1. 2018-2019 UPDATE & REVIEW: CONTINUING EDUCATION for ALPINE OFFICIALS
This presentation contains excerpts from paper copy of the above document.
Please review paper copy and current rule books for additional information.
rev

2. U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD REGULATIONS
Competition regulations for domestic alpine ski racing are adopted from the FIS ICR, but are specific to U.S. Ski & Snowboard competitions
National Alpine Competition Regulations (ACR) are updated annually, is published in the current Alpine Competition Guide and are available at usskiandsnowboard.org
FIS Competition Rules (ICR) have been updated and are available on the FIS website. U.S. Ski & Snowboard website provides a link to the FIS website.

3. ADDITIONAL RULE BOOKS
COURSE SPECIFICATIONS: Refer to current editions of U.S. Ski & Snowboard ACR and FIS ICR for minimum/maximum vertical drop and gate count requirements for U.S. Ski & Snowboard and FIS events
COMPETITION EQUIPMENT: Refer to current Equipment Regulations and/or current edition of U.S. Ski & Snowboard and FIS Specifications for Competition Equipment.
NOR-AM CUP AND WORLD CUP RULES: Rules have been revised; please refer to current rule books on FIS website.

4. APPLICATION OF RULES
For all events scheduled as non-FIS events, applicable U.S. Ski & Snowboard rules should be considered and applied (ACR)
For all events scheduled as FIS events, applicable rules of the FIS should 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!

5. QUESTIONS NOT COVERED BY RULES
The Jury makes decisions on all questions not covered by the rules! [ ]
These decisions must be documented in Jury Minutes
The Jury Minutes must indicate Jury members’ votes
The Jury Minutes must contain a record of the Jury members’ votes and must be signed!

6. 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:
FIS ICR
U.S. Ski & Snowboard ACR
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.

7. CONTINUING EDUCATION UPDATE 2018 - 2019

8. SAFESPORT TRAINING
U.S. Federal Law requires 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.
The initial training is required every two years with a refresher course in between. If you have completed SafeSport training within the past season (17-18) with another organization, you may submit your certificates to Member Services by to
U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership is required prior to initiating SafeSport training. After membership application/renewal is completed, you will receive notification containing instructions and a time limit for completion of training. Failure to complete training prior to deadline will result in membership being inactivated.
Basic instructions for SafeSport training are:
Follow link above your “MY ACCOUNT” page or go to safesport.org and create an account
Affiliate account with U.S. Ski & Snowboard and enter your 7-digit membership number
Choose the learning dashboard under your name (on left) and begin the course
Complete each module of the course; all three modules must be completed to earn certificates
Due to length of course, you may choose to complete one module at a time. You may log in and out at your convenience.

9. NON-SCORED STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
The membership is designed for students aged , prior to December 31 and is primarily for interscholastic and intercollegiate racing.
This membership provides access to all levels of U.S. Ski & Snowboard scored and non-scored competitions at the local, divisional, regional and national level.
However, as the name implies it does not include access to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard points list.
Alpine Non-Scored Students age  may race in Alpine Masters races.

10. COACHES AND OFFICIALS – MEMBERSHIP AGE CHANGE
Due to background screening and the added requirement for SafeSport training requirements, Coaches and Officials must be 18 years of age prior to December 31 of the current competition season in order to apply for applicable U.S. Ski & Snowboard memberships. Background screening will now be conducted every two (2) seasons.

11. YOUTH COACHES AND VENUE ACCESS
Youth Coaches (age 15-18) will be allowed venue access in order to serve as coaches.  The following requirements are in place:
Youth Coach membership requirement: General Member or Competitor
Youth Coaches must be under the supervision of a current member Coach or Official
Youth Coaches’ venue access must be requested/signed for by the supervising current member Coach or Official
Youth Coaches may not serve as a Jury member, Jury Advisor or Course Setter

12. PARALLEL RACING
Parallel SL racing has been approved by U.S. Ski & Snowboard and course setting and timing protocols for standard and drop-down start formats have been established.
Non-Scored Parallel Events - Rules for non-scored Parallel SL have been approved, will be in effect immediately and will be published in the Precisions to the current ACR.
Scored Parallel Events - Season will be the start of a 2-year implementation for scored Parallel SL. Season events will be seeded by current National Slalom Points and will follow current rules and specifications for Slalom; e.g. course setting, vertical drop/minimum time standards; F-value (factor).
Scored Parallel SL Events – Season :
Seeding will be done by Parallel National Points and results will score to
that list. The events will follow the published requirements for Parallel SL.
In case of issues not covered in Art – 1232, the rules for Slalom (Art.
800) will apply. The currently published Parallel SL F-value (factor) may be
adjusted.
NOTE: FIS Office is reviewing rules for FIS Parallel events. Refer to current FIS publications related current FIS rules and procedures for FIS Parallel Events.

13. FACTORS (F-VALUES) & POINTS LISTS
Factors, used in the calculation of both U.S. Ski & Snowboard and FIS penalty calculations have been reviewed and posted for use as follows:
DH – 1250
SL – 730
GS – 1010
SG – 1190
AC – 1360
P – 870 (proposed for Season )
Both U.s. Ski & Snowboard and FIS Points Lists will be published every two weeks.
Lists will close on Sundays and new lists will go into effect on Thursdays.
Results not received prior to closing dates will not be considered until the next cycle.
FIS Base Points must not be used either for seeding or FIS penalty calculations.

14. TIMING EQUIPMENT & RULES
U.S. Ski & Snowboard COURSE SETTING SPECIFICATIONS (SCORED AND NON-SCORED)
The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Course Setting Specifications for scored and non-scored non-FIS events are available at usskiandsnowboard.org. Please note, for non-FIS events, the number of gates/direction changes is based on distance between gates, not percentage of vertical drop.
TIMING EQUIPMENT & RULES
TIMING EQUIPMENT – non-FIS & FIS Events
Synchronization of timing systems must occur as close as possible to the scheduled start for the first run.
Synchronization “within 60 minutes of the start” is no longer required.
Synchronization of all systems must be maintained and systems must not be re-synchronized for the second run.
START CLOCKS & AUDIBLE START COMMANDS
U613.4 has been added to the ACR in order to clarify the use of a start clock does not replace audible (spoken) start commands.
START GATE ( )
The exemption for non-scored events allowing the use of “auto- return” start gates has been removed. Use of homologated start gates is required for all levels of U.S. Ski & Snowboard competition.

15. TIMING & DATA TECHNICAL REPORT (TDTR)
A Timing and Data Technical Report is required for all levels of U.S. Ski & Snowboard events – both non-scored and scored.
Using FIS TDTR Software to produce a paper copy report, as required for non-FIS events, is highly recommended
Software does accept “National Race Code” which is used for a U.S. Ski & Snowboard race code (alpha character + 4-digit number); either “CHI – Children”, “CIT – Citizen” or “JUN – Junior” category must be selected
The TDTR XML file must not be submitted to FIS for non-FIS events or to U.S. Ski & Snowboard as auto system is not currently set up to accept the TDTR XML file
A signed copy of this form for all non-FIS U.S. Ski & Snowboard events must be submitted to the applicable region/division Timing Working Group representative
FIS evaluates FIS-event TDTR’s for FIS events and reports any anomalies to U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competition Services

16. TIMING WORKING GROUP REPRESENTATIVES
Alaska: Lucy Schram
Central: Jon Manderfield
East: Matt Howard
Far West: Lucy Schram
IMD: Tami Strong
Northern: Tami Strong
PNSA: PNSA Office
Rocky Mtn.: John Jett
A copy of calculation(s) required for Replacement Time(s) (EET) must accompany TDTR submitted to the above region/division representatives.

17. PRECISIONS: ACR & ICR
Precisions to the ACR will be published as soon as possible after required changes noted.
Precisions to the ICR for the Northern Hemisphere will be posted on both U.S. & Snowboard and FIS websites.
Precisions to the ICR for the Southern Hemisphere contain changes that will be included in those for the Northern Hemisphere, especially to ICR Art. 650 – Homologation of Courses. Please review as required.

18. FIS MINIMUM PENALTIES Minimum penalties for Season 2020
FIS will recalculate Season 2019 results and apply new minimums; recalculated results will be used to calculate Season 2020 Base List Points. U.S. Ski & Snowboard minimum penalties will also increase for Season 2020; National Points will be adjusted as required.

19. INJURY / ACCIDENT REPORTING
Online filing of the American Specialty Insurance Report (ASI) is preferred
If an OC chooses to not use the online American Specialty Insurance Report (ASI), paper copy must be sent to:
If an accident requires filing of a 4-page “TD Accident Report” as detailed in the “Guidelines”, you must immediately contact Competition Services
Refrain from discussing accidents/injuries via text, or social media!

20. SKILLSQUEST & FREESKI SESSIONS
SkillsQuest packets containing the following documents must be submitted to
List of participants in excel format containing status of all athletes, e.g. DNS, DNF, sent to both National and Regional Offices
Program
Team Captains’ Meeting Minutes
Jury Minutes
Injury Report(s)
If an OC schedules an official freeski session, the following documents must be included in the Result Document Packet submitted to
Program/Schedule (official form is not required; club/area/event letterhead is acceptable)
Jury Minutes documenting approval of conditions, on-hill competitor security and Program

21. MASTER PACKET OF FORMS (MPF)
U.S. Ski & Snowboard
MASTER PACKET OF FORMS (MPF)
All forms in the Master Packet of Forms (MPF) have been reviewed, have been updated and approved.
Please use current forms without alterations and/or personalization.
Remember these forms are legal documents.

22. REVIEW OF GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES

23. RACE ARENA & THE JURY
The Jury is responsible for the “race arena” which is accepted as being
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 (training area). [ ]
Prior to the event, the Chief of Race should establish contact with ski area management and Ski Patrol and clarify those areas for which the Jury has jurisdiction.

24. TENURE OF THE JURY
In accordance with Art , 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 ) but only if their tenure has not ended as outlined in Art

25. TECHNICAL DELEGATE’S ARRIVAL
An Organizing Committee that requests that the Technical Delegate not arrive until shortly before the Team Captains’ Meeting is in violation of FIS ICR Art and risks loss of liability insurance coverage.
ACR states Technical Delegate “should” arrive 48 hours prior to first draw for Downhill or Super G and 24 hours prior to draw for all other events; ICR requires the Technical Delegate “must” arrive on site within the same time parameters.
Technical Delegates are required to fulfill all the ACR/ICR duties of the Technical Delegate and late arrival does not allow for attention to pre-event duties.

26. CALCULATION OF AN ELECTRONIC REPLACEMENT TIME (EET)
In the case of a failure of the main electronic timing system (system A), the results of the electronic back-up system (system B) will be valid as per art [ ]
In the case that time of day from either system A or system B are not available for a competitor, the calculated time of day as per art will be considered valid.
Utilization of times taken by hand: Hand times may be used in the official results after a correction has been calculated. [ ]
Calculation of the correction: Subtract the electronic time from the time taken by hand for the 10 competitors starting before the missing time.  If there are not 10 times before, complete the calculation with the remaining times after the missed time.
The sum of the 10 time differences is divided by 10 and rounded up or down ( > 0.04, > 0.05) to give the correction which must be applied to the hand time of the competitor without an electronic time.

27. EVENTS WHERE POINT IMPROVEMENTS EXCEED EXPECTATIONS
The goal of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard scoring system is to ensure fair and accurate events so earned results represent an athlete’s ability. An accurate scoring system is critical for athlete ranking, evaluation and selection purposes. Research has culminated in criteria to identify events where athletes score point improvements far beyond expectations. Every scored event will be subject to these filters and events that exceed the threshold of the criteria - a statistical probability of will be marked for review. The criteria are: a. Average improvement between seed points and points achieved b. Average percent of point improvement c. Percent of the field that scored a point improvement The cause of an exceptional event could range from random situational circumstances to penalty manipulation. If the Technical Delegate feels that an event may exceed the criteria, they should request that the event not be scored until a review has been completed. If in doubt, they should contact the appropriate Regional Alpine Director for guidance.

28. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
NON-FIS EVENTS: Jury members, Jury Advisors (Start & Finish Referees), Chief of Course, Course Setters, Chief of Timing & Calculations and Race Administrator are required to be current, appropriately certified members of U.S. Ski & Snowboard as a Coach or Official. Competitors are required to have an appropriate competitor’s U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership. Forerunners must have appropriate and current U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership: Competitor, Masters, U.S. Ski & Snowboard General or Short Term Membership. Qualified members of foreign federations recognized by FIS must hold a valid U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership in order to take part in any capacity at a non-FIS event.
COACHES’ MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENT: Except in specific instances where an event has been pre- approved, all coaches must have a current Coach membership in order to participate in any capacity at a U.S. Ski & Snowboard-sanctioned event; e.g. on-hill coaching.
FIS EVENTS: With the exception of the Chief of Race who must be a member of the organizing National Ski Association ( ), Jury members, Jury Advisors (Start & Finish Referees), Chief of Course, Course Setters, Chief of Timing & Calculations and Race Administrator are required to be current members of U.S. Ski & Snowboard as a Coach or Official or must be qualified members of foreign federations recognized by FIS. If a foreign FIS Federation lists a foreign coach on their entry form, the Federation is certifying that the coach has the knowledge and ability to fulfill the duties of a Team Captain: e.g. serve as a Jury member or set a course; this satisfies the “qualified member of foreign federation” requirement for FIS events.
Competitors are required to be FIS inscribed. Age-eligible current U.S. Ski & Snowboard members who are not FIS inscribed and who are serving as forerunners must sign the “FIS Athlete’s Declaration”.

29. EXCEPTION: CAN-AM EVENTS
A limited number of non-FIS events – designated as “CAN- AM’S”, allow a set number of Canadian competitors to compete without first obtaining a U.S. Ski & Snowboard competitor’s membership
The coaches accompanying the Canadian competitors may function in the capacity of their team’s coach without obtaining a U.S. Ski & Snowboard Coach/Official membership
The exception does not allow these coaches or any other non-U.S. Ski & Snowboard member to serve as Jury members or Course Setters at these non-FIS events

30. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS – ALL U. S
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS – ALL U.S. Ski & Snowboard-SANCTIONED EVENTS
Referee, Assistant Referee and Course Setter(s) must be certified Referees (RF) for all U.S. Ski & Snowboard-sanctioned events – scored or non-scored
Jury Advisors (Start/Finish Referees) for all events must be a certified Jury Advisor (JA), Referee (RF) or Chief of Race (CR)
For U.S. Ski & Snowboard-sanctioned FIS events, when a foreign FIS Federation lists a foreign coach on their entry form, that Federation is certifying that the coach has the knowledge and ability to fulfill the duties of a Team Captain: e.g. serve as a Jury member or set a course
Other “senior officials” must be U.S. Ski & Snowboard members and be appropriately certified for the position; e.g. Technical Delegate, Chief of Race, Chief of Course, Chief of Timing & Calculations, Race Administrator

31. NOTE : AO CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Alpine Officials’ Certification is a benefit associated with membership
Certification is not automatically achieved upon registration as an Official or Coach/Official
Certification must be earned by attending a U.S. Ski & Snowboard-approved Alpine Officials’ Clinic and passing an applicable exam, if required
Attendance at an AO Clinic and passing an exam still requires registration as a U.S. Ski & Snowboard Official or Coach/Official in order for earned certification to be valid

32. CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES
Guidelines have been amended to include the recommendation that an official attend a yearly Continuing Education Clinic (Update).
The requirement for biennial attendance in order to retain certifications(s) remains unchanged.

33. “PENDING” MEMBERSHIPS
If a Coach or Official member’s membership status on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website is “PENDING”, this is an indication that the member has not completed membership requirements, e.g. required background screening, SafeSport Training and/or Fast Start Coaching Course, and they must not be appointed to serve as:
- Jury members
- Jury Advisors
- Chief of Course
- Course Setter(s)

34. MEMBER LOOKUP TOOL
Users are able to search for “Current” as well as “Last Season” and “All” members
Coding displays why a given member may be on pending status
Enhancement provides information regarding purchasers of short-term memberships, including validity dates

35. USING MEMBERSHIP LOOKUP
Note availability and visibility of information!
Searching for “All” will retrieve data for “Not Current” members.

36. TRAVEL LETTERS
Only National Ski Associations are entitled to make entries for international competitions.
If a National Ski Association issues an entry authorization (travel) letter, U.S. Ski & Snowboard allows non-USA athletes training with U.S. Ski & Snowboard clubs or attending USA schools/colleges/universities to be entered by their coaches
Every non-USA athlete’s authorization letter must be submitted to it must also be sent to the Regional Manager for the Region where the athlete is training
Letters must be submitted directly by the respective National Ski Association; will not be accepted if forwarded by coach or athlete

37. MEMBER HOLD LIST CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
If due to a suspected concussion, an athlete has been placed on the Member Hold List posted on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website, the athlete must be cleared by a licensed health care provider prior to being allowed to return to training/competition.
The care provider must be trained in the evaluation and management of a concussion and must have successfully completed a continuing education course in the evaluation and management of a concussion within three years prior to evaluating the athlete.
The care provider must complete the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Concussion Medical Evaluation, found in the Master Packet of Forms (MPF) and submit it to
Signature from parents/guardians of athletes under 18 years of age is required.
Clearance can take up to 48 hours, so an on-site Jury can accept a properly executed Concussion Medical Evaluation and clear an athlete to return to training/competition.
Coaches need to work with an injured athlete’s parents/guardians to confirm clearance process has been completed; they must cooperate with the OC in verifying athletes on the Member Hold List do not appear on a Start List.
NOTE: A Jury may remove a foreign athlete with a suspected concussion from competition; however, foreign athletes may not be placed on the Member Hold List.
(FIS & CAN-AM Events)

38. RECORDING AN “NPS” SITUATION: ALL EVENTS
Due to rule(s) violation(s), athlete not permitted to start (NPS)…this could apply to either run of a 2-run event
Athlete’s status is recorded by the Start Referee as “Not Permitted to Start” (NPS); reason must be stated
New Report by Referee form allows entry of required data: Bib/Name/Nation or Club/Notes (Reason)
If old Report by Referee is being used, “NPS” should be noted in as required
Software includes “NPS” designation; a reason is only for informational purposes
Technical Delegate must verify accuracy of Official Results and Penalty posted on U.S./FIS websites

39. 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
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.

40. POLICY FOR DUE PROCESS The Jury must adhere to this policy:
Consider infraction
Hear and consider all testimony and evidence
Allow accused person the opportunity to present a defense and review all evidence (question witnesses, etc.)
Deliberate
Make a fair decision
Review, vote and sign prepared Jury Minutes of decision
Notify affected parties

41. REQUIRED JURY MINUTES
Review and approval of the Event Medical Plan must be documented
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”.

42. JURY MINUTES: An unacceptable practice One form:
per transmittal / codex #
per Jury
per gender!
Exceptions:
1. Mixed-gender events
with one
transmittal # / codex #
2. Series’ Event Medical
Plan accepted by first
Jury for entire series
and all #’s listed *
* 1 per gender required!

43. TEAM CAPTAINS’ MEETING MINUTES
An actual meeting, attended in person by Team Captains, Jury, and race officials is an inseparable and mandatory part of the competition
It is important for communication of Jury instructions, support of the OC (Organizing Committee), as well as conveying OC requests and information 
It is also a critical element for risk management and liability-related matters. (Refer to 621.8, 604.3)
Minutes must be recorded, signed and submitted as required

44. CONTENT: TEAM CAPTAINS’ MEETING MINUTES
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
Race day schedule (program) discussed; reference should be made to Team Captains’ comments were 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.

45. JURY MINUTES: DELAY, POSTPONE, TERMINATE OR CANCEL (This is the same verbiage as used for non-FIS events.)
If an event (training or part of race) is rescheduled for a later time slot on the same day, it is delayed.
If an event is rescheduled for a different day within the same series, it is postponed.
When an event (training or part of a race) is started but cannot be finished, it is terminated. This terminology is used even if only one Forerunner starts.
If an event (training or part of a race) cannot be rescheduled within the same series, it is canceled, the U.S. Ski & Snowboard race code/FIS codex number is vacated and the event liability insurance is no longer valid. A new Schedule Agreement will be required.

46. PROTEST FEES & ON-SITE MONETARY SANCTIONS
Protest fees for a protest that is upheld are returned to the protesting party
Protest fees for protests that are not upheld are to be submitted to U.S. Ski and Snowboard
This requirement also applies to monetary sanctions that are collected on site
Tendered amount(s) must be identified by event, date, codex and name of applicable party.
Tendered amount(s) will be forwarded to the FIS Office. (644.4).

47. HELMETS:
Helmet rules require athletes U14 and older must use helmets that meet the new FIS standards for all U.S. Ski & Snowboard Giant Slalom, Super G and Downhill competitions. U14 and older competitors whose helmets are not in compliance will not be allowed to start in these events.

48. HELMETS AND CAMERAS
HELMET AND BODY MOUNTED CAMERAS
Helmet and body-mounted cameras are not approved for use at non-FIS events. Athletes who have personalized their helmets, e.g. camera mounts, bling, stickers, etc., are allowed to start.
Competitors and forerunners at FIS alpine events are prohibited from using cameras; camera mounts are also prohibited. This prohibition does not apply to properly credentialed FIS media, e.g. POV runners.

49. HELMETS: A Review
Helmets are compulsory for all competitors and forerunners in all U.S. Ski & Snowboard and FIS alpine events.
Athletes & Forerunners without helmets – or wearing a helmet that does not meet requirements - must not be allowed to start!
Athletes with personalized helmets, e.g. bling, stickers, helmet mounts, etc., are allowed to start in U.S. Ski & Snowboard non-FIS events
Helmet-mounted cameras are not approved for use at any events. [606.4, 707, 807, 907, 1007]
Soft ear protection is only allowed in Slalom and Parallel.
Helmet must have a smooth top surface; spoilers or edges that stick out are not permitted.
Protective features integral to the event being contested, such as chin guards on slalom helmets are permitted.

50. 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 competitor stop immediately after the obstruction or interference occurred and report the incident to the nearest Gate Judge or Jury member?
Does the claimed obstruction/interference meet the requirements of (Technical Failure), (Yellow Flag) or (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? [ ] 

51. MORE ABOUT
Please note the reference to “competitor’s time” refers to “time on course” – not “competitor’s assigned time”. Example: A competitor is forced to ski around a hole in the course*, this lengthens the racing line and affects “time on course”. Note: Competitor should stop and report situation to closest Gate Judge or Jury member.

52. MORE ABOUT RERUNS
Rules , , and – list specific definitions of obstruction/interference, and rules cannot be written to address all issues that could be so defined
Rule refers to “similar incident” which gives the Jury latitude to address these issues. This could apply to an obstruction that occurred in immediate proximity to the finish line, a gate that is not replaced in the correct position and requires a reaction time of one or more gates; weather issues, e.g. fog, lightening, snow swirl, etc.; course condition, e.g. surface breakdown, etc.
Did the competitor commit a fault (gate fault or start procedure fault) prior to the obstruction or interference?  [628.7]
Only the Jury can authorize a “provisional start” or validate a “provisional rerun”
A provisional or definitively approved rerun remains valid even if it proves slower than the obstructed run
    

53. RERUNS & THE JURY Every case must be checked individually
Jury on site is the only group that can decide, based on the particular and detailed circumstances and facts, if interference did occur
This applies to all requests for a provisional rerun but is especially important in the case of a claim for interference based on a broken gate
NOTE: When an obstruction, etc. is clearly witnessed by a Jury member, Jury Advisor or Connection Coach, a “rerun” not a “provisional rerun” should be allowed.

54. DRONES AT FIS ALPINE COMPETITIONS
Any use of aerial drones must comply with Federal, State and Local laws as well as ski area regulations.
If a drone operator can show compliance with these regulations, at the direction of the Jury, a drone may be used as a point of view camera (POV) prior to forerunners.
Drones may not be used during the conduct of the competition.
If a drone breaches the boundaries of the course, FIS advises to immediately halt the competition and wait until the drone withdraws.

55. GATE PANELS
All Giant Slalom, Super G, Downhill and Parallel (including Masters) Competitions must use gate panels that conform to current U.S. Ski & Snowboard/FIS specifications and should be installed according to manufacturer’s specifications
For Major Events (art ) and Cups (art and ) different alternative colors for poles and panels may be used. Orange can be used instead of red at all FIS levels. Poles and panels should be the same color
 A list of homologated panels is published on the FIS website

56. COURSE SETTING GUIDELINES: MULTIPLE AGE CLASS COMPETITIONS
For multiple age class competitions, course setting guidelines 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 guidelines.
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 guidelines.

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

58. START STOP
When necessary to address critical situations, a “Start Stop” may be called by:
ANY Jury member
ANY Eyes of the Jury (Connection Coach, Chief of Course)
ANY Jury Advisor (Start Referee or Finish Referee
No other official is authorized to call a “Start Stop”.
Failure to comply may result in a “radio walk-over” and cancel the Start Referee’s ability to receive the transmission.

59. EVENT DOCUMENT PACKETS
Event document packets are required for all events – both scored and non-scored they are important for risk management purposes.
Requirement includes speed training (ST) for Super G and Downhill and Skills Quest (SQ)!
Packets are sent to
U.S. Ski & Snowboard race code must be used as PDF booklet title and also as subject
alpha + 4 numbers assigned by U.S. Ski & Snowboard (U0081)
Procedure for preparation and submittal more fully described in the following which are located in the Master Packet of Forms (MPF) on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website:
- “Non-FIS Event Document Packets”
- “FIS Event Document Packets
Please verify accuracy and legibility of documents and submit only one race file per transmission!

60. COMPETITION EQUIPMENT
Equipment is the responsibility of the athlete and in the case of a minor, their parents or guardians.
Equipment must be maintained and utilized in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Protests against equipment at a U.S. Ski & Snowboard non-FIS event must be handled in accordance with current U.S. Ski & Snowboard Equipment Control/Protest Guidelines (available in the MPF).
Protests against equipment at a FIS event must be handled in accordance with current FIS rules.
Equipment violations are subject to disqualification and other sanctions as determined by the Jury. Sanction may be against the individual competitor, or the competitor’s coach if it is determined that he/she is complicit in the use of equipment known to be in violation of the rules.

61. EQUIPMENT CONTROL: Non-FIS Events
Skis must be marked by the manufacture with both the length and the radius. Unmarked skis will be grounds for disqualification.
Scored alpine events, competition equipment will be subject to unannounced control.
Non-scored technical events (GS and SL), equipment control will be dealt with only on a protest basis. However, the Jury cannot ignore obvious infractions.
In the case of all speed events (SG and DH, scored and non-scored) where the Jury has allowed control of equipment at the start for compliance, the athlete will not be allowed to start if their equipment does not meet the current marked specifications.
Unless clear violation of equipment rules exists, e.g. no helmet, attached helmet camera, missing or broken ski brakes, GS skis in a SG, etc., the Start Referee must not refuse an athlete’s right to start. An athlete in a U.S. Ski & Snowboard non-FIS event is also allowed to personalize their helmet with the application of bling, stickers, helmet camera mount, etc.
The Start and Finish Referees’ responsibility to monitor equipment and communicate to the Jury is critical in this process and should be reviewed by the TD at each event. TD instructions to these individuals must be clear. It is essential that the Start and Finish Referee communicate with and report their findings to the competition Jury.

62. EQUIPMENT PROTESTS:
The athlete must compete or intend to compete on the suspect equipment.
The Coach or Team Captain who observes the equipment that is suspect must alert the Start Referee of his imminent intention to protest the equipment being used by that competitor.
The Coach or Team Captain must formalize the protest, at the end of the run, with the written protest and the $100 (one hundred USD) protest fee.
If the athlete has started, the Start Referee alerts the Finish Referee and the Jury, that there is a pending protest against equipment. The equipment must be evaluated or confiscated for evaluation when the competitor arrives in the finish.
Finish Referee should stop the competitor with suspect equipment and confiscate the suspect equipment pending the filing of the formal protest and Jury review. Confiscation should be witnessed and third-party access to the confiscated equipment must be avoided.
Equipment protests cannot be considered or accepted if the suspect equipment has left the finish area.

63. EQUIPMENT PROTESTS/TESTING
If approved testing devices are available, or compliance can be confirmed through checking the manufacturer’s marks, the Jury will then evaluate the equipment and render a decision regarding the equipment. The decision of the Jury shall be final.
If approved testing devices are not available, or the Jury is unable to reach a consensus, the Jury must seal and ship the equipment to U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competition Services for evaluation. U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s decision shall be final.
The Jury will use the $100 (one hundred USD) protest fee to cover the initial shipping costs. The losing party will be charged by U.S. Ski & Snowboard for all expenses related to shipping and testing. Reimbursement must be submitted within 10 (ten) working days of notice of U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s decision.
Acceptable equipment control devices for U.S. Ski & Snowboard non- FIS event alpine equipment evaluation include:
Reliable Racing stand height calipers
FIS-approved equipment-testing devices

64. EQUIPMENT CONTROL: FIS Events
FIS event on-site equipment control may only be conducted by a FIS measurement expert using official FIS measuring tools
Skis must be clearly marked with both the length and the radius. Unmarked skis will be grounds for disqualification
In the case of a speed event (SG & DH) where the jury has allowed inspection of equipment at the start for compliance, the athlete will not be allowed to start if their equipment does not meet the current marked specifications
Unless clear violation of equipment rules exists, e.g. no helmet, attached helmet camera or helmet camera mount, missing or broken ski brakes, GS skis in a SG, etc., the Start Referee must not refuse an athlete’s right to start

65. EQUIPMENT PROTESTS: FIS Events
If protest is involved, Team Captain must notify Start Referee of intention to file a protest
Start Referee notifies Jury and Finish Referee of protest or, if no protest is filed, of suspect equipment
Protesting Team Captain must file written protest and pay applicable protest fee prior to Jury meeting
Finish Referee confiscates equipment before it leaves finish area
Third-party access to protested/suspect equipment must be avoided
Equipment must be confiscated in front of witnesses and must be shipped (sealed) to FIS
Losing party pays all costs

66. YOUTH KOMBI RULES
Youth Kombi events must be set using appropriately homologated hills.
Slalom/Giant Slalom format (technical orientation)
requires a hill homologated for Giant Slalom
Giant Slalom/Super G format (speed orientation)
requires a hill homologated for Super G
Competitors may not wear soft-ear helmets in Kombi events.
Refer to all sections of ACR U for complete details.

67. CLARIFICATIONS & REVIEW OF NEW RULES, RULE CHANGES

68. PLEASE REVIEW, as required
SafeSport Training & Background Screening; Pending Status
Age Requirement for Coaches & Officials
New Factors
Timing Rule Changes: Synchronization, Start Clocks, etc.
Points Lists Changes: U.S. Ski & Snowboard & FIS
Accident Injury Reporting
Definition of “Race Arena”
Tenure of the Jury
Calculation of a Replacement Time (EET)
Criteria for Events Where Points’ Improvements Exceed Expectations
Travel Letters
Member Hold List & Clearance Requirements
Not Permitted to Start: “NPS”
Due Process
Minutes: Coaches at Jury’s Course Inspection
Disposition of Protest Fees and On-Site Monetary Sanctions (FIS only)
Time Penalties at Alpine competitions – Only applies to Parallel
Competition Equipment: U.S. Ski & Snowboard - Helmets, Cameras, Mounts, Bling, etc.
Provisional Reruns: emphasis on and reruns due to broken gates
Drones at U.S. Ski & Snowboard and/or FIS Events
Gate Panels
Start Stop & the Radio
Kombi Rules
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Parallel Rules

69. ALPINE OFFICIALS’ INFORMATION

70. ALPINE OFFICIALS’ MANUAL: Manual has been updated and is posted on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website.
CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES: Certification Guidelines have been updated and are included in the Master Packet of Forms (MPF).
MASTER PACKET OF FORMS (MPF): All forms have been reviewed and due to some procedural changes, many have been updated.
Please discard all old versions of forms and only use the forms included in the Master Packet of Forms (MPF) located on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website

71. ADDITIONAL AO EDUCATION PRESENTATIONS
“Introduction to Ski Racing (CO)”
“Gate Judges – The Most Important People on the Hill” (2018)
“Split Second 101 – Data Management of a Ski Race”
“VOLA – A Guide for Use”
“Referee”
“Race Administration”
“Minutes – Jury & Team Captains’ Meeting: A Guide for Preparation”
“Basic T & C”
“Race Points & Penalty”
“Replacement Time”
“TDTR”; Paper & Online
“Timing Workshop”
“Parallel Events: Non-Scored & Scored”
“Radio Protocol & Techniques”
Presentations are posted on U.S. Ski & Snowboard website.
An Online Competition Official course is also available and posted as required.

72. 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. Thank you for your attendance and for your support of the United States Ski & Snowboard Association and its Alpine Officials’ Education Program. 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, and we will always value the assistance we have received. Lucy Schram, Chair U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD AOEWG