Jamie Squire/Allsport |
TERMS
Articulation: Term meaning the front of the bobsled can rotate independently from the rear.
Ballast: Weight sliders add to the sled to get closer to the maximum allowable level. Ballast must be securely fastened to the sled and cannot be attached to the driver's body.
Bobsled: Sleds made of a kevlar/carbon composite weave, designed in the United States by Boeing engineers. The bobsled is steered by using two handles connected to the steering system through bungee cord and cable network.
Brakeman: Person responsible for applying the brake at the end of the run, which forces a grooved piece of metal into the ice to stop the sled.
Driver: Person responsible for guiding the sled down the track. The driver pulls on two rings attached to the front runners when maneuvering around turns.
Helmet: Fully protected safety gear competitors must wear on their head during training and races. Helmets must comply with safety rules and cannot have any aerodynamic elements added to them.
Jury: Competition officials whose duties include authorizing any change of the ice temperature with artificial cooling, authorizing a team's change of bobsled, runners or competitors, and approving a reduction in training heats. The Jury also checks the weight and temperature of sleds.
Push Athlete: Team member who helps push the sled at the start of the race.
Runners: The four ice skates on which the bobsled rides.
Shoes: Special footwear with spikes that competitors may wear, provided that the spikes are arranged like a brush. The top of spikes may not be thicker than 1 mm and longer than 4 mm.
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