THE COURT OF ARBITRATION FOR SPORT (CAS) HAS ISSUED THE FOLLOWING MEDIA RELEASE:
“OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES MILANO CORTINA 2026
SKELETON
THE CAS AD HOC DIVISION DECLARES THAT BRITISH BOBSLEIGH & SKELETON ASSOCIATION HELMET CANNOT BE USED FOR 2026 OWG
Milan, 7 February 2026 – The CAS Ad hoc Division has denied an application by the British Bobsleigh & Skeleton Association (BBSA) against the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF), ruling that the safety helmet for Team GB for Skeleton cannot be used at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 (OWG 2026).
Filed on 2 February 2026, the appeal challenged a decision by the IBSF on 29 January 2026 stating that the Team GB helmet does not comply with the IBSF Skeleton Rules based on its shape. The design and manufacture of the Team GB helmet was funded by the BBSA, which they argued meets rigorous safety standards.
A hearing took place on the afternoon of 5 February 2026 with in-person participation from experts in technical equipment, appointed by both Parties. BBSA maintained that the helmet is compliant because it is manufactured without any elements “attached” to it and does not have “aerodynamic modifications”. The IBSF maintained that based on its overall shape and design, the helmet incorporates prohibited spoilers (attachments), protruding edges or aerodynamic elements and does not comply with the applicable rules.
The CAS Ad hoc Division Panel emphasizes that it is not tasked with determining whether the helmet is an improvement over existing equipment. Its role was to assess whether the BBSA complies with IBSF rules as they currently stand for the 2026 OWG.
After hearing the expert opinions and considering the evidence, the Panel noted that the helmet departs from the standard shape and reflects a novel design specifically developed to enhance aerodynamic performance where the rear considerably protrudes. The Panel determined that the BBSA did not sufficiently establish that the helmet complies with the current IBSF Rules. As a consequence, the application was dismissed.
This is an unofficial summary for media use.
For further information related to CAS activity and procedures, please contact either Matthieu Reeb, CAS Director General, or Vanessa Tracey, Communications Officer. Palais de Beaulieu, av. Bergières 10, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland.
We are available to handle disputes before the CAS Ad Hoc and CAS Anti- Doping Divisions at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games and further information is available from Dr Lucien Valloni by emailing him at valloni@valloni.ch.