Standards Supporting the Winter Olympics 2026

On February 22, the 25th Winter Olympic Games, hosted by Italy this year, concluded with a grand spectacle. While it is undoubtedly the sportspeople in the spotlight, a myriad of standards is working in the background to ensure people are protected and the competitions run smoothly.

Ice hockey is a dynamic and demanding sport where adequate player protection is crucial. With hard pucks flying and players moving at high speeds, the EN ISO 10256:2024 (1–4) series of standards offers optimal protection by setting requirements for the head, face, eye, neck, and body protectors used by hockey players. Meanwhile, CEN/TS 15256:2005 addresses protective clothing for ice hockey players (excluding goalkeepers), including requirements for cut resistance, protection zones, and impact performance. 

Head protection is also vital for all sports involving fast descents down slopes or tracks. At these speeds, even a minor impact can have serious consequences. EN 13484:2012 applies to helmets for luge competitors and includes requirements for field of vision, shock absorption properties, and retention system characteristics, while EN 13781:2012 covers protective helmets for drivers and passengers in bobsleighs.

Moving from the track to the slopes, skiers and snowboarders must contend with both gravity and their equipment while reaching incredible speeds and performing impressive aerial tricks. To achieve these goals, EN ISO 20320:2020 establishes requirements for ergonomics, comfort, restraint, strength, abrasion, and impact performance for snowboarding wrist protectors. EN ISO 18527-1:2022 ensures that skiers and snowboarders are protected from snow and wind by appropriate goggles, while EN 1077:2007 sets the requirements for helmets that provide effective protection for alpine skiers and snowboarders.

The Winter Olympics also depend on meticulous behind-the-scenes organization, where standards again play an important role. EN 12193:2018, for example, covers lighting for indoor and outdoor sporting events. The EN 13200 series describes requirements for the design and management of spectator facilities at entertainment venues, guaranteeing comfortable, functional, and safe seating, as well as the management of safety procedures. Finally, the application of EN 342:2017 protects against the cold, ensuring that winter clothing helps keep everyone warm and safe in low temperatures.

Source: https://www.cencenelec.eu/news-events/news/2026/brief-news/2026-02-17/