How is the skeleton start order decided?
B · Beginner · The race · 2 of 4Start numbers come from the IBSF ranking list. At the Olympics and World Championships the top 10 choose their numbers. At World Cups the top 10 are drawn for numbers 1 to 10, and those ranked 11 to 20 for 11 to 20. In two-heat World Cup races the top 20 start the second heat in reverse.
How it works
- First heat: from 1 to the end.
- Second heat, two-heat races: World Cup from 20 back to 1; others from 25 back to 1.
- Four-heat races: heat two from 25 back to 1; heat three from 1 to the end by standings; heat four from 25 back to 1.
- Olympics and World Championships: top 10 choose numbers 1 to 10.
- World Cup: top 10 drawn for 1 to 10; 11 to 20 drawn for 11 to 20.
- Non-ranked: drawn at the end.
- Equal times in a heat: the higher bib starts first next time.
- Final heat: no start or disqualified means no final ranking.
The glossary has the start ranking, the ranking list, the run, the total time, the DNS and the DSQ.
Tricky cases
The leader after the first heat of a World Cup. When do they start the second?
20th, the last of the reversed top 20.
How many athletes are needed for ranking points?
At least six from two nations.
Must athletes attend the public draw?
Yes, if the jury asks; missing it brings a sanction.
A race is cancelled. Can it be rerun?
The IBSF may schedule a replacement race on the same or another track.
Why the rule exists
Track ice changes during a heat, so the order matters. Reversing the leaders spreads the luck of conditions and saves the drama for the end.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Cup second heat | Top 20 reversed | IBSF 10.6.2 |
| Other two-heat races | Top 25 reversed | IBSF 10.6.2 |
| Olympics | Top 10 choose | IBSF 10.6.3 |
From the rule book
IBSF, International Rules Skeleton (September 2026), articles 10.6.1 to 10.6.3, 10.6.13 and 10.6.16. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IBSF International Rules, issued each season.