Protective equipment and skates
ISU · 2026At ISU and Olympic events, required protection includes an approved helmet, cut-resistant gloves and neck protection, shin and knee protection, suitable long clothing and approved protective eyewear. The precise safety standards are supplemented by ISU communications. Skaters remain responsible for meeting the requirements applicable to their event.
The rule
At ISU and Olympic events, required protection includes an approved helmet, cut-resistant gloves and neck protection, shin and knee protection, suitable long clothing and approved protective eyewear. The precise safety standards are supplemented by ISU communications. Skaters remain responsible for meeting the requirements applicable to their event.
In practice
Blade ends must be rounded with a minimum radius of 10 mm. Blades attach at multiple points without moving parts, so a movable clap mechanism is not allowed. Removing equipment before the race ends brings a penalty; accidental loss beyond the skater’s control is treated differently under the rules.
Sources & approach ↗