Short Track Speed Skating

There are 2 types of speed skating on ice; short track and long track. The Clarington Speed Skating Club provides opportunity for skaters to participate in “short track” speed skating. Short track speed skating on ice is the world's fastest self-propelled sport. It is fast and exciting, both to watch, and to skate.

Short-track speed skating is a grassroots sport in which the whole family can participate. It's a sport for all ages (4 to 104) and all skill levels (from the beginning novice through to Olympic and world-class athletes). It is practiced in local arenas in many communities throughout Canada and the rest of the world.

Short track speed skating takes place on standard (200 ft x 85 ft) or Olympic size (200 ft x 100 ft) ice pads, the same ice pads used for hockey and other ice sports. The track length is 111.12 metres and is in the form of an oval. The time taken to skate various standard distances (ranging from 222m up to 5000m distances that as seen in men's relays) is recorded. Athletes work toward improving their personal best times for each distance as well as compete for best times in races against other skaters.

In races, skaters compete head-to-head. Four to six skaters start on the line, with the first skater across the finish line over the required distance declared the winner.

Seven rubber blocks at each turn mark the course on the ice. Skaters may cross into the infield ice on the straight-aways but they must always skate around the blocks at the corners. They may touch the ice inside the blocks with their hands while leaning low in the turns. Passing must be done without body contact. Pushing, bumping and blocking are usually grounds for disqualification from a race.

In local short track clubs such as the Clarington Speed Skating Club, there are 2 types of short track skaters. Recreational skaters are those people who skate for the love of being on the ice, who enjoy the challenge of learning the skill and technique involved, and who are invigorated by the speed. Competitive skaters skate for all the reasons listed above and in addition love the thrill of competition. They choose to compete in short track races for regional, provincial, national and world class championship recognition.