What are the start rules in bobsleigh?
B · Beginner · The race · 4 of 4Once the starter clears the track, the crew has 60 seconds to trigger the timing. They push the sled in the two start grooves and jump in. The first timing point is 50 metres down. The start block may be stepped on but its back edge may not be crossed, and no outside help is allowed.
How it works
- Signal: the starter clears the track by sound and light.
- 60 seconds: the crew must trigger the timing within this time.
- Start block: may be stepped on; its rear edge may not be crossed.
- Start grooves: set by the jury on the first training day; the sled must use both.
- Start time: taken 50 m down the track.
- Sweeping: the ice up to 50 m is swept before each sled.
- No outside help: except help for monobob athletes at the start in training.
- Shoes: brush spikes, at most 1.5 mm thick and 5 mm long, at least 250 per shoe.
The glossary has the start, the start grooves, the push start, the spikes, the track sweeping and the intermediate time.
Tricky cases
A crew takes 70 seconds to start. Penalty?
The rules require the timing to be triggered within 60 seconds of the clear signal.
Can a coach give the sled a shove at the start?
No. Third-party help at the start is banned.
Who decides the grooves?
The jury, on the first training day; only it may change them.
Why is the start time taken at 50 m?
It measures the push, which is where races are often won.
Why the rule exists
A fixed time limit and the same swept grooves give every crew the same start. Limits on spikes stop shoes from being turned into an unfair advantage.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All races | 60-second start window | IBSF 10.6.8 |
| Monobob training | Help allowed at the start | IBSF 10.6.8 |
| Big events | No push-start facility on race days | IBSF 10.6.17 |
From the rule book
IBSF, International Rules Bobsleigh (September 2026), articles 10.4, 10.6.6, 10.6.8, 10.6.17 and 10.16.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IBSF International Rules, issued each season.