SEASON 2023��Introduction to Ski Racing:�Competition Official - Alpine

May be used in conjunction with the Reference Guide for “Introduction to Ski Racing: Competition Official - Alpine” and Gate Judge training materials.

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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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Purpose

Provide an introduction to ski race officiating

Fulfill Competition Official (CO) prerequisite for specialty-area

certification:

• Chief of Course (CC)
• Chief of Race (CR)
• Jury Advisor- Start and Finish Referees (JA)*
• Race Administrator (RA)
• Referee (RF)
• Timing & Calculations (TC)
• Technical Delegate (TD)

* Part of Referee Training

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AO Education Goals

To support and produce events that are:

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• Responsible and in compliance with rules
• Fair
• Fun

AO Education Strategy

Recruit, develop, retain competent officials through:

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- Education

- Training

- Experience

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Where Do You Best Fit?

New Competition Officials should work one to two days in each of these areas:

• Gate Judge
• Course Maintenance
• Timing Assistant
• Race Administrator Assistant
• With Chief of Race

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Working in different areas will help you decide your best fit as an Alpine Official.

Serving in the capacity of a Gate Judge, Jury Secretary, Assistant Starter, Starter, Manual/Hand Timekeeper, Course Crew, etc., may be recognized for advancement in the Competition Official (CO) category.

(U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Officials membership required.)

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RULES & REGULATIONS

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THE AGE CLASSES

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THE EVENTS

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THE “POINTS” & A “RESULT”

Rules of Ski Racing

• FIS International Ski Competition Rules (ICR) establishes the standards; updated editions are posted on the FIS website
• Precisions to the ICR are published bi-annually: in the summer for the Southern Hemisphere and in the fall for the Northern Hemisphere
• The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Competition Regulations (ACR) contain rules specific to competition at U.S. Ski & Snowboard non-FIS events. When possible, numbering mirrors ICR numbering; Ski & Snowboard exceptions are identified with a “U” preceding the rule number. The “U” is part of the rule number.
• Additional Region or Division rules contain adjustments for age or competition level in the respective area
• Local rules
• Lift access,
• Bib deposit requirements,
• Equipment
• Ski area rules, etc.

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MINOR ATHLETE ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY (MAAPP) & SAFESPORT

• U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to creating a secure competition environment for its sport community
• Requirements addressing the creation of such an environment are addressed in the MAAPP and SafeSport Training
• The MAAPP should be implemented alongside the SafeSport Code  
• The Organizing Committees for all sanctioned events are responsible for monitoring and enforcing the regulations, policies, and procedures contained in the MAAPP and the SafeSport Code
• Violations of the MAAPP can result in sanctions under the SafeSport Code
• For additional information, refer to SafeSport Resources: usskiandsnowboard.org/safesport-athlete-safety/safesport-resources

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Age Classes

Competitions are structured by age as of December 31, 2022

U8, U10, and U12 – Instructional

Teaches the fundamentals of ski racing and emphasizes fun

• U8: Under 8 years of age (7 years old and younger).

U8 category is for the purpose of awards, and is subject to U10 Course Setting Specifications

• U10: Under 10 years of age (8 and 9 years old)
• U12: Under 12 years of age (10 and 11 years old)

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U14 - Competitive -

Focuses on improvement of skills

• U14: Under 14 years of age (12 and 13 years old)

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U16, U18, U21 and Senior - Scored Competition

Competitors earn National Points in all events

• U16: Under 16 years of age (14 and 15 years old); currently earn National Points
• U18: Under 19 years of age (16 & 17 years old; first year FIS)
• U21: Under 21 years of age (18, 19, and 20 years old)
• Senior: 21 years of age and older

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NOTE: A Non-Scored Athlete membership is available for athletes

14-24 years of age as of December 31, 2022. These athletes are eligible to

Compete in age-appropriate non-scored or scored competitions. However, National Points

and rankings will not be earned.

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Collegiate, Adaptive, and Masters

• Collegiate Competition Opportunities

- NCAA

- FISU (FIS University)

- USCSA (U.S. Collegiate Ski Association)

• Other Competition Opportunities

- High School Leagues

• Adaptive Competition

- Organized by impairment and equipment.

- Adaptive athletes are entitled to “Golden Rule”

- Start after the first group, both runs

• Masters Competition - racers 18 years of age or older

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What is a Competition?

A competition is made up of events:

- Slalom (SL)

- Giant Slalom (GS)

- Downhill (DH)

- Super G (SG)

- Alpine Combined (AC)

- Parallel (P)

- Kombi (K)

- SkillsQuest (SQ)

These events form the discipline of alpine ski competition

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Competition Events – Technical

• Slalom (SL) – all age classes*
• Technical Event: Quick and short turns
• Variety of gate combinations to test skill and strategy
• 2 runs: times are combined. Fastest combined time determines finish
• Giant Slalom (GS) – all age classes*
• Technical Event: Fewer gates and further apart than Slalom
• 2 runs: times are combined. Fastest combined time determines finish

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*Special rules apply for U16 & younger

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Competition Events – Speed

• Downhill (DH) – Senior, U21, U18, U16*, U14*
• Speed Event – Fewest number of gates; racers find the fastest line
• One run unless lack of vertical drop requires two Runs
• Must include training runs
• *Special rules apply
• Super G (SG) – Senior, U21, U18, U16*, U14*, U12*
• Speed Event (Hybrid of DH and GS)
• 1 run event … training run scheduled only for Youth
• *Special rules apply
• Alpine Combined (AC)
• Consists of 1 speed event – DH or SG and 1 run of SL
• Both runs should be held on the same day
• The first run may be either a DH, a SG, or a SL

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Competition Events – Other

• Parallel (P)
• Kombi (K)
• SkillsQuest (SQ)

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PARALLEL EVENTS

Parallel (P)

• Two competitors race side by side down one of two equal courses
• Results are based on either a one-run format or a two-run combined-time format
• if the two-run combined-time format is used, the racers switch courses for their second run.

Overall winner is decided either by fastest time on course (1- run format) or fastest combined time (2-run format).

• These results may then be used to establish “bracket seeding”
• If brackets are being utilized, the winners of each round advance through remaining “brackets” (elimination-type rounds) to final round

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KOMBI EVENTS

Kombi (K) is an internationally recognized event for youth competitions.

• Kombi events consist of a mixture of standard turns and gates
• Kombi events meet development needs by creating tactical awareness by blending sections of different gates in a flowing, rhythmical, constantly changing pattern

TYPES OF KOMBI EVENTS

Technical: This is a SL/GS format, setting with stubbies, SL gates and GS gates or colored ground indicators

Speed: This is a GS/SG format, setting with GS and SG gates or colored ground indicators

Kombi rules default to the rules governing the faster of the two events in the combination, e.g., helmets, start intervals, start commands.

SL/GS = GS Rules

GS/SG = SG Rules

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SKILLSQUEST (SQ)

• SkillsQuest (SQ) represents a quest, or journey, toward success in competitive skiing and snowboarding
• SkillsQuest focuses on skills, the critical components that make up a high-performing athlete
• SkillsQuest includes activities and competencies for skiing skills, technique and tactics, conditioning, equipment preparation, performance psychology, and athlete management
• SkillsQuest competitions are organized in such a way that athletes can be scored in various areas. This will allow coaches, trainers, and parents the opportunity to assess an athlete’s strengths and weaknesses and prepare a more-balanced, individual training program.

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“Course Freeze”

• All events require that movement on course be limited.
• Speed events require that, with the exception of the racer on course, there is:

NO MOVEMENT!

• This is called a “Course Freeze”
• “Course Freeze” time is noted on the daily schedule as when all coaches are required to be in place.

Helmets

• U.S. Ski & Snowboard and FIS rules require that competitors and forerunners wear appropriate helmets for all ski racing events
• U14 and older participants must wear helmets that conform to FIS Specifications or they will not be allowed to start; this requirement is applicable for both non-FIS and FIS events
• FIS conformity label must be present:

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• Helmet specifications are more fully described in applicable rule books.

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Yellow Flag Zones

• By rule, Downhill and Super G courses have designated “YELLOW FLAG ZONES”
• These are areas designated by the Jury for stopping on-course competitors who are approaching a “START STOP” situation
• Jury may designate “Yellow Flag Zones” for Giant Slalom courses depending on terrain and course set

What are “Points”?

SEED POINTS: Calculation based on competitor’s prior results and indicating their standing among other competitors in an event; 0.00 is the best and 999.99* is assigned to competitors new to the seeding system

- U.S. Ski & Snowboard National Points for nationally-scored events

- FIS Points for internationally-scored events

(*FIS points are calculated 0.00 to 999.00)

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RACE POINTS: A calculated number that compares an individual’s time to the winner's time in a particular race. The winner’s Race Points are always 0.00

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PENALTY POINTS: A numerical indicator that allows an event at one site to be compared/equalized to the same type of event held at another site

What is a “Race Result”?

A racer’s score for a given event is

RACE POINTS

+

PENALTY POINTS

=

RACE RESULT

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When a Race Result is equal to current Seed Points, a competitor is skiing their points

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When a Race Result is lower than current Seed Points and averaged with a similar result, a lower seed point value will be earned

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EVENT ORGANIZATION

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SKI RACING OFFICIALS

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EVENTS

How is a Race Organized?

Organizing Committee (OC)

• Chief of Race (Chairman)
• Secretary (Sometimes but not always the Race Administrator)
• Additional members may include: Chairs of Finance, Lodging, Transportation, Medical Services, and Awards

Upon appointment, the following become members of the OC:

• Technical Delegate
• Referee – when appointed by Technical Delegate or FIS (WC, OWG, WSC)
• Assistant Referee (at speed events) – when appointed by Technical Delegate or FIS (WC, OWG, WSC)
• Forerunners – when appointed by OC

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Jury Advisors

The following are considered Jury Advisor position. They have a voice in Jury meetings but do not have a vote: **

• Start Referee
• Finish Referee

** (At upper-level events – FIS World Championships and Olympic Winter Games, the Start and Finish Referees are appointed by FIS, are members of the Jury, and do have a vote in Jury decisions.)

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The Jury & Its Advisors

NOTE: If required in order to control both courses, an Assistant Referee may be appointed for Parallel events

Jury Responsibilities

• Duties: ACR for U.S. Ski & Snowboard or ICR for FIS
• Makes decisions on issues not clarified by the rules
• Receives reports of rule infractions
• Tenure begins before first Team Captains’ meeting and ends with expiration of protest period(s) and after any submitted protest(s) are settled

Competitor Memberships

The following memberships are available. Additional information, including membership pricing, may be found on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website.

Alpine Competitor - available for age groups U12 & under, U14, U16 & over

Non-Scored Athlete - available for athletes 14 – 24 years of age prior to December 31 of the current competition season

Short-Term Athlete - one per season and restricted to athletes 17 and younger prior to December 31 of the current competition season

General - restricted to athletes 17 and younger prior to December 31 of the current competition season; may forerun but may not compete in sanctioned competitions

Short-Term Foreign - one per season and restricted to foreign-affiliated athletes 18 and older prior to December 31 of the current competition season

Masters memberships for athletes over the age of 18 are available as follows:

• Masters competitors who are members of clubs and have regular contact with minor-age athletes
• Adult Masters (Masters clubs with no minor-age athletes)
• Masters Short-Term

Additional Memberships

Coaches and Officials - must be 18 years of age prior to December 31 of the current competition season

Alpine Junior Coach - must be 15-17 years of age prior to December 31 of the current competition season and must be supervised by a current-member Coach or Official; must complete Coaching Fundamentals Course

Alpine Adaptive Competitor - tracks adaptive athletes

Alpine Volunteer - Parents and club volunteers who are in regular contact with or in a position of authority over athletes

Membership Information

• With exception of Short-Term Athlete, Short -Term Foreign, Short-Term Master, and Alpine Master (with no regular contact with minor-age athletes) memberships, all members – including competitors – who are 18 years of age and older must complete annual SafeSport Training and undergo periodic background screening.
• Short-Term (per-day) membership category allows members to try different events/disciplines without having to obtain full Competitor membership.
• Short-Term membership is limited to one (1) per season and is not available for participation as a Coach, Official, or Club Volunteer.
• Short-Term Foreign Athlete membership is limited to one (1) per season and is available for foreign-nation athletes 18 years of age and older.

Membership/Certification Requirements

• Jury members and Jury Advisors, Chief of Course, Course Setters, Chief of Timing & Calculations, and Race Administrator must be current Coach or Official members of U.S. Ski & Snowboard (18 years or age or older)
• Jury members and Jury Advisors, Chief of Course, Chief of Timing & Calculations, and Race Administrator must be appropriately certified
• Referees, Assistant Referees and Course Setters must be certified Referees
• Start and Finish Referees (Jury Advisors) must be a certified Jury Advisor, Referee, Technical Delegate, or Chief of Race

In addition to membership/certification requirements, with exception of Technical Delegate, Officials must have attended a bi-seasonal* Continuing Education (Update) Clinic prior to the event

• Coaches must have current Coach membership in order to be given venue access or participate in any capacity at an event e.g., on-hill coaching
• Competitors must have appropriate membership: Competitor, Non-Scored Athlete, Short-Term Alpine, Masters
• Forerunners must meet membership requirements: e.g., Competitor, Non-Scored Athlete, Short-Term Alpine, Masters, General

*Technical Delegates are required to attend a seasonal Technical Delegate Continuing Education Workshop

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U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD MEMBERSHIP: APPLICATION / RENEWAL

• After creating a U.S. Ski & Snowboard User Account on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website, U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership applications may be completed through a link on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website
• Registration must be submitted only by those 18 & older; parent/legal guardian must submit registration for those under 18
• Primary medical/accident insurance information must be submitted
• Non-certified Coaches must review and complete Coaching Fundamentals Course
• U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s “Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability” must be reviewed and accepted
• “Introduction to Avalanches Course” must be completed
• U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s “Concussion Policy” must be reviewed and accepted
• U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s “Child Protection Safe Sport Guidelines” must be reviewed and accepted
• Upon acceptance of the membership by U.S. Ski & Snowboard, individuals whose membership application requires completion of SafeSport Training, Introduction to Avalanches Course, background screening, and/or Coaching Fundamentals Course, will be directed to a link to initiate the required process

For more information or to start the membership process, go to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website at usskiandsnowboard.org

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U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD'S CONCUSSION POLICY

• Any U.S. Ski & Snowboard athlete – including those with the General or Short-Term memberships – suspected of having sustained a concussion must be removed immediately from participation in U.S. Ski & Snowboard events (e.g. sanctioned training, practice, camps, competitions or tryouts)
• The official or member coach making the removal must notify U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competition Services
• The athlete will be placed on a “Membership Hold” list and prohibited from further participation until evaluated and cleared in writing to resume participation in U.S. Ski & Snowboard sporting events by a qualified health care provider trained (within 3 years of the evaluation) in the evaluation and management of concussive head injuries
• Athletes who have subsequently been medically cleared to resume participation must provide such medical clearance (as described above) to U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competition Services in order to be permitted to participate in U.S. Ski & Snowboard sporting events **
• For athletes under the age of 18, a request to be allowed to return to competition/training must be made by parent/legal guardian

**This medical clearance may be accepted by on-site competition Jury.

More about Concussions:

• For all athletes competing in a FIS event, refer to current edition of the “U.S. Ski & Snowboard Concussion Policy” and the “FIS Medical Guide containing Medical Rules and Guidelines”
• Foreign athletes with a suspected concussion may be removed from competition; they may not be placed on U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Member Hold List
• The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Concussion Policy requirements must be followed. However many states have also enacted head injury laws that may include additional requirements/restrictions. Please review the law for your state and, if required, contact U.S. Ski & Snowboard for direction
• Additional U.S. Ski & Snowboard Concussion Policy information is available at on the website at:

usskiandsnowboard.org/search?keys=concussion%20policy

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This course was developed through a partnership between the Utah Avalanche Center, BRASS, and U.S. Ski & Snowboard.  The purpose of this course is to make you aware of avalanche and snow safety and to make you think twice before going off piste or entering the backcountry without the proper gear and training. 

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All members, including those who will turn 18 years of age during the competition season, are required to complete training to activate membership. Other requirements such as background screening, SafeSport Training, and Coaching Fundamentals may also apply.

INTRODUCTION TO AVALANCHES COURSE

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.

A comprehensive training program is required the first year, with annual refresher training required in subsequent years. . SafeSport training must be completed through the U.S. Center for SafeSport (substitutions are not permitted).

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Please ensure you affiliate your account with U.S. Ski & Snowboard and use your 7-digit (do not include Division alpha designation) U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership number, so Member Services may track completion and update your record.

SAFESPORT TRAINING

SafeSport Training must be completed promptly after applying for/renewing your U.S. & Snowboard membership. Using the following instructions:

1. Follow link above your “MY ACCOUNT” page or go to safesporttrained.org and create an account

2. Affiliate the account with U.S. Ski & Snowboard and enter your 7-digit

membership number. Do not enter your alpha Division designation.

3. Choose the learning dashboard under your name (on left) and begin the

course

4. Complete each module of the course; all three modules must be completed to earn certificates.

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After completion of membership application/renewal, you will receive email notification containing instructions and a time limit for completion of training.

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Failure to complete training prior to deadline will result in membership being inactivated.

Due to length of course, you may choose to complete one module at a time. You may log in and out at your convenience.

Completing SafeSport Training

SAFESPORT TRAINING: COMPETITORS

With exception of Short-Term and Alpine Master (with no regular contact with minor athletes) memberships, all Alpine Competitor members who are 18 years of age and older must complete annual SafeSport Training and undergo periodic background screening.

• SafeSport Training may be completed prior to 18^th birthday.
• Competitors who have not completed SafeSport Training will be notified in advance of the need to complete this requirement. If the training is not completed within a specified time period, the competitors’ membership will be placed on “pending” status.
• Athletes whose memberships are “pending” must not be allowed to participate in any capacity – competitor or forerunner – in U.S. Ski & Snowboard events until membership is current.

U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD BACKGROUND SCREENING

All U.S. Ski & Snowboard employees, competitors 18 years of age or older, member coaches, officials and club volunteers are subject to a background screening process. To apply for a U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competitor, Coach*, Official* or Club Volunteer* membership, comply with following:

• Access or create a U.S. Ski & Snowboard User Account on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website (read all instructions first!)
• Upon receipt and processing of online membership application and credit card payment, if required, you will be directed to a link to initiate the online procedures for SafeSport Training, Coaching Fundamentals Course, Introduction to Avalanches Course, and background screening.
• During SafeSport Training, Coaching Fundamentals Course, Introduction to Avalanches Course, and/or background screening processes, a coach or official will be shown as PENDING on the membership dashboard. They must not be assigned as Referee, Assistant Referee, Jury Advisor (Start/Finish Referee), Chief of Course or Course Setter. Coaches are further enjoined from participating in any capacity at any U.S. Ski & Snowboard-sanctioned event, e.g. on-hill coaching; they must not be granted venue access.
• When all “pending” issues have been resolved/completed, your membership will be finalized and U.S. Ski & Snowboard website will be updated.
• Failure to complete “pending” issues within the allotted time will result in membership being inactivated.

Approximate background screening approval for those residing in the U.S. for 7 years or more can take as long as 2-3 weeks; turnaround for foreign coaches and officials or for those who have lived abroad can take several months.

*Must be 18 years of age or older

BACKGROUND SCREENING: ATHLETES WHO TURN 18 YEARS OF AGE DURING THE COMPETITION SEASON (YOB 2004 & YOB 2005)

Athletes who turn 18 years of age during the competition season:

• Will be required to complete background screening
• Will be notified in advance of requirement
• U.S. Ski & Snowboard must receive a screening determination within 45 days from the member’s birthday
• Membership will be inactivated on the 46^th day
• Athlete will no longer appear on the National Points List until membership is reinstated
• Athlete must not be allowed to compete or forerun an event until membership is re-activated

Event Entry

• Each competitor in a U.S. Ski & Snowboard-sanctioned event must submit an entry and the appropriate entry fees to the Race Secretary before the entry deadline specified by the race organizer.
• A race organizer may prefer clubs use a “Team Entry Form” and submit their entries as a group. This simplifies the entry procedure as the organizer will have a main contact person for several competitors. Race announcement sheets should specify what type of entry form is required. The “Team Entry Form” is only used for U.S. Ski & Snowboard non-FIS events.
• U.S. Ski & Snowboard has an online race registration system. Some organizers may be using independent online registration systems for their events. Online registration is an acceptable entry format. If online race registration is used for a FIS event, the “FIS Entry Form” must still be submitted. Additionally, all data must still be verified against the appropriate source: U.S. Ski & Snowboard for USA non-FIS events and FIS for USA-sanctioned FIS events.

Event Entry– FIS Event

• FIS events require the use of the “FIS Entry Form." Age-eligible foreign competitors who wish to compete in a U.S. Ski & Snowboard-sanctioned FIS event must be properly inscribed with FIS
• USA competitors’ entries in lower-level FIS events can be made by U.S. Ski & Snowboard-member clubs and schools/colleges/universities as agents of U.S. Ski & Snowboard
• FIS-inscribed, USA competitors who are “independent” – not members of a U.S. Ski & Snowboard-member club, may submit their own entries but only for lower-level FIS events 
• Only accredited national governing bodies such as U.S. Ski & Snowboard can enter teams in upper-level FIS competitions, e.g., National Championships, Continental Cup, World Cup, World Championships, and Olympic Winter Games

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FIS Event Entry– Foreign Athletes

• FIS-inscribed foreign athletes who wish to compete in U.S. Ski & Snowboard-sanctioned FIS events must be entered by their respective National Ski Associations or an authorization (travel) letter from the respective Federation allowing the club or school/college/university to enter the competitor in FIS events must be on file with U.S. Ski & Snowboard  
• Entries for foreign competitors traveling and/or training in North America who are not members of a U.S. Ski & Snowboard club or attending school/college/university and for whom no authorization (travel) letter is on file, must be approved by U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competition Services staff
• Several nations, e.g., Austria, Canada, Great Britain, and Spain currently do not issue travel letters; entries may only be submitted by the respective Federation

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Technical Delegate

Official representative of the governing body U.S. Ski & Snowboard or FIS!

• Upon assignment, becomes a member of the Organizing Committee
• Chairman of the Jury with tie-breaking vote
• Assures that the rules and regulations of the governing body are followed
• Assists all areas so event runs efficiently
• Advises the organizers of the scope of their duties

Chief of Race

Member of the Organizing Committee

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• A voting member of the Jury

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• Responsible for the management of the entire event

Referee

• Appointed by the TD (except WC,OWG, WSC)
• Generally considered to be Competitors’/Coaches’ representative on Jury
• A voting member of the Jury
• Represents all competitors and coaches
• Receives bib #’s and names of competitors who:
• Did Not Start (DNS) or
• Were Not Permitted to Start (NPS) from Start Referee
• Did Not Finish (DNF) from Finish Referee
• Checks Gate Judge cards for “Faults”
• Prepares a timely Report to be posted (or announced) after each run listing Bib Numbers of racers who
• Were not Permitted to Start – NPS with Rule # addressing violation (athlete’s name requested)
• Did Not Start - DNS
• Did Not Finish - DNF
• Disqualified with Gate # or Rule # for DSQ & name of responsible official

(athlete’s name required)

Report by the Referee

• This form must be completed for each classification gender for each run
• Posted on Scoreboard/ Official Notice Board with date and time of posting as well as deadline for filing a Protest
• Bib # as well as named athlete must be reviewed by Team Captains regardless of whether or not they feel one of their competitors may have committed a fault (DSQ)*
• If a Team Captain believes an athlete has been erroneously DSQ’d, the Team Captain must file a protest within the 15-minute deadline (Protest Period). Protests received after that time are not allowed.

Note: May be posted on an actual board or posted online (live-timing, WhatsApp, etc.), or DSQ’s may be announced. Team Captains must be advised which option will be used. Rules do not state which option is preferred.

Assistant Referee

• Appointed by TD for Speed events (DH and SG) only
• An Assistant Referee may be appointed for educational purposes at GS or SL (non-voting)
• An Assistant Referee may be appointed at Parallel events if required in order to control both courses (non-voting)
• Member of the Organizing Committee and voting member of the Jury at Speed events
• Has all rights and responsibilities equal to those of the Referee
• Generally considered to be – along with the Referee, the Competitors’/Coaches’ representative on Jury

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Course Setter- First and Second Run

Must be familiar with current requirements of the ACR at U.S. Ski & Snowboard events or the ICR at FIS events

• For all events, must be current member of U.S. Ski & Snowboard and must also be a U.S. Ski & Snowboard-certified Referee
• For FIS events, a member of a foreign Federation recognized by FIS may also serve as a Course Setter
• Nominated at or before the Team Captains’ meeting: first run often set by host area
• Assisted by Chief of Course
• Concerning snow conditions
• Terrain
• Competitor Security
• Accompanied by Jury members, Team Captains and for speed events by the Technical Advisor, if one has been assigned

Start Referee

At the Start

• Must be present in the start area at the beginning of course inspection and remain until the end of the training/race
• Must have reserve bibs with unassigned numbers in case a replacement is needed
• Must be able to communicate by radio with the Jury at all times
• Assures that Manual/Hand Timekeepers are able to perform their duties without distraction
• Verifies that start rules are enforced
• Allows delayed provisional starts in cases of force majeure*
• In cases of doubt defers to the Jury*
• Forwards requests for provisional reruns to Jury*
• Reports names/bib numbers/reason for competitors who were not permitted to start (NPS)
• Reports names and bib numbers of competitors who did not start
• Reports rule violations to Jury
• Closes start in “START STOP” situations

*Provisional starts and reruns are not valid until ratified by the Jury!

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Start Intervals

Minimum intervals between consecutive competitor starts in a regular (fixed) interval event are:

• DH – not less than 40 seconds, includes DHT
• SG – not less than 40 seconds
• GS – not less than 30 seconds

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SL is an irregular (non-fixed) interval event.

• Jury, in agreement with Chief of Timing or Assistant determines this start interval

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Start Commands: �Fixed Intervals

Regular (fixed) Interval Commands (DH, SG, GS)

• Starter begins sequence with a warning

“10 seconds”

• After a 5 second pause, starter counts down

“5, 4 3, 2, 1, Go”

• Racer may start 5 sec before until 5 sec after “Go”
• Failure to start within that 10-second window will result in DSQ.

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Start Referee will record failure to start properly and report to Jury

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Start Commands: �Non-Fixed Intervals

Irregular (non-fixed) Interval (SL)

• Starter announces “READY”
• Followed, a few seconds later, by “GO”
• Racer has a 10-second window after “GO” within which to start
• Failure to start “within about 10 seconds” of “GO’ results in DSQ

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NOTE: A competitor who is not present or who is not ready when called to the start in either fixed or non-fixed interval events, has committed a “delayed start” infraction. These competitors are subject to sanction which may - depending on the circumstances – include DSQ.

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Starter and Assistant Starter

Starter

• Has direct communication with Chief Timekeeper
• Informs Chief Timekeeper of bib number of competitor who has started
• Informs Chief Timekeeper of bib number of competitor in the start gate
• Verifies proper start intervals are observed
• Issues start command

Assistant Starter

• Lines up competitors according to Start List
• Calls both bib number and name to avoid possibility of switched bibs

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Finish Referee

At the Finish:

• Must be present in the finish area at the beginning of course inspection

and remain until the end of a training/event

• Supervises the condition of the finish area
• The finish area/finish line should be plainly visible to approaching racer
• Marked horizontally with a colored line
• Gently sloped with sufficient room to stop
• Fenced to prevent unauthorized entry
• Receives the course reports from forerunners, relays them to the jury
• Assures that Manual/Hand Timekeepers are able to perform their duties without distraction
• Is available to submit a request for a provisional rerun to Jury
• Reports names and bib numbers of competitors who did not finish to the Referee
• Reports names and bib numbers of competitors who violated rules pertaining to a legal finish to the Jury
• Must be able to communicate by radio with the Jury at all times

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Chief of Course

• Responsible for Course Preparation and Maintenance
• Under direction of the Jury
• Must be familiar with
• Local snow conditions
• Terrain
• Usually a ski area employee or member of the host club
• Supervises the on-course work done by course maintenance staff

What is a “Connection Coach”?

The Jury may request that one or two Team Captains be designated to serve as a Connection Coach.

• Connection Coaches serve as “Eyes of the Jury” – usually at yellow flag positions for speed events (Downhill and Super G)
• Connection Coaches are the liaison between the Jury and all the Team Captains.

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Depending on terrain and course set, a Connection Coach may also be appointed for Giant Slalom.

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Race Administrator �

Also called Race Secretary or Secretariat and because of wide range of responsibilities is a key official!

• Receives entries
• Is responsible for preparation of draw (scored events)
• Is responsible for event-related data management
• Supervises publication of all notices: schedules, local rules, etc.
• Supervises publication of all official documents:

Start Lists, Results, Minutes of Jury Decisions, etc.

Chief of Timing and Calculations

• Coordinates officials at the start and finish
• Verifies synchronization of the timing
• Manual/hand timekeeping
• Electronic timekeeping
• Is responsible for the accuracy of the timing
• Responsible for the accuracy of the official times
• Completes and signs the PDF copy of the Timing & Data Technical Report (TDTR)

(all events, both scored and non-scored)

• Oversees electronic transmission of TDTR xml file

(all events, both scored and non-scored)

• Delivers PDF copy of the Timing & Data Technical Report to RA for TD’s signature
• Directs operations of the following officials:
• Starter
• Assistant Starter
• Start Recorder
• Chief Timekeeper
• Assistant Timekeepers (Manual/Hand Timekeepers)

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Course Maintenance Workers

In accordance with the instructions from the Jury:

• Provide gates, panels, drills, gate keys, timing equipment, shovels, rakes
• Set protective fencing, air bags, spectator fencing
• Clear loose snow from the course
• Spread snow hardening agents
• Set outside gates

Additional Officials

• Event Medical Staff/Ski Patrol
• If Avalanche Control will be required on training or race day, an Avalanche Control Report should be delivered at the Team Captains’ Meeting
• Must be present for competitors’ course inspection, training, and the race
• If assigned to the start area, should be physically present in the start area
• Announcer
• Announces bib number and name of racer in the start gate, who is on course, who has just finished, and the finisher’s unofficial time
• Announces schedule changes
• Announces disqualification data: Bib #, Name, Team and protest period expiration time
• Scoreboard Recorder/Poster (if an actual board is being used)
• Posts unofficial times as provided by Announcer,
• Electronic Scoreboard, or
• Electronic Time-of-Day (ToD) Recording form

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Chief Gate Judge

• Assembles the Team of Gate Judges (GJ)
• Uses available materials (video) for training/review of duties
• Verbally clarifies duties of the Gate Judge
• Counts and numbers the gates
• Assigns Gates to each GJ
• Verifies that each GJ understands the rules for proper passage
• Verifies that each GJ has the necessary materials
• Verifies that each GJ has good sight lines
• Establishes procedure for collection of GJ cards after each run for delivery to the Referee
• In the event a “Fault” is recorded, makes sure that the GJ is available after the run in which the fault occurred to meet with the Jury

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Gate Judges - �Most Important People on the Hill!

Supervises one or more gates

• Determines if both ski tips and both feet passed the gate line correctly
• Verifies that the racer did not receive outside assistance
• As instructed/required, replaces missing gates in dye spots, straighten leaning gates, replace panels*
• Controls spectators and coaches who may crowd or interfere with the course*

*Course maintenance workers and coaches assist with these duties

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Gate Judges – And the Jury�

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

• Downhill
• Downhill Training
• Super G
• Super G Training
• Giant Slalom

This option requires that the Jury and the OC take measures to cover the entire course with sufficient:

• Jury members
• Jury Advisors
• Eyes of the Jury
• Connection Coaches

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Slalom requires regular assignment of Gate Judges!

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NOTE: This is a non-FIS rule; FIS rules currently require that Gate Judges be in place for all events.

Team Captains’ Meeting

A Team Captains’ Meeting, attended in person or online by Team Captains, Jury, and race officials is an inseparable and mandatory part of the competition and is important for communication of Jury instructions, support of the OC, as well as conveying OC requests and information.  It is also a critical element for risk management and liability-related matters.

• A Team Captains’ Meeting can be held either the night before an event, after an event in preparation for the next day, or the morning of the actual event. According to U.S. Ski & Snowboard and FIS rules, the draw (preparation of competitors’ start order) must be conducted (or confirmed) at a Team Captains' Meeting. 
• All athletes entered in an event must be represented at the Team Captains’ Meetings

Day of the Race

Activities

• Competitors and race workers will be required to register
• U.S. Ski & Snowboard memberships will be verified, as required
• Non-U.S. Ski & Snowboard member race workers will be required to sign

“Volunteer Competition Worker Registration”

• Bib distribution and collection of bib deposit may occur
• Lift tickets may be distributed (if required)
• Start Lists and local rules will be available

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“Volunteer Competition Worker Registration”

Must be signed by event volunteers who:

• Are not U.S. Ski & Snowboard members
• Are not properly credentialed FIS officials, coaches and trainers
• Are not regular employees of Organizer
• Are not regular employees of of Ski Area/Landowner acting within the scope of their employment

NOTE: Must be 18 years of age or older!

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First- Run Start Order

There are two categories of races: scored and non-scored.

• First-Run Start Lists for scored events use earned seed points to rank competitors. Start order is then created by a Draw (randomization) between the 15 lowest point holders.
• All other competitors, who have seed points, run in order of their points.
• Racers without points and ties among those with points (not in the first 15-first seed) are also randomized.
• The method of randomization can be either manual or computer generated; the Jury authorizes computer-generated randomization.

(Note: Special seeding methods may be approved for certain events or series.)

Downhill, Super G, and Giant Slalom also allow for a Start Order in Extraordinary Circumstances – usually anticipated bad weather. This “Snow Seed” is selected by drawing 6 competitors from among the last 20% of the field. These competitors start prior to Start #1 and in the reverse order of their start numbers. These athletes are NOT Forerunners!

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• First-run Start Lists for non-scored events: YSL, Age Class, Masters, etc., are prepared according to specific rules relating to class/gender.

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Second-Run Start Order

• For scored events, racers are ranked according to First Run Time
• The order for a pre-determined number of racers is then reversed – 30 or 15 – this is a “bibbo”
• 30 is standard; Jury may limit to 15 – announced 1 hour prior to start of race
• Special rules for Second Run Start Order apply for
• U.S. Ski & Snowboard non-scored events, e.g., Age Class, YSL
• U.S. Ski & Snowboard scored non-FIS event (1^st Run DNF’s/DSQ’s allowed a 2^nd Run)
• Bibbo with a tie at the pre-determined flip position
• Collegiate events
• “Golden Rule” adaptive seeding for U.S. Ski & Snowboard events only

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TIMEKEEPING:

• OFFICIALS
• DOCUMENTS
• CALCULATIONS
• EQUIPMENT

Timekeeping

Ski race results are determined using a technique called “Time-of-Day” timing.

• Competitors’ starts and finishes are recorded using timing devices synchronized to the actual time of day
• A competitor’s elapsed time is determined by subtracting the start time from the finish time

U.S. Ski & Snowboard and FIS require the use of 3 redundant timing systems.

• The first 2 systems (System A and System B) are required to electronically trigger the start with a start wand and the finish with finish eyes
• Systems A and B must be synchronized to the time of day and to each other
• These devices record the time-of-day start and time-of-day finish for each competitor and print the times on paper tape; they also output the information to timing software
• The third system must be independent of the electronic A and B systems.
• The third system is comprised of synchronized stopwatches or hand-held battery-operated timekeeping equipment
• The devices are manually triggered by “Timing Assistants” physically located at the start area and the finish area

Timing Assistants: �Start Manual/Hand Timekeeper and Recorder

• Start manual/hand timekeeping is totally independent of electronic timekeeping
• Used in case of failure of both electronic systems - A and B
• Uses a continuously running, synchronized, hand-held stopwatch or hand-operated battery-operated timing device
• Timing devices must read to the hundredth of a second (MM:SS.ss)
• When competitor’s lower leg crosses the start line:
• Timekeeper pushes the button and freezes the display
• Reads display to Manual/Hand Time Recorder
• Is consistent
• Start Manual/Hand Time Recorder writes the bib number and time-of-day start for each racer
• Records the time heard and repeats the time to the timekeeper for verification

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Timing Assistants: �Finish Manual/Hand Timekeeper and Recorder

• Finish manual/hand timekeeping is independent of electronic timekeeping
• Provides manual backup in case of failure of both electronic systems - A and B
• Uses a continuously running, synchronized, handheld stopwatch or hand-operated battery-operated timing device
• Timing devices must read to the hundredth of a second (MM:SS.ss)
• When first part of competitor’s body crosses the finish line
• Timekeeper pushes the button and freezes the display
• Reads display to HT Recorder
• Finish Manual/Hand Time Recorder should operate a second watch as a backup
• Finish Manual/Hand Time Recorder writes the bib number and time-of-day finish for each racer

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Start/Finish Timekeeper Recording Form

START TIMEKEEPER:

Obtains/records a manual time for all competitors who start.

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FINISH TIMEKEEPER:

Obtains/records a manual time for all competitors who cross the finish line.

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Manual Timekeepers do not make decisions on validity of start/finish/gate passage; failure to record a manual time because of a perceived disqualification is a major error!

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Documents have to provide a record of actual occurrences so they must not be pre-numbered!

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Start/Finish Timekeeper Recording Form��Do not pre-number!��The data on this form must be in order of actual-occurrence.

����Subtracting “Time” �A RACER’S TIME IS NEVER ROUNDED OR AVERAGED! ���HINT: 1 Minute = 60 Seconds�Start on the left: Cross a colon – borrow 60; cross a decimal – borrow 10����

Start Here

3:61.

15:04:01.8910

-15:02:59.8719

1:02.0191

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Truncate to > 1:02.01

REMEMBER ONLY NUMBERS ARE ROUNDED.

TIMES ARE NEVER ROUNDED, THEY ARE TRUNCATED!

Replacement Times�(Equivalent Electronic Times - EET)

• When the electronic time of day is missed on System A (primary), it will be necessary to calculate a replacement time of day (EET) from System B (secondary system)
• If both the primary and secondary systems fail, you must calculate a replacement time (EET) from the manual/hand timekeeping
• A replacement time (EET) is a valid time!

Compare System A start or finish electronic time-of-day time to corresponding System B start or finish (or manual/hand, if System B not available) time-of-day time for ten (10) competitors who started before the competitor with the missing time ��If ten (10) competitors’ times before the missing time are not available, complete the calculation using competitors’ times after the missed time��Divide the difference by ten (10) and round up or down (0.044 = 0.04; 0.045 = 0.05)��Arrive at a result which serves as a correction factor or average margin of error ��Apply the correction factor to System B (or manual/hand) time-of-day time for the competitor with the missing System A time-of-day��NOTE: EET calculation must use time-of-day precision to a minimum of 1/1000^th (.001) for the correction value. If manual/hand timing is only available to a precision of 1/100^th (.01), full precision of 1/1000^th (.001) or better must be used. e.g. watch only displays seconds to .49, .490 must be used in the calculation process.

Calculation of a Replacement Time (EET)

EVENT COMMUNICATION

“START STOP”

• The Technical Delegate is responsible for confirming that all Jury members, Jury Advisors, and Eyes of the Jury have reviewed and are aware of the “start stop”/ “start stop/ yellow flag stop” procedures.
• “START STOP” is called via radio by a Jury member, Eyes of the Jury (a coach positioned at a yellow flag zone) or Jury Advisor when it is necessary to control the departure of the next racer – usually because the preceding racer has fallen and the racer or racer’s equipment is blocking the course.
• When this command is issued, the Start Referee must immediately close the start.

“START STOP – YELLOW FLAG STOP”

• The command “START STOP, YELLOW FLAG STOP” is called via radio by a Jury member, Eyes of the Jury, or Jury Advisor
• When it is necessary to control the departure of the next racer and
• To “yellow flag” (stop) a racer who is already on course because the preceding racer has fallen and the racer or racer’s equipment is blocking the course
• When this command is issued, the Start Referee must immediately close the start.

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Start Referee MUST:

• The Start Referee must immediately, and in a concise manner, confirm via radio
• Start is closed
• Must state the start number of the last competitor to have started
• Must state the start number of the competitor held at the start.

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Example:

“START STOP confirmed, #23 on course, # 24 in the gate”

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Extra verbiage not recommended because Jury channel must be kept open!

WHEN A “START STOP” or �“START STOP/YELLOW FLAG” IS CALLED:

• Ski Patrol assigned to the event and in radio contact with the Jury, is now on alert that a competitor may require medical assistance.
• If the Jury / Eyes of the Jury / Jury Advisor call for medical assistance, Ski Patrol assigned to the race first verifies that the course is clear,

e.g., no racer is on course!

• Once Ski Patrol assigned to the race has verified that it has a clear course, it responds to the call for medical assistance.

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SKI PATROL ASSIGNED TO THE RACE ARE

THE FIRST RESPONDERS -

NOT THE COACHES / TRAINERS / OFFICIALS /

PARENTS / OTHER ATHLETES!

Reopening the Course:

• The individual (Jury member, Eyes of the Jury, or Jury Advisor) who called the “START STOP” or “START STOP/YELLOW FLAG STOP” is responsible for releasing the course hold.
• The course is reopened at the direction of the Jury:

- either from top to bottom

- bottom to top or

- from the position where the incident requiring the

“START STOP/YELLOW FLAG STOP” occurred.

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Who May Call “Start Stop”

or

“Start Stop/Yellow Flag”

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When necessary to address critical situations,

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ANY Jury member,

ANY Eyes of the Jury (Connection Coach) or

ANY Jury Advisor (Start Referee or Finish Referee

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MAY call a “Start, Stop”

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No other official is authorized to call a “Start Stop”

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Failure to comply may result in a “radio walk over," effectively impairing the Start Referee’s ability to receive the transmission.

�Other Necessary Interruptions�

A “Stop/Start” is generally an alert of a possible emergency situation; “holds” may be called for other reasons:

Course Maintenance Hold: Most course maintenance issues do not require a start/stop. An exception is if a broken gate or other material pose an inherent risk to competitors on the course

Timing Hold: Timing hold information is passed along to the Jury and others by the Start Referee by radio to Jury positions along the course and voice communication to those in the start area.

Start Interval: The designated start interval for “fixed interval” events GS/SG/DH is the time planned between consecutive competitor starts. The start interval duration must be listed on the program as it is critical for course workers and officials to know when it is clear to work or communicate between racers.

Finish Interval: A finish interval is a decision to start one racer after the completion of the run by the previous racer. The use of a finish interval, though not required, for the last few remaining athletes on the start list may help eliminate unnecessary delays by minimizing the interference of an athlete due to an issue that occurred on course.

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RACE DAY

Registration:

• Start Lists, daily schedules (programs), bibs, lift passes, etc., are available at Registration. If the Jury authorizes a request for late entries, the Start List will change, and the officials at the start, timing personnel, and the Jury must have an updated Start List
• Racers, officials, and volunteers usually all check-in at Registration

Course Inspection: Competitors must follow the instructions of the Jury regarding acceptable methods of course inspection

• Skiing or shadowing any portion of the racecourse in racing fashion during inspection, unless otherwise instructed by the Jury, will result in sanction
• Skiing or shadowing any portion of the racecourse in racing fashion while on an adjacent run will also result in sanction

Training/warmup: Designated areas may be available, are restricted to selected trails, and the competitors should make use of them. Whether a competitor chooses to free ski to warm up or uses the warmup course, they must remain conscious of the time. It is each competitor’s obligation to report to the start on time.

Equipment: Equipment is the responsibility of the individual competitor and, if applicable, their parents/legal guardians

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RACE DAY

After the course set and on-hill competitor security/protection are inspected and approved by the Team Captains and the Jury

• At the request of the Jury, the position of the turning gates may be marked with a coloring substance.
• If a gate is missing, the competitor must make a concerted effort to pass in a legal manner or else stop immediately and ask for a rerun
• If a competitor’s “concerted effort” does not result in legal passage through the gate – both feet and both ski tips – the competitor will be listed as having committed a gate fault which will result in disqualification.

Interference – if a competitor’s run is subject to interference by an animal, a course worker, another competitor, etc., the

• Competitor must ski out of the course immediately and report to the nearest Gate Judge, a member of the Jury or a Jury Advisor
• Failure to immediately ski out of the course and request a rerun based on interference may eliminate possibility of a provisional rerun.

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RACE DAY

Finish – A competitor in a non-FIS* event may not continue on the course and must immediately remove themselves and their equipment off the course

• If the competitor loses a ski more than two gates above the finish in Slalom, Giant Slalom or Super G,
• If the competitor loses a ski more than one gate above the finish in Downhill

Failure to do so is clear disqualification and the competitor may be subject to additional sanction(s).  

• Racing speed may not allow competitor to securely stop prior to crossing the finish line. Competitor Is assigned a time and is then disqualified. If the Jury feels speed was the reason the competitor did not stop prior to crossing the line, no further sanctions should be applied.
• If competitor loses a ski below the second gate above the finish line in Slalom, Giant Slalom or Super G or below the last gate above the finish line in Downhill, then the competitor may finish on one ski. (This “fall in the finish” rule is a U.S. Ski & Snowboard rule only and may be waived by the competition Jury at events that are not scored, e.g. YSL.)
• Once a competitor crosses the line, the competitor must stop within the finish area and exit the finish area in a controlled manner

* Refer to FIS ICR for FIS procedures

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RACE DAY

• Coaches are responsible for verifying the information posted on the Report by the Referee after each run
• Protests against disqualification must be submitted within a fifteen-minute period after the posting or announcing of disqualification
• A coach may submit an oral protest until proper document can be filed
• A Protest submitted after the expiration of this protest period will be disallowed

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Access to Officials & Relationship with Jury and Jury Advisors:

• Start and Finish Referee are in radio contact with the Jury; they are the most accessible officials in case a coach or competitor requires the assistance of the Jury.
• In order to consider the validity of a request made for a provisional start or provisional rerun, a competitor will be required to testify before the Jury
• A protest of a sanction also requires the competitor’s testimony
• Competitor’s coach must be available to represent the competitor

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RACE DAY

Jury Meetings:

• Due to time constraints, Jury meetings may not occur until after the race.
• In this case a protest filed by a coach for a competitor DSQ in the first run will result in the DSQ competitor being allowed to start the 2nd Run on a provisional basis.

Possible Jury Sanctions:

• Oral reprimand
• Disqualification
• Suspension
• Impaired starting position
• Loss of accreditation

FIS event allows for imposition of monetary sanctions; Non-FIS does NOT

NOTE: A competitor shall only be disqualified if the competitor’s mistake would result in an advantage with regard to the end result, unless the Rules state otherwise. (E.g., Gate Fault, Early-Late Start, etc.)

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Summary

• A large number of volunteers are required in order to organize an alpine skiing event
• Each position requires a simple understanding of the position within the event
• Each person has a responsibility to understand their individual job and how that job relates to the entire event
• With experience, a Competition Official will be able to move between assignments and train for advancement into a specialty area

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Volunteers are valuable AND essential!

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