“It is not so much that we are too bold to endure rules; it is rather that we are too timid to endure responsibilities.”
― G.K. Chesterton, What's Wrong with the World
It is the International Downhill Federation's responsibility to create rules that encourage safety and fairness, all while protecting the growth of Downhill Skateboard and Street Luge racing. As IDF racers, it is your responsibility to know and abide by the rules in order to keep your friends safe and protect the integrity of top-level racing in your sport.
For the 2020 season, the IDF board is releasing a NEW version of the rulebook that will clarify all rules, language, and footnotes throughout the entire Rulebook in order to rid the Race Course of inconsistent interpretations. While the Rulebook is receiving its full make-over in our legal department, here are some of the rulebook changes that you can look forward to this 2020 IDF Race Season:
1. Protective Suits.
Everyone keeps asking! Yes, Kevlar suits are allowed… but they MUST have double kevlar stitching. The board has found Kevlar to be a great vegan alternative to Leather protective suits.
Leather suits must also have double stitching, although it does not need to be Kevlar. Latex suits are still outlawed as they are not considered protective suits.
Spine protectors and knee pads are HIGHLY recommended. The board will be tracking on-site crashes throughout 2020 and may require these items in 2021 if deemed necessary.
2. Prototype Wheels
At this time, the IDF board has discarded the prototype wheel rule (circa 2019) in order to foster innovation in Downhill Skateboard and Street Luge racing.
3. Push Lanes
Push lanes will now be required at ALL IDF events. The IDF reps on-site will create the push lanes between 3-10 meters long and 80-120 cm wide, depending on the track in question.
If you leave your push lane, then you receive a false start.
4. Crash Restart
In the event that you crash during your heat, you should restart in riding position, reasonably close to where your gear landed. Your start must be self-propelled, without assistance from another person. Breaking this rule will result in a DQ.
If a spectator assists in finding your gear, then you will NOT be penalized. We understand that spectators’ may not be familiar with the IDF rulebook, and we will not penalize our members for a spectator’s actions.
5. NO more Follow Car runs!
Or, any motor vehicles on course at the same time as riders; including emergency vehicles. ALL riders must be cleared from the course before ANY motor vehicle may enter the course.
Cars are NOT allowed to park on the side of the course, either. There must be hay bails (or another form of protection) between any motor vehicle and the course anytime that riders are on the course.
We hope that these rules, and the rules to come, will help grow the safety, fairness, innovation, and integrity of Downhill Skateboard and Street Luge racing.
Thank you for reading our post about rule updates! COMING SOON we are excited for you to make it to the end of the New 2020 Rulebook!
