What are the rules for a bobsleigh?
Officials' detail · The sled and officials · 1 of 4A bobsleigh has four runners, a steering front pair and a rear pair, under a cowled frame that is open at the back. At official races only IBSF standard runners may be used; teams may only remove material from them, never add any. Sled work must stop 45 minutes before the race. No electronics are allowed on the sled or crew.
How it works
- Runners: four, front and rear pairs, 670 mm apart.
- Standard steel: only IBSF standard runners at official races; checks may test the metal.
- Changes: only by removing material; nothing may be added.
- Cowling: required; the rear must be open; no glass or material that shatters.
- Work stop: 45 minutes before the race, sleds upside down with runners showing.
- Between heats: runners may be polished only with IBSF abrasives, by the team.
- Electronics: none on the sled or crew, except approved items.
- Inspections: the jury and material controllers may check sleds and seize parts.
The glossary has the runners, the bobsleigh frame, the sled, the push bars, the brake and the parc fermé.
Tricky cases
Can a team polish its runners between heats?
Yes, only with IBSF-supplied abrasives and only by the team's own athletes.
A runner is damaged in a heat. Can the team change it?
Only with the jury's permission, and the new set must meet the rules.
What happens if a sled breaks the construction rules?
It is an automatic disqualification from that competition.
Can a crew use a speed sensor on the sled?
No. Electronic devices are banned on the sled during training and races, except those approved.
Why the rule exists
Standard runners stop the richest teams from winning through secret metals. Freezing work before the race and checking parts keeps the sleds equal and safe.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Official races | Standard runners only | IBSF 10.8.2 |
| Monobob | Standard sled and parts | IBSF 10.8.1 |
| Inspections | Can continue in a laboratory | IBSF 10.9 |
From the rule book
IBSF, International Rules Bobsleigh (September 2026), articles 10.8, 10.9, 10.10, 10.13, 10.15 and 12.1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IBSF International Rules, issued each season.