What crash padding is required at short track practices and competitions?
Rule- Canada
- Speed Skating Canada
- Short track
- Ages 6-13
- 2026-27
- Parents
- Red Book July 2026
Crash protection levels are set by a Kinetic Energy Factor (KEF): the skater's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their fastest forecast lap time in seconds (for example 70 kg / (9.0 x 9.0) = 0.86). At practices and at SSC sanctioned competitions, the skater with the highest forecast KEF taking part decides the level for everyone.
| KEF | Crash protection level |
|---|---|
| under .30 | 1 |
| .30 to under .60 | 2 |
| .60 to under .90 | 3 |
| .90 to under 1.15 | 4 |
- Learn to skate programs are excluded from the practice requirement: crash protection is recommended but not required.
- National and International events on boarded rinks need at least Level 4. The Canadian Youth Short Track Championships (East and West) require Level 4 or Adapted Level 4.
- Level 5 (boardless) systems must be submitted to SSC for review by qualified experts.
Source: SSC Procedures and Regulations (Red Book), updated July 16, 2026, D2-100 to D2-104.
Added 25 Oct 2026