What are the rules for a skeleton sled?
Officials' detail · The sled and officials · 1 of 4A skeleton sled has a frame, a saddle, saddle plates, a cowling, two runners and bumpers. It is 800 to 1250 mm long and 80 to 200 mm high, with the runners 340 to 380 mm apart. Only IBSF standard runners may be used, changed only by removing material. Hydraulic, electric or other energy devices and aerodynamic add-ons are banned.
How it works
- Parts: frame, saddle, saddle plates, cowling, runners and bumpers.
- Size: 800 to 1250 mm long, 80 to 200 mm high, runners 340 to 380 mm apart.
- Runners: IBSF standard steel; only material removed, none added.
- Runner diameter: no less than the official gauge.
- Banned: hydraulic, pneumatic, electric or energy devices; spoilers and fairings.
- No damping: no springs or materials meant to absorb vibration, with listed exceptions.
- Same sled: for all heats unless damaged beyond repair.
- Start number: on the underside of the sled, not altered.
The glossary has the skeleton sled parts, the runners, the sled, the sled weight limit, the parc fermé and the skeleton.
Tricky cases
Can a slider fit a damper to smooth the ride?
No. Materials meant to absorb vibration are banned, apart from small listed exceptions.
A runner is damaged in a heat. Can it be changed?
Only with the jury's permission.
Can the sled have a fin?
No. Spoilers and aerodynamic elements other than the cowling are banned.
What happens if a sled fails inspection?
Automatic disqualification from that competition.
Why the rule exists
Standard runners and simple sleds keep the contest about the athlete. Banning devices stops hidden technology from deciding races.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Official races | Standard runners only | IBSF 10.8.2 |
| Olympics, World Championships | Full inspections before the race | IBSF 10.8.2 |
| Inspections | May go to a laboratory | IBSF 10.9 |
From the rule book
IBSF, International Rules Skeleton (September 2026), articles 10.6.4, 10.8 to 10.10 and 12.1 to 12.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IBSF International Rules, issued each season.