What knee, shin, eye and hand protection is required in short track?

• Knees: full frontal knee coverage that completely covers the kneecap (patella), made of puncture-resistant material (such as Kevlar or Dyneema) and impact-absorbing material (such as high-density foam). It can be worn over the skin suit or built into the suit.
• Shins: when wearing long blades, hard plastic or built-in cut- and puncture-resistant material with some impact absorption. Frontal coverage must run from within 2.5 cm of the top of the boot to within 2.5 cm of the bottom of the knee protection. It can be worn over or under the suit, or built in.
• Eyes: shatter-resistant glasses held in place by a strap. Dark or mirrored lenses are prohibited; a lightly tinted lens is allowed if the pupil is still visible.
• Hands: gloves or mitts for Learn to Skate programs. For any long blade activity, full leather gloves, or synthetic gloves with equal or better cut and puncture resistance than leather.

For Learn to Skate activities (Levels 1 to 4 of First Strides) held during an Ability or Age Class event, only head, hand and knee protection are required, and neck protection is strongly recommended.

Source: SSC Procedures and Regulations (Red Book), updated July 16, 2026, D3-100.