To assure skater safety, comply with US and International rules, and to prepare skaters for higher levels of competition, PSSC has adopted rules regarding safety equipment that are based on US Speedskating “Rules for Competition” and ISU Communication 2636 Protection Equipment in Speed Skating and Short Track Speed Skating. At all PSSC hosted competitions and practices, the following safety equipment requirements apply.
1. Cut-Resistant Protection. All skaters are required to wear full-body cut-resistant protection in the form of a Level 2 or better suit, either integrated into the skinsuit or as separate underwear.
Exception: Children 10 and under may instead wear two layers of clothing/skinsuits in lieu of level 2 cut-resistant fabric.
2. Helmets. Safety type headgear that is in compliance with the current ASTM standard F1849 for Helmets Used in Short Track Speed Ice Skating must be worn. The helmet must have a regular shape and may not have protrusions. Chinstaps must be tightened so that no more than two fingers can fit between the strap and the underside of the chin.
Exception: Children 10 and under may instead wear helmets that are in compliance with the current ASTM standard F1447-18 for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating.
3. Gloves. It is required that skaters wear Level 3 cut-resistant gloves or mitts for protection. Gloves must be predominantly white in color.
Exception: Children 10 and under may instead wear gloves that are not made from level 3 cut-resistant fabric and may be any color.
4. Eye Protection. All skaters are required to wear appropriate safety eye protection. Eye protection should be shatter-resistant glasses or a complete visor. A safety strap to hold the eyeglasses is recommended. Note that at competitions in Canada, lenses must be clear or yellow and safety straps are often required.
Exception: There are no exceptions to this rule.
5. Shin and Knee Protection. All skaters are required to wear shin protection and padded or padded hard shell knee protection.
Exception: There are no exceptions to this rule.
6. Neck and Ankle Protection. All skaters are required to have neck and ankle protection of a cut-resistant nature. Separate neck and ankle protection is recommended, but if neck or ankle protection is instead integrated into the cut-resistant skinsuit/underwear, its acceptance is subject to the discretion of the resident referee, official, or coach. Note that at competitions in Canada, separate neck guards and ankle protection cuffs are often required in addition to a cut-resistant skinsuit/underwear. Note that in all venues and for all skater ages, skin cannot be showing other than the face.
Exception: There are no exceptions to this rule.
7. Blade Tips. The front and back tips of each skate blade must be rounded to a radius of no less than 1 cm, approximately the size of a US nickel.
Exception: There are no exceptions to this rule.
Violations of any of these rules will disqualify the skater from participating in Competitions and Practices.
Puget Sound Speedskating Club 