How are disqualifications and protests handled in luge?
A · Advanced · The sled and officials · 2 of 2The race director disqualifies, after reviewing the facts with a jury member or the TD, and must tell the team within 10 minutes of the run. A protest is announced within 5 minutes, then made in writing within 10, with a 50 euro fee. The three-member jury meets within an hour, and its decision is final.
How it works
- Who disqualifies: the race director, with a jury member or TD present.
- Deadline: the breach is declared within 10 minutes of the end of the run.
- Start under protest: the athlete may take their run under protest.
- Protest: verbal notice within 5 minutes, written and signed within 10.
- Fee: 50 euros, returned if the protest succeeds.
- Jury: a chair and two members, of different genders; from different nations at World Championships.
- Video: the jury decides whether it may be used, and it only aids the decision.
- Final: the jury's decision is final; appeals follow FIL law.
The glossary has the protest, the DSQ, the DQB, the DNS, the ranking list and the official training.
Tricky cases
Can an athlete protest about a camera flash?
No. A camera flash is not a reason for protest.
A breach is found after the race ends. Who decides?
The FIL Executive Board.
What is the difference between DSQ and DQB?
DSQ is for a rule breach; DQB is for unsportsmanlike behaviour.
Can an athlete race while a dispute is open?
Yes. They may take their run under protest.
Why the rule exists
Short deadlines settle results while the evidence is fresh. A fee and a written form keep protests serious, and a jury from several nations guards against bias.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| During the race | Race director disqualifies | IRO §11 1 |
| After the race | FIL Executive Board decides | IRO §11 2.3.11 |
| World Cup training without the jury | Race director, TD and sports director handle protests | IRO §11 2.3.13 |
From the rule book
FIL, International Luge Regulations (IRO), artificial track (2026 edition), §4 point 2, §10 point 5.3 and §11. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the FIL International Luge Regulations, issued each season.