How are short track results ranked?
A · Advanced · Infringements, relays and results · 1 of 1In each race, finishers are ranked first in order, then those who did not finish, then those penalised, then non-starters. For each distance, the Final decides the top places and the Final B the next, ignoring earlier rounds. Where points are given, the scale runs 34, 21, 13, 8, 5, 3, 2 and 1.
How it works
- In a race: finishers, then DNF, then PEN, then DNS.
- Distance ranking: the Final, then the Final B, then the rest by round.
- Earlier rounds: ignored for finalists.
- Ties: by finishing order in earlier rounds, then best time.
- Yellow card: ranked at the bottom of the classification.
- Red card: not ranked.
- Points: 34, 21, 13, 8, 5, 3, 2, 1, where an overall prize is awarded.
- Overall ties: combined ranking, best distance, then time on the longest distance.
The glossary has the race classification, the final points, the rounds and finals, the photo finish, the penalty and the red card.
Tricky cases
A skater sets the fastest time but finishes second in the final. Ranked?
Second. Final placings decide, not times.
Two skaters tie in the overall points. What breaks it?
Their combined ranking over all distances, then the best single ranking.
Is a DNF ranked above a penalty?
Yes.
What if a skater qualified but is ill?
They are recorded as DNS for that round.
Why the rule exists
Ranking finals ahead of times keeps the result about racing, not the clock. The order of DNF, PEN and DNS rewards those who raced fairly.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Each race | Finish, DNF, PEN, DNS | ISU 297 (1) |
| Each distance | Final, Final B, then rounds | ISU 297 (2) |
| Overall prizes | 34-21-13 points | ISU 297 (3) |
From the rule book
ISU, Sports Rules: Short Track (as of 12 June 2026), rule 297. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the ISU Sports Rules and the season's Guidance.