From Milan, ITA
(February 4, 2026) – The third sliding sport appeal to CAS for the 2026 Olympic Games hit on Wednesday, with British British Bobsleigh & Skeleton (BBSA) appealing a decision by the IBSF on British skeleton helmets.
On January 29, 2026, the IBSF ruled that the British helmets did not comply to the IBSF Skeleton Rules based on its shape. The BBSA is stating that the helmets both meet rigorous safety standards and are requesting that CAS rule that “the Team GB helmet is proven to be safer and more beneficial to athletes’ health and safety than other helmets being used.”
This is not the first time that British skeleton uniforms have come into question.
In 2010, Amy Williams’ Olympic victory was protested by both American and Canadian officials, who stated that the helmets did not conform to aerodynamic standards. In 2018, concerns were brought up that speed suits worn buy the British team were also some sort of enhanced, though no appeals were filed either before or after the event.
Below is the IBSF rule regarding helmets, as well as the design rules that go with them. CAS has not stated what the IBSF.
10.16. Other Equipment
10.16.1. Helmet
Wearing of a safety helmet is mandatory for all competitions, during both training and
races. It is the duty and the responsibility of the National Federations to comply with
the safety standards.
Only helmets whose shell and padding cover the head and at least the ear area are
allowed.
Helmets with spoilers or protruding edges are not allowed.
The bottom edge of the helmet shell must maintain the shape of the helmets normally
available on the market. Chin guards and clasps are not allowed to be positioned
excessively low.
The chin guard, the visor and the hardware for attaching them are the only protruding
elements allowed. These elements cannot, however, have aerodynamic coverings.
For safety reasons, all helmets must have a smooth surface.
A safety helmet
a) has to be without any additionally attached aerodynamic elements or adhesive
tape (except that used to fix the visor or the goggle strap), and
b) one piece of adhesive tape is allowed on the chin guard with a maximum size of
50mm x 70mm.
c) One piece of foam padding may be added on the chin strap with adhesive tape,
the addition may not exceed a maximum size of 100mm along the length of the
strap with 50mm width and 6mm thickness.
d) On the inside of the chin guard padding may be applied but may not exceed a
maximum size of 50mm width with 10mm thickness, according to Figure 8 &
8a.
e) the helmet shell must not have any concave shape except for the recesses for
the visor, and
f) the padding may protrude a maximum of 3 cm below the shell.
Additional requirements for the coming 2026/2027 season are as follows:
Helmet model must meet ASTM 2040 and EN 1077 (Class A) and be certified under
both.
In addition, the helmet model must pass an additional specific test under EN 1077 test
methods, but at a higher test speed of 6.8 m/s
Below are drawings from the IBSF rulebook of what is and is not allowed, with nearly all “modifications” being some sort of aerodynamic one.
