Relay teams and exchanges
ISU · 2026A relay race uses four active skaters per team. An exchange takes effect through touch between the outgoing and incoming skater; until then, the current skater remains responsible for the team. A push is familiar technique, but the essential legal requirement is the touch, not a particular push style.
The rule
A relay race uses four active skaters per team. An exchange takes effect through touch between the outgoing and incoming skater; until then, the current skater remains responsible for the team. A push is familiar technique, but the essential legal requirement is the touch, not a particular push style.
In practice
Ordinarily, the final two laps must be completed by the same skater, with the last exchange completed on the straight before the first corner block. A fall permits an exception. Inactive teammates stay inside the marked area, and exchanges must proceed straight ahead without lateral blocking or interference with other teams.
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