How does the luge team relay work?
I · Intermediate · The race · 2 of 2A relay team is one nation's women's and men's singles and doubles. The first sled starts when the gate opens. At the finish each athlete hits a touch pad that opens the gate for the next, and the clock runs on until the fourth sled hits the pad. Missing the pad, or a false start, disqualifies the team.
How it works
- Team: women's singles, men's doubles, men's singles, women's doubles, in that order.
- Entries: one team per nation; no additional starters.
- Start: the gate opens on a sound and light signal; the timing starts.
- Touch pad: hit by hand at the finish, 100 cm above the ice; it opens the gate for the next sled.
- Missed pad: the team is a DNF.
- False start: touching or opening the gate early disqualifies the team, which still finishes the race.
- Start area: no coaches; only the next athlete, the start leader and the FIL official.
- Mixed events: two sleds, the man first, then the woman.
The glossary has the team relay, the false start, the singles, the doubles, the total time and the split time.
Tricky cases
An athlete misses the touch pad. What happens?
The team is ranked DNF.
A false start is called. Does the team stop?
No. The team completes the race but is disqualified.
Can two small nations form one relay team?
The relay rules allow one team per nation and make no provision for a combined team. In mixed singles and mixed doubles, two nations that cannot field their own team may combine.
Is the relay at every championship?
It must be held at the World, European and Junior World Championships.
Why the rule exists
The touch pad ties each leg to the one before, so the team's time is one unbroken run. Disqualifying a false start stops athletes jumping the gate to gain a few hundredths.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Team relay | Four sleds, one team per nation | IRO §3 6.7 |
| Mixed singles and doubles | Two sleds; up to two teams per nation | IRO §3 6.8 |
| Junior team competition | Three sleds, no touch pad | IRO §3 6.11.5 |
From the rule book
FIL, International Luge Regulations (IRO), artificial track (2026 edition), §3 points 1.1, 6.7, 6.8 and 6.11. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the FIL International Luge Regulations, issued each season.