Can teammates help each other in roller speed skating?
A · Advanced · Faults and discipline · 3 of 4Skaters may not give or take any help, and a fallen skater must stand up without help or be disqualified. A skater who commits a deliberate fault to let a teammate gain places is disqualified, and the teammate is reduced in rank if they gained. Two teammates working together physically to block or tow are both disqualified. Coaches may give advice.
How it works
- No help: none given or taken between skaters.
- After a fall: stand up alone, or be disqualified.
- Coaches: may give advice and information.
- Over 20 km: water, food and equipment repairs allowed.
- Team Fault 1: one skater fouls so a teammate gains; the fouler is disqualified.
- The teammate: reduced in rank if they gained.
- Team Fault 2: two skaters together block others or pull each other; both disqualified.
- Exclusion: the Technical Commission may exclude them from the whole competition.
The glossary has the team fault, the assistance, the sports fault (DQ-SF), the disciplinary fault (DQ-DF), the reduction in rank (RR) and the Technical Commission.
Tricky cases
A coach shouts tactics from the side. Allowed?
Yes. Skaters may receive advice from coaches.
Can a skater take a drink in a 10,000 m race?
No. Water and food are allowed only in races over 20 km.
A teammate gains nothing from the other's foul. Is the teammate penalised?
No. Only a skater who gains is reduced in rank.
Two teammates link arms to tow one another. Fault?
Yes. It is Team Fault 2, and both are disqualified.
Why the rule exists
Each skater must win on their own legs. Team-fault rules stop nations using one skater to sacrifice for another.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 20 km | No outside help | Art 166.1 |
| Over 20 km | Water, food and repairs | Art 166.4 |
| Team fault | Possible exclusion | Art 167 |
From the rule book
World Skate, Speed Rulebook 2026, Articles 166, 167 and 171.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Skate Speed Rulebook 2026.