How to Use Colored Arm Bands in Speed Skating

The rapid nature of speed skating requires an attentive eye and a knowledge of the sport's rules. Speed skaters need to use colored arm bands during each race to help judges keep an eye on each competitor. You need to know how to use colored armed bands properly in order to stay in competition at the international level. Read on to learn more.

Things You'll Need

  • Arm bands for all contingencies
  • Skates
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Instructions

  1. Use Colored Arm Bands During Speed Skating Events

    • 1

      Place your colored arm band on your upper right shoulder before you set foot on the ice. This placement allows judges, spectators and teammates to keep track of skaters as they round the track. Keep the printed side out so judges can review arm bands before the race.

    • 2

      Find red and white arm bands for your teammates if you are running in a traditional speed skating event. Your team needs to use red arm bands when members are running in the outside lane. White arm bands are required in international events for skaters who start at the inside lane.

    • 3

      Keep blue, green and yellow arm bands accessible for quartet races on the international level. There are some races that require two teams to compete at the same time by starting at opposite sides of the track. The first team wears the traditional arm bands while the second team uses blue or green and yellow as a means of separating both teams.

    • 4

      Print appropriate information on the outside of arm bands to help judges keep track of every competitor. You should place your team name, abbreviation and your name on the band to help judges check off their list of qualified skaters before each heat.

    • 5

      Speak with officials before every race if there is a problem with arm band usage for your team. Your team may have luggage delayed at the airport during international events. Most officials will disqualify teams for failing to use arm bands unless there is an exceptional circumstance.

    • 6

      Observe speed skating races on television and in person to see the impact of arm bands for viewers. The speed of lane changes and the short duration of the event makes an arm band necessary to determine if both racers have covered an equal amount of distance.