What crash padding is required for long track?
Rule- Canada
- Speed Skating Canada
- Long track
- All ages
- 2026-27
- Skaters
- Red Book July 2026
Crash protection is based on the 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 / (35 x 35) = 0.057).
SSC Championships, National and International events: all long track events with distances shorter than 3000 m need Level 5 crash protection. The Canadian Youth Long Track Championships, and any events restricted to distances of 3000 m and longer, need Level 4.
Other SSC sanctioned competitions: the skater with the highest forecast KEF taking part decides the level.
| KEF | Crash protection level |
|---|---|
| under .020 | none required |
| .020 to under .035 | 1 |
| .035 to under .055 | 2 |
| .055 to under .080 | 3 |
| .080 to under .115 | 4 |
| .115 and over | 5 |
For training, SSC recommends the same crash protection measures as for competition.
Source: SSC Procedures and Regulations (Red Book), updated July 16, 2026, D2-200 to D2-202.
Added 25 Oct 2026