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long track 
Two competitors occupy specific lanes; they take off simultaneously and skate against a clock on an oval track 400 m long.
lane
Strip that is reserved for a skater during a race; after every lap, competitors change lanes to equalize the distance covered.
assistant referee
Official who assists the referee in his or her functions.
referee
Official who is responsible for applying the rules; the referee ensures that the competition runs smoothly and makes decisions on disputes.
start judges
Officials who give the start signal and indicate false starts; a competitor who makes two consecutive false starts is disqualified.
500 m start line
marker
Each of the pylons that delimits a lane.
warm-up lane
Lane that speed skaters use to prepare for the race.
coaches
Individuals who train the skaters; they devise strategy and give instructions to the skaters throughout the race.
protective mat
Padding that covers the boards to cushion the impact when a skater falls.
assistant judges
Officials placed near the crossover area to ensure that lane changes are executed properly.
track judge
Official who ensures that competitors skate in the proper lanes, create no obstruction and perform their turns properly.
500 m finish line
electronic timing system
Device that automatically records skaters’ finish times.
finish judge
Official who ensures that the finish conforms to regulations.
timekeepers
Officials positioned at the finish line to ensure that the electronic timing system functions properly; they keep time manually if necessary.
lap counter
Official who uses a counter to indicate the number of laps left to the skaters; the lap counter also rings a bell at the start of the last lap.
