and backs of pads. Pads should be positioned and secured
so that skaters do not tend to slide under the pads in case of a crash into them, and the weight of the
pads must rest on the ice.
Should additional, or thicker padding be available it should be placed in priority at i) the end of the Red
Zone nearest to the Yellow Zone, working back towards the Blue Zone, ii) in the Yellow Zone and finally
iii) in the Blue Zone. For more information, see Level 3 Short Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Training.
For guidance on placing multiple layers of pads with different compressibility, consult the Specifications
and Guidelines, under item 4, Foam Type Matters and/or the section on Adequate Quality Padding.
Thickness of Crash Protection
Red Zone
Boards in the Red Zone must be covered with a maximum of two layers (2) layers of
pads achieving a minimum thickness of 40.5cm (16 inches).
Yellow Zone
Boards in the Yellow Zone must be covered with a maximum of one (1) layer of pads
achieving a minimum thickness of 20cm (8 inches).
Blue Zone
Boards in the Blue Zone must be covered with a maximum of one (1) layer of pads
achieving a minimum thickness of 20cm (8 inches).
Appendix D7 – Level 3 Short Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Training (KEF 0.60 to <0.90)
Skaters requiring Level 3 crash protection should train on rinks which are no shorter than 59.4m (195
feet) long.
Placement of Crash Protection
Crash protection is required in the Red, Yellow and Blue Zones. Pads should be ruggedly connected to
adjacent pads with Velcro at both the fronts and backs of pads. Pads should be positioned and secured
so that skaters do not tend to slide under the pads in case of a crash into them, and the weight of the
pads must rest on the ice.
Should additional, or thicker padding be available it should be placed in priority at i) the end of the Red
Zone nearest to the Yellow Zone, working back towards the Blue Zone, ii) in the Yellow Zone and finally
iii) in the Blue Zone. For more information, see Level 4 Short Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Training.
For guidance on placing multiple layers of pads with different compressibility, consult the Specifications
and Guidelines, under item 4, Foam Type Matters and/or the section on Adequate Quality Padding.
Thickness of Crash Protection
Red Zone
Boards in the Red Zone must be covered with a maximum of three layers (3) layers
of pads achieving a minimum thickness of 50.5cm (20 inches).
Yellow Zone
Boards in the Yellow Zone must be covered with a maximum of two (2) layers of
pads achieving a minimum thickness of 30.5cm (12 inches).
Blue Zone
Boards in the Blue Zone must be covered with a maximum of two (2) layers of pads
achieving a minimum thickness of 25cm (10 inches).
Appendix D8 – Level 4 Short Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Training (KEF 0.90 to <1.15)
Level 4 crash protection is the highest minimum standard of crash protection available for boarded
rinks. It is recommended that skaters requiring Level 4 or Level 5 protection should train on rinks which
are no shorter than 59.4m (195 feet) long and no narrower than 28m (92 feet) wide.
Placement of Crash Protection
Crash protection is required in the Red, Yellow, and Blue Zones. Pads should be ruggedly connected to
adjacent pads with Velcro at both the fronts and backs of pads. Pads should be positioned and secured
so that skaters do not tend to slide under the pads in case of a crash into them, and the weight of the
pads must rest on the ice.
Should additional, or thicker padding be available it should be placed in priority at i) the end of the Red
Zone nearest to the Yellow Zone, working back towards the Blue Zone, ii) in the Yellow Zone, iii) in the
Blue Zone, and finally iv) in the Green Zone.
For guidance on placing multiple layers of pads with different compressibility, consult the Specifications
and Guidelines, under item 4, Foam Type Matters and/or the section on Adequate Quality Padding.
Thickness of Crash Protection
Red Zone
Boards in the Red Zone must be covered with a maximum of three layers (3) layers
of pads achieving a minimum thickness of 61cm (24 inches) with the final pad in the
zone being tapered to the thickness of the Yellow Zone padding.
Yellow Zone
Boards in the Yellow Zone must be covered with a maximum of two (2) layers of
pads achieving a minimum thickness of 40.5cm (16 inches).
Blue Zone
Boards in the Blue Zone must be covered with a maximum of two (2) layers of pads
achieving a minimum thickness of 30.5cm (12 inches).
Appendix D9 – Level 1 Long Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Training and Competition (KEF .020 to <.035)
Placement of Crash Protection
Crash protection is generally required in the Red Zone (see bottom of page for exceptions). Pads should
be ruggedly connected to adjacent pads with Velcro at both the fronts and backs of pads. Pads should
be positioned and secured so that skaters do not tend to slide under the pads in case of a crash into
them, and the weight of the pads must rest on the ice, snow or ground. When pads are placed against
obstructions they must be securely attached to the obstructions.
Should additional, or thicker padding be available it should be placed in priority i) in the Red Zone,
starting from the centre of the Red Zone and radiating out towards the ends of the Red Zone, ii) in the
Yellow Zone, and iii) in the Green Zone. For more information, see Level 2 Long Track Crash Protection
Requirements for Training and Competition.
For guidance on placing multiple layers of pads with different compressibility, consult the Specifications
and Guidelines, under item 4, Foam Type Matters and/or the section on Adequate Quality Padding.
Thickness of Crash Protection
Red Zone
So long as there are no obstructions present within 2m of the rink in the Red Zone,
no crash protection is required. However, if obstructions are present, they must be
covered with at least 46cm (18 inches) of padding or encircled with at least 69cm
(27 inches) of snow, up to 1.21m (4 feet) in height or the height of the obstruction
(whichever is shorter). Even if no obstructions are present, it is good to have some
pads or snow in these areas.
Yellow Zone
No crash protection required.
Green Zone
No crash protection required.
Appendix D10 – Level 2 Long Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Training and Competition (KEF .035 to <.055)
Placement of Crash Protection
Crash protection is generally required in the Red and Yellow Zones (see bottom of page for exceptions).
Pads should be ruggedly connected to adjacent pads with Velcro at both the fronts and backs of pads.
Pads should be positioned and secured so that skaters do not tend to slide under the pads in case of a
crash into them, and the weight of the pads must rest on the ice, snow or ground. When pads are
placed against obstructions they must be securely attached to the obstructions.
Should additional, or thicker padding be available it should be placed in priority i) in the Red Zone,
starting from the centre of the Red Zone and radiating out towards the ends of the Red Zone, ii) in the
Yellow Zone, and iii) in the Green Zone. For more information, see Level 3 Long Track Crash Protection
Requirements for Training and Competition.
For guidance on placing multiple layers of pads with different compressibility, consult the Specifications
and Guidelines, under item 4, Foam Type Matters and/or the section on Adequate Quality Padding.
Thickness of Crash Protection
Red Zone
So long as there are no obstructions present within 3m of the rink in the Red Zone, no
crash protection required. However, if obstructions are present, they must be covered
with at least 56cm (22 inches) of padding or encircled with at least 84cm (33 inches) of
snow, up to 1.21m (4 feet) in height or the height of the obstruction (whichever is
shorter). Even if no obstructions are present, it is good to have some pads or snow in
these areas.
Yellow Zone
So long as there are no obstructions present within 2m of the rink in the Yellow Zone,
no pads are required. However, if obstructions are present, they must be covered with
at least 30cm (12 inches) of padding or encircled with at least 45cm (17.5 inches) of
snow, up to 4’ in height or the height of the obstruction (whichever is shorter). Even if
no obstructions are present, it is good to have some pads or snow in these areas.
Green Zone
No crash protection required.
Appendix D11 – Level 3 Long Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Training and Competition (KEF .055 to <.080)
Placement of Crash Protection
Crash protection is required in the Red Zone and is generally required in the Yellow and Green Zones
(see bottom of page for exceptions). Pads should be ruggedly connected to adjacent pads with Velcro at
both the fronts and backs of pads. Pads should be positioned and secured so that skaters do not tend to
slide under the pads in case of a crash into them, and the weight of the pads must rest on the ice, snow
or ground. When pads are placed against obstructions they must be securely attached to the
obstructions.
Should additional, or thicker padding be available it should be placed in priority i) in the Red Zone,
starting from the centre of the Red Zone and radiating out towards the ends of the Red Zone, ii) in the
Yellow Zone, and iii) in the Green Zone. For more information, see Level 4 Long Track Crash Protection
Requirements for Training and Competition.
For guidance on placing multiple layers of pads with different compressibility, consult the Specifications
and Guidelines, under item 4, Foam Type Matters and/or the section on Adequate Quality Padding.
Thickness of Crash Protection
Red Zone
Crash protection must be provided throughout the Red Zone using pads and/or snowbanks.
Padding must be at least 66cm (26 inches) thick; snowbanks must have a thickness of at least 1 m
(39 inches). When covering obstructions within the Red Zone, padding must be 1.2m (4 feet) in
height or the height of the obstruction (whichever is shorter).
Yellow
Zone
So long as there are no obstructions present within 3m of the rink in the Yellow Zone, no pads are
required. However, if obstructions are present, they must be covered with at least 35cm (14
inches) of padding or encircled with at least 52.5cm (21 inches) of snow, up to 1.2m (4 feet) in
height or the height of the obstruction (whichever is shorter). Even if no obstructions are present,
it is good to have some pads or snow in these areas.
Green
Zone
So long as there are no obstructions present within 2m of the rink in the Green Zone, no pads are
required. However, if obstructions are present, they must be covered with at least 15cm (6 inches)
of padding or encircled with at least 22.5cm (9 inches) of snow, up to 1.2m (4 feet) in height or the
height of the obstruction (whichever is shorter). Even if no obstructions are present, it is good to
have some pads or snow in these areas.
Appendix D12 – Level 4 Long Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Training and Competition (KEF .080 to <.155)
Placement of Crash Protection
Crash protection is required in the Red Zone and is generally required in the Yellow and Green Zones
(see bottom of page for exceptions). Pads should be ruggedly connected to adjacent pads with Velcro at
both the fronts and backs of pads. Pads should be positioned and secured so that skaters do not tend to
slide under the pads in case of a crash into them, and the weight of the pads must rest on the ice, snow
or ground. When pads are placed against obstructions they must be securely attached to the
obstructions.
Should additional, or thicker padding be available it should be placed in priority i) in the Green Zone, on
any side of an obstruction facing the direction of travel of skaters ii) in the Red Zone, starting from the
centre of the Red Zone and radiating out towards the ends of the Red Zone, iii) in the Yellow Zone, and
iv) in the Green Zone.
For guidance on placing multiple layers of pads with different compressibility, consult the Specifications
and Guidelines, under item 4, Foam Type Matters and/or the section on Adequate Quality Padding.
Thickness of Crash Protection
Red Zone
Crash protection must be provided throughout the Red Zone using pads. Padding must be at least
76cm (30 inches) thick. Padding must be 1.2m (4 feet) in height or the height of the obstruction
(whichever is shorter) if obstructions are presented. Any obstructions within the Red Zone which
can be removed must be removed or placed at least 3m behind the crash protection provided.
Yellow
Zone
So long as there are no obstructions present within 3m of the rink in the Yellow Zone, no pads are
required. However, if obstructions are present, they must be covered with at least 41cm (16
inches) of padding up to 1.2m (4 feet) in height or the height of the obstruction (whichever is
shorter). Even if no obstructions are present, it is good to have some pads or snow in these areas.
Green
Zone
So long as there are no obstructions present within 2.5m of the rink in the Green Zone, no pads are
required. However, if obstructions are present, they must be covered with at least 15cm (6 inches)
of padding up to 1.2m (4 feet) in height or the height of the obstruction (whichever is shorter).
Even if no obstructions are present, it is good to have some pads or snow in these areas.
Appendix D13 – Level 5 Long Track Crash Protection Requirements for
Training and Competition (KEF ≥ 0.115)
Placement of Crash Protection
Free standing pads are required in the Red Zone and padding is generally required in the Yellow and
Green Zones (see bottom of page for exceptions). Pads should be ruggedly connected to adjacent pads
with Velcro at both the fronts and backs of pads. Pads should be positioned and secured so that skaters
do not tend to slide under the pads in case of a crash into them, and the weight of the pads must rest on
the ice, snow or ground. When pads are placed against obstructions they must be securely attached to
the obstructions.
Should additional, or thicker padding be available it should be placed in priority i) in the Green Zone, on
any side of an obstruction facing the direction of travel of skaters ii) in the Red Zone, starting from the
centre of the Red Zone and radiating out towards the ends of the Red Zone, iii) in the Yellow Zone, and
iv) in the Green Zone.
For guidance on placing multiple layers of pads with different compressibility, consult the Specifications
and Guidelines, under item 4, Foam Type Matters and/or the section on Adequate Quality Padding.
Thickness of Crash Protection
Red Zone
Free-standing crash protection must be provided throughout the Red Zone using pads. Padding
must be at least 86cm (34 inches) thick and must be at least 1.21m (4 feet) in height. Any
obstructions within the Red Zone which can be removed must be removed or placed at least 3m
behind the crash protection provided.
Yellow
Zone
So long as there are no obstructions present within 3m of the rink in the Yellow Zone, no pads are
required. However, if obstructions are present, they must be covered with at least 41cm (16
inches) of padding up to 1.2m (4 feet) in height or the height of the obstruction (whichever is
shorter). Even if no obstructions are present, it is good to have some pads or snow in these areas.
Green
Zone
So long as there are no obstructions present within 3m of the rink in the Yellow Zone, no pads are
required. However, if obstructions are present, they must be covered with at least 20cm (8 inches)
of padding up to 1.2m (4 feet) in height or the height of the obstruction (whichever is shorter).
Even if no obstructions are present, it is good to have some pads or snow in these areas.
Speed Skating Canada Long Track Crash Protection and
Prevention - Specifications and Guidelines
This document has been prepared as part of Speed Skating Canada’s (SSC’s) commitment to providing a
safe field of play for both training and competition that is in keeping with True Sport and Long Term
Participant and Athlete Development (LTPAD) principles. This document is the primary reference for
establishing minimum crash protection standards for any long track speed skating context, including
practices and competitions. It also provides guidance on how to exceed minimum standards.
At this point in time, the minimum crash protection standards are based upon the experience of experts
in our sport. As SSC’s sport injury surveillance system becomes highly functional, further modifications
and enhancements to the standards will begin to be partly based on statistical evidence. Collaboration
of all stakeholders in reporting incidents is imperative to improving the effectiveness of standards in the
future. Please keep in mind that “adequately safe” does not mean “perfectly safe”. No crash protection
system will eliminate the risks of getting injured in long track speed skating. However, by following
these specifications and guidelines, and by using safe skating behaviours, the probability and severity of
the risks will be reduced. Members are always encouraged to exceed minimum standards so that we
can provide more than just an “adequately safe” field of play.
Ultimately, to prevent injuries from crashes and/or reduce their severity; crash protection (including
pads and/or snowbanks) is only part of the answer. If a long track speed skater falls and slides off the
track, there are several ways in which injuries from the impact can be prevented/mitigated:
1) Reduce Speed Prior to Impact – The longer a skater slides on the ice, the slower the skater will
be going when he/she does hit the pads/snowbanks. Ice should be prepared such that the nontrack ice is “rough”. The increased sliding friction will help reduce impact speeds into the
pads/snowbanks.
2) Hit the Pads/Snow Properly – Skaters must be coached to fall “properly” into the
pads/snowbanks i.e. NOT going in head-first or feet-first. Skaters should do whatever they can
(that does not endanger other skaters) to achieve this result. Ideally, skaters should try to hit
the pads/snowbanks with as much of their body surface area as possible, to distribute the
impact forces. Also, skaters should brace (or stiffen themselves) for the impact. This will also
help protect them from various injuries.
3) The Thicker the Crash Protection the Better – If skaters are going to slide off the track, we want
pads/snowbanks between the skaters and any obstructions like trees or poles. As a sound
general principle, the more padding/snow you have, the safer things will be. More material will
absorb more impact energy instead of the skater absorbing that energy.
4) Foam/Snow Type Matters – There are many pad/snowbank details that subtly influence safety,
but the last major consideration in crash protection is the compressibility of your crash
protection. In general, use soft-medium compressibility pads, if you are using pads as they will
become stiffer in cold environments. If you are using snow, make sure that you can compress
the snow to some extent by pushing into it with one arm. Otherwise, it may be too hard to
provide much energy dissipation on impact. The basic principle is that firmer crash protection
1
can handle higher energy impacts, but firmer crash protection can also increase the chance of
injury if skaters hit the pads head or feet first. Softer crash protection, on the other hand, can
be dangerous for high energy impacts if the soft protection is in front of hard, fixed objects. But
soft crash protection will be safer for most types of low energy impacts.
Scope
These specifications and guidelines encompass:
-
Crash protection in Canadian long track (LT) speed skating (333 m and 400 m long ovals),
The use of foam pads or snowbanks,
The use of an oval for training and competition,
Skating on ice of any quality,
Skaters of any age and skill level, and
The risk of impacts into walls, pillars, posts or other dangerous obstructions.
These specifications and guidelines provide information on:
-
Pad/snowbank dimensions,
Foam density and stiffness,
Pad venting/covers,
Impact performance,
Pad attachments/anchoring, and
The placement of protection around the rink,
all with respect to skater speed and mass.
In all cases, the basis for establishing the relevant Specifications and guidelines during a given training or
competition context depends primarily on the expected worst-case scenario during that training session
or competition in terms of the following simple mathematical formula:
kinetic energy factor (KEF) = (skater mass in kg) / (fastest expected lap time in seconds)2
The heavier the mass in kg and/or the faster the lap time in seconds, the bigger this ratio will be. This
formula is based on the amount of kinetic energy (KE) a skater possesses, which is proportional to skater
mass x skater speed squared. Since knowing a skater’s lap time is more common than knowing a
skater’s speed, lap times are used in the formula instead of speed. Since lap times decrease as skating
speed increases, mass is divided by the lap time squared, not multiplied by it. To give an example, if a
70 kg (155 lb) skater is skating 40 second laps on a 400 m oval, their KEF is .04 but if they speed up and
skate 30 second laps, then their KEF increases to .08. See Table 1 below, for more examples.
Please note that Table 1 is based on a 400 m oval. For 333m ovals, see Appendix 2. For all other track
sizes and special configurations, Speed Skating Canada ([email protected]) should be contacted to
identify specific padding requirements.
In most cases, on 400 m ovals, elite long track KEF values will be at least .10 and the use of KEF values to
specify padding/snowbank requirements referred to in this document are derived from the experience
of speed skaters, coaches, officials and volunteers of all levels in Canada. We are not yet at the stage
where the use of these values can be justified based on evidence gathered in a strictly controlled
2
environment with carefully calibrated instruments. As such, these values may not be perfect and should
not be relied upon as if they were. They provide qualitative guidance. Judgement informed by
experience should always be used in all circumstances, if one feels that the minimum standards are
insufficient.
Skater Mass (kg)
Table 1 – Long Track KEF Values for 400 m Ovals
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
42.0
0.017
0.023
0.028
0.034
0.040
0.045
0.051
0.057
0.062
40.0
0.019
0.025
0.031
0.038
0.044
0.050
0.056
0.063
0.069
38.0
0.021
0.028
0.035
0.042
0.048
0.055
0.062
0.069
0.076
Level 1
36.0
0.023
0.031
0.039
0.046
0.054
0.062
0.069
0.077
0.085
Level 2
Lap Speeds (sec)
34.0
32.0
0.026 0.029
0.035 0.039
0.043 0.049
0.052 0.059
0.061 0.068
0.069 0.078
0.078 0.088
0.087 0.098
0.095 0.107
Level 3
Level 4
30.0
0.033
0.044
0.056
0.067
0.078
0.089
0.100
0.111
0.122
28.0
0.038
0.051
0.064
0.077
0.089
0.102
0.115
0.128
0.140
26.0
0.044
0.059
0.074
0.089
0.104
0.118
0.133
0.148
0.163
24.0
0.052
0.069
0.087
0.104
0.122
0.139
0.156
0.174
0.191
Level 5
The focus of these specifications and guidelines for crash protection is primarily on safety. However, the
minimum standards and guidance on padding/snow also take into account operational convenience,
validation of material qualities, and compliance costs. In terms of crash protection, the primary
objective is to decrease peak impact forces (and the associated Head Impact Criterion, or HIC) while the
secondary objective is to decrease the degree to which skaters bounce back from the crash protection
after impact. The desired effect is for “bounce back” to be minimal so as to prevent skaters from sliding
back out into the path of oncoming skaters. The amount of crash protection that is required is
proportional to the level of risk involved in the skating situation e.g. situations that involve top skaters in
high-speed competition will require more or better crash protection than those that only involve slower,
small skaters in relaxed training sessions. The overall objective of these specifications and guidelines is
to offer guidance for coaches, club and event organizers and competition officials on how to provide an
adequately safe field of play in Canadian speed skating that is both affordable and operationally
practical, at all levels of the sport. Current practice is that the person in charge at/during competitions is
the chief referee. In training sessions prior to major competitions it is the meet coordinator (or
designate), and in general training sessions for a club it is the head coach. It is recommended that each
Branch develop specific regulations based on these specifications and guidelines which are reflective of
the size and speed of skaters participating in a given Branch sanctioned competition.
How to Use these Specifications and Guidelines
First note that most Canadian long track ovals are either 400 m or 333 m. If your oval has a different
size, contact Speed Skating Canada ([email protected]) for specific direction.
Second, to find out what minimum pad thickness you need on the various parts of your oval, you will
need one other piece of information. Each skating group, training session or competition will have its
3
own unique padding needs. However, it’s usually easiest in long track to set padding up for your fastest
group and leave it for all groups to use. Use Table 2 below to determine your minimum padding needs
for your biggest/fastest group of skaters. Do this by determining who on the ice has the greatest KEF
value. You will base your padding needs on that person or group. Simply take their body mass and the
fastest lap time that you expect they’ll be skating in the practice or racing situation, and look up their
KEF value on Table 1.
Now take that KEF value and look to Table 2. Find the column in the Table that applies to you, and read
down that column to see what thickness of padding you need in the three zones around the rink,
described in Appendix 1. Note the crash protection restrictions for Levels 4 and 5.
As well, all of the values in Table 2 refer to padding. If you are instead using snowbanks, add 50% to
each non-zero value (measuring snowbank thickness at 25 cm above ice level).
A skater should not be able to slide off the ice and hit a fixed or mobile (i.e. unfixed and light)
obstruction in this zone. If there is a mobile obstruction in harm’s way, it should be moved. If it cannot
be moved, it should be surrounded by protection (pads or snow) as per Table 2, on the sides of it that a
skater can hit i.e. the side facing the oncoming skater, and the side facing the track. Likewise, if a fixed
obstruction can be hit by a skater sliding off the ice into this zone, it should also be surrounded by
protection as per Table 2, on the sides of it that a skater can hit.
Keep in mind that if you do not have enough crash protection (pads/snow) for your skating context, you
can still hold practices. You’ll simply have to get creative. In the end, you should only be holding skating
activities that are consistent with the crash protection that you have available. Skating activities are
possible with any amount of padding/snow but if you do not have enough crash protection of enough
thickness to support the activity that you have planned, you will need to manage the speeds of skaters
to operate within the KEF that your pads support i.e. conduct appropriately paced workouts etc.
Table 2 – Minimum Padding Specifications Chart for 400m Ovals in cm (inches)
KEFs
Level 1
.020 to <.035
Level 2
.035 to <.055
Level 3
.055 to <.080
Level 4 1
.080 to <.115
Level 5 2
.115+
46(18)
0
0
56(22)
30(12)
0
66(26)
35(14)
15(6)
76(30)
41(16)
15(6)
86(34)
41(16)
20(8)
Zone
RED
YELLOW
GREEN
1
primary crash protection must be pads (not snow) 2 primary crash protection in the Red Zones must be freestanding pads
Skating Context
A further contextual consideration is the nature of the training activity on the ice. Sometimes, coaches
have skaters practice turns on the infield ice of an oval (if it exists). If the skaters are moving fast
enough to slide onto the main track if they fall, then crash protection should be put in place to prevent
this from happening or training should not be occurring on the main track at that time.
4
Exceeding Minimum Specifications
If you have more than enough pads/snow for your skating context and you want to provide an even
safer skating environment, look to the next column on the right in Table 2 and try and meet those
specifications. Similarly, if you typically use more pads/snow than the minimum specification calls for,
continue to do so.
Adequate Quality Padding, Snowbanks and Skid Zones
All long track pads should have venting on the top, end or side surface, covering an area equal to at least
¼ of the total top surface area. Pad height and length should be chosen so that pads weigh less than
30kg (66 lbs). In general, pads should be at least 4 feet (122 cm) tall. Pad covers should be waterproof,
slippery and crack resistant to at least -40°C. They should be 16-20 ounce vinyl-coated polyester of
1000+ denier. Pads should be ruggedly connected to adjacent pads with Velcro (Hook #70 and Loop
#71). Pads should be positioned and secured so that skaters do not tend to slide under the pads in case
of a crash into them.
Open-cell foam, the type of foam which is used in crash pads, is often rated in terms of density and
compressibility. In terms of density, the foam in the pads should generally be in the range of 1.3-1.8
lbs/ft3 so that the pads are neither too light nor too heavy. In terms of compressibility, foam is tested in
terms of weight required to compress a certain shaped piece of foam by 25%. If one has R42 foam, for
example, it means that about 42 lbs is required to compress a certain piece of this foam 25%. If one has
H26 foam, about 26 lbs are required etc. The test in question is called ASTM D3574, Test B1 –
Indentation Force Deflection (IFD). If one puts out pads on a long track oval, the IFD value of the foam in
the pads should ideally be in the range of 25-40. If one employs two layers of pads, then the layer that
the skaters will hit should be softer than the layer farther away from the track. Pads used outdoors
should be replaced at least every 7 to 10 years, and compressibility should be measured every two.
Contact Speed Skating Canada ([email protected]) for information on how to do this.
In general, it is suggested that pads should have ruggedly attached handles on each end and on the back
face of the cover, to facilitate safe and convenient handling.
Thin loop Velcro strips along the top and bottom of the fronts of
the pads (97-100 cm apart) facilitate the attachment of standard
advertising, as do eyelets attached to/near the tops of the pads.
It is suggested that large, heavy-duty zippers (2 zipper pulls per
track) should run up, along and down the back face of the pads
to create a door through which the foams can be inserted and
removed with ease. Velcro flaps and patches at the fronts of the
pads are an easy way to connect adjacent pads, although there
should be no more than 3” (8 cm) of overlap between the loop
and hook Velcro strips to facilitate taking them apart. Velcro Figure 1 - Sample Crash Pad (Back) Showing Zipper
Tracks, Handles (side/back) and Velcro Flaps
flaps and patches at the backs of the pads also help join adjacent
pads.
The preceding details on padding cover “conventional” foam pads. There are other, creative designs
that incorporate more elaborate arrangements of foam types, and air gaps. These need to be evaluated
on a case-by-case basis for effectiveness. Contact Speed Skating Canada ([email protected]) for
more details.
5
With regards to snowbanks, they should be inspected and groomed before use, as needed. Ideal
snowbanks consist of packed snow that is not crusted or hardened by ice formation. Ensure that rough
and hard ice formations are not present at the foot of your snowbanks. If the snowbanks are short i.e.
less than 1 m (3 ft) tall, pads may need to be placed behind the snowbanks to protect against impacts
into obstructions. Conversely, if snowbanks are tall, hard, vertical walls, they may need to have pads
placed in front of them (as if the snowbanks were fixed obstructions).
If your oval has skid zones (relatively flat ice or snow zones that skaters slide over to lose speed before
hitting pads or snowbanks), make sure these zones do not have hardened icy protrusions sticking up
that may injure skaters that are sliding over them. They should end in pads or snowbanks unless they
are very long, and no obstacles lie beyond them (within sliding distance).
Safe Rink Conditions
Rink lighting should always be adequate enough to see dangers ahead in time to react to them i.e. clear
visibility the length of the rink. Keep the ice on the outside of the racing track frosted (ungroomed) so
that it is rough. This provides more sliding friction, reducing the impact energy when a skater hits pads.
It is recommended that rink entry points be located on the latter half of the straightaways for maximum
visibility and reaction time, if this is possible. Skaters should not be allowed to rest in high risk areas
such as the outer lanes of corners while other skaters are moving at significant speeds on any part of the
track. Practice starts should typically be performed on the latter parts of the straightaways, on the
outer lane. If the infield of the oval is also skatable ice, there should be some clear physical demarcation
of the inner edge of the warm-up or training lane i.e. more than just lane paint, such as a raised ridge of
snow or a string of lane markers.
It should also be made very clear to skaters as to where they should practice sprint skating i.e. the inner
lane or the outer lane. Either case can work, and depending on the other features of the rink (e.g.
whether rink access is from the infield), one may be a better choice than the other. One advantage of a
sprint outer lane is that if skaters fall, they will not take any other skaters/people out. Another is that if
skaters (esp. young skaters) can enter from the infield of the oval, then they will not be crossing sprint
lanes to get onto their slower lanes. However, the sprinters will be close to the outer edge of the rink
and they will experience a harder impact if they fall. Also, if skaters are entering/exiting the ice from the
outside of the rink, they will have to cross this sprint lane to get into a slower lane. In such cases, a
crossing-guard is advised for younger skaters. The advantage of sprinting on the inner lane is that if a
skater falls, they will slow down quite a bit before they hit the snow banks or pads. If the ice quality is
not high i.e. if top speeds are not very high, skaters can also experience greater lean in the inner
corners. The significant disadvantages of sprinting in the inner lane include the possibility of taking out
other skaters in the outer lanes if falls occur, and of hitting slow/young skaters that might access the
skating lanes from the infield of the oval. These risks may be managed by regulating whether
small/young skaters are even on the ice during advanced sprinting practices/competitions. There is no
universal “best answer” to this issue of which lane is best for sprinting practice. It depends on your
facility, your skaters, and your skating groups. Just be aware of the risks in each case, and provide
guidance to skaters accordingly, both verbally and with signage.
6
Concluding Notes, Legal Disclaimer, Limit of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty
Applying these specifications and guidelines requires care. It is up to club and/or competition organizers
to provide adequate crash protection while referees at competitions will verify this adequacy using
these specifications and guidelines. Please have experienced club and competition organizers help
make such provisions.
No crash protection system will prevent all impact injuries. Remember the list of ways to reduce the
chance of injuries due to sliding off the track (pages 1-2).
The contents of this document are provided to encourage consistency as well as the use of best
practices in the approach to speed skating crash protection in Canada.
Speed Skating Canada makes no representations, warranties, guarantees or endorsements of any kind,
express or implied, about the completeness, content, views, opinions, recommendations, accuracy,
reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information contained in this publication for any
purpose. Every precaution has been taken to provide accurate information and is for informational
purposes only. This information is accepted on the condition that errors or omissions shall not be made
the basis for any claim, demand or cause for action.
Any reliance you place on the publication is therefore strictly at your own risk and is your responsibility
to perform due diligence before acting upon any of the information provided.
These specifications and guidelines are forever evolving. If you feel that you have a suggestion that will
improve them, please contact the SSC National Office at [email protected]. Feedback will be
reviewed annually as this is a living document that will change from time to time, to maintain an
adequate level of safety under evolving skating conditions and as new information and understandings
come to light.
7
Glossary
Bounce Back
(Rebond)
The degree to which a skater bounces off of a pad, back onto the track.
Braced Pads
(Coussins amortisseurs
fixe)
If they move at all, these pads have a fixed obstruction within their path and
range of movement along the line of skater impact when struck by a skater who
is skating counter-clockwise around the rink in a training or competitive context.
Corner Impact Zones
(Zones de choc
dans les virages)
The curved portions of the oval perimeter plus the 12 m of straightaway on
corner exits.
Fixed Obstruction
(Obstacle fixe)
A wall, post, pillar, platform, riser etc that does not move (much) when hit, that
sits within one of the zones in the schematics shown on page 10.
Free-standing Pads
(Coussins amortisseurs
libres)
These pads move when hit, and they do not back up against a fixed obstruction
along the path or range of the pad’s movement when struck by a skater who is
skating counter clockwise around the rink in a training or competitive context
(otherwise they are “braced”).
Hard Open-cell Foam
(Mousse dure à
alvéoles ouvertes)
Hard firmness open-cell foam is foam that is least easily compressed (a range of
40-50 on the Indentation Force Deflection [IFD] scale, the scale most commonly
used by North American foam manufacturers).
KEF (FEK)
kinetic energy factor = (skater mass in kg) / (fastest lap time in seconds)2
Medium Open-cell
Foam (Mousse
moyenne à alvéoles
ouvertes)
Medium firmness open-cell foam spans an IFD range of 28-38.
Mobile Obstruction
(Obstacle mobile)
A platform, post, bench, riser etc that does move when hit, that sits within one
of the zones in the schematics shown on page 10.
Pad Venting
(Orifice du coussins
amortisseurs)
Mesh/porous material in a pad cover (usually on the top surface of the pad)
that allows air to escape from the pad during impacts.
Peak Impact Forces
(Orifice du coussins
amortisseurs)
The maximum forces a skater’s body experiences on impact.
Soft Open-cell Foam
(Mousse douce à
alvéoles ouvertes)
Soft firmness open-cell foam spans an IFD range of 16-26.
Track (Piste)
The practice and/or racing lanes on the skatable ice.
Rink/Oval
(Patinoir)
The skatable ice surface.
8
Appendix 1 - Long Track Crash Protection Zones
Red Zone
The Red Zone is the area along the outside of the corners, extending 12 m into the
exit straightaway. This is the most common area for falls in long track, and the most
dangerous as skaters hit the pads most directly in these areas. For Levels 1 and 2, if
there are no obstructions present in the Red Zone within 2 or 3 meters,
respectively, of the edge of the ice surface, crash protection is not required.
Yellow Zone
The Yellow Zone is the area beside the straightaway, beyond the end of the Red
Zone extending to the start of the next corner. No crash protection is required in
this Zone for Level 1 but it is often required at the higher levels. However, if there
are no obstructions of any sort, up to 2 m deep into the Yellow Zone for Level 2, or
up to 3 m deep for Levels 3, 4 and 5, then no crash protection is required in this
zone. Nevertheless, some is still suggested to prevent long slides on rough terrain.
Green Zone
The Green Zone is in the infield along the ice, starting at 12m beyond the end of a
corner (aligned with the end of the Red Zone) extending to the start of the next
corner. For padding exemptions, it should be handled in the same way as the
Yellow Zone (using a depth of 2 m for Level 3, 2.5 m for Level 4, and 3m for Level 5,
while no padding is required for Levels 1 and 2).
9
Appendix 2 – KEF Values and Crash Protection requirements for 333m Tracks
Skater Mass (kg)
Long Track KEF Values for 333 m Ovals
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
37.5
0.021
0.028
0.036
0.043
0.050
0.057
0.064
0.071
0.078
36.0
0.023
0.031
0.039
0.046
0.054
0.062
0.069
0.077
0.085
34.5
0.025
0.034
0.042
0.050
0.059
0.067
0.076
0.084
0.092
Level 1
Lap Speeds (sec)
31.5
30.0
0.030 0.033
0.040 0.044
0.050 0.056
0.060 0.067
0.071 0.078
0.081 0.089
0.091 0.100
0.101 0.111
0.111 0.122
33.0
0.028
0.037
0.046
0.055
0.064
0.073
0.083
0.092
0.101
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
28.5
0.037
0.049
0.062
0.074
0.086
0.098
0.111
0.123
0.135
27.0
0.041
0.055
0.069
0.082
0.096
0.110
0.123
0.137
0.151
25.5
0.046
0.062
0.077
0.092
0.108
0.123
0.138
0.154
0.169
24.0
0.052
0.069
0.087
0.104
0.122
0.139
0.156
0.174
0.191
Level 5
Minimum Padding Specifications Chart for 333m Ovals (Inner Lane) in cm (inches)
KEFs
Level 1
.030 to <.050
Level 2
.050 to <.075
Level 3
.075 to <.110
Level 4 1
.110 to <.155
Level 5 2
.155+
46(18)
0
0
56(22)
25(10)
0
66(26)
30(12)
10(4)
76(30)
36(14)
15(6)
86(34)
36(14)
15(6)
Zone
RED
YELLOW
GREEN
1
primary crash protection must be pads (not snow)
2
primary crash protection must be free-standing pads
10
Speed Skating Canada Short Track Crash Protection and
Prevention for Boarded Rinks - Specifications and
Guidelines
This document has been prepared as part of Speed Skating Canada’s (SSC’s) commitment to providing a
safe field of play for both training and competition that is in keeping with True Sport and Long Term
Participant and Athlete Development (LTPAD) principles. This document is the primary reference for
establishing minimum padding standards for any short track speed skating context, including practices
and competitions. It also provides guidance on how to exceed minimum standards.
At this point in time, the minimum padding standards are based upon the experience of experts in our
sport. As SSC’s sport injury surveillance system becomes highly functional, further modifications and
enhancements to the standards will begin to be partly based on statistical evidence. Collaboration of all
stakeholders in reporting incidents is imperative to improving the effectiveness of standards in the
future. Please keep in mind that “adequately safe” does not mean “perfectly safe”. No crash protection
system will eliminate the risks of getting injured in short track speed skating. However, by following
these specifications and guidelines, and by using safe skating behaviours, the probability and severity of
the risks will be reduced. Members are always encouraged to exceed minimum standards so that we
can provide more than just an “adequately safe” field of play.
Ultimately, to prevent injuries from crashes and/or reduce their severity, padding is only part of the
answer. If a short track speed skater falls and slides into the boards, there are several ways in which
injuries from the impact can be prevented and/or mitigated:
1) Reduce Speed Prior to Impact – The longer a skater slides on the ice, the slower the skater will
be going when he/she does hit the boards. Ice should be prepared such that the non-track ice is
“rough”. The increased sliding friction will help reduce impact speeds into the boards.
2) Hit the Boards Properly – Skaters must be coached to fall “properly” into the boards i.e. NOT
going in head-first or feet-first. Skaters should do whatever they can (that does not endanger
other skaters) to achieve this result. Ideally, skaters should try to hit the boards/mats with as
much of their body surface area as possible, to distribute the impact forces. Also, skaters should
brace (or stiffen themselves) for the impact. This will also help protect them from various
injuries.
3) The Thicker the Pads the Better – If skaters are going to hit the boards, we want pads between
the skaters and the boards. As a sound general principle, the more padding you have, the safer
things will be. More padding will absorb more impact energy instead of the skater absorbing
that energy. You can achieve this by using thick pads or by doubling-up thinner pads.
4) Foam Type Matters – There are many pad details that subtly influence safety, but the last major
consideration in crash protection is the compressibility of your pads. For pads along the ends of
the straightaways, firmer foam is best because you want to bounce off those pads. For the rest
of the rink, it’s more complicated. If you only have one layer of pads (say up to 12” thick), they
should either be of medium firmness or if you have two layers of foam within the 12” then the
front layer should be softer than the back layer. The basic principle is that firmer foams can
handle higher energy impacts, but they can also increase the chance of injury if skaters hit them
1
head or feet first. Softer foams, on the other hand, can be dangerous for high energy impacts
but they will be safer for most types of low energy impacts. In general, try and have enough pad
thickness that you can put softer foam in front and stiffer foam in back (either within one pad,
or by using doubled-up pads of different firmnesses). A soft front with a stiffer middle and then
a soft back can also be quite effective. Contact SSC ([email protected]) if you wish to
discuss your foam choices.
Scope
These specifications and guidelines encompass:
-
Crash protection in Canadian short track (ST) speed skating (tracks up to 111.12 m long),
The use of foam pads in boarded rinks,
The use of a rink for training and competition,
Skating on ice of any quality, and
Skaters of any age and skill level.
These specifications and guidelines provide information on:
-
Pad dimensions,
Foam density and stiffness,
Pad venting/covers,
Impact performance,
Pad attachments/anchoring, and
The placement of protection around the rink,
all with respect to skater speed and mass.
In all cases, the basis for establishing the relevant specifications and guidelines during a given training or
competition context depends primarily on the expected worst-case scenario during that training session
or competition in terms of the following mathematical formula:
kinetic energy factor (KEF) = (skater mass in kg) / (fastest expected lap time in seconds)2
The heavier the mass in kg and/or the faster the lap time in seconds, the bigger this ratio will be. This
formula is based on the amount of kinetic energy (KE) a skater possesses, which is proportional to skater
mass x skater speed squared. Since knowing a skater’s lap time is more common than knowing a
skater’s speed, lap times are used in the formula instead of speed. Since lap times decrease as skating
speed increases, mass is divided by the lap time squared, not multiplied by it. To give an example, if a
70 kg (155 lb) skater is skating 10 second laps on a 111.12 m oval, their KEF is .70 but if they speed up
and skate 9 second laps, then their KEF increases to .86. See Table 1 below, for more examples.
Please note that while Table 1 is based on a 111.12 m track, Table 1 should also be used in this
document for 100m and shorter tracks. We do this for a couple of reasons. First of all, shorter tracks
will be used with skaters in the first stages of development and/or with slower skaters. So the
inaccuracy will not be that important in terms of creating significant changes in padding requirements.
Also, this inaccuracy will always favour more padding, not less. So it will be a “safe” calculation error.
For example, if a 50 kg (110 lb) skater skates a 10 second lap on a 111.12 m oval, there are certain
padding requirements that arise from that skating situation (see Table 2, below). If another skater of
2
the same mass is skating 10 second laps on a 100m oval, they are likely skating a bit more slowly due to
age or skill, although it may not be much more slowly if they skate a very wide track. As such, the
padding specified in the first case (111.12 m track) will be adequate in the second case (100 m track).
In most cases, elite short track KEF values will be at least .75 and the use of KEF values to specify
padding requirements referred to in this document are derived from the experience of speed skaters,
coaches, officials and volunteers of all levels in Canada. We are not yet at the stage where the use of
these values can be justified based on evidence gathered in a strictly controlled environment with
carefully calibrated instruments. As such, these values may not be perfect and should not be relied
upon as if they were. They provide qualitative guidance. Judgement informed by experience should
always be used in all circumstances, if one feels that the minimum standards are insufficient.
Table 1 – Short Track KEF Values
Lap Times (sec)
Skater Mass
(kg/lbs)
12.0
11.5
11.0
10.5
10.0
9.5
9.0
8.5
8.0
20/44
0.14
0.15
0.17
0.18
0.20
0.22
0.25
0.28
0.31
30/66
0.21
0.23
0.25
0.27
0.30
0.33
0.37
0.42
0.47
40/88
0.28
0.30
0.33
0.36
0.40
0.44
0.49
0.55
0.63
50/110
0.35
0.38
0.41
0.45
0.50
0.55
0.62
0.69
0.78
60/133
0.42
0.45
0.50
0.54
0.60
0.66
0.74
0.83
0.94
70/155
0.49
0.53
0.58
0.63
0.70
0.78
0.86
0.97
1.09
80/177
0.56
0.60
0.66
0.73
0.80
0.89
0.99
1.11
1.25
90/199
0.63
0.68
0.74
0.82
0.90
1.00
1.11
1.25
1.41
100/221
0.69
0.76
0.83
0.91
1.00
1.11
1.23
1.38
1.56
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
The focus of these specifications and guidelines for crash protection is primarily on safety. However, the
minimum standards and guidance on padding also take into account operational convenience, validation
of material qualities, and compliance costs. In terms of crash protection, the primary objective is to
decrease peak impact forces (and the associated Head Impact Criterion, or HIC) while the secondary
objective is to decrease the degree to which skaters bounce back from the pads after impact. The
desired effect is for “bounce back” to be minimal so as to prevent skaters from sliding back out into the
path of oncoming skaters. The amount of crash protection that is required is proportional to the level of
risk involved in the skating situation e.g. situations that involve top skaters in high-speed competition
will require more or better crash protection than those that only involve slower small skaters in relaxed
training sessions. The overall objective of these specifications and guidelines is to offer guidance for
coaches, club and event organizers and competition officials on how to provide an adequately safe field
of play in Canadian speed skating that is both affordable and operationally practical, at all levels of the
sport. Current practice is that the person in charge at/during competitions is the chief referee, in
training sessions prior to major competitions it is the meet coordinator (or designate), and in general
training sessions for a club it is the head coach. It is recommended that each Branch develop specific
regulations based on these specifications and guidelines which are reflective of the size and speed of
skaters participating in a given Branch sanctioned competition.
3
How to Use these Specifications and Guidelines
First note that most Canadian hockey rinks are either NHL size i.e. 85’ (26 m) wide by 200’ (61.0 m) long,
or Olympic size i.e. 30 m (98’ 5”) wide by 60 m (196’ 10”) long. If your rink has different dimensions,
simply note those for now.
To find out what minimum padding thickness you need on the various parts of your rink, you will need
one other piece of information. Each skating group, training session or competition will have its own
unique padding needs. Use Tables 2 and 3 below to determine your minimum padding needs for each
practice session or competition that you host. Do this by determining who on the ice has the greatest
KEF value (see Table 1). You will base your padding needs on that person(s). Simply take their body
mass and the fastest lap time that you expect they’ll be skating in the practice or racing situation, and
look up their KEF value on Table 1.
Now take that KEF value and look to Table 2 or 3 (depending on whether your skating context is training
or competition). Find the column in the Table that applies to you, and read down that column to see
what thickness of padding you need in the four zones around the rink. The zones are shown in Figure 2
on the last page of this document. Note the rink size/type restrictions for Levels 3, 4 and 5.
Keep in mind that if you do not have enough pads for your skating context, you can still hold practices.
You’ll simply have to get creative. In the end, you should only be holding skating activities that are
consistent with the padding that you have available. Skating activities are possible with any amount of
padding but if you do not have enough pads of enough thickness to support the activity that you have
planned, you will need to manage the speeds of skaters to operate within the KEF that your pads
support i.e. conduct appropriately paced workouts etc.
Table 2 – Minimum Padding Specifications Chart (Training)
Level 1
<.30
Level 2
.30 to <.60
KEFs
Level 3 1
.60 to <.90
Level 4 1,2
.90 to <1.15
Level 5 3
1.15+
RED ZONE
20(8)
40.5(16)
50.5(20)
61(24)*
n/a
YELLOW ZONE
20(8)
20(8)
30.5(12)
40.5(16)
n/a
0
20(8)
25(10)
30.5(12)
n/a
0
0
0
0
n/a
BLUE ZONE
GREEN ZONE
1
2
rink can be no shorter than 195’ long (59.4 m)
rink can be no narrower than 92’ wide (28 m)
3
must use a boardless system * last pad in Red Zone should be tapered
Table 3 – Minimum Padding Specifications Chart (Competition)
Level 1
<.30
Level 2
.30 to <.60
KEFs
Level 3 1,2
.60 to <.90
Level 4 1,3
.90 to <1.15
Level 5 4
1.15+
RED ZONE
20(8)
45.5(18)
56 (22)
70(28)*
n/a
YELLOW ZONE
20(8)
25(10)
35(14)
40.5(16)
n/a
BLUE ZONE
15(6)
20(8)
30.5(12)
30.5(12)
n/a
0
0
15(6)
20(8)
n/a
GREEN ZONE
1
2
3
rink can be no shorter than 195’ long (59.4 m) rink can be no narrower than 85’ wide (26 m) rink can be no narrower than 92’ wide (28 m)
4
must use a boardless system * last pad in Red Zone should be tapered
4
Skating Context
A further contextual consideration is the nature of the training activity on the ice. Sometimes, coaches
practice turns on the center face-off circle of the hockey rink (at any speed) or even in one of the four
corner face-off circles (at slow-medium speeds). If the skaters are moving fast enough to slide to the
boards if they fall, then the boards should have padding on them. In the case of the center face-off
circle, there should be padding from blue line to blue line on both sides of the rink. In the case of the
corner face-off circles, there should be padding from the blue line to the longitudinal center line of the
rink that surrounds the given corner circle. In general, provide padding against any boards within 5 m
(16’) of the “course” that is being skated. As for how much padding, 6” (15 cm) is adequate for skaters
under 50 kg (110 lbs) in any of the circles. At least 10” (25 cm) is adequate for skaters going at moderate
speeds in the corner circles. And at least 12” (25 cm) is adequate for top skaters going all out (under
control) in the center circle. Such high speed training should only be done in the center face-off circle.
Activities sometimes take place up and down the ice, not around the track. If such activities involve
active skating to the icing lines, at least 8” of padding should be located at the ends of the rink.
Please note that if an electronic timing mechanism is attached to the boards at the finishing line,
padding must extend right up to the mechanism to protect skaters from hitting the timing mechanism.
Pad Shape
The standard pad shape assumption in Tables 2 and 3 is a rectangular box/prism. If the pad instead has
a sloping front face such that the bottom of the pad is thicker than the top of the pad, then the pad’s
thickness should be taken as the thickness of the pad 1’ (30 cm) up from the ground. If a pad does have
a sloping front face, the slope should not be more than 10° off the vertical.
Exceeding Minimum Specifications
If you have more than enough pads for your skating context and you want to provide an even safer
skating environment, look to the next column on the right in the Table and try and meet those specs.
Similarly, if you typically put out more pads than the minimum specification calls for, continue to do so.
Adequate Quality Padding
In general, short track pads should be at least 4’ tall ± 1” (122 cm ± 2.5 cm) although an exception is
described a couple of paragraphs below. All pads should have venting on the top surface, covering at
least ¼ of the total top surface area. Pad length should be chosen so that pads weigh less than 30kg (66
lbs). Typically, pads should be 5-7’ (1.52-2.13 m) long. Pad covers should be waterproof, slippery and
crack resistant to at least -10°C. They should be 16-20 ounce vinyl-coated polyester of 1000+ denier.
Pads should be ruggedly connected to adjacent pads with Velcro (Hook #70 and Loop #71) at both the
fronts and backs of pads, and they may be attached to the boards (must be for competitions) as long as
the attachment mechanisms (ropes/bungee cords) do not present a clear hazard in terms of catching
arms and heads. Pads should be positioned and secured so that skaters do not tend to slide under the
pads in case of a crash into them, and the weight of the pads must rest on the ice.
Open-cell foam, the type of foam which is used in crash pads, is often rated in terms of density and
compressibility. In terms of density, the foam in the pads should generally be in the range of 1.3-1.8
lbs/ft3 so that the pads are neither too light nor too heavy. In terms of compressibility, foam is tested in
terms of weight required to compress a certain shaped piece of foam by 25%. If one has R42 foam, for
example, it means that about 42 lbs is required to compress a certain piece of this foam 25%. If one has
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H26 foam, about 26 lbs are required etc. The test in question is called ASTM D3574, Test B1 –
Indentation Force Deflection (IFD).
If one puts out one layer of pads on a rink, the IFD value of the foam in the pads should ideally be in the
range of 40-45. If one employs two layers of pads in, say, the RED zones, the front layer of pads (the
layer that the skaters will hit) should have IFD values in the range of 32-42 while the pads nearest to the
boards should have slightly higher values, in the range of 40-45. If one has three layers of pads (or
foam), the pads closest to the boards should be in the 40-48 range, while the middle pads are in the 3240 range, and the pads facing the skaters are in the 26-36 range. Alternatively, keep the soft layer at the
front, put the stiffest layer in the middle, and put another soft layer at the back. In such a case, the 3rd
layer of pads (the ones sitting directly against the boards) may be between 2’ and 4’ tall in the
compressibility range of 20-30. If one has pads with 2 or more layers of foam inside them, take the
weighted average (by thickness) of their compressibility to get a value for the pad that falls within the
suggested ranges. Of special note is the GREEN zone. If you need to put pads in the GREEN zone, these
pads should be relatively firm/stiff, not soft. Skaters typically hit these pads at acute angles and you
want skaters to bounce off these ones.
As modifiers to consider when determining the compressibility of pad foam, keep in mind that cold
makes foam feel stiffer. So if one’s pads are rated at 40 lbs compressibility but training takes place at a
usual air temperature of -10°C, then their effective compressibility would be in the high 40s.
Pads should be replaced at least every 15-20 years.
In general, it is suggested that pads should have ruggedly attached handles on each end and on the back
face of the cover, to facilitate safe and convenient handling. Thin loop Velcro strips along the top and
bottom of the fronts of the pads (97-100 cm apart) facilitate the attachment of standard advertising, as
do eyelets attached to/near the tops of the pads. It is suggested that large, heavy-duty zippers (2 zipper
pulls per track) should run up, along and down the back face of the pads to create a door through which
the foams can be inserted and removed with ease. Velcro flaps and patches at the fronts of the pads
are an easy way to connect adjacent pads, although there should be no more than 3” (8 cm) of overlap
between the loop and hook Velcro strips to facilitate taking them apart. Velcro flaps and patches at the
backs of the pads also help join adjacent pads.
The preceding details on padding assume “conventional” foam pads. There are other, creative designs
that incorporate more elaborate arrangements of foam types, and air gaps. These need to be evaluated
on a case-by-case basis for effectiveness. Contact Speed Skating Canada for more details by writing to
[email protected]
Figure 1 – Sample Crash Pad (Back) Showing Zipper Tracks,
Handles (side/back) and Velcro Flaps
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Safe Rink Conditions
Rink lighting should always be adequate enough to see dangers ahead in time to react to them i.e. clear
visibility the length of the rink. Keep the ice on the outside of the racing track frosted (ungroomed) so
that it is rough. This provides more sliding friction, reducing the impact energy when a skater hits pads.
The standard assumption for this document is that you will have five 111.12 m tracks marked on your
rink. If your rink is less than 195’ (59.4 m) long, you should only use the middle three 111.12 m tracks
and may want to consider closer spacing between tracks.
It is also recommended that rink entry points be located on the latter half of the straightaways for
maximum visibility and reaction time, if this is possible. Skaters should not be allowed to rest, or even
practice starts, in high risk areas such as the exits of corners while other skaters are moving at significant
speeds on any part of the track. Practice starts should typically be performed within the interior of the
track when the track is being used for training or warm-ups.
Concluding Notes, Legal Disclaimer, Limit of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty
Applying these specifications and guidelines requires care. It is up to club and/or competition organizers
to provide adequate crash protection while referees at competitions will verify this adequacy using
these specifications and guidelines. Please have experienced club and competition organizers help
make such provisions.
No crash protection system will prevent all impact injuries. Remember the list of ways to reduce the
chance of injuries due to falls into the boards (pages 1-2).
The contents of this document are provided to encourage consistency as well as the use of best
practices in the approach to speed skating crash protection in Canada.
Speed Skating Canada makes no representations, warranties, guarantees or endorsements of any kind,
express or implied, about the completeness, content, views, opinions, recommendations, accuracy,
reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information contained in this publication for any
purpose. Every precaution has been taken to provide accurate information and is for informational
purposes only. This information is accepted on the condition that errors or omissions shall not be made
the basis for any claim, demand or cause for action.
Any reliance you place on the publication is therefore strictly at your own risk and is your responsibility
to perform due diligence before acting upon any of the information provided.
These specifications and guidelines are forever evolving. If you feel that you have a suggestion that will
improve them, please contact the SSC National Office at [email protected]. Feedback will be
reviewed annually as this is a living document that will change from time to time, to maintain an
adequate level of safety under evolving skating conditions and as new information and understandings
come to light.
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Glossary of Terms
Bounce Back
(Rebond)
The degree to which a skater bounces off of a pad, back onto the track.
Hard Open-cell Foam
(Mousse dure à
alvéoles ouvertes)
Hard firmness open-cell foam is foam that is least easily compressed (a range of
40-50 on the Indentation Force Deflection [IFD] scale, the scale most commonly
used by North American foam manufacturers).
KEF
(FEK)
kinetic energy factor = (skater mass in kg) / (fastest lap time in seconds)2
Medium Open-cell
Foam (Mousse
moyenne à alvéoles
ouvertes)
Medium firmness open-cell foam spans an IFD range of 28-38.
Pad Venting
(Orifice du coussins
amortisseurs)
Mesh/porous material in a pad cover (usually on the top surface of the pad)
that allows air to escape from the pad during impacts.
Peak Impact Forces
(Orifice du coussins
amortisseurs)
The maximum forces a skater’s body experiences on impact.
Soft Open-cell Foam
(Mousse douce à
alvéoles ouvertes)
Soft firmness open-cell foam spans an IFD range of 16-26.
Track
(Piste)
The practice and/or racing lanes on the skatable ice.
Rink
(Patinoire)
The ice surface enclosed by the boards.
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