What are the sledge rules in para ice hockey?
Officials' detail · The game · 1 of 2Checked 15 October 2026
A sledge is a frame at least 80 cm long on at most two blades of 16 to 32 cm, 8.5 to 9.5 cm off the ice. The seat, or bucket, is at most 20 cm up. A front skid and a foot guard of at least 16 cm are compulsory. Sledges are approved before a competition.
How it works
- Frame: at least 80 cm by 15 cm.
- Height: 8.5 to 9.5 cm off the ice.
- Blades: at most two, 16 to 32 cm.
- Bucket: 20 cm at most.
- Padding: 5 cm at most.
- Front skid: one, centred.
- Foot guard: 16 cm, or 7.5 cm for double amputees.
- Approval: before each competition.
The glossary has the sledge, the frame, the bucket, the blades, the front skid and the foot guard.
Tricky cases
Can blades be plastic?
No, except a goalkeeper's.
Can a player change the sledge mid-tournament?
No, not after approval.
Must players wear skate boots?
Yes, unless WPIH approves an exception.
Can straps hold the legs?
Yes, inside the frame.
Why the rule exists
Set heights keep sledges at the same level for safe contact. Approval stops later changes.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Double amputee | Lower foot guard | R 303 |
| Goalkeeper | Plastic blades allowed | R 305 |
| Single amputee | Leg support | R 301 |
From the rule book
World Para Ice Hockey, Rules 2018-2022 (V2, effective 1 October 2018), rules 3 and 300 to 306. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: WPIH Rules, Regulations and Classification Rules.