ASU national age group championships are pack style for both short track and long track. Most local club and association meets are pack style with four to eight skaters starting at one time, depending on the rink size and distance of the race. The cumulative total for each skater for all the races determines the overall order of finish for a meet. ISU Short Track Championships are also pack style with points awarded in the same way for individual championships. For team competition, team totals from individual race and relay race results determine the order of finish.
Relay races are for teams of four skaters.
Typically skaters exchange on every lap. The exchange is by touch, which is usually either a push or a pull to maintain speed. So relay races are very fast and exciting. Pack-style short track racing is exciting for skaters and spectators. Although speeds may be slower than that of long track skaters, the grace of passing and excitement of close racing, in a pack, is beautiful to behold.