Starting commands and position
ISU · 2026After the whistle, skaters must approach within the permitted time. The command to go to the start brings them to their assigned positions, standing upright and still. At the ready command they promptly take the final starting position and hold it until the signal, rather than guessing when the gun will sound.
The rule
After the whistle, skaters must approach within the permitted time. The command to go to the start brings them to their assigned positions, standing upright and still. At the ready command they promptly take the final starting position and hold it until the signal, rather than guessing when the gun will sound.
In practice
Skates must not be on or beyond the line in the final position, hands must not touch the ice, and both blades must remain fully in contact with it. A clear early movement or sliding across the line is a false start. The starter identifies responsibility and applies the procedure announced for the competition.
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