SHORT TRACK EVENT ICE PROTOCOL
PRIORITY:
- Ice Thickness
- Ice temperature
- Humidity
- Air temperature
Ice thickness:
- Measure the thickness of the ice, it should be a maximum of 30mm (1-1 ½ inches).
- The ice surface should be flat.
- Prepare a diagramed map of the sheet of ice to chart thickness.
- Have test holes at the following areas:
- Both blue lines
- Middle of the track
- Entrance block , apex block, exit block at both ends
Ice temperature:
- 20-21º F. No more than 22º F.
- The pad temperature (the area inside the pump room) should be 15-16º F.
- It is always easier to warm up the ice than it is to cool it down. Indoor ice freezes from the concrete floor & up.
- The Pad temperature should be turned down the night before the meet to 15-16º F or lower.
- Compressors should run at 100% throughout the competition to maintain consistent ice tempurature as watering and resurfacing can change conditions rapidly.
Water Temperature:
- The water put onto the ice should be aproximately 28º F.
Building Air Temperature:
- 50-60 degrees F.
- A colder building does not make better ice conditions. It only makes cold spectators & skaters.
Humidity:
- As low as possible.
- 30-40% is optimal
- Humidity attacks the ice. It also is a heat absorbent (BTU).
- There should be no frost on the ice. Frost is indicative of too much humidity.
Zamboni Driver:
- Zamboni driver will make or break the ice conditions.
- Dry Shaves are important for making the ice surface level.
- Needs to be aware of schedule of events and any changes.
- Communication with Officials and Ice Stewards is important.
Ice Stewards
Strenuous job
- Recommended 1-2 hour shifts
- Everyone needs to know their specific role
- Communication with Officials is important
2 on each side
- chaser
- placer
- water bucket
- squeegee
- change the tracks
Track Changes
- Should be done in 30-40 seconds
- Quick not frantic
Squeegee
- Water should be thin, but not so thin that it freezes instantly
- Opposite direction of skater’s path
- Aim water in towards turn
- Push slush all the way to the outside and away from the crash zone
Off Ice:
- 1 water filler at each side
Sequence between races:
- Change track
- Dry squeegee on recently used track
- Water down the new track
- Water down the old track
- Squegee the old track to mend the ice. (opposite direction of the skater’s path)