Crossover
The motion used by skaters to negotiate curves where the outer foot crosses over the inner foot to help maintain balance and speed.

Heat
A preliminary qualification round with multiple skaters. Typically, the top two finishers advance to the next round. The third place finisher advances occasionally as well depending on the number of entries in the distance.

Marker
A small rubber pylon used to indicate the boundaries of the ice track. There are seven track markers, or blocks, at each curve.

Relay
Short track speed skating competitions are individual and relay races. The relay races usually involve four teams of four skaters each. Each team member must take at least one lap of the track; however, the distance to be covered by a skater isn't fixed. When an exchange takes place, the skater on the track touches the next skater — the next skater usually crouches on the ice and is given a push start by the skater who's being replaced. The number of laps to be completed by an individual relay skater is optional.

Relaying
The next teammate to take their turn on the track is already skating in the inner zone before being touched to exchange team mates.

Shifting the Track
The track markers on the curves are moved after each race and a thin layer of water is spread to smooth out grooves in the ice.

Short Track
Speed skating races in which four to six skaters compete at the same time on a compact, 111.12-metre track. Racers do not race against the clock, but against each other. In the final, the first person across the finish line wins upon review by the referee of any infractions resulting in disqualifications.

Starter
The official responsible for ensuring a fair start to the race. He/she gives the starting command.

Touch/Push
In the relay event, skaters must make contact with their teammate. This is usually in the form of a push from behind to help accelerate the teammate forward.

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