Overtaking and interference
ISU · 2026Overtaking is allowed throughout the race. Until competitors are alongside one another, the overtaking skater bears responsibility for obstruction or collision, provided the skater being passed does not act improperly. There is no general right to force an opponent out of a chosen line merely by attempting a pass.
The rule
Overtaking is allowed throughout the race. Until competitors are alongside one another, the overtaking skater bears responsibility for obstruction or collision, provided the skater being passed does not act improperly. There is no general right to force an opponent out of a chosen line merely by attempting a pass.
In practice
Off-track skating, impeding, assistance, kicking out and embellishment are categories of infringement, with detailed guidance supplied separately by the ISU. A sanction requires clear and obvious facts. Minor contact arising from simultaneous actions, with no effect on the race result, can be treated as shared responsibility without a penalty.
Sources & approach ↗