SEASON 2023�UPDATE & REVIEW:

CONTINUING EDUCATION �for �ALPINE OFFICIALS

Presentation contains new rules/procedures. It also contains review items from previous seasons.

“Clean Hill Initiative” is a mandatory part of this clinic. Also available for review, if required, are:

• “Courses”
• “B-Net”
• “MINUTES: A Guide for the Preparation of Jury Minutes and Team Captains’ Meeting Minutes”

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Local health authority restrictions may require ski area management to implement procedures to protect the well-being of their employees and guests.

These procedures may:

• vary from venue to venue, county to county, state to state
• impact event operations and programs
• must be relayed to all event officials, Team Captains, and competitors
• must – without question – be respected and observed

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ALPINE OFFICIALS’ RESOURCE MATERIALS

Alpine Officials’ resource materials are prepared to be accurate and in compliance with current rules and procedures while maintaining a nation-wide outlook.

The content of the material is reviewed by senior Alpine Officials prior to being submitted for acceptance by appropriate U.S. Ski & Snowboard authorities.

If an item included in the resource materials appears to be in conflict with current rules and procedures, please contact U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competition Services for clarification and/or interpretation.

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APPLICATION OF RULES

• For all events scheduled as non-FIS events, applicable U.S. Ski & Snowboard rules must be considered and applied (ACR)
• For all events scheduled as FIS events, applicable rules of the FIS must be considered and applied (ICR)
• In cases that are not addressed by the ACR or by the ICR, or in cases where the rules must be interpreted, the authority for making such decisions will rest with the Competition Jury – all decisions must be documented!

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OFFICIALS’ RESPONSIBILITY

It is the responsibility of every official, coach and competitor to know, understand, and abide by the rules for the sport. These rules include, but are not limited to, current editions and “Precisions” of:

• U.S. Ski & Snowboard ACR
• FIS ICR
• Supplemental rules, such as Equipment Specifications, Rules of the FIS Points, Rules for the Alpine Continental Cups, etc.

Coaches, Program Directors, and other club officers are encouraged to provide the time and opportunity to instruct their athletes on the rules for the sport.

CONTINUING EDUCATION UPDATE

SEASON 2023

U.S. Ski & Snowboard

MINOR ATHLETE ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY (MAAPP)�SAFESPORT CODE

The following slides referring to MAAPP and SafeSport are:

• Only a brief summary of information found in many documents
• Documents will be updated as required
• Please refer to links posted on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website for access to complete and current information.

usskiandsnowboard.org/safesport-athlete-safety/safesport-resources

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MINOR ATHLETE ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY (MAAPP)

• MAAPP applies to “In-Program Contact” within the Olympic & Paralympic movement.
• Its implementation is required for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee IUSOPC), National Governing Bodies (NGB), Member Clubs (also known as Local Affiliated Organizations or LAO), and Paralympic Sport Organizations (PSO)
• MAAPP applies to all U.S. Ski & Snowboard employees, contractors, athletes, officials, and members
• It also applies to participating non-members, e.g., foreign officials, timing companies, volunteers, and any adult participants. MAAPP has three primary components:

- Education & Training

- Required Prevention Policies

- Recommended Prevention Policies

MAAPP should be implemented alongside the SafeSport Code.

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SAFESPORT CODE

• U.S. Federal Law requires that adults who have frequent contact with, or who are in positions of authority over athletes, must receive consistent education on prevention and reporting of all allegations of sexual misconduct, bullying, hazing, and abuse of all forms
• This impacts all U.S. Ski & Snowboard member clubs, coaches, officials, and Club Volunteer members
• All members turning 18 years of age and older during the season are required to complete SafeSport training through the U.S. Center for SafeSport (substitutions are not permitted)

U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership status for members who fail to complete required SafeSport Training will be noted as “PENDING”. They must not be issued any venue access that would allow competition arena access until their membership is complete.

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ADMINISTRATION PER MAAPP & SAFESPORT: LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (LOC)

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC), as well as other individuals and entities as set out in the MAAPP and the SafeSport Code, are responsible for monitoring and enforcing all requirements. These requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Events: Any U.S. Ski & Snowboard member club hosting a U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned event must follow the Competition Administration Summary available at usskiandsnowboard.org/safesport-athlete-safety/safesport-resources

to ensure compliance with required athlete safety at at event. There are additional

athlete safety event resources available on this webpage.

• Memberships: Using the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website, the Race Administrator must verify that all Jury members, Jury Advisors (Start and Finish Referees), Chief of Course, Course Setters, Coaches, Competitors, Forerunners, Chief of Timing & Calculations, Race Administrator, and medical staff have current and applicable U.S. Ski & Snowboard memberships.

Individuals whose memberships are “pending”, or whose names appear either on the Centralized Disciplinary Database or the Pending Membership List must not be issued any venue access that would allow competition arena access.

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ADMINISTRATION PER MAAPP & SAFESPORT: LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (LOC)

• Alpine Official Certification Status: Using the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website, the Race Administrator must verify that all Jury members, Jury Advisors, Chief of Course, Course Setters, Chief of Timing & Calculations, and Race Administrator have appropriate certification as required by their position
• Alpine Official Continuing Education (Update) Status: Using the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website, and with the exception of Technical Delegate, the Race Administrator must verify that the Chief of Race, Referee, Assistant Referee (if required), Chief of Course, Course Setters, Chief of Timing & Calculations, and Race Administrator have attended a bi-seasonal Continuing Education Clinic
• For Season 2023, the allowed minimum is Season 2022 attendance.
• Unless excused, Technical Delegates are required to attend a Technical Delegate Workshop every season

ADMINISTRATION PER MAAPP & SAFESPORT: LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (LOC)

In addition to the above verifications, using the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website, the Race Administrator must review the following:

Pending Membership List: Competition entry and venue access not allowed

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YOB 2004 and 2005 athletes who have not completed background screening requirements:

• Any athlete who is 18 at the time of membership application (YOB 2004), must complete background screening prior to membership being activated
• Any athlete who turns 18 years of age during the competition season (YOB 2005), will receive notice of requirement for background screening. They will be given 45 days after date of birth to finalize screening; membership will be inactivated on the 46^th day.

Athletes must not be allowed to compete or forerun until background screening is successfully completed and active membership status restored.

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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Member Hold List (Concussion Protocol):

Competition entry and venue access not allowed

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Centralized Disciplinary Database:

List of individuals subject to temporary or permanent restrictions pending investigation of violation of SafeSport Code.

Presence not allowed.

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Site allows filtering to sport. However, an individual may not be listed under one sport but may be listed under another; searching by name is the best practice. If you have a name match and cannot verify if it is the individual attending the event, please reach out to Member Services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Volunteer Competition Worker Registration: Completion of a current “Volunteer Competition Worker Registration” is required for any workers/volunteers who are over the age of 18, are not U.S. Ski & Snowboard members, properly credentialed FIS officials, coaches and trainers, or regular employees of Organizer or of Ski Area/Landowner acting within the scope of their employment.

“Blocks” of coaches’ tickets must not be made available.

• Practice does not allow the OC to make their best effort to comply with SafeSport requirements
• Due to circumstances, it may be necessary to allow one coach to pick up all of a team’s coach credentials/lift tickets
• In this case, the coach must list all the names to whom the credentials/lift tickets will be issued.
• Race Administrator must verify membership status, non-presence on pending lists, and non-presence on Centralized Disciplinary Database for all recipients
• Coach must sign for receipt of credentials/lift tickets, thereby confirming recipients’ identity

In order to ensure compliance, all of the above requirements, verifications must be continually monitored and completed for same-day participants, and they must be informed of the SafeSport Code and MAAPP. This can be accomplished by posting the QR Code at registration and asking the same-day participants to scan and read the disclosure.

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VOLUNTEER COMPETITION WORKER REGISTRATION

• Form is in the MPF
• Must be 18 years of age

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VENUE ACCESS

• Form is in the MPF
• Retain form in OC’s file

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EVENT PARTICIPANTS REQUIREMENTS: Members

Event participants that must have current U.S. Ski & Snowboard memberships that are in good standing are:

• NGB Officials, (Jury members, Jury Advisors, Chief of Course, Chief of Timing & Calculations, Race Administrator) *
• Coaches
• Forerunners
• Competitors
• NGB and LOC medical
• Contractors/Volunteers with regular contact or authority over minors
• Technicians with regular contact or authority over minors
• NGB staff members
• Board members
• LOC staff members.

*(Officials must also meet applicable certification/continuing education requirements.)

Membership/Certification/Update verification may not eliminate the need to verify non-presence on Membership Hold List or Centralized Disciplinary Database.

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EVENT PARTICIPANTS REQUIREMENTS: Non-Members

Event participants (non-member status) whose non-presence must be verified on Pending Membership lists and Centralized Disciplinary Database are:

• FIS Officials
• NGB
• LOC vendors
• Media with credentials
• Course Slippers/Volunteers
• Contractors/Volunteers without regular contact or authority over minors
• Technicians

NON-EVENT PARTICIPANTS

Non-Event Participants:

• may be at the event
• are outside the scope and jurisdiction of U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC)

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Non-Event Participants may be:

• Spectators
• Resort Employees
• Resort Vendors
• Third-Party Media
• Ski Patrol and EMS
• Certain Volunteers
• Competitors’ family members
• VIP’s

With the exception of Ski Patrol and EMS, non-event participants must not be provided with competition arena access.

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SUMMARY: Member & Non-Member Event Participants & Non-Event Participants

IMPORTANT NOTE

The Race Administrator must not rely solely on the data provided as part of the points list download:

• NLM (National List Men)
• NLW (National List Women)
• NLO (National List Officials)

Points List

• Is generally generated every two weeks,
• A membership may be moved to inactive status during that time period

This includes, but is not limited to:

• YOB 2005 athlete who turns 18 years of age after December 31
• Member who has been sanctioned by U.S. Ski & Snowboard
• Member who has been added to the Centralized Disciplinary Database.

PLEASE NOTE:

The responsibility for communication and enforcement of SafeSport and MAAPP policies is:

• The responsibility of the Local Organizing Committee as well as other individuals and entities as set out in the Competition Administration Summary, the MAAPP and the SafeSport Code.
• All information is available on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website at usskiandsnowboard.org/safesport-athlete-safety/safesport-resources
• The Jury is only responsible for technical matters within the closed competition areas. [601.4]
• The closed competition areas are defined as the “race arena” which is accepted as being those areas which the Jury inspects and accepts as being suitable for competitors’ presence:

- start arena

- race course

- finish arena

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LEVEL 100 COACH CERTIFICATION

• Level 100 Coach Certification which will be required in order to be granted venue access has been delayed until Season 2024-2025
• First-year coaches will have a one-year grace period to obtain the certification
• Junior Coaches will be exempt.

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U14 VERTICAL DROP CHANGE �

• The maximum vertical drop for U14 athletes has been changed to match FIS U16 vertical drop:

Slalom = 160m

Giant Slalom = 350m

• Vertical drop requirements for mixed age groups must still follow U.S. Ski & Snowboard requirements.

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COMPETITION LIMITATIONS�

• First-year FIS athletes may not compete in FIS events prior to the start of the North American FIS competition season
• U16 and younger athletes are not allowed to begin racing until the second full weekend in December
• U18 athletes will be limited to thirty (30) FIS technical event starts per season

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DAILY ALLOWANCE: �U.S. FIS TECHNICAL DELEGATES & COURSE INSPECTORS

• Daily allowance has been increased to $180 for each travel, training, competition day.
• This increase only applies to United States Ski & Snowboard and Alpine Canada FIS Technical Delegates officiating in the United States.
• Allowance is not applicable for World Cup (Use form posted on FIS website.)
• Allowance is not applicable at non-FIS events (Use #47 U.S. Expense Report form in MPF.)

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FIRST-RUN DNS, DNF, DSQ, NPS [U621.11.3.1]

U621.11.3.1 has been edited to allow athletes who are DNS, DNF, DSQ, NPS in the first run of non-scored and scored events to:

• start in the second run
• with their original bib
• after the last qualified competitor has competed his run,
• if allowed by the Jury and the OC

U621.11.3.3 has been struck from the ACR.

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THE “GOLDEN RULE” [U621.11.3.2]�

The following language has been added to U621.11.3.2 and the Adaptive Competition Rules:

• Adaptive athletes who have requested special seeding and who are shown as DNS, DNF, DSQ, or NPS in the first run can start in the second run
• with their original bib
• immediately after the last qualified competitor has competed his run
• It is recommended they be run in bib order

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FORERUNNER MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS [U605.1]

The organizer is obligated to provide at least three forerunners who:

• meet all the rules (including equipment)
• have appropriate membership (e.g., Competitor, Short-Term Alpine, Non-Scored Athlete, Master)
• General members are allowed to forerun but not compete

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HELMET RULES�

• Soft ear protection is only permitted for helmets used in Slalom.
• Soft ear protection is not allowed in Parallel events. [U707, U807, U907, U1007, U1233, Helmet Rules]
• U1233 has been edited as follows: In the case of issues or items not covered in Art. 1220-1233, the rules for Slalom (Art. 800) or Giant Slalom (Art. 900) must be considered.

Reminder: For all events, (FIS, non-FIS scored and non-scored), helmet-mounted cameras and/or their mounts are not allowed for use by either competitors or forerunners. The helmets shall have no spoilers nor protruding parts.

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HEAD TAX INCREASES�

HOMOLOGATION FILES�

• Paper copies of homologations located in ski area/club files may not be current.
• The only accurate sources for course homologation data verification are the U.S. Ski & Snowboard and FIS websites.
• Please note a new inspection of an existing course (FIS or National) voids the previous homologation of an existing course.

The website location for homologation files on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website has been changed. Files may be accessed at: media.usskiandsnowboard.org/CompServices/Homologation/. (Login is required: User ID = homologation; Password = Allout2022!)

Files may also be accessed at:

fis-ski.com/DB/alpine-skiing/homologations.html;

maps, photos, reports, etc., are not available at this site.

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AO CERTIFICATION MATRIX CHANGES �[Refer to Certification Guidelines, MPF.]

• Matrix for Technical Delegate advancement from Level 2 to Level 3 has been updated to allow credit for assignment as a Technical Delegate, Referee, or Chief of Race.
• Referee shadow requirement has been clarified. It is now a recommendation that a Referee successfully compete two Referee-specific shadow assignments on separate days and each under the supervision of a different U.S. Ski & Snowboard Level 3 Alpine RF or TD (minimum Level 2 RF or TD), or FIS TD.

Reminder: A “shadow assignment” is more than just showing up on race day. Any individual who is fulfilling their shadow assignment requirements should be prepared to participate in all pre-race, race day, and post-race duties and responsibilities. Pre-event communication with mentors is strongly recommended.

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CONTINUING EDUCATION UPDATE

SEASON 2023

FIS EVENTS

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FIS NAME CHANGE �

FIS has changed its official name to:

• International Ski & Snowboard Federation
• There will be no change to the branding
• There will be no change to the acronym of “FIS”

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FIS PENALTY & TIMING

FIS PENALTY CALCULATION

Calculation will no longer require that an “adder” be applied. [4.5]

TIMER HOMOLOGATIONS

Additional timing equipment will be added to the list of homologated timers. In addition, some TAG timers have received a five-year extension. Please refer to current list of Homologated Timers posted on the FIS website.

FIS TIMING BOOKLET

A new FIS Timing Booklet is scheduled for publication. It will include a change to procedure for synchronization, timing guidelines for parallel, and new guidelines for wireless timing. Please refer to current edition of FIS Timing Booklet.

PHOTO FINISH SYSTEM

A Photo Finish System may be used to determine a competitor´s finish time.

• In case of a failure of system “A” and “B”, and where the competition has been recorded by the Photo Finish System
• Photo finish time must be used in place of hand-timing without any correction
• Photo finish time is taken when any part of the competitor´s body first crosses the Finish line
• Photo finish result is to be provided to the Jury only. [611.3.2.2]
• Photo finish timing at the Finish is mandatory for Level 0 races (OWG, WC, WSC, COM, WQUA)

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FLUROCARBONS

• Use of fluorocarbon wax preparation is prohibited
• Proposed sanctions for its use has been deferred until next FIS Congress
• Decision on use of fluro detection device has been deferred until next FIS Congress.

NOTE: Use of fluorocarbon wax preparation is prohibited at all U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned events: FIS and non-FIS.

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PARALLEL PENALTY TIME PROPOSAL�[1232.2]

The proposal by the FIS Congress to increase the time difference for the start of the second run from .50 second to .75 second for a competitor who

• is disqualified first or
• does not finish the first run of a heat

was not approved by the FIS Council.

Applied time penalty will remain at .50 second until additional study is conducted regarding the application of “real time”.

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GENERAL REVIEW

CLARIFICATIONS

RULES AND PROCEDURES

QUESTIONS NOT COVERED OR INSUFFICIENTLY COVERED BY RULES [601.4.7, 601.4.9.4]

• Art. 601.4.7 states the Jury makes decisions on all questions not clarified by the rules.
• Art. 601.4.9.4 states the Technical Delegate decides on questions not covered or insufficiently covered by the rules in so far as these:

- have not already been decided by the Jury and

- “do not fall within the scope of other authorities”.

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If an issue arises that is not covered or is insufficiently covered by the ACR but is covered by other rules books that apply to our sport, defer to the “other authority”. e.g., FIS ICR, Equipment Rules,

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NO ADVANTAGE – NO DSQ!�

Art. 223 addresses offences for which a sanction – not necessarily a disqualification – may apply.

Art. 233.3.3 states: “Competitors shall only be disqualified if their mistake would result in an advantage for them with regard to the end result; unless the Rules state otherwise in an individual case.”

Rules that address grounds for disqualification are:

• Art. 629.2 – jeopardizes the security of persons or property or causes actual injury or damage;
• Art. 629.3 – does not pass through a gate correctly in accordance with Art.661.4;
• Art. 629.3 – does not start within the time limits defined by Art. 613.7

Please note unsportsmanlike behavior is subject to sanction which may or may not include disqualification. [Art. 223.1.1; Art. 223.3.2]

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DUE PROCESS – ACR/ICR Art. 224.7

Prior to the imposition of a penalty (except in cases of verbal reprimands and withdrawal of accreditation), the person accused of an offense shall be given opportunity to present a defense at a hearing, verbally or in writing.

Defense can include, but is not limited to the following:

• Calling witnesses, e.g., Athlete, Coach, Gate Judge
• Questioning witnesses upon whose testimony the Jury relies

Considering information from a witness who is unavailable for questioning by the accused would create a serious issue. It is also unwise for Jury members to discuss a situation and consider possible penalties prior to hearing all testimony.

POLICY FOR DUE PROCESS

The Jury must adhere to this policy:

• Consider infraction
• Hear and consider all testimony and other evidence
• Allow accused person the opportunity to present a defense and review all evidence (question all witnesses, etc.)
• Deliberate
• Make a fair decision
• Review, vote and sign prepared Jury Minutes of decision
• Notify affected parties

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VALID & FALSE STARTS [613.7, 805.4]

• Early/late start violation occurs when a competitor is in the start gate and does not start within the required period with respect to the start command – “GO”!
• Course workers and officials must have a reasonable expectation of when a competitor may be approaching their position.
• Competitors who either start early or late can minimize this expectation and potentially create an environment that is not secure.
• For these reasons, early/late start violations require DSQ.

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DELAYED STARTS [613.6, 805.3.1]

• A “delayed” competitor is one who is not present in the start area or who is not ready to start when called
• In cases of force majeure a provisional start may be allowed by the Start Referee
• In cases of doubt, a provisional start may be allowed by the Jury
• Athletes who are given delayed starts are subject to SANCTION, which may or may not include DSQ.

STARTS – Early/Late Starts & Delayed Starts

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COMPETITION EQUIPMENT

The term “competition equipment” implies all items of equipment used by athletes in competitive skiing, including clothing and implements that serve a technical function.

• Competitors are allowed to protect all parts of the body with so-called protectors in all events
• It remains in the athlete's/NSA's discretion and responsibility to individually decide about the use of protectors
• In Downhill, protectors may not be integrated into the competition suit itself
• In all events these protectors must be worn underneath the conforming competition suit [3.5 FIS Specifications for Alpine Competition Equipment]
• The only exception is forearm protection used in SG, GS and SL and shin protection used in SL.
• There is no exception for knee braces; they must be worn underneath the competition suit.

Please Note: Competition equipment is the responsibility of the athlete and in the case of a minor, their parents or legal guardian. Such equipment must be maintained and utilized in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction.

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OFFICIAL START NUMBERS�

Any bib supplied by the Organizing Committee (OC) is considered to be an “official start number”. This includes either initial bib distribution or the issuance of a replacement bib.

Incorrect distribution of an assigned start number (bib) does not constitute an infraction unless an intent to deceive can be proven, e.g., obtaining an advantage by gaining a better start position. supplied by the Organizing Committee (OC) is considered an “official start number”.

In accordance with Art. 606.5, all competitors must wear the official start numbers (Bibs) during the race.

In accordance with Art. 627.6, a competitor will not be permitted to start (NPS) if they do not wear or carry an official start number according to the rules.

Both 606.5 and 627.6 refer to advertising rules; e.g., sponsor names, ski area names, etc., displayed on bibs.

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COLLECTIVE OFFENSES [224.3]

In accordance with Art. 224.3, a “collective offense” occurs when several persons:

• Commit the same offense
• At the same time
• Under the same circumstances

When addressing sanctions related to collective offenses:

• Jury’s decision as to one offender may be considered binding upon all offenders
• Written decision shall include:
• Names of all offenders concerned
• Scope of the penalty to be assessed upon each of them

Decision will be delivered to each offender.

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RACE ARENA vs RACE VENUE

The Jury is responsible for technical matters within the closed competition areas. [601.4] The closed competition areas are defined as the “race arena” which is accepted as being those areas which the Jury inspects and accepts as being suitable for competitors’ presence:

• within (the side-to-side fencing) and
• without (start area and finish arena) the confines of the competition area and
• any location connected with the competition [223.2.1]

The Jury does inspect and accept:

• the start and finish areas as well as the ingress and egress to these areas
• the racecourse
• the type and placement of the on-hill competitor security
• the ingress and egress to areas where media meets with athletes, coaches (upper-level events)

The Jury does not inspect or accept:

• lift areas
• parking lots
• cafeterias
• terrain parks, public trails, meeting rooms, etc.

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�GATE JUDGES

The Jury along with the support of the Organizing Committee may opt to not use Gate Judges for:

Downhill

Downhill Training

Super G

Super G Training

Giant Slalom

Measures MUST be taken to cover the entire course with sufficient:

Jury members

Jury Advisors

Eyes of the Jury

Connection Coaches [U669.3]

Slalom requires regular assignment of Gate Judges.

Please note U669.3 is a non-FIS rule. FIS rules currently require that Gate Judges be present for all events.

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�TEAM CAPTAINS’ MEETING & THE DRAW

An actual meeting, attended in person or online by Team Captains, Jury, and race officials

• is an inseparable part of the competition and
• is important for communication of Jury instructions,
• support of the OC,
• OC requests, and
• information as well as
• a critical element for risk management and liability related matters.

Art. 216 and 217 apply in all cases. [604.3]

This definition of a Team Captains’ Meeting also applies to non-FIS events. Race Announcement must include TCM date/time/format with log-in information made available to registered Team Captains.

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Suggested content does not need to be in complete sentences/narrative format, but should contain the following:

• Roll call of competitors and/or nations conducted and whether or not unrepresented competitors are removed from the competition. If competitors who are not represented are left on the Board, a reason should be stated.
• Event Medical Plan discussed; location of “Stop the Bleed” packs
• Avalanche Control Report delivered (if required)
• Race day schedule (program) discussed; reference should be made to Team Captains’ comments being requested, and whether or not any were offered.
• Area rules, etc., that are discussed and clarified
• Any additional information that Team Captains need to convey to competitors
• List of Competitors or Board accepted as set, including what rules were used to set the list/Board (NorAm, Division/Region/Series rankings, etc.)
• If entries are based on quotas, this should be noted. If quotas are expanded, Minutes should note date of request for quota expansion.
• Validity date of applicable Points List
• Start List preparation procedure: double draw or computer-generated draw.

CONTENT: TEAM CAPTAINS’ MEETING MINUTES

�LESS THAN 5 COMPETITORS: �FIS PENALTY - MAX VALUE

• If there are less than five competitors with FIS points among the first ten of the result list,
• or there are not five competitors who started with FIS points,
• then those competitors without FIS points will receive the maximum value as noted in Rules of the FIS Points.
• If less than three competitors with FIS points are ranked within the five
• or at least three competitors without FIS points are classified,
• the competition will be considered for FIS points with a double of the maximum value (of the respective event) as minimum penalty.

[4.4.4 Rules of the FIS Points]

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�MINIMUM PENALTY

If an event does not meet required minimum vertical drop (MVD), the following shall be applied:

• the greater of the calculated penalty
• calculated penalty plus addition (doesn’t meet time requirement), or
• the minimum penalty of 60.00

If an event does meet required minimum vertical drop (MVD), the following shall be applied:

• the greater of the calculated penalty, or
• the minimum penalty of 40.00

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�DOCUMENTS & SIGNATURES

• The list of documents that must be submitted to U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the FIS Office has been reduced, but rules still require signatures on many documents including, but not limited to TD Report, TDTR, Jury Minutes, Team Captains’ Meeting Minutes, Report by the Referee, Protests, etc.
• Signatures confirm rules and procedures were followed, and original, signed documents may be required in a legal review.
• If the Technical Delegate agrees to the use of electronic signatures on certain documents, h/she must verify availability of legally-acceptable document signing software, e.g., DocuSign, eSign, etc., which “certify” signatures with time and date, etc.
• Copying and pasting a facsimile of a signature is not a legally acceptable electronic signature

It is strongly suggested that Technical Delegates request copies – either paper or electronic – of all event-related documents.

�SCOREBOARD & OFFICIAL NOTICE BOARD

• The scoreboard as well as the Official Notice Board are usually located at or near the finish.
• However, the OC may opt to only use an online platform for either/both of these items (live-timing, WhatsApp, etc.)
• An Announcer may also be present and announcing DSQ’s
• In each case – physical or online – the rules are satisfied, and unofficial results and other documents such as the Report by the Referee are made available for review.

Rules do not specify which system – acoustic, physical, or online – is preferred.

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�U12 & U14 CHANGES & RECOMMENDATIONS

SPEED SUITS:

Recommended each division hold two (2) races where speed suits are not allowed

SKIS:

• U12’s are only allowed to use one (1) pair of skis in the race arena (inspections and competition). This mandate is not intended to preclude an athlete using a different pair of skis to freeski while not in the race arena.
• Parents, coaches or technicians are not allowed to furnish additional pairs of skis for use during race day inspections or competition.
• Non-compliance may result in NPS or depending on circumstance, DSQ (proven violation after start).

SKI PREPARATION:

• Wax benches are not allowed in U14 and younger race arenas
• Wax application is not allowed at U14 and younger competition venues.

The “competition venue” is defined as the “ski resort property”

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� CERTIFICATION LEVELS

• The Chief of Timing & Calculations for Nor-Am Cup and World Cup should be certified as Level 3 T & C.
• The Alpine Competition Guide specifies:

“All events shall have the most qualified officials available.”

This modification clarified the intent that specific certification levels not be required for different competition levels; e.g., Level 3 for a FIS event, etc.

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TIMING & DATA TECHNICAL REPORT (TDTR): non-FIS Events

• A Timing Data Technical Report (TDTR) is required for all levels of competition, both scored and non-scored
• FIS TDTR software is to be used for preparing and submitting the report in XML format for non-FIS events
• The Chief of Timing & Calculations is responsible for submitting the report in XML format as required by the level of the event. (For non-FIS events – non-scored and scored – TDTR XML file is e-mailed to tdtr@usskiandsnowbord.org)
• PDF copy must still be printed and signed as noted in instructions for preparing event document packets located in the Master Packet of Forms (MPF)
• U.S. TDTR in the MPF is intended for making note of items required by the FIS software

If an event requires calculation of a replacement time (EET), copies of all calculations must be included with the PDF copy.

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COURSE SETTING SPECIFICATIONS:

MULTIPLE AGE CLASS COMPETITIONS

For multiple age class competitions, course setting specifications for:

• Super G, Giant Slalom and Slalom events are based on one class older than the youngest age class competing, e.g., U16, U14, U12 and U10 will follow U12 specifications.
• Downhill event course setting is based on the youngest age class competing.

U8, although recognized by U.S. Ski & Snowboard, as well as additional classes for younger competitors are established for the purpose of awards and are subject to U10 course setting specifications.

PLEASE NOTE:

APPLICATION OF COURSE SETTING SPECIFICATIONS:

MULTIPLE AGE CLASS COMPETITIONS

Published Course Setting Specifications:

• Only apply to actual course setting specifications
• Course Setting Specifications do not apply to maximum vertical drop

Example: GS field consists of U16, U14, U12, and U10 athletes:

• U12 course setting specification apply
• Maximum vertical drop of 200m for U10 athletes must be respected

Athletes are not permitted to participate in events where the vertical drop exceeds the allowance for their actual age group. Example: GS field consists of U16, U14, U12, and U10 athletes, U12 course setting specification will apply, but the maximum vertical drop of 200m for U10 athletes must be respected.

KOMBI RULES

Kombi events must be set using appropriately homologated hills:

• Slalom/Giant Slalom format (technical orientation) using a hill homologated for Giant Slalom
• Giant Slalom/Super G format (speed orientation) using a hill homologated for Super G
• Rules are those that apply to the faster of the events: e.g., Slalom/Giant Slalom events are governed by Giant Slalom rules; e.g., Start commands and start intervals; helmets

U1259.10 clarifies the following:

• Athletes must use the helmets designed for GS, SG, or DH
• Athletes U14 and older must use helmets meeting FIS standards

�PARALLEL RACING

• A “Checklist for Parallel Event Organizers” is available in the Master Packet of Forms (MPF). 
• A Power Point presentation addressing non-FIS Parallel is available on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website.
• The presentation includes an explanation of the “Non-Elimination Format”
• Due to evolving nature of Parallel, please refer to current

- U.S. Ski & Snowboard ACR & its Precisions

- FIS ICR & its Precisions

NOTE:

• U614.2.3 Competitors may step back (hike) in qualification round(s) only;
• stepping back (hiking) is not allowed in bracket round(s)

FIS rules do not allow for stepping back (hiking) in any portion of a Parallel event.

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SUPER G TRAINING RUNS:

YOUTH COMPETITIONS

• Official training for U12 and U14 Super G is an integral part of the competition.
• The schedule must include at least one training run without posted times prior to the first competition, and all athletes are required to participate.
• If competition includes U16 athletes, U1256.4 applies.
• For U16 Super G, an official training run is recommended and, if scheduled, all entrants are required to participate according to the decisions of the Jury. [U1003.2.1]

In exceptional cases, which must be documented in Jury Minutes, a controlled freeski run may be authorized in lieu of an official training run.

Freeski must be made available for all competitors.

WHAT IS “FORCE MAJEURE”?

In Alpine competitions, "force majeure" describes those uncontrollable/unexpected events (such as extreme weather, extreme surface conditions) that are not the fault of any party and that make it difficult or impossible to carry out an event.

• An unexpected weather occurrence that requires a program/course/assignment change
• A last-minute ski area management decree

Force majeure is “uncontrollable and unexpected”; force majeure is not “planned”.

� TENURE OF THE JURY [601.4.4.2]

• The active tenure of the Jury begins with its first meeting and ends, if no protests are submitted at the expiration of the protest deadlines as noted in Art. 643 (Deadlines for Submittal)
• If protests are submitted, the tenure of the Jury ends after settlement of all submitted protests
• A Jury may re-evaluate a previous decision (Art. 640.2) but only if their tenure has not ended as outlined in Art. 601.4.4.2 and only if an actual decision has been rendered; e.g., terminating a competition, not confirming a provisional start or provisional rerun, etc.

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JURY MEMBER SECTION:

VOTES MUST BE RECORDED!

“YES”

Or “NO”

Notice that form requests: SURNAME / FIRST NAME

PLEASE NOTE: Only list “Jury members with voting right”

Listing Start & Finish Referee and marking “NO” means the official voted: “NO”; it does not mean the official does not have voting rights.

TD’s Name

RF’s Name

NAME/NAT

Only OWG, WSC

Only OWG, WSC

CR’s Name

USA

USA

USA

Must be SIGNED!

Must be SIGNED!

Must be SIGNED! DH/SG/WC SL & GS

Must be SIGNED!

� POINTS LISTS

• Points Lists are generally published every two weeks during the competition season. Lists close on Sundays and new lists go into effect on Thursdays; results not received prior to closing dates will not be considered until the next cycle.
• For non-FIS events, unless a points confirmation letter has been received from U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competition Services, competitors must be seeded with current National Points. Points from previous lists or seasons must not be used for seeding and/or penalty calculation.
• For FIS events, unless a FIS points confirmation has been received from the FIS Bureau or a competitor’s points are noted with “C” (confirmed) on the FIS website, a competitor must be seeded with FIS points as published by the FIS Office.
• Points from Base List 2023 must not be used for seeding or penalty calculation purposes.

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�EVENT RELATED DOCUMENTS

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• For events with no issues (injuries or accidents), it is recommended all event-related documents be kept on file for one (1) year.
• In the case of an event with serious injury/accident as defined by the “Guidelines for Serious Accidents” as posted in the MPF, the Technical Delegate must immediately contact Jeff Weinman, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competition Services for instructions.

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REVIEW

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The following review is not mandatory. However, the value of a round-table discussion can never be dismissed.

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Please discuss additional areas of concern in your Division/Region.

• An athlete who is granted a provisional start that is later found to be unjustified is subject to “sanction”
• Depending on circumstances, the sanction may include DSQ
• Prior to imposing DSQ, Jury must decide whether or not the later start provided an unfair advantage, e.g., improved weather conditions, etc.
• A competitor shall only be disqualified if his mistake would result in an advantage for him with regard to the end result, unless the Rules state otherwise in an individual case. e.g., gate fault; early/late starts. [223.3.3]
• If a provisional start is not approved, the competitor’s status must not be changed to DNS

PROVISIONAL STARTS – IMPORTANT POINTS

PROVISIONAL RERUNS

When making a determination on validity of a provisional rerun, Jury must evaluate the following, many of which are included in the very clear provisions of 623:

• Did the competitor cross the finish line?  Unless the claimed obstruction occurred in close proximity to the finish line and the competitor’s racing speed did not allow sufficient time for the competitor to avoid crossing the finish line, the Jury may consider the run is over.
• When interference did not occur in immediate proximity to the finish line, did the competitor stop immediately after the obstruction or interference occurred and report the incident to the nearest Gate Judge, Jury Advisor, or Jury member?
• Does the claimed obstruction/interference meet the requirements of 623.1.2 (Technical Failure), 623.1.3 (Yellow Flag) or 623.2 (Grounds for Interference)?
• Did a “similar incident” occur that caused significant loss of speed or lengthening of the racing line and consequently affect the competitor’s time? [623.2.6] 

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PROVISIONAL or RERUN?

�ALPINE OFFICIAL CLINIC ATTENDANCE

In addition to required current AO membership and applicable certification, and with the exception of Technical Delegates, officials must have attended a bi-seasonal Continuing Education Clinic prior to serving as a:

• Course Setter
• Chief of Course
• Chief of Race
• Referee
• Jury Advisor (Start or Finish Referee)
• Chief of Timing & Calculations
• Race Administrator

Technical Delegates must attend a seasonal clinic approved for the continuing education of Technical Delegates prior to serving as a Technical Delegate at U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned events.

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TECHNICAL DELEGATE REPORTS:�EVENT & EXPENSES

A Technical Delegate Report is required for all levels of competition. A copy of the completed/signed report as well as a copy of the Technical Delegate’s Expense Report should be submitted to the appropriate member of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard U.S. Technical Delegates Working Group as noted.

Alaska: tdreportalaska@gmail.com

Central: TDRptCentralNAT@gmail.com

East: TDreportEast@gmail.com

Far West: FWTDreports@gmail.com

Intermountain: tdreports@imdalpine.org

Northern: Ndtrtr2020@gmail.com

PNSA: tdtr@pnsa.org

Rocky Mtn.: rmdtdreports@gmail.com

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Calculation of Missed Impulses

If both the Start impulse and the Finish impulse from System A are missed:

• Replacement ToD’s must be calculated for each missing impulse as outlined in ICR 611.3.2.1
• Net time is then calculated & applied

(Use 1 form for Start ToD and 1 form for Finish ToD.)

Synchronization of Timekeeping Systems

• Synchronization of timing systems must occur as close as possible to scheduled start for the first run
• After synchronization is done, a new impulse must sent by the same source to check the synchronization accuracy on Systems A and B
• Synchronization of all systems must be maintained and must not be re-synchronized for the second run

IMPORTANT CLARIFICATIONS: Timing

REQUIRED JURY MINUTES

• Review and approval of the Event Medical Plan must be documented; reference to location of “Stop the Bleed” packs should be noted
• Inspection of the course set(s) and on-hill competitor security measures must be documented
• Approval of the daily Program must be documented
• Decisions on Protests must be documented
• Decisions on Sanctions must be documented
• All individuals present at Jury meetings must be listed; e.g., protesting party, DSQ athlete, witnesses
• Other decisions are documented at the direction of the Technical Delegate
• Listing the Start Referee and Finish Referee as Jury members and marking “NO” is not an indication of their voting status, it is a “NO VOTE”.

JURY MINUTES:

An unacceptable practice

One set of Minutes:

• per transmittal / codex #
• per Jury
• per gender!

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JURY MINUTES – EXCEPTIONS

There are basically two exceptions to the requirement for separate Jury Minutes:

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1. Mixed-gender events that only have one transmittal # / codex #

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• Jury Minutes * documenting the approval of a Medical Plan for an entire series:
• All transmittal / codex #’s may be listed
• All events may be listed
• Event date is date of series; e.g. 12-18.03.21 (12-18 March 2021)

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* One set of Jury Minutes will still be required for each gender

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PLEASE DISCUSS, as required

1. MAAPP & SafeSport
2. Membership, Certification & Update Requirements
3. Definitions of “Race (Competition) Venue” & “Race Arena”
4. Homologation Data Verification
5. Competition Equipment: Knee Braces, Helmets, Cameras, Mounts, Bling, etc.
6. Official Start Number
7. Collective Offenses
8. Forerunner Requirements
9. No Advantage – No DSQ
10. Golden Rule: 1^st Run, 2^nd Run, etc.
11. Technology: Online TCM, Document Postings, Electronic Signatures
12. Gate Judge Requirements
13. Kombi Rules
14. Parallel Events
15. Force Majeure
16. Tenure of the Jury & Due Process
17. Valid & False Starts, Provisional Starts & Provisional Reruns
18. Minimum Penalty
19. Timing Rules: Synchronization, Start Clocks, etc.
20. Jury Minutes

ADDITIONAL AO EDUCATION PRESENTATIONS

• Alpine Officials Manual
• Introduction to Ski Racing (CO) (online course)
• Chief of Race (CR)
• Race Administration (RA)
• Referee (RF)
• Timing & Calculations (TC)
• Minutes – Jury & Team Captains’ Meeting: A Guide for Preparation
• Parallel Events
• Race Points & Penalty
• Radio Protocol & Techniques
• Replacement Time (EET)
• TDTR: Paper & Online
• Split Second 101 – Data Management of a Ski Race
• VOLA – A Guide for Use
• Gate Judges – The Most Important People on the Hill (2018)
• B-Net
• Courses
• Clean Hill Initiative

Presentations have been updated for the current season and are available on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website.

Our goal is to provide education that will result in events that are secure, consistent, fun, and fair for all competitors:

YSL or Olympic-bound.

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Season 2023 may continue to require patience, flexibility, and commitment. We must remember we are there for the athletes and stay firm in the knowledge:

We are Alpine Officials! We are strong!

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The Alpine Officials’ community is indebted to the many individuals who have helped make our education materials a viable tool. Our present has been - and will continue to be - shaped by our past. We will always value the assistance we have received.

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U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD

Alpine Officials’ Education Working Group