Official Rules

SkateIDSA Rules 

Rev 07.12.23 

Purpose 

To provide an official and consistent set of competition rules (“Competition Rules”) for IDSA sanctioned events and all programs activities, ceremonies, receptions, and exhibitions associated with IDSA 

Definitions 

1. “Event Organizer” 
2. “Race Director” is the person appointed by the event to be in charge of race format and rule enforcement. 
3. “Racer”” is a registered participant competing in sanctioned events. 1. Race Information
4. a) Seeded Numbers 
5. The organizing committee may determine in advance of the event that a racer’s previous distance skateboarding achievements, including but not limited to IDSA points of the current race year, earn them a place toward the front line for the start of the race. Otherwise, racers will receive a number in the order you check-in, and line up for the start line in that order. 
6. On race day racers must wear their race number at all times. Timing systems differ, so always consult with the race director and attend the pre-race meeting, to follow proper bib placement which is critical to properly recording finishing times. Typically a racer’s number will be worn on the front, and may need to be at a certain height for the timing system. 
7. Folding, cutting or intentional alteration of a bib number of any kind is prohibited. Some timing systems implant the timing strip in the bib, so folding or altering the bib may destroy its functionality as well. 
8. Providing or selling a race number to other athletes is strictly 

prohibited. 

5. Changing or holding other racers' timing/bibs while racing will be grounds for automatic disqualification during an event. 
6. b) Race Start 
7. The race director will choose between one of three starting methods listed below. Be sure to attend the pre-race meeting to learn and follow the starting line method on the events you attend: 
8. a) Static Start- Boards will be on the ground and 1 foot must be placed on the board. (standard, easily managed crowd size, e.g., 30 to 150 athletes) b) Throwdown Start- Boards will be held, athletes walk/run until the crowd 

disperses, then put the board on the ground and start pushing. (useful for larger, heavily attended events) 

2. c) Rolling start- Athletes follow a pacer who slowly leads the pack, then gives a signal or moves out of the way for athletes to begin their racing pace. 2. With most timing chip systems, a racer’s time will not start until the starting line is passed. 
3. c) Aid Stations 
4. There should be multiple aid stations throughout the course, at minimum one half way through the course and the other at the Start / Finish areas. For the safety of all athletes, any disposable food or liquid containers must be discarded, probably in bins provided at the aid stations or other clearly marked garbage receptacles on the course. 
5. Water must be provided at each aid station along the course.
6. Sponsor-provided energy / endurance supplements may be available at aid stations along the course. 
7. Racers are expected to understand their own race-day hydration and nutritional needs, and plan accordingly. Racers should not rely on sponsor-provided supplements as their primary means of event day nutrition, since the product(s) provided may not be known until the day of the event. 
8. d) Drafting 
9. Drafting is permitted. However, most physical contact witnessed by a race official, e.g., pushing or pulling another racer, is not allowed and may be considered grounds for disqualification. The only acceptable contact is a brief tap or touch to inform an athlete if they are unintentionally pushing another athlete off the track, but generally an auditory cue (using one’s voice, or clapping hands) is preferable. 
10. e) Passing 
11. On a straight course, racers must ride on the far right side of the course except when passing another skateboarder. When passing, racers must pass on the left of the other skateboarders. 
12. On a counter-clockwise or clockwise circuit track (loop), the inside lane is considered the fast lane. In general, racers must pass on the outside lane. However, once the lead pack of racers begins to lap the slowest racers, the slower racers must remain aware of the lead pack’s approach from behind and yield the inside lane, allowing them to pass on the 

inside (fast) lane. 

3. An inside dedicated “Leading Lane” may be explicitly marked on the course by the race director prior to the race start, to ensure the leading athletes may race unencumbered. If 

so, the lane boundaries and rules will be explained by the race director prior to the event, and/or at the racer’s meeting prior to the event on race day. 4. Race Directors ultimately retain the right to implement less restrictive passing rules, allowing athletes to pass on either side. Passing may be less of an issue on courses that are shorter in time and distance (e.g., under 20 minutes) or have very few if any corners to negotiate. 

5. Stick/paddle racers must exercise caution using the stick so as not to interfere with or cause injury to other racers. Paddle racers must stop using the paddle

when another racer is attempting to pass on a tight course. 

1. f) Racing and/or Behavioral Infractions 
2. 1st offense racing / behavioral infractions will result in a warning. 2. 2nd offense racing / behavioral infractions will result in a 

disqualification. 

3. Racing / behavioral infractions may also be issued any time prior, during, or after the event. All athletes should review and 

understand the “Code of Conduct” (Section 8) list of Infractions 

toward the end of this Rules document prior to any event. 

1. g) Weather Conditions 
2. Plan and prepare accordingly. Get a sense for the climate of the event location and season ahead of time. Flatland distance racing will typically run rain or shine. Cancellation will only occur if the Event Director deems it unsafe to continue. Should it be unsafe to continue a pace car and/or announcement audible to all athletes will notify a true end point for racers. Place will be determined upon completion of the cancellation finish line, typically meaning the last full lap completed. These cases will be exceptional, so the final decision of whether a partial finish will be allowed is up to the discretion of the race director. 
3. Course Information 
4. a) The Start/Finish Line 
5. The Start and Finish lines shall be clearly identified by the Event Organizers with the guidance of the race director.. 
6. The course shall be accurately measured with redundant systems well in advance of the event day. Two or more of the following measurement systems are recommended: track wheel, multiple GPS runs, accurately tuned bicycle odometer, surveyor-based city mile markers. 
7. The event organizers must communicate intended timing system details with the IDSA one month in advance of their event on the sanctioning request page. The timing system must be tested and approved prior to race day. 
8. A camera positioned at the finish line will ensure that one winner is chosen,

should the timing system not accurately provide the winner. 

5. Any challenge of the course and rules must be submitted at the timer’s table within 15 minutes from finish time announcements. 
6. Event organizers must define and communicate with the IDSA a complete, detailed set of Divisions, Disciplines and Age categories that are classifications for race winnings, one month in advance of their event. (Event sanction request form) 
7. Events that are self timed by participants must use a personal GPS system that can provide race directors the following information: 
8. a) Map; Detailed map of course ridden, start and finishing points. b) Timing; GPS must provide active riding time and total elapsed

time. 

1. c) Distance; must prove a set distance for race course 

accomplished. 

All required information must be presented to the Race director in person or may be submitted via electronic portal for each particular event before the announced deadline 

1. b) Course Elevation 
2. Courses may have inclines and declines throughout. Each event may have unique elevation challenges of uphills and downhills to contend with. Race directors must give prior notice to racers of the speeds that can be obtained riding downhills during the race course. (i.e. 30mph downhill section) 
3. c) Course Time Limit Policy 
4. In order to comply with regulations, any roads formally sanctioned for race use will typically reopen in a graduated fashion. Participants should be properly prepared and trained to complete the full course within the time frame the race director defines on the course description. However the full course finish line will remain open for a period defined by the race director, the official finish time depending on location. Director will communicate the finish line limit at the racers meeting on event day. 
5. Racers must reach the half point mark within a time defined by the race director in order to be allowed to continue, at which point participants will be encouraged to stop their race early, before full completion. This is for the personal safety of the participants. 
6. Please note that after the official race finish time has elapsed, participant support

(i.e., aid/water stations, volunteers, course marshals, clocks, etc.) is NOT guaranteed and you will be required to adhere to local pedestrian rules (move to curbsides, break down lanes, sidewalks, etc.). 

4. Official finish times will be given to all finishers who complete the race within the official race finish time. Medals, trophies, or other prizes may be given to finishers as defined by the Race Director. 
5. The cut-off times are based on chip time, not gun time, in consideration of the additional time it takes the start corrals to clear through the start line. 
6. d) Course Signage 
7. Course markers, directional arrows, and other signage should be positioned throughout the course. Distance markers (in KM or Miles) may be positioned throughout the course, at the race director’s discretion. 
8. Level 1- 2 Sanctioning - Race directors are responsible for securing crossings of traffic or pedestrians intersections. 
9. Level 3 Sanctioning - The riders are responsible for their own crossing of traffic or pedestrian intersections. 
10. e) Checkpoints 
11. Timing system mats / strips / etc., should be placed at the start and finish lines. There should also be multiple checkpoints throughout the course to ensure no cheating. 
12. A digital clock at the finish line is recommended to display unofficial times. f) Ambulance/Fire Rescue 
13. Ambulance and/or fire rescue unit(s) should also be prepared and monitor the course to ensure safety. The number of trained personnel needed on or near the race course varies greatly, and is ultimately up to the race director’s discretion. Any athlete with concerns around this should thus consult with the race director well in advance of the event. 
14. g) Toilets 
15. Portable toilet units or immediate access to existing toilets should be placed for convenience throughout the course, preferably near each aid station.
16. h) Video Cameras/Photos 
17. Video cameras and photo cameras should be located at the finish line to ensure that any finish disputes can be resolved. 
18. The front wheels crossing the finish line will determine the winner. 3. Skateboarders are required to remain in control of their boards upon crossing the finish line. 
19. Disciplines 

a)Push 

1. Participants pushing skateboards with either foot only. Riders will not be allowed to sit on board and push with their hands. 

b)Paddle 

1. Using a paddle as propulsion only no feet are used. A rider may use their foot for stopping or for a safety reason such as a dismount form the board. Once established back on the board, the paddle will be the only means of propulsion. 

c)Push/Paddle 

1. Riders may use a combination of foot pushes and paddle pushes for propulsion, racers must carry their paddle in hand at all times.

d)Pump 

1. Pumping will always be assumed as legal in skateboard racing events and the technique can be used in any of the disciplines mentioned. You may acknowledge it in sign up as "PUSH/PUMP '' or “Paddle/PUMP”. A race director must let it be known if Pumping is not allowed in any of the disciplines for such an event.
2. e) Quad Skate/Inline Skate
3. Event organizers may also include other forms of roller sports in their events outside of skateboarding but results will be excluded from “Open Division” if the race director does not recognize and record the participant as Quad/Inline in race results as its own category.

Any deviation from the rules set in place to define a discipline will result in the riders competitive time to be annulled from official time results and will not be eligible for any prizes in the discipline they competed in.

4. Race Divisions 
5. a) Open 
6. All competitors regardless of age or gender or weight will be included in the overall (Open) results of their discipline. (Push, Paddle, Push/Paddle, Quad-Skate) 
7. b) Women’s 
8. All who identify as women and meet all points in section 7. Each discipline can also have a women's division to recognize their performance and be eligible for prizes. 
9. c) Clydesdale 
10. Competitors that weigh 90.7+ kg (200lb) or more. Racer must be at this weight or above during the event they compete in. If a racer falls below the required weight they will not be categorized as Clydesdale for that event on the SkateIDSA tour. 
11. Equipment Information 
12. a) Gear Check-In 
13. Event Organizers should provide a location near the Start line to check-in your belongings. 
14. Please make sure your belongings are well marked with your contact information. 3. The Event Organizers will not be responsible for damaged or lost/stolen items. 
15. b) Required Equipment 
16. Helmet. These should be designed and approved for action sports, and any fastening straps should be secured throughout the event while athletes are on the course. 
17. Shoes: one shoe or foot covering must be worn on each foot. 
18. Skateboard: the deck must be structurally sound and not pose a safety hazard. It may be any shape, size, or construction.
19. Exactly four wheels, must be commercially available, with maximum 150mm diameter. 
20. The trucks must be lean-to-steer activated. 
21. c) Allowed Equipment (Including, but not limited to) 
22. Optional protective equipment (knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, etc.). 2. Concave, kick-tail, camber, and other shape modifications to the flat deck. 3. Paddle or Poles used by competitors in the Paddle and Push/Paddle categories. 
23. a) The Race Director and Race Officials shall inspect and judge the safety aspects of the pole/paddle prior to race, and reserve the right to ban any equipment that may pose a safety risk to other competitors. 
24. b) The pole/paddle may have natural flex qualities from the material its made from, but may not feature any motorized or electrically powered assist for propulsion. 
25. Hydration backpacks 
26. Headsets/headphones (for music purposes only). One ear must be left free of earphones to hear surrounding racers unless you have a bone conduction style headset that doesn't go into the ear canal. 
27. d) Prohibited Equipment 
28. Propulsion devices or mechanisms. 
29. Any equipment which poses undue risk to other competitors. 
30. Brakes, clutches or other devices providing torque to the wheels. 4. Aerodynamics fairings, parachutes, sails, or other such devices. 5. Handles, seats, supports, or other equipment that provides an interface from the racer to the board other than the sole of the shoe. 
31. Equipment that is consumed, discarded, or jettisoned during the race. 7. Steering mechanisms activated by means other than lean-to-steer. 
32. e) Experimental / Non-Competitive Equipment 
33. Entrants who elect to use experimental equipment falling outside the above guidelines (e.g., fewer or more than 4 wheels, or wheels larger than 150mm) will be regarded as “non-competitive.” These entrants will forfeit eligibility for podium prize winnings. Their equipment must be inspected before the race, and must not pose a safety hazard or cause delay to competitive racers in the event. 
34. Electric, gas-powered, or motorized vehicles shall not be allowed on the course, unless they are used by race officials or referees.
35. General Information 
36. No athlete shall endanger himself or another participant. Any athlete, who intentionally presents a danger to any athlete or who, in judgment of the head referee, appears to present a danger to any athlete, may be disqualified. Assaults and/or aggressive intentional contact with other racers will be grounds for disqualification. 
37. No individual support allowed during the race. Friends, family members, coaches, or supporters of any type may NOT bike, drive, or run alongside athletes, may not pass food or other items to athletes and should be warned to stay completely clear of all athletes to avoid the disqualification of the athlete. It is incumbent upon each athlete to immediately reject any attempt to assist, follow, or escort. Race directors may allow individual support in prolonged events such as a 24 hour UltraSkate or a long stage race. Notice of “support allowed” will be advertised in advance by race directors for their event. 
38. Athletes must be individually responsible for repair and maintenance of their own equipment. Athletes should be prepared to handle any possible mechanical malfunction. Assistance from official race personnel or another racer is permitted for gear malfunctions. 
39. Littering is not permitted as it could present obstacles on the course. There will be designated trash areas at each food/water station. You may NOT leave the food/water station without taking care of your individual trash. If you finish eating or drinking from a disposable container while on the race course, you must keep any garbage with you and dispose of it properly at the next food/water station. 
40. Any verbal or written communications perceived as abuse or harassment of race directors, marshalls, race officials, volunteers, or sponsors is grounds for immediate disqualification. This includes all verbal or written communication in the months leading up to an event. 
41. All formal rules challenges, suggested additions or adjustments must be submitted only using the email address “rules@theidsa.org.” Limit one issue per email, summarized clearly in the subject line with the keyword “Challenge” and described in the body text. Only rules challenges sent to the email address “rules@theidsa.org” will be reviewed by SkateIDSA board members and the race director. Any other emails, phone, or verbal communications shall be considered non-binding, informal, and shall not result in any changes to the Rules as described in this document. 
42. Any proposal for amending the rules must be communicated to the “rules@theidsa.org” address as outlined above at least 22 days prior to the event in question, allowing at least 24 hours for any last minute submissions before the 21-day deadline. 
43. All issues shall be resolved and final edits made to this Rules document 21

days before event day. Any contesting of rules by racers after the 21 day deadline shall not be considered for the upcoming event.. 

9. The director and sanctioning body may publish in full the list of challenges and the outcomes on a public forum at their discretion. 
10. All communications with the race director or about the event, private or public, must follow common-sense guidelines, maintaining good sportsmanship and a professional, ambassadorial tone at all times. Any deviation is grounds for immediate disqualification by the race director and/or IDSA board member. 
11. Transgender Policy 

SkateIDSA’s goals are to encourage and facilitate the participation of transgender athletes by ensuring fair and inclusive practices that respect their rights and dignity while preserving the integrity of competition for awards and records based on sex. 

1. a) Rules 
2. A male-to-female transgender race entrant can register to compete as a female provided they have been undergoing continuous, medically supervised hormone treatment for gender transition for more than 365 days until the event. 
3. A female-to-male transgender race entrant can register to compete as a male with no restrictions. The only exception is female-to-male transgender race entrants can no longer register to compete as a female if they have begun hormone treatment related to their gender transition that includes testosterone or any other banned substance. 
4. b) Enforcement 
5. A skater’s self-declared gender at registration will be accepted at face value. The sole reason for this policy is to ensure fairness regarding competition for awards and records. Therefore, there shall be no basis for, or tolerance of, any challenge to a skater’s self declared gender unless a top 3 podium finish or age group award is earned by said athlete. 
6. SkateIDSA shall have the sole authority to review any challenge regarding the gender status of a podium finisher or age group winner. Any such challenge must be made directly in person or writing to rules@theidsa.org with the utmost discretion and respect for the privacy of all parties involved. SkateIDSA in its sole discretion will determine whether there is a legitimate basis for the challenge.
7. c) Review 
8. In the event of a challenge, SkateIDSA may ask the competitor for documentation from a medical doctor or healthcare provider or other qualified professional certifying that the entrant has undergone continuous, medically supervised hormone treatment for gender transition for at least one year prior to the race. 
9. Transgender entrants, at their option, may provide the medical documentation related to their gender transition to the Race Director prior to the race alongside the SkateIDSA Medical Clearance Form. 
10. All information about the competitor’s gender identity and medical information, including any information provided pursuant to this policy, shall be kept strictly confidential. 
11. The final decision regarding the entrant’s gender status for registration purposes shall be within the sole discretion of SkateIDSA. If it is determined that the competitor is not in compliance with SkateIDSA’s rules for transgender entrants, the competitor will be allowed to keep any participation trophies they earned during the race but any top 3 podium or age group awards shall be returned to the race directors. In addition, SkateIDSA points will not be awarded for gender achievements. 
12. SkateIDSA will attempt to protect the skater’s privacy interests to the maximum extent possible. 
13. IDSA Personal Code of Conduct 

As a Racer, I pledge to: 

1. Act in a sportsmanlike manner consistent with the spirit of fair 

play and responsible conduct; 

2. Maintain a level of fitness and competitive readiness, which will permit my performance to be at a maximum level of my abilities; 
3. Strictly adhere to the official rules; 
4. Avoid cheating, where cheating is defined as any form of deal aimed at winning by means other than sporting. This includes bribery, sabotage of other competitors or their equipment, alteration of timekeeping or scoring devices, and the use of equipment, which does not follow the guidelines laid down by the organizing committee. 
5. Remain on the designated race route at all times. 
6. Never deliberately change course in order to get some sort of advantage. 

7. Avoid criminal behavior and acts including the mischievous damaging and vandalizing of personal, private and public facilities or property on and away from the venue.
8. Not use any medication or substance that is known to enhance 

performance or provide a competitive edge (e.g., EPO). Urinalysis to test for performance enhancing drugs may be employed at the discretion of the race organizers. Racers may be chosen either systematically or randomly for testing if employed. 

9. Not use any intravenous form of hydration or nutrition during an event. Use of I.V. may only be for health emergency situations, and will result in disqualification for the event. 

10.Refrain from exhibiting drunkenness and from using recreational drugs. 11. Upon receiving any award, dress appropriately showcasing any sponsor gear or apparel. 

12.Understand that if I do not show to the podium awards ceremony after the race, or do not designate another person to be a stand-in recipient, I will not receive my award and the next place will receive the award 

disqualifying my performance. 

13.Refrain from conduct detracting from my ability to attain peak 

performance. 

14.Refrain from the excessive use or possession of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products while representing the event; 

15.Refrain from being under the influence of mind-altering 

substances/drugs while representing the event; 

16.Refrain from purchasing or providing alcoholic beverages to persons under the legal drinking age of the country in which the event is held, while at any racing events, including all hours between scheduled event activities; 

17.Refrain from loaning my identification credentials to underage 

skaters; 

18.Respect the property of others, whether personal or public; 

19.Respect all competitors, spectators and officials, and engage in no form of verbal, physical or sexual harassment or abuse; 

20.Refrain from engaging in offensive spoken or written communications (on social media or similar) directed toward the IDSA, the race director, or any other association that sanctions an event; 

21.Act in a way that will bring respect and honor to my Sponsors, the race organizers, the hosting venue, the sport and myself and remember that I am an ambassador for my sport and my country. 

In consideration of the above, the following list illustrates conduct which is inconsistent with the Race Organizer’s values, and the responsibilities associated with being affiliated with the Event. This list does not establish a complete set of rules prescribing every aspect of inappropriate behavior, and is intended to illustrate a sampling of unacceptable behaviors, their relative level of severity, examples of possible penalties/repercussions of such behavior, and the specific individuals or organization with authority to impose said penalties.

LEVEL 1 INFRACTIONS 

1. Verbally abusive, disrespectful, offensive, racist or sexist behavior. 2. Unsportsmanlike conduct. 
2. Public disturbance or nuisance. 
3. Failure to follow an appropriate dress code. 
4. Penalties/Repercussions: 
5. Verbal or written reprimand. 
6. Performance of specified task(s), such as formal written and/or oral apology or restitution. 
7. Confinement to a controlled area. 
8. Denial of the privilege to participate in future IDSA Skateboard Races for a time determined by the race organizer and IDSA. 

LEVEL 2 INFRACTIONS 

1. Second offense of Level 1 Infraction 
2. Fighting. 
3. Sexual harassment. 
4. Pranks, jokes, or other activities, which endanger the safety of others. 5. Disrespect toward Event Staff, Volunteers, or Officials. 
5. Penalties/Repercussions: 
6. Disqualification from the event. 
7. Suspension from IDSA competitions for one year. 

ZERO TOLERANCE INFRACTIONS 

1. Second offense of Level 2 Infraction. 
2. Not staying within the designated course (going outside the marked cone and barricade areas) 
3. Purchasing, possessing or drinking alcoholic beverages, if under the legal drinking age where the event is held. 
4. Drunkenness or under the influence of mind-altering drugs/substances on race day. 
5. Possession of or taking or using illegal, banned drugs or controlled substances (includes performance enhancing substances). 
6. Purchasing or providing alcoholic beverages to persons under the legal drinking age where the event is held. 
7. Vandalizing public or private property. 
8. Theft of property.
9. Breaking the law. 
10. Any of the items described under Level 2 Infractions. 
11. Penalties/Repercussions: 
12. Revoking of awards and prizes provided by the event organizer. Suspension from all IDSA events for three (3) years. 
13. Any other penalty that may be deemed appropriate for the particular violation. 
14. SkateIDSA Point System Bylaws 
15. The IDSA Point System is used to keep track of member’s performance at SkateIDSA sanctioned events that take place in a calendar year. The Point System will keep IDSA members ranking for the race season. 
16. SkateIDSA Level 1,2,3 sanctioned events are eligible for race tour points. 3. Events must have a total of 10 racers in the overall “Open” to be eligible for race tour points. 
17. a) Skate IDSA Point System 
18. Individual racers results will be based on participants ‘finishing placement. No individual points can be given to a team performance unless the race is set up in team format only with no individual performances. 

• 1st-150 points, 
• 2nd-125 points, 
• 3rd-100 points, 
• 4th-90 points 
• 5th-89 points, 6th-88, 7th-87, 8th-86, etc… 

1. b) Bonus points 
2. Skate IDSA Sanctioned events will also be issued bonus points for sanctioning level, competition and degree of difficulty the course presents. Bonus points for distance, total accent gained and participants will be added up and then multiplied to each Racers finishing placement points. 

Sanction Level 

Level 1 Sanctioned event 0.1 

Level 2 Sanctioned event 0.05

Level 3 Sanctioned event 0.0 

Distance 

0 - 5K (3.1mi) 0 points 

6K - 10K (3.7-6.2mi) 0.01 

11K - 15K (6.8-9.3mi) 0.02 

16K - 25K (9.9-15.5mi) 0.04 

26K - 50K (16.1-31mi) 0.06 

51K - 100K (31.6-62.1mi) 0.08 

101K+ (62.7mi+)/UltraSkate 0.1 

Total Accent Gained 

0-152m (0 - 499ft) 0 points 

152-304m (500' - 999ft) 0.02 

305-456m (1000' - 1499ft)' 0.04 

457- 609m (1500' - 1999ft)' 0.06 

610-761m (2000-2499ft) 0.08 

762m + (2500ft +) 0.1 

Participant 

10-24 racers 0 points 

25-49 racers 0.025 

50-74 racers 0.050 

75-99 racers 0.075 

100+ racers 0.1 

theIDSA.org reserves the right to make changes to these rules up to the time of the race. 

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