How many skaters are on the start line in club and youth short track races?

Question

Accepted Answer

For Club Skaters (6-10) and Youth skaters (11-13), the maximum number of skaters at the start is:

Race	Skaters at the start
400 m or 500 m	6
800 m to 1200 m	8
1500 m	8
2000 m points race	10
All relays	5

The maximum reporting to the start includes skaters who are directly seeded and skaters who have advanced. The number at the start and on the first start line can be lowered depending on the racing format in the Youth Competitions Bulletin, or for safety reasons due to rink size at the absolute discretion of the Chief Referee.

Starting positions in the first round are randomly assigned by the Competitors' Steward using competition software (or by lot if the software cannot be used) unless seeding criteria were set in advance. The skater with the lowest number takes the inner starting position.

Source: SSC Procedures and Regulations (Red Book), updated July 16, 2026, C6-200 and C6-300.