World Skate, the global governing body for skateboarding, has unveiled updated competition rules that will govern all sanctioned events — including Olympic qualifiers — for the street and park disciplines starting in 2025. Among the key changes is the introduction of a rule that allows skateboarders to restart a run if they fall during their first trick.
Known as the First Wall Rebate, this new optional rule gives athletes a 30-second window to restart their run if they bail during their opening move. It is designed to reduce the pressure of starting strong and may be implemented at the discretion of event organizers.
Another competition format update is the Golden Run, which may also be applied in select rounds. Under this format, all skaters complete a set number of initial runs. The top five are then re-seeded based on their rankings and go on to perform one final run, competing in reverse order of their standings.
Age eligibility will also see a significant shift. Beginning in 2025, the minimum age to compete will be 11. In 2026, it will rise to 12, and by 2028, skaters must be at least 14 years old. For junior and youth competitions at the continental level, the minimum age will be set at 12 starting in 2026. Age will be determined by birth year rather than exact birthdate.
World Skate also emphasized its commitment to maintaining professionalism and sportsmanship. Officials will monitor not only skaters’ eligibility but also their behavior. Any acts of aggression, unsportsmanlike conduct, or disrespect towards officials may result in disqualification and the withdrawal of event credentials for both the athlete and their national team.
To maintain fairness in scoring, a new clarification has been issued regarding trick refusals. If a skater chooses not to have a trick attempt judged, they must clearly cross both arms above their head immediately after landing — and no more than five seconds after — to signal a “trick not scored.” Once a trick has been scored, the athlete can no longer request to void it.
The new rules aim to enhance fairness, safety, and the overall quality of competition as the sport continues to grow globally and prepares for its appearance in future Olympic Games.