Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 Lane and Crossing Violations
- Failure to change lanes: Disqualification for breach of the mandatory lane-change on the crossing straight (Rule 254, paragraph 5.a).
- Interfering with a skater in their own lane: The offending skater is disqualified if they interfere with a competitor who is skating entirely within their designated lane (Rule 254, paragraph 3).
- Crossing the lane line with a full skate: May result in disqualification even absent interference with another competitor; confirmed repeated crossings during the race lead to disqualification (Rule 254, paragraph 4).
- Cutting the inner curve line: Disqualification (Rule 254, paragraph 7).
- Exceptions: A skater who briefly crosses a lane line while exiting a curve and returns immediately, or who leaves the lane due to a fall and returns directly, is not disqualified (Rule 254, paragraph 8).
7.2 Start Violations
- First false start: A warning to the responsible competitor(s); the pair or heat restarts (Rule 253, paragraph 4.3).
- Second false start in the same pair or heat: Disqualification of the offending competitor (Rule 253, paragraph 4.3).
- Touching or crossing the starting line before the shot: A breach of the required starting position (Rule 253, paragraph 3.2.a).
7.3 Mass Start Violations
- Accelerating before the first-lap sound signal: Disqualification (Rule 257, paragraph 4.1).
- Failing to abandon the race after being lapped: A skater who does not clear the race within one full lap of being overtaken by the leader(s) is disqualified (Rule 257, paragraph 4.4).
- Unsportsmanlike conduct: Serious obstruction, deliberate blocking, charging, or pushing another skater with any part of the body may lead to disqualification of the offender (Rule 257, paragraph 4.5).
7.4 Equipment Violations
- Non-compliant racing suit, skate, or safety equipment: Disqualification (Rule 224, paragraph 3).
- Improper armband, bib, or missing timekeeping device: Disqualification (Rule 279, paragraph 5).
- Wearing communication or music-playback devices while racing: Disqualification (Rule 279, paragraphs 1-2, 5).