Officials L1 Manual - BC Alpine Ski Association

ALPINE CANADA ALPIN
BC ALPINE SKI
ASSOCIATION
LEVEL I
ALPINE OFFICIALS
PROGRAM
COURSE MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION. ...................................................................................................... 1
2. ALPINE RACING IN CANADA - ITS STRUCTURE AND AMINISTRATION............. 3
2.1 F.I.S ............................................................................................................. 3
2.2 C.S.A. ......................................................................................................... 3
2.3 ACA and PSO’s ........................................................................................... 3
2.4 Racing Programs. ........................................................................................ 4
2.4.1 Non-Carded Programs................................................................................. 5
2.4.2 Carded Programs. ....................................................................................... 5
3. OFFICIALS PROGRAM. ............................................................................................7
3.1 Alpine Officials Program. ............................................................................. 7
3.2 Levels of Officials and Course Descriptions................................................. 7
3.3 Officials Recognition. ................................................................................... 9
3.4 Requirements to Maintain Certification. ....................................................... 9
3.5 Technical Delegate Program. ...................................................................... 17
4. WHAT IS AN ALPINE SKI RACE? ............................................................................11
4.1 Types of Races............................................................................................ 11
4.2 The Race Course Components. .................................................................. 17
4.2.1 The Start...................................................................................................... 17
4.2.2 The Course.................................................................................................. 19
4.2.3 The Finish.................................................................................................... 20
5. RACE ORGANIZATION. ............................................................................................25
5.1 Hosting a Race. ........................................................................................... 25
5.2 Race Organizing Committees...................................................................... 25
5.3 Pre-Race Organization. ............................................................................... 26
5.3.1 Race Notice. ............................................................................................... 26
5.3.2 Coaches Meeting and The Draw. ................................................................ 26
5.3.3 Bib Distribution............................................................................................. 27
5.4 Functions of Race Officials. ......................................................................... 28
5.4.1 Chief or Race / Race Chairman. ................................................................. 28
5.4.2 Chief of Course............................................................................................ 28
5.4.3 Chief of Event Quality ................................................................................ 28
5.4.4 Chief of Equipment. ..................................................................................... 29
5.4.5 Forerunners. ................................................................................................ 29
5.4.6 Starting and Timing Personnel..................................................................... 29
5.4.7 Chief of Administration / Race Secretary. .................................................... 32
5.4.8 Chief of Gate Judges and the Gate Judges................................................. 32
5.4.9 Competition Jury. ........................................................................................ 41
5.4.10 Qualifications for Jury Members in B.C........................................................ 41
5.5 Synopsis of a Race...................................................................................... 42
5.6 Race Personnel. .......................................................................................... 43
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6. CALCULATION OF RACE POINTS...........................................................................44
7. CHECK LIST FOR RACE ORGANIZERS..................................................................45
8. POINTS TO PONDER................................................................................................47
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. B.C. Alpine Information Handbook (The Green Book)
2. International Ski Competition Rules, I.C.R., Book IV, 2002
(Also know as F.I.S. rule book or blue book)
3. B.C. Alpine Race Rules, - part of the Green Book above
4. USA Alpine Officials Manual, 2000
5. Timing an Alpine Skiing Race Event, David Oakes, 1999
6. Points to Ponder, Peter Engstad, 2002
Items 1 and 2 are available from the B.C. Division Office.
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Level I Alpine Officials Manual 2002

BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
1. INTRODUCTION
This course is probably the first step in your introduction to the rewarding role of Alpine Official, or
you may already have been involved for some time, without Officials certification. In either case,
your support of alpine ski racing means that the sport of alpine ski racing as we know it today is
possible for many young people. Thank you for becoming involved!
The National Alpine Officials program is a structured, integrated program involving four levels of
Officials, and Technical Delegates. It is administered by Official Chairs at the Divisional (BC
Alpine) and National (Alpine Canada Alpin) levels.
This Level 1 Officials Course is designed to give you an introduction to alpine ski racing and to
prepare you to work at a race in positions such as gate judge, starter, assistant starter, member of
the course maintenance crew, timing crew, or race administration team.
This course lasts three hours and includes hands-on experiences. An overview is given of the
racing program in Canada, as it is administered by Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA) as part of the
Canadian Ski Association (C.S.A.) and the Divisions or Provincial Sport Organizations, along with
an introduction to the structure of the Officials program.
The four different types of alpine ski races are explained (Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G and
Downhill), with details on how they are organized, the personnel required to run each race, and the
roles and duties of those involved.
Manual (hand) timing and gate judging (gate keeping) will be covered in detail, with practical
demonstrations and examples, so that all Level I officials will have an excellent understanding of
these roles in particular.
Any sport is governed by a set of rules and ski racing is no exception. In this introductory course,
there will an informal introduction to those rules necessary for this level.
At the end of this manual there is an outline to help you understand how official results and points
are worked out, and how race points are calculated for start order in subsequent races.
Understanding points becomes important to each racer, and therefore to parents as well.
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BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
2. ALPINE RACING IN CANADA STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 F.I.S.
The international governing body for skiing is the Fédération International de Ski or the F.I.S.,
whose headquarters is in Switzerland. It is the parent body of ski racing worldwide and Canada is
one of its members. The F.I.S. publishes the rulebook under which all races run and administers
the international ski racing program, including World Cup and World Championships races.
2.2 C.S.A. Alpine Canada Alpin
The Canadian Ski Association or C.S.A. governs and administers the amateur sport of the various
disciplines of skiing in Canada. Its structure consists of an administrative group supporting the
various disciplines. Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA) is responsible for all aspects of alpine racing in
Canada. The mandate of the Alpine Discipline is to:
1. Promote competitive and non-competitive alpine skiing in Canada.
2. Govern the conduct of national alpine ski competitions and ensure that races are conducted
in accordance with a set of standards.
3. Select and train members of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team or CAST.
4. Provide guidance, information and assistance to provincial sport organizations in respect to
this mandate and thus to further the development of competitive alpine skiing.
5. Encourage support of its programs by the general public.
To implement this mandate, the Alpine Discipline is governed by a volunteer executive and
managed by a professional staff headed by a President/CEO. The executive is responsible for
establishing policy, the professional staff for implementing it.
2.3 Provincial Sports Organizations (PSO)
Alpine Canada Alpin as a whole has a membership through regionalized area representations
called Provincial Sports Organizations. At the present time, there are twelve recognized PSO’s
throughout Canada:
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Yukon
North West Territories
Ontario
Québec
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland / Labrador
These PSO’s represent the regional governing bodies in Alpine Skiing. Their internal structure
differs from one to other. The structure for B.C. is given on page 3.
Each Provincial Sport Organization has the responsibility to administer national programs at
the local level and to develop alpine skiing programs to meet the needs of their racers.
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BC DIVISION ALPINE STRUCTURE
ALPINE CHAIRMAN
NGSL CHAIRMAN OFFICIALS CHAIRMAN MJUVENILE CHAIR
OKANAGAN COAST KOOTENAY NORTHERN
K2 K2 K2 / K1 K2 / K1
K1 K1 NGSL NGSL
NGSL
NGSL
2.4 Racing Programs
There are many levels of racing programs throughout Canada as Divisions have developed
programs to meet their needs. However, they are generally divided into two:
Carded and Non-Carded or Points and Non-Points races.
The various levels of races are shown below.
ALPINE RACING PROGRAMS
Non-National Point Races (Non-Carded)
• Nancy Greene Ski League
• E1, E2
• Snow Stars Program
• Canadian Masters Alpine Series
National Point Races (Carded)
Division Races:
K1
K2
F.I.S. J1 - Non-FIS Divisional J B
F.I.S. J2 - Non-FIS Divisional J A
F.I.S. SR
National Juvenile Championships
BC Winter Games (every two years)
Canada Winter Games (every four years)
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BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
F.I.S. Point Races
• Regional F.I.S.
• National F.I.S.
• Canadian Alpine Series
• National Championships - Senior / Junior
• NorAm Series
• World Cups
• Olympics (every four years)
• World Championships (every two years)
2.4.1 Non-Carded Programs
The major non-carded racer program is the ALCAN Nancy Green Ski League, which is uniform
across Canada with its own set of rules and criteria. This league is a training and racing program,
designed to encourage children to ski race, without subjecting these participants to intense
competitive pressures. Reflecting the emphasis on participation and pleasure the results are
calculated on a team basis. Full details are in the league booklet given to all participants. Running
in conjunction with the NGSL is the Snow Stars Program, which develops skiing skills through
games, exercises, drills and technical free skiing. Eight levels of skills are recognized and each
youngster progresses through each at his/her own rate.
The Canadian Masters Alpine Series is a program which provides an opportunity for adults of all
ages to participate in a relaxed but structured racing program. Races are held throughout B.C.
with a National Final each year.
2.4.2 Carded Programs
A carded race is one in which each competitor must possess a current ACA competitor number.
These races are entered into the National Points system. The card system has been designed to
accomplish several objectives:
1. To provide a national registration system for competitors.
2. To provide a graduated points scoring system, the National points list in each of the alpine
disciplines.
3. To provide a means to measure the performance of a competitor upward through national
and international levels.
4. To provide a record, for insurance purposes, of all participants.
Competitors may not race in ACA sanctioned events that are submitted for input to the national
points list without a valid competitor card. ACA sanctioned events include all races which appear
on National or PSO race calendars. The race calendar is available on the BC Alpine web site and
in the BC Alpine Green Book.
Races for carded racers exist at levels from Divisional through to the National and the F.I.S. races.
Competitors start at the Zone level, progress to the Division level and then through a series of
better quality races until they qualify for the BC Alpine Ski Team, then the Canadian Alpine Ski
Team.
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BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
OFFICIALS PROGRAM
3.1 Alpine Officials Program
The National Alpine Officials program is a structured, integrated program involving four levels of
Officials and four levels of Technical Delegates. The program stresses the integration of practical
with theory at all levels. It seeks to provide the means by which Officials can build a broader and
more knowledgeable base of experience, and maintain that level of experience. It is essential for
Officials to have the ability to provide race organization and officiating skills which match the
competitors’ performance levels and program goals. Competitors have the right to expect that
Officials have this level of expertise so that results reflect the athletes’ ability and skill without being
compromised by the incompetence of race Officials or “luck”.
The following outlines basic criteria for certification of the various levels of Alpine Officials in B.C.
as part of the National Alpine Officials program.
3.2 Levels Of Officials, Course Descriptions
Level I:
This is the entry level course providing an overall introduction to race organization and various
Officials positions, with particular emphasis on gate judging and manual timing. There are no prerequisites
as to practical experience although participants will gain the most benefit from the
course if they have some experience, even at the NGSL level. The course offers hands-on
experience and some discussion. Completion of this course qualifies the participant as a Level I
Official. Parents of racers in the NGSL (E1 & E2) and Kinder (K1 & K2) programs find this course
an excellent introduction to race officiating and ski racing as a whole.
Course Description:
Time Required: 3 hours
Course Fee: $10 per participant -includes course manual and Officials pin & card
Pre-requisites: None
Exam:
None
Level II:
This course is a more in-depth course for officials who already have Level I, and a broad range of
experience at alpine ski races. Applicants must have worked at three different positions since
obtaining Level 1, taken from any two different categories below - Administration, Event Quality,
Course, Timing or Jury - during at least 8 race days. For the purposes of certification, the various
Officials positions have been divided into the following categories.
Administration Event Quality Course Timing Jury
Race Chairman Chief of Event Quality Chief of Race Chief of Timing/Calc. TD
Chief of Administration
Chief of Course
Race Office crew * Chief of Relations Chief of Gate Judges Starter Referee
Chief of Awards and Gate Judge* Assistant Starter* Asst. Referee
Media Relations Course Crew Manual Timer Jury Advisors:
Chief of Equipment Timer Recorder * Start Referee
Chief Steward Chief of Calculation Finish Referee
Steward *
Calculator
Finish Controller *
*These positions do not qualify for Level III experience.
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The pre-requisites for Level II are:
o Level I certification or the equivalent
o Practical experience in carded races since obtaining Level I as follows:
For example:
2 days as gate judge, 2 days as a recorder, 2 days as a starter and 2 days in any other or the any
of these same positions would cover the qualifications - i.e. 3 positions, gate judge, starter and
recorder, taken from 2 different categories - Course and Timing and covering 8 days.
or : 4 days as a gate judge, 2 days as a timer and 2 days as course crew ( 3 positions, 2
categories, 8 days) or : 4 days as assistant starter, 2 days as recorder, 1 day as gate judge, 1 day
as course crew ( 4 positions, 2 categories, 8 days)
Course Description:
Time Required: 6 hours plus 1 hour exam. One day or two evenings
Course Fee: $20 per participant - covers course manual, Officials pin and card.
Pre-requisites: Level I certification with practical experience in at least three different
Officials positions from two different categories which covers a
minimum of eight race days experience.
Exam:
1 hour, multiple choice, T / F and short answers.
Open book, ideally with discussions in partners.
The Level II course is fairly intensive and tends not to repeat the material covered in detail in Level
I (manual timing and gate keeping) and thus does require some prior knowledge and experience in
order use the time available to focus on new material.
Level III:
Pre-requisites for this course are Level II certification and practical experience since obtaining
Level II: as follows:
1) Any two of the following positions
• Chief of Race
• Chief of Course
• Chief of Timing and Calculation
• Chief of Gate Judges
• Chief of Administration (Race Secretary))
2) 2 assignments as a member of the Jury (other than Chief of Race)
3) 1 different assignment from those listed above without * at a F.I.S. level race.
Course Description:
Time required:
Course Fee:
Pre-requisites:
Exam:
16 hours with a 2 hour exam. Generally given on a weekend or over
four evenings. Course includes classroom and on-hill experience.
$30 per participant. Covers course manual and materials,
case studies plus Officials pin and card.
As this course involves prior reading of material and completion of
homework, it is open only to those who have the necessary prerequisites
as detailed above or who have been identified as being
very close to having the necessary practical. Once the dates of the
courses have been established, those so qualified will be notified
and will be able to register for the course and receive the materials.
2 hour open book exam. This exam is completed at home.
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BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
The Level III course is an interactive one in which there is emphasis on the exchange of ideas,
opinions and experiences by the participants and the instructor(s). This course is designed for
Officials with considerable practical experience. It covers rules for particular disciplines and the
work and duties of the Jury and Technical Delegate in detail. It is the pre-requisite course for
entering the Technical Delegate program. Also covered are the duties of senior Officials, course
preparation, maintenance and setting and calculation of points and penalties. Throughout the
course, participants take part in many case studies taken from actual experience and will be asked
to make decisions on these as well as in Jury decisions.
Level IV:
In order to become a Level IV Official one must be recommended to the National Officials
Committee by the BC Officials Chair. Level IV Officials are the most experienced Officials who
have demonstrated a superior level of ability. Among the qualifications required of a Level IV
Official are: Level III Official with the minimum practical experience in each of the following,
since obtaining Level III certification:
Satisfactory performance of the duties of Chief of Race at F.I.S. level.
Assignment as voting Jury member at a DH race at minimum Division level.
Satisfactorily perform at a J1 or F.I.S. level:
‣ event assignment as: Chief of Course or Chief of Gate Judges.
‣ event assignments out of : Chief of Administration (Race Secretary), Chief of Timing and Calculation or
Race Chairman
3.3 Officials and Technical Delegate Recognition
The following table shows the method by which the various levels of Officials are recognized:
Level Recognition Identification
I Card National Pin
II Card National Pin
III Card National Pin
IV Card National Pin and Certificate
TD License Armband
3.4 Officials Requirements To Maintain Certification
Upon qualification, the initial period of certification is a follows :
Level I - Three years
Level II - Three years
Level III - Two years
Level IV - Two years
Practical requirements to maintain certification is as follows: Activity at races as an Official
Level II,: Minimum 2 event assignments (4 race days) in a 3 year period & Update*
Level III: Minimum 2 event assignments (4 race days) per year and Update.*
Level IV: Minimum 2 event assignments (4 race days) per year, at the TD or Chief
level or to the satisfaction of the Officials Chair and Update*
*Level II and III Officials must attend TD and Senior Official Update at least once every two years.
The methodology of the update is at the discretion of the BC Officials Chair.
Officials who do not meet these criteria may be removed from the Officials List.
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Technical Delegates
Due to the nature of the responsibilities of a TD, it is important that s/he continue to be an active
Official, fulfill a TD appointment at least once every two years, and be current with the latest rules
and calculations. The following represents the minimum requirements for maintaining a TD
license.
a) Division T and T/S
o Minimum of one TD assignment in a two year period.
o Complete a mandatory TD Update every other year.
o Maintain Level III or Level IV Official certification as outlined in the Officials
Certification program. (min. 2 event assignments)
b) National
c) F.I.S.
o Minimum of one TD assignment in a 2 year period.
o Maintain Level IV Official certification.
o As per ICR 604.
3.5 Technical Delegate Program
The Technical Delegate is Chair of the Jury and the official representative of the F.I.S. (or
ACA/Division). In this capacity the TD works with the Jury to make sure rules and directions are
adhered to, and that the event runs smoothly. At Division or Zone races the TD is often called
upon to share his/her knowledge and experience with less experienced Officials, and in this role
should endeavor to be a positive contributor to the race, ready with advice and counsel.
There are four levels of Technical Delegate in BC and full details are given in the full version of the
BC Officials Program, which will be found in the Level II or III Manuals or the BC Alpine Information
Manual.
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BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
4. WHAT IS AN ALPINE SKI RACE?
Any ski race is a competition in which racers ski through a set course and the time they take is
recorded. The winner is the racer who spends the shortest time correctly passing through the
course and across the finish line; the fastest racer wins.
For any race, there are three principal groups of officials:
At The Start: Officials must be able to accurately time when a competitor leaves the start
and ensure that it is done according to the rules.
Along the Course:
Officials ensure that each competitor correctly passes through the gates
and that the course is properly maintained.
At the Finish: Officials accurately record the time of the finish of each competitor and that
it is done according to the rules.
Other essentials common to all races:
• the course must be prepared and the track laid out in advance of the competition
• there must be competent personnel to do all the documentation prior to the race and
calculate the results.
4.1 Types Of Races
Alpine racing is divided into four main types of events:
1. Slalom
2. Giant Slalom
3. Super Giant Slalom
4. Downhill
In addition, there are variations of Slalom events such as parallel events.
Minimum/Maximum Technical Requirements (vertical drop and number of gates)
Competition Level F.I.S B.C. Division
DOWNHILL 500 m – 1100m 450 m / 1 run 350m/2 run
SUPER G 500 –650 m. Men K1 – min 225m - max 350 m
350 - 600 m. Women K2 – min 250m – max 450 m
Minimum # of Gates* 35 Men; 30 Women 25
Maximum # of Gates* 10% of Vertical 12 % of Vertical
*Note: Only those gates requiring a change in direction are to be counted.
Downhill and Super G courses must be measured with a tape or ws/heel and the length recorded
on the start lists and results.
GIANT SLALOM 250 -450 m. K1 - 250 m K2 – 300m max
Minimum # of Gates 12-15% of Vertical 13-15% of Vertical
SLALOM
Men (FIS) 140 m – 220 m K1 – max 120 m
# of Gates** 55/75 +/- 3 32 - 40
Women (FIS) 120 m. – 200 m K2 – max 160 m
# of Gates** 45 / 65 + / - 3 38 - 50
FIS – (exception) Men’s SL – 120 m or less vertical drop = 45-75 +/-3 gates
For all BC Alpine Races – slalom courses must contain 1-3 flushes and at least 2 hairpins.
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Figure 4.0
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Let us now consider the four main types of races individually.
BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
SLALOM (Sl) Competitors ski a tight course defined by pairs of single poles called “gates”: A
slalom race is normally held on a fairly short but steep hill. Racing is mostly down the fall line with
a combination of open (horizontal) and closed (vertical) gates. The gates are narrow (4-6m in
width) and close together (.75 – 15m apart). A slalom course must contain two sets of a
combination of gates. These are known as a) vertical combination and b) a hairpin as shown in
Figure 4.1, page 13. A good slalom course allows a racer to combine speed with a wide variety of
ski technique. Considerable turning skill is required to safely negotiate the course.
A typical Slalom course is shown in Figure 4.1, page 12. Typical slalom gates are shown below:
Open Gate Vertical Combination Hairpin
Note: flags are no longer used on Slalom gates
13

Slalom Course
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BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
A DOWNHILL (DH) race is an event in which the racer must demonstrate excellent skiing
techniques, agility, concentration, marked endurance and physical fitness as well as courage at
high speed. Downhill courses are the longest in alpine ski competitions, with a vertical drop
between 500 and 1000m., The terrain is varied and the gates are set to control and direct the skier
rather than to demand turning techniques. The gates are wide, double-poled with flats, and open
to the racing line. Speeds are considerable and safety (netting etc) must be set up to ensure that
the racer is protected if s/s/he falls. Timed training runs on the track (usually three, minimum one)
must be completed prior to competition.
SUPER G derives its name from “super giant slalom”. Super G courses are both longer and faster
than GS courses. In fact, speeds of some sections may equal those of Downhill. Gates are
double-poled and set to develop a course with more turning requirements than DH and less than
that required for a GS. Thus Super G is referred to as a hybrid between DH and GS. Because of
the speeds attained, courses are most often set on a course prepared for downhill utilizing a lower
start position and requiring much of the same safety setup as for a downhill. There are no timed
training runs on the Super G course prior to the race.
GIANT SLALOM (GS) races combine the features of both the slalom and the downhill. The
course is moderately long and preferably undulating and hilly with a vertical drop between
250-400 m. Turns are a variety of long, medium and short turns set considerably faster than the
slalom but still not approaching the speed of downhill. The gates are placed further apart and they
control speeds as well as test turning ability. Giant Slalom gates are double pole gates in the
same manner as for downhill but with slightly smaller flags and alternating between blue and red.
The blue flags preferably have a white diagonal stripe.
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4.2 Race Course Components
BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
There are three areas or zones in any race: Start, Course and Finish.
4.2.1 The Start
The start area includes a warm up area, the start area and the start gate.
The Warm up area is simply an area provided for the convenience of the racers and their coaches
where they can make their preparations without interruption. It is situated so that they can observe
the top of the course, but far enough away so they do no disturb the starts.
The Start Area should be large enough so that the competitors can stand relaxed at the start gate.
It must be large enough for necessary officials (Starter, Start Ref, Manual Timers & Recorders)
and the racer’s coach. No other officials, coaches or racers are to be in this area while the race is
underway. The start ramp must be constructed steeply enough to give the racer good
acceleration but at no more than 45º.
The Start Gate consists of two posts (4x4s) planted in the snow, about 60cm apart and no higher
than 50cm above the surface of the snow.
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The start posts should be frozen into the snow so they will not move during the race. One of these
posts will hold the start wand, which sets off the electronic timing when a racer departs. This wand
should positioned approximately at mid-calf for the average-sized racer in any particular race.
Bury cocoa mats or carpet squares on either side and in front of the start posts to provide a solid
base for the ski poles at the start. Often start ramps are frozen so they will endure aggressive pole
plants and skating motions. A shovel is an essential component at the start for constant
maintenance of the start ramp. The racer’s two feet must be behind the start line until the start
command is given.
The following Officials work at the Start:
The Start Referee controls the start and ensures that all competitors start according to the rules.
This person must be very familiar with the rules, and always alert to racers in the start and to calls
on the Jury radio in case there is a “stop start”. The Start Referee announces when the course is
open or closed for inspection and holds racers at the start as directed by other members of the
Jury.
The Assistant Starter calls the racers to the start in correct order, checks to make sure their
helmets have no cracks, that they have ski brakes on both skis, and reports any late or absent
racers to the Start Referee. If a racer arrives at the start without a bib, or with the incorrect bib, the
Assistant Starter reports this to the Start Referee and who arranges to correct the situation.
Manual Timers and recorders at the start record the exact time the racer leaves the start. Before
the race begins they coordinate their stop watches (using time of day) with the Chief of Timing and
the other manual timers located at the finish. This is detailed in Section 5.4.5.
The Starter gives the start signal to each racer. Working with the Chief of Timing, s/he is
responsible for the accuracy of the interval between these signals (fixed for DH, Super G and GS
and variable in Slalom) and must ensure a correct and consistent signal for all racers.
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BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
Start Timing
The start timing shall measure the exact time the competitor’s shin crosses the start line.
Start countdowns
DH, GS, SUPER G
SL
Start Signal 10 seconds, 5-4-3-2-1 (10 seconds) Ready - GO
Start Interval 60 seconds Irregular
Minimums
Min. of 40 sec. DH, Super G
Min. of 30 sec. GS
Valid if Leaves within 5 seconds. Starts within 10 seconds
before or after the
after the signal GO
the signal GO
Sanctioned if Not ready to start on time Is not at start within 1 min.
Leaves more than 5
of being called.
seconds, before or after Does not leave within 10
start signal
seconds of start signal
4.2.2 The Course
A well-prepared course is essential for a good ski race. The more firmly and uniformly packed the
snow is, the better the course will be. An area used by recreational skiers will generally have a
good base to work with and moguls can be easily removed prior to the event. The amount of time
and effort given to course preparation depends on the manpower available as well as the cooperation
and assistance from ski area management.
Course preparation begins before the first snowfall, with the removal of rocks, stumps and other
obstacles as required. Brush removal is a yearly chore that will allow the course to be used with
the minimum amount of snow cover.
Snow preparation may start with the early snowfalls and continue on a regular basis. This is
automatic if the race course is on a ski run normally used for recreational skiing. Working closely
with the ski area personnel, a schedule can be designed to provide for the best course conditions
without overtaxing race organizers or ski area workers.
Setting up safety netting for a race - particularly DH or Super G and GS - must be planned ahead,
as nets and other gear may have to be brought in from another ski area. A variety of netting and
fencing will be used, depending on the level and type of race: ‘A nets’ attached to overhead cables,
‘B nets’ attached to flexible poles in the snow, tensar and crowd control netting held up with
bamboo poles, and ropes.
It is best to arrange for work parties to begin set-up as much of the course safety as possible the
week before the race starts. Many hands make light work, and course work is always more
enjoyable when there is camaraderie among race workers. The Chief of Course will assign a
number of knowledgeable course workers who have good leadership skills to lead less
experienced course workers in setting up the course, and will instruct them for race days.
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The day prior to race day, the snow on the course must be made as firm and as smooth as
possible. Under most conditions, it will take at least 12 hours for re-worked snow to properly “set”.
Thus building a start ramp, cutting moguls and generally smoothing the course should be done at
the very latest on the afternoon before the race.
The better pre-race preparation has been, the easier course maintenance is during the race. The
day prior to the race is also the last chance to confirm that rakes, shovels, drills, poles, gate keys
and other items such as a tiger torch, spray bottles or wedges are all available for race day. The
Chief of Course will want help before race day getting some equipment up the hill and distributed
to various locations along the race course.
For all races, a course must be set. This will be done by a Course Setter, who is someone
experienced in ski racing - most likely a coach – and fully trained and competent to set the course.
Slalom courses should be set in such a way that the majority of racers are able to complete it
successfully. For Giant Slalom the progression downhill should be a natural one with good rhythm,
linked turns and controlled speed. Setting for Downhill and Super G requires an excellent
understanding of the terrain involved, and of the need for safety equipment as well as the safe
control of speed. Courses are usually set very early the morning of the race, or the day before. It
is important to allow adequate time for other course preparations including flagging, numbering and
dyeing of the course gates and finish line early on race day.
Good course setting can make the race enjoyable to all and allow for a high completion rate. No
one enjoys a race that is technically beyond the racer’s ability. An overly challenging course could
actually result in racers being “turned off” the sport, while an appropriately difficult course supports
a continued passion for the sport.
Gate Judges are positioned throughout the length of the racecourse so that they can assess
whether the racers have properly passed through each gate. Most Level 1 Officials start out in the
role of Gate Judge and this will be covered in detail in Section 5.4.8.
4.2.3 The Finish
Preparation of the finish area is very important. The run out area must be large and the surface
firmly packed and smooth as racers are coming through the finish line at high speed. It is
especially important to pay attention to the finish area after a new snowfall. It is important to avoid
having an accumulation of loose snow and a rough surface in the finish area as this makes a safe
high speed stop difficult and potentially dangerous. The finish area must be well fenced to keep
the public at a safe distance, and fencing must be in place to separate the timing shack and
scoreboard from the racers.
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BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
Figure 4.5
The finish posts holding the finish banner should be at least the minimum distances for the
respective discipline. Finish posts should ideally be placed as far apart as possible as the terrain
will allow. Most beams can transmit at least 25 meters.
Discipline
Downhill
Slalom
Giant Slalom
Super G
Minimum Finish Line
Width
15m
10m
15m
15m
Note that the last gates are set so that the racer is directed toward the center of the finishing gate.
The finish area should be roped off to protect the racer from intrusion and the scoreboard is
located so that it is out of the way of finishing racers.
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Fencing
Finish Line
Wiring
Timing
Light beam
The finish timing equipment is mounted on posts at the finish line and some points must be
observed with them:
1. The posts should be cut to be no higher than necessary or pounded in to such a level.
2. They should be cut at the snow level almost all the way through on the uphill side so if the
skier does impact a post it will shatter. See diagram below.
3. Willy bags should be positioned just up-hill of the finish posts, along with some tensar
fencing held by bamboo poles, set at an angle to deflect racers from the finish posts.
If there is no adequate alternative, snow berms are sometimes built in front of the posts so the
skier will hit the snow rather than the posts. These berms are sloped/ tapered to provide a gentle
bump that skiers can slide over them easily and with minimal impact.
Direction of the Racer
Beam unit
Berm
Post
Undercut
Snow surface
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BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
Key Officials at the finish:
The Finish Referee is the Jury member who assures each racer crosses the finish line according
to the rules. S/he also participates in course clearance procedures initiated by the Start Referee.
Any racer seeking a re-run must first communicate this request to the Finish Referee who will in
turn communicate with the Jury. The Finish Referee must make notes on any racer who does not
cross the finish line, or on any racer who may be disqualified for any number of reasons.
The Finish Controller observes the proper crossing of the finish line and records the order of
finish of competitors. In Divisional races this role is also filled by the Finish Referee.
Manual Timers & Recorders mark and record the time racers cross the finish line, using special
stop watches that are synchronized before the race begins with the watches at the start.
Chief of Timing and a team of electronic timing crew are usually located in a shelter near the
finish line and protected from racers by fencing. Spotters may be located on the course to alert the
electronic timers of the next racer to cross the finish.
A Bib Collector collects bibs from racers at the completion of the races, or after 1 st run in the case
of a confirmed DSQ 1 st run in a 2-run race.
A person at the Scoreboard posts the unofficial times and DSQ or DNS status for each racer on a
large, easy-to-view, scoreboard located outside the finish corral during the race.
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5. RACE ORGANIZATION
BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
5.1 Hosting a Race
Hosting an alpine race requires a good deal of pre-planning and organizing, depending upon the
level of the race. The satisfaction gained from being a part of a successful ski race event will make
all the effort very worthwhile indeed. Points to consider when deciding to host a race:
o Do you have a hill available for the caliber of race you wish to be host?
o Will the weather and snow pack (as far as can be ascertained) be suited for racing?
o Do you have the permission and co-operation of ski area management to host the event?
o Do you have sufficient qualified personnel to organize, prepare and operation the race?
o Do you have sufficient equipment i.e. Poles, flags, timing, equipment, bibs, etc.?
If so, the next step is to appoint a Race Chairman and to start organizing the race.
5. Race Organizing Committee (ROC)
The number of people required to organize and run a race depends upon the level of race being
run. A large race, such as a World Cup, will literally require hundreds of volunteers while a
Divisional race usually operates with 40 to 50 volunteers.
Figure 5.1, page 26 shows the composition of the Race Committee and Race Officials for all the
technical aspects of the operation of the race. A smaller race generally operates under the
auspices of those members shown on the race technical committee. A summary of the duties of
key officials are shown below. These will be covered in detail as we progress through the flow of
race organization.
1. Race Chairman -
Directs all non-technical, off-hill committees from organization to completion of race.
2. Chief of Race
Takes responsibility for all on-hill technical and safety aspects of the race, chairs coaches
meetings and bib draw.
3. Chief of Administration (Race Secretary)
Supervises records, the draw, registration, bibs and results production.
4. Chief of Course
Supervises on-hill arrangements, such as course preparation and maintenance, works with
the course setter, coordinates course marking (flags, dyeing and numbering of gates) and
course clean-up.
5. Chief of Timekeeping and Calculation
Supervises all timing, communications and calculations, plans and sets up timing and
communication systems, oversees timers, starters, calculators, recorders and spotters.
6. Chief of Gate Judges
Organizes and instructs Gate Judges, collects cards & reports DSQs to Referee.
7. Chief of Equipment
Responsible to obtain all equipment for the preparation and operation of the race.
8. Chief of Stewards
Responsible for control of spectators and recreational skiers, and first aid coverage.
9. Chief of Event Quality
Responsible for coordinating the race with the Ski Area, arranging the awards and media
promotion and relations.
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5.3 Pre-Race Organization
5.3.1 Race Notice (see BC Alpine web site for race notice template)
A race notice will be necessary if you are inviting racers from outside your club. Preparation of the
Race Notice is the responsibility of the Chief of Administration (Race Secretary). Post it on the BC
Alpine web page month or more in advance of the race, and include:
1. Name, date and location of the event.
2. Location and time of registration.
3. Number of competitors and qualifications or restrictions on eligibility of competitors.
4. Pertinent race information such as:
• Schedule of events.
• Race course location(s).
• Helmet requirements.
• Start time for each race.
• Mandatory course preparation for racers.
• Rule infraction reminders.
5. Cost for race entry and lift tickets, plus number of complimentary tickets for coaches.
6. Location and time for Team Captain’s meeting and the draw. Bib deposit.
7. Race entry procedures and deadlines.
8. Location of race headquarters with contact information.
9. Names and phone numbers of key officials.
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BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
5.3.2. The Coaches Meeting and the Draw
The coaches’ meeting, or Team Captains’ meeting, gives the visiting coaches an idea of the
organizer’s attitude toward the race and an introduction to the ROC. No matter how small or
informal, a coaches’ meeting is a valuable tool in a well-organized race. The time and place for the
meeting is announced in the Race Notice.
The Agenda should be prepared in advance by the Chief of Race and forwarded to the Technical
Delegate a week prior to the race. The meeting is held to go over details concerning the race, such
as payment of race entry fees, payment for and distribution of lift tickets, race schedule, any local
or specific rules (helmets required in Slalom, lift line & cafeteria etiquette, when a racer loses
equipment s/he must abandon etc), appointment of referee(s), selection of course setters, a
possible snow seed, and the draw.
Grouping and the draw are procedures used to establish a fair running order of competitors. The
purpose is to enable skiers of almost equal ability to compete as nearly as possible under equal or
similar weather and course conditions so a fair test of skills will occur. The type of race will
determine the method of grouping and drawing but some basic principles remain the same.
Competitors are grouped and then drawn within the group. For an official race, competitors are
arranged in order of current “seeding points” i.e. the points they are listed with on the National or
FIS points list that is valid for that particular race. The top 15 are drawn and the remainder are run
in order of points, then those without points form another group that is drawn at the end. There are
different methods of holding the draw, depending on whether the race is World Cup, National or
Divisional. The simplest method is a random draw done by computer.
5.3.3 Bib Distribution
Bib distribution usually takes place at the coaches’ meeting. Each racer must be represented in
order to be in the draw, get a start number and be given a bib. At this point in the meeting there
will be a confirmation of payment for entry fees and bib deposit. Lift tickets are generally issued
with the bibs. Start lists should also be available for all coaches and officials, and posted on a
notice board in a conspicuous place.
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5.4 Functions of Race Officials
In section 5.2, the various people required to run a race were identified with the qualifier that this
number varies considerable with the caliber of the race. With this in mind, let us now look at the
functions of the race officials, bearing in mind that many of these positions can be combined in a
small race but that the responsibilities must still be covered. See BC Alpine web site for detailed
descriptions and job lists for key race official positions.
5.4.1 Chief of Race / Race Chairman
In divisional race these two positions are often combined. Leadership skills of a Race Chairman
include the ability to choose key Officials wisely and build a good team that will in turn encourage
other Officials and volunteers to participate in running the race. The duties of Race Chairman
include the direction of all the committees from organization to completion of the race.
The Chief of Race (CofR) must have the technical knowledge and experience to be able to advise
on all technical operations of the race. S/he must be a good organizer and have a positive and
encouraging approach when working with the race committee. S/he directs and controls all the
technical work of all the officials, will conduct meetings on technical matters when required, and is
also responsible for medical and crowd control facilities. A larger race series will also have a Chief
Steward responsible for this aspect of the race, but in divisional races this is usually a direct
responsibility of the CofR. In fact, the CofR assumes responsibility for all duties of any other
chairmen who are not appointed specifically and whose duties are not specifically assigned to
other chairmen or “chiefs”. The CofR is a member of the Jury and works closely with the Technical
Delegate and other Jury members before and during the race.
A well-prepared CofR will surround him/herself with competent officials and prepare well in
advance so that when race day arrives things will run as smoothly as possible.
5.4.2 Chief of Event Quality
With the assistance of the Chief of Ski Area Relations and Chief of Awards and Media Relations
will ensure that the following gets covered:
o Setting up race dates with the ski area, communications regarding local race rules and
monitoring of racer activity in the public areas throughout the events.
o Arranging logistics of lift tickets, installation of banners, other promo material.
o PR in advance and during the events, results to media, arranging of award ceremony.
5.4.3 Chief of Course
The Chief of Course must have good technical knowledge as well as a good understanding of race
rules and racecourse requirements. S/he will be responsible for every key element which will
directly affect the success of the race and the conditions under which the racers race. S/he must,
therefore, be familiar with the snow conditions of the area and have sufficient experience and
knowledge to be able to reach the right decisions in poor snow or weather conditions. S/he is
responsible for the preparation of the course and the condition of the course during the race.
Therefore, it is imperative that s/he has adequate assistance for this task. S/he is responsible for
all the course marking required, including direction markers and marking pole positions and for
providing the course setter with assistance as required. This would involve not only the necessary
equipment, but also a sufficient number of people to make course setting go as quickly as possible.
S/he is also responsible for the numbering and flagging of the gates, and the preparation of the
start and the finish areas.
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BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
5.4.4. Chief of Equipment
This position is more often than not split amongst the various other chiefs and chairmen. Specific
equipment lists are available with each “chief” position outline available through the Officials link on
the BC Alpine web page. The list of equipment includes: gates both flex and bamboo, gate flags,
dye, gate numbers, stop watches, radios, fencing, poles, course protection equipment, rakes,
shovels, fertilizer, drills, gate keys, wedges, scoreboard, stationary supplies, office equipment, gate
judge packages, and refreshments for volunteers.
5.4.5 Forerunners
A forerunner is someone capable of running the course at racing speed. They set the line and give
information on course conditions to the race officials. It is very important to select forerunners
who are as good or better than the caliber of the racers as the information they give the Jury often
essential. Before any race starts, forerunners must inspect the course along with the racers. In
DH forerunners must complete at least one timed training run prior to the race. Three to six
forerunners are assigned each day and are expected to remain throughout race day. Forerunners
are usually engaged by the head coach of the host ski club.
5.4.6 Starting and Timing Personnel
The start and finish personnel work as a team to start the racers and record a time for each one.
They also report or confirm any DNS or DSQ racers. There are several variations on the
equipment and personnel. The assistant starter has the responsibility of arranging racers in the
correct starting order. When the starter is informed that the timers are ready for the next racer, s/he
alerts the racer, then gives the correct a count down. Let us now consider the following timing and
communication situations.
5.4.6.1 Hand timing
For carded races, electric timing is mandatory. Manual timing is used as the primary timing only in
club races and it is required as back-up timing for electric timing. There are three methods of
manual timing - one (a) simply requires radio or other communication between start and finish, the
second (b) requires a wand at the start with a signal carried to the timers at the finish and the
third(c) simply requires timers at the start and finish with special stop watches.
NOTE : In hand timing, times are measured only to the 100th second. 1000ths of a second, even
though shown on the watches, are not recorded and are not used. A time therefore of 1:66.987
would be recorded as 1:66.98. The last digit is totally ignored.
(a) Radio Communication between Start and Finish
Radios are at the start and finish. The starter gives the racer the warning signal of ten seconds
then counts down “five, four, three, two, one, GO”. The racer leaves at “GO” at which time the
timers, having heard the signal over the radio, start their watches. When the racer crosses the
finish line, they stop the watches and the time shown on the watch is the precise time that the
racer has taken to cover the set course. The watches are then reset to zero for the next racer.
NOTE: This method may not be used for anything but club races as it is not an accurate start
system to have the racer start a specific command of “GO” nor is it in accordance with the rules.
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(b) Radio communications or telephone line between start and the finish, manual timing
with a wand at the start connected to a signaling device.
One of the best ways to tell hand timers exactly when a racer starts is to have a light or a tone
wired to a switch at the base of the start wand. This requires a wire from the start to the finish to
carry the signal. When the wand is opened at the start, the light goes on or a tone sounds at the
finish and the timers start their watches. When the racer crosses the finish line, the timers stop
their watches and the time shown is the time the racer has taken to cover the course. The watches
are then reset to zero for the next racer. This method requires teams of timers to allow more than
one racer on the course at a time.
(c) Time of Day Timing
This is the method used as back-up timing for electric timing systems and can also be used as a
primary timing system if no communication exists between start and finish. The watches required
for this system are what are called “splits”. They are different from a single event stop watch in
that when the split button is pressed after the watch has been started, the display is frozen to allow
the display to be read but the watch is still running internally. When the split button is clicked again
it shows the total time that has elapsed since the watch was first started.
In this method, a team of start timers and a team of finish timers, start their watches
simultaneously usually about 30 minutes prior to the race. The start timers press the split button
each time a racer leaves the start and this reading is recorded. When the racer crosses the finish,
the finish timers record press their split button and record that reading. The difference between the
two readings then is the time that the racer has taken to cover the course. The times are recorded
on a sheet shown in Figure 5.2, page 31.
The following example shows the information used to calculate the racers time:
Finish Time: 01:01:48.01
Start Time: 01:01:01.69
Race Time: 46.32
Some Key Points to be noted are :
Two watches should be used for both the start and finish. Thus if one watch becomes nonfunctional
then the other watch is used. (It is a good idea to have spare batteries.) All four watches
are synchronized prior to the start of the race. Do this by simultaneously pressing all four start
buttons. Allow the watches to run for a short time, then press the split buttons on all four and check
to see that the times are acceptably close to each other. If not, then the process is repeated until
the four watches are synchronized. The watches may be resynchronized before the second run. It
is also important to check the readings on the two watches at start and finish periodically to ensure
that they are staying consistent with each other. Timers must also strive to be as consistent as
possible as to when the split button is pressed for each racer as to both of start and finish of each
racer so that the same judgment is used each time as to the point taken for start or finish.
Note: a racer crosses the start line when his/her shins pass between the start posts, and cross the
finish line when any part of his/her body crosses the line between the two finish posts.
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BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
ALPINE CANADA ALPIN Figure 5.2
START / FINISH:
TIME OF DAY RECORD SHEET
DATE: PAGE # 1ST RUN [ ] WOMEN [ ] START [ ]
RECORDER: 2ND RUN [ ] MEN [ ] FINISH [ ]
TIMER: SL [ ] GS [ ] DH [ ] SG [ ]
BIB # TIME OF DAY BIB # TIME OF DAY
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5.4.6.2. Electronic Timing
Electronic timing is mandatory for all carded races. This timing requires usually two pairs of wire
be in place from the start to finish to carry both the timing signal and communications between
start and finish, start wand, finish beam with reflector and a timing unit to receive and process the
start and finish signals.
The principles of timing are the same. The starter gives the start signal. When the racer moves the
start wand, the circuit is broken and the start signal is sent to the timing machine. When the racer
breaks the light beam at the finish the circuit is again broken and the finish signal is sent to the
machine. Depending on the complexity of the timing machine, the times are either recorded
directly from the display or printout and the elapsed time is manually calculated or the machine
calculates the elapsed time of the racer and prints it out.
Timing systems have become very sophisticated over the past few years and require no
calculations on the part of the operator. However, keeping track of all the racers on course, DNS
and DNF racers, and ensuring that the correct start and finish times are recorded for each racer
requires skill and experience on the part of the operator. Note: For FIS races, it is mandatory to
use two electronic timing systems.
Every event has the opportunity for the electronic equipment to malfunction at some time or
another, probably instantaneously. Thus the electronics may miss the time for one of more racers.
To compensate for this, and to avoid having racers re-run the course, backup manual timing is
provided. Normally the method used is that detailed in 5.4.6.1(c) above. If an electronic time is
missed, then these times are used to calculate what is called an Equivalent Electric Time for the
racer. Therefore, it is very important that the manual timers are checked to ensure that a manual
time exists for a racer if an electronic time has been missed. It tends to be both embarrassing and
complicated if it is discovered after the fact that the manual timers also missed the time!
All of the above personnel and functions come under the responsibility of a Chief of Timing and
Calculations. This person has responsibility for the coordination of personnel at the start and the
finish areas including the timing, calculation and scoreboard.
5.4.7 Chief of Administration (Race Secretary)
Racing involves considerable paperwork, most of which is the responsibility of the Chief of
Administration (Race Secretary). This person is responsible for sending notices of the race, taking
minutes of all race committee meetings and Jury meetings, handling all correspondence, receiving
all entries, preparing all record cards and draw cards, registering racers, gathering entry fees,
preparing start lists, distributing and collecting bibs and giving out information. S/he is also
responsible for the preparation and distribution of the results. This job requires good administrative
ability and good knowledge of the different aspects of race organization.
5.4.8 Gate Judges and the Chief of Gate Judges
The Chief of Gate Judges is responsible for recruiting, training, organizing and controlling sufficient
gate judges for the race. S/he should be prepared and able to undertake any training of gate
judges as necessary prior to the race and issue them with a clear and concise set of instructions
as to their duties. S/he must place each gate judge in the most advantageous position on the
course and designate the gates for which s/he is responsible. The gate judges must be readily
identifiable and each must be issued a control card, a pencil and start list.
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BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
Each gate judge must be instructed in the proper method of filling in his/her card. During the race,
the Chief of Gate Judges must continually work with his gate judges to ensure that they are
fulfilling their duties efficiently and s/he also must look after their comfort. A well-equipped gate
judge is shown in Figure 5.3, page 30.
The gate judge is one of the most important officials of the race and only through efficient gate
judging will a race be successful in this aspect. A gate judge is responsible for judging the
passage of each competitor through the gates and deciding whether the passage was correct. If
there is any doubt, the advantage must always go the competitor. Incorrect passage results in a
disqualification. What, therefore, constitutes going through the gate?
A racer’s feet and ski tips must pass through an imaginary line between two poles in either
direction. All the following, therefore, are considered correct passage.
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BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
A gate has been correctly passed when both the racers feet and ski tips have passed across the
gate line as shown below for the various disciplines.
35

The racer may dislodge or knock down one or both poles when passing through. All turning pole
locations are marked with dye (the same color dye at each gate for each race). If a pole is
displaced both feet and ski tips must pass on the inside of the poles marked position. Straddle of a
gate is a disqualification.
As long as both feet and ski tips cross the imaginary line the racer is “O.K.” even though s/he
a) knocks down one or all poles of the gate.
b) slides through the gate on some part of his body other than his feet.
c) temporarily loses one or both of his skis.
d) hikes back up to a gate and crosses the line between the gates.
e) passes through gates out of their numerical order.
Examples of legal passage of gates and faults are shown on pages 35-37.
A racer having made an error or fallen, can ask the gate judge what his status is. The gate judge
must in this case respond clearly and strongly to the racer in one of the following ways:
“GO” if the racer has passed the gate correctly.
“BACK” if the racer has been rendered liable to disqualification.
However, if a racer commits a fault that would make him susceptible to a disqualification, the gate
judge, if possible, must inform him.
A racer should not receive assistance of any kind. Any outside aid must result in a sanctioning of
the competitor..
Each gate judge should wear some means of identification such as a vest or a bib and shall be
supplied with a recording card and a pencil and shall mark such cards as instructed by the Chief of
Gate Judges.
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THE FOLLOWING ARE EXAMPLES OF LEGAL PASSAGE
BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
37

39
BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual

The following information is required on a gate judge card;
a) The name of the gate judge
b) The number of the gate or gates s/he is watching.
c) A mark as to whether it is the first or the second run, men or women.
d) The date of the event.
If a racer does not correctly pass through the gate, the gate judge must immediately note the
following information on his control card in the available columns.
a) The racer’s start number.
b) The number of the gate where the fault was committed.
c) A drawing of the racer’s line (draw in the gate positions prior to the race).
A sample gate card will be given to you during this course. From the gate control cards, it must be
absolutely clear whether a competitor has passed the gates correctly or if s/he has been rendered
liable to disqualification (DSQ). The gate judges may not discuss disqualification with anyone
during the race and gate judges who have disqualified a competitor must be available to explain
the circumstances to the appropriate race officials after the end of the race.
The gate judges are in charge of gates as follows: One gate judge per gate for DH and Super G
and one gate judge for a maximum of three gates for GS and Slalom. The duties of a gate judge
begin with the approaching of the competitor to the first gate s/he controls and ends when the
competitor has passed through the last gate under his jurisdiction. In DH and Super G, the gate
judges watch the stretch visible to him/her both above and below.
Gate Judges will also perform the follow duties:
• Call our “COURSE” to gate judges below when a racer is approaching.
• Replace or re-attach any flags that have been knocked off.
• Make sure that all others (spectators, photographers, other racers) are at a safe distance.
• If a racer is disturbed during his run by anyone present on the course (or for any other
reason) and s/he requests the opportunity to re-start his run, the gate judge must be in the
position to objectively explain the incident to the appropriate race official. This incident must
be noted on the control card.
Course crew is sometimes assisted by Gate Judges to:
• Reset the poles in a vertical position. A leaning pole could aid or hinder a racer.
• Replace any poles that have been knocked down in their exact spot. (marked by dye)
• Replace any poles that have been broken, making sure to use the same color as the broken
one (blue or red). The broken pieces of pole must be picked up and placed out of the way
so they cause no danger to the racers or spectators.
• Repair the section of the course under his control if it has been decided prior to the start of
the race that this will be one of his duties.
If a racer is interfered with on the course, s/he is entitled to another run, a “re-run”. Interference
may be caused by a spectator, race official, fallen pole, another racer, etc. but only if it causes the
racer to change direction and lose time or miss a gate. The racer must leave the course at the
point of interference and not ski down through the remainder of the course. This should be
documented on the Gate Judge’s card. The racer must then communicate with the nearest gate
judge or official, then with the Finish Referee before heading back to the start.
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5.4.9 Competition Jury
At every race a competition jury is appointed which has the following responsibilities:
1. Application and implementation of the rules.
2. Conducting the draw.
3. Course inspection.
4. Supervision of the start and finish.
5. Ruling on all provisional runs and protests.
6. Cancel, interrupt, postpone or annul the race.
7. Approve of the methods of timing and calculations.
BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
The full composition of the jury for Alpine BC is different from that applicable to FIS events. The
Race Jury for speed events i.e. DH and Super G is composed of:
Technical Delegate:
Referee:
Assistant Referee:
Chief of Race:
Appointed by the BC Alpine Officials Chairman
Appointed at coaches meeting by Technical Delegate with
the approval of the coaches
Appointed at coaches meeting by Technical Delegate with
the approval of the coaches
Appointed by the Race Committee
For BC Technical events, as Assistant Referee may be appointed if so decided at the coaches
meeting. This is for training purposes only. It is recommended an Asst. Referee be appointed at
K1 and K2 Provincial races. They have no vote and do not appear on the official documentation.
In addition to the above, there are two ‘Jury Advisors’: Start Referee and Finish Referee. They are
appointed by the Race Committee and have responsibility for the start and finish areas
respectively. They advise the Jury concerning competitor disqualifications and may approve
provisional starts/reruns.
The Chairman of the Jury is the Technical Delegate who is an official appointed to the race and
who has the ultimate authority on all rights. S/he works very closely with the other members of the
jury and with the race committee and is there to assist and advise.
5.4.10 Qualification for Jury Members in B.C. Division
In B.C. there is an established policy for minimum qualifications of Jury members and is contained
in the B.C. Rules and given below.
a) Downhill and Super G Races
1. Technical Delegate: Minimum of Divisional Technical Delegate with a
Downhill/Super G license.
2. Referee: Either a coach with a minimum of Level II coach certification
plus Level II Official certification or a Divisional, National or FIS
Technical Delegate with a Downhill/Super G license.
3 Assistant Referee: A coach with a minimum of Level II coach certification plus
Level II Officials certification.
4. Chief of Race: Level II Officials certification
Start Referee:
Level II Officials certification
Finish Referee:
Level II Officials certification
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) Technical Events
1. Technical Delegate: Minimum of Divisional Technical Delegate.
2. Referee: Level II coach and Level II Official.
3. Assistant Referee**: Level I or II coach. (Optional Position in Slalom & GS)
4. Chief of Race: Level II Officials certification.
Start Referee
Level II Officials certification.
Finish Referee
Level II Officials certification.
c) Nancy Greene Ski League
All races, including weekly races, must have three Level I Officials in charge.
d) F.I.S. Races
Chief of Race
Level III Official
Start & Finish Referees Level II Official
Referee, Chief of Course Level II Official
Chief of Gate Judges Level II Officials
5.5 Synopsis of a Race
Off the Hill Activities
Planning
Publicity
Race Notice
Entries
Before the Race
On the Hill Activities
Course Preparations
Check Communications
Set First Course
Final Hill Preparation
Timing Installation
Team Captains Meeting
Information Distribution
Jury Selection
Draw
Bib Distribution
Preparation of 1st Run Start Lists
Course Inspection
Jury Meeting
During the Race
Start List 2nd Run
Results
Start of Race
Ski Patrol
Stewards
Gate Judges
Timing Personnel
Course Crew
Post / Announce DSQ’s
Jury Meeting
Take Down/Clean Up
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5.5 Race Personnel
BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
The following diagram shows the location of race personnel according to responsibilities.
Assistant Starter
Starter
+Start Referee
Start Timer/Recorder
*Technical Delegate
*Chief of Race
*Referee
*Assistant Referee
Chief of Course
Course Setters
Course Maintenance
Course Equipment
Chief of Gate Judges
Gate Judges
Finish Controller
+Finish Referee
Finish Timer
Finish Recorder
Chief of Timing and calculations
Electric Timing Operator
Runners
Scoreboard Posters
Bib Collectors
Additional Personnel on the Hill
Stewards Medical
Security Food Service Inside People
Ski Patrol
Admin (Race Secretary)
Computer Operator
+Non-Voting Jury Adviser
Assistants
*Voting Jury Member
Copy Crew
Assistant Referee voting for DH/SG only
Also involved :
Chief of Event Quality
Chief of Ski Area Relations
Chief of Awards and Media Relations
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6. CHECK LIST FOR RACE ORGANIZERS
The following is a simplified check list for race organizers.
More details at www.bcalpine.com: Officials, Race information, job descriptions.
CHECK LIST FOR RACE ORGANIZERS
The following is a simplified check list for race organizers.
More details at www.bcalpine.com: Officials, Race information, job descriptions.
1. Early Fall
Contact ski area management and obtain approval for the event.
Check rules to see that terrain selected conforms to the rules for the event.
Obtain approval for the event at the Zone meeting for inclusion in the Divisional calendar.
Appoint a Race Chairman and Chief of Administration (Race Secretary).
Establish and maintain regular contact with the ski area.
2. Four Weeks Prior to the Race or Earlier
Make arrangements with ski area re course preparation, lift operation, ticketing, course equipment,
communications.
Plan and acquire all needed equipment and spares and all supplies.
Appoint and confirm all major officials, qualified for the level of race.
Install and test all communications and timing wiring.
Issue race notice.
Contact Technical Delegate appointed to your race re accommodation, arrival, plans etc.
Check on course preparation and grooming.
3. Two Weeks Prior to the Race
Check with all committee chairman and chiefs to ensure that they have enough personnel.
Check with Chief of Equipment on progress of equipment.
Order prizes.
Inform TD of the progress of preparations and impending problems.
Check safety provisions as applicable.
Thoroughly test all timing and communications equipment on the hill.
Check course preparations.
4. One Week Before Race
Re-check all arrangements; inspect trail preparation personally.
Bring equipment to ski area and race site if possible.
Check with ski area.
Contact all major officials for progress report.
Contact TD with status report.
Insist that the course be packed, rolled, graded etc. during the week before the race.
Make arrangements for chemical course preparation if needed later.
Prepare for seeding meeting and draw.
Arrange for preparation and installation of start and finish areas.
Arrange for dignitary to present awards.
Prepare race rules.
Firm up schedule of events and confirm with officials and ski area.
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5. The Day Prior to the Race
Confirm with Chief of Administration (Race Secretary) that all is ready.
Check communications and timing system again.
Do final grooming and set first course(s).
Do final preparation of start and finish areas.
Do final preparations for coaches meeting and draw.
Confirm lift operation with ski area according to schedule.
BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
6. Evening Before Race
Coaches meeting, followed by draw.
Jury meeting.
Major officials meeting.
Make adjustments developing from these meetings.
Publish race schedule, start lists, etc.
7. Race Day
Arrive early!
Final installation of timing and communications two hours prior to race start.
Jury inspection.
Final course preparation as needed - dying, numbering, flagging.
All officials in place and ready in plenty of time prior to the start.
Fore-runners go prior to start and report to Jury.
Start on time.
Remember to keep all racers, coaches and officials informed of current events and any changes.
Confirm quiet place for jury meeting.
Make certain Chief of gate judges keeps gate judges informed for potential Jury meeting.
Process results as quickly as possible.
Distribute unofficial results as soon as they are available.
Ensure quiet, secure area for results production.
Ensure course clean-up is satisfactory.
8. Key Elements on Race Day
Course maintenance is particularly vital and should start before trouble spots develop and should
continue until the last racer has finished.
Be certain to provide sufficient equipment on the course: Poles, flags, rakes, bars, shovels, tiger
torches and drills.
Provide independent communications for Jury and Chief officials.
Avoid interfering with timekeeping team and those working on results.
Thank everyone - All volunteers, officials and area management.
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7. CALCULATION OF RACE POINTS
Competitors in Alpine Skiing are ranked according to their point standings in each of the four
disciplines i.e. Downhill (DH), Super Giant Slalom (Super G), Slalom (SL), and Giant Slalom (GS).
Points are calculated to an accuracy of two decimal places with the top racer in the world having
00.00 points. In other words, the better the racer, the lower the points.
What are race points and how are they calculated, what is a penalty and how is the National Points
list determined?
Points are a handicap system which compares a racer’s time with the winner’s time and are
calculated for each race using a standard formula -
P = [(Tx/To) - 1] x F
where P = race points, Tx = racer’s time in seconds, To = winner’s time in seconds and F is a
statistically determined value which is calculated every two years and is different for each
discipline.
The winner of a race always receives “zero” points and all other racers receive points according to
how far behind in time they finish behind the winner. However, not all races are of equal quality
and to simply give all winners the same point value would not differentiate between the various
levels of races. Therefore, each race has a penalty calculated for it, which is a direct measure of
the caliber of the race. The lower the penalty, the better the caliber of the race. Luckily, we now
have computers, which do all these calculations and produce the final set of race results very
quickly.
In order to determine how a racer did, you then add race points + penalty points for each racer to
determine total points for the race. Let us look at an example to see how this works:
Time in Seconds Race Points Penalty Total Points
Winner 111.72 0.00 125.18 125.18
Competitor A 116.26 23.16 125.18 148.34
Competitor B 116.72 25.51 125.18 150.69
This calculation is done by the National Points system and is stored in the data bank.
The value that appears for each competitor on each National Points List is calculated by averaging
the points results of the two best races in one season for each discipline.
Thus if Competitor A’s two best results in one discipline were the above result of 148.34 and
another result of 156.24, then the value for A in the points list would be
(148.34 + 156.24) /2 =152.26
Should competitor A then get a result in this season which is better than either of the two values
used above, then the points will improve. If s/he doesn’t, then s/he will maintain the above result.
Simple, isn’t it?
46

8. POINTS TO PONDER
A Ski Racing Primer
BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
Nothing is more confusing to newcomers to ski racing than “POINTS”....
In part this is due to the fact that the simple expression “points” can refer to RACERS CURRENT POINTS
VALUE in each discipline (slalom, giant slalom, super G and downhill) as shown on the NATIONAL POINTS
LIST or FIS LIST or we could be referring to RACE POINTS or TO PENALTY POINTS. POINTS will be
used s/here to refer to the points a racer has in each discipline and we will lead the reader through the
nuances of points, their use and the various expressions using or referring to points.
Without a thorough understanding of POINTS, race entry forms cannot be completed, the start lists
produced and race results cannot be made. Expressions like “chasing points”, “points fixing”, “no
result”, “giving away points” and “good or bad penalty” cannot be understood. It is especially important
that ski officials understand points. That is why POINTS figure prominently in Level II and higher officials
courses.
What follows is a basic primer on POINTS. It is intended for both those who need to know (coaches and
race officials) as well as for those who want to know (parents and new racers).
POINTS : Who needs them? Most sports have devised methods of turning athletes performance into
numbers. The numbers tell us the times taken to walk, run or swim specified distances, s/heights cleared
and distances the javelin, shot-put or discus has been thrown. The golfers handicap and the ball players
batting average are also examples of evaluation of performance and can be compared on a one to one
basis. Points in skiing numerically compare the ability of one racer to another by converting the times taken
to complete the race to a numerical value then adjusting that value to reflect the “quality” of the race.
MEET JOHN AND JUDY MOGULL
Our discussion begins with the twins John and Judy MOGULL (born Dec. 1 1993). John and Judy are
leaving the Nancy Greene Ski League and entering the K1 program.
All competitors must have a COMPETITOR’S CARD, therefore the first step in becoming a K1 racer is to
apply for this card. It is required for insurance purposes, for tracking of every competitor on the NATIONAL
POINTS LIST and for entry into any sanctioned race. Applications are usually made for each athlete by the
Club Coach. Once the application has been processed, John and Judy’s names will appear on the
NATIONAL POINTS LIST but, as new racers, they will have no points values shown against their name.
The term 625er is commonly used to refer to racers such as John and Judy. It doesn’t mean that they have
625 points but that their point value is either higher than the maximum value of 624.99 for the National
Points List or that, as is the case s/here, they have no earned points at all.
For the rest of their career, John and Judy will be trying to REDUCE or LOWER the number of points they
have in each discipline in which they participate. What follows is how they do it!
ENTERING A RACE
John and Judy ‘s coach enters them along with the other K1s in their first race, a slalom. The race entry is
usually faxed to the Chief of Administration (Race Secretary) for the event at least a week in advance of the
race. John and Judy are eligible because they are CARDED racers (i.e. have a registered competitors card)
and appear on the National Points List.
The Chief of Administration (Race Secretary) puts all the entries into a computer and prints both boys and
girls list of competitors in order of points - low points through to 624.99 then all those with no points value.
Remember the lower the points value, the better the racer. Since this is their first race, John and Judy are
in the last group of those with no points - 625ers.
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THE COACHES (TEAM CAPTAINS) MEETING
The Coaches or Team Captains meeting is held the evening before the race. This meeting is also
attended by the Race Organizing Committee (ROC) for the event and the TECHNICAL
DELEGATE (TD) appointed to the race. Many matters are dealt with at this meeting but, because
this is about POINTS, focus is on the draw.
THE DRAW is the procedure used to create the start lists for the first run of the boys and girls
races. It begins with a careful review of the race entry prepared by the Chief of Administration
(Race Secretary) to confirm that all names and points are correct. Errors, if any, are corrected and
any last minute changes are made. John and Judy, as expected, appear in alphabetical order
among the 625ers at the end of their respective lists - at the BACK OF THE PACK!
The actual DRAW, once done by hand, is now frequently done by computer. The computer takes
the 15 lowest point holders (the FIRST SEED) and assigns them randomly to the first 15 start
positions. The remaining racers, except for the 625ers, are assigned start positions 16 and up
according to their points - lowest point holders to higs/hest point holders. The computer then does
another random draw for all 625ers and assigns them to the remaining start positions.
Coaches and officials then check both start lists and if everyone is satisfied, the START LISTS are
approved and each racer is given a BIB number, which corresponds with their position on the Start
List.
THE RACE
Since this is a slalom (SL), the race consist of two runs with the winner having the lowest combined
times. Each run is on a different course. In most races, all racers ski the same courses with the
girls racing first. Racers start in the order they appear on the first run Start List approved at the
Draw.
The time each racer takes to complete the first run is recorded to the nearest 100th of a second.
These times are normally posted on the scoreboard so that racers and coaches have that
information. John and Judy complete their first run successfully.
After the first run has been completed, there is a break during which the racers warm up and eat
lunch, the course for the second run is set and the Chief of Administration (Race Secretary)
produces the second run start list or BIBO. This is again normally done on the computer.
Remember that the start order for the first run was based on the points of all entries with random
assignment of numbers for the lowest 15 point holders and for 625ers at the end of the pack.
However, the start order for the second run is based on the TIMES for the first run. Racers appear
on the START LIST FOR THE SECOND RUN in order of their finish result for the first run - lowest
time to higs/hest time - except for the first fifteen who are listed in reverse order of finish on the first
run. Thus the boy and girl with the fastest time on the first run start in 15th position on the second
run and the boy and girl finishing 15th on the first run are the first to start the second run. The
remaining racers are sorted according to their time in the first run - lowest through higs/hest - and
start in that order.
Judy was the 25th fastest girl in the first run and therefore starts 25th in the second run. John was
63rd and starts in that position for the second run.
THE RESULTS
Since this is a slalom, the boy and girl with the lowest combined times are the winners and the
ones with the highest combined times finish last.
Other results are possible: DNS - did not start; DSQ - disqualified; DNF - did not finish.
That is all one needs to know to give out the medals, but hold on because this is where the
mystery of how we go from times to POINTS will become clear.
48

BC Alpine Level 1 Officials Manual
RACE POINTS
After listing the racers in order of finish, the computer calculates and assigns RACE POINTS to
each racer. Without getting into the mathematics of this calculation, it is enough to know that the
RACE POINTS assigned to each racer are a function of the difference between the winner’s total
time and each racer’s total time. The winner gets a value of 0.00 RACE POINTS. Racers whose
total time is close to the winner get low RACE POINTS while slower racers get his/her RACE
POINTS. John and Judy finish far behind the winner in their respective races and as a result get
high race points. This is OK as it is their first race.
THE RACE PENALTY/PENALTY POINTS
While RACE POINTS describe each racers time in relation to that of the winner, the RACE
PENALTY describes the results in terms of the calibre, based on NATIONAL POINTS, of the
racers in the competition. This then allows the results of this race to be standardized with those of
other races s/held across Canada.
Once again the computer is called upon to do the calculation of the RACE PENALTY which is
based on the results of the top ten finishers and also the points of the best five starters in the race.
That’s all you need to know for now - trust us!
In any event, the RACE PENALTY or PENALTY POINTS are then added to the RACE POINTS
for each finisher to yield a race result in terms of POINTS- POINTS RESULT. These are then sent
to the NATIONAL POINTS CHAIR who uses them to calculate new NATIONAL POINTS for
competitors whose POINTS RESULT is lower than their current NATIONAL POINTS.
Remember: John and Judy and other racers are not only trying to win races but also to lower their
POINTS.
THE NATIONAL POINTS LIST
On the NATIONAL POINTS LIST a racers POINTS for each discipline is the average of their BEST
TWO FINISHES in terms of points results. John ended up with 500 points for this race while Judy
received 580 points.
If they don’t finish any more slalom races before the next NATIONAL POINTS LIST is publiss/hed,
their points on the list will be the average of 625 and the points they received in this race. .. 567.50
for John and 602.50 for Judy.
If they finished another slalom before the next list was published and received 525 and 540 points
respectively, their NATIONAL POINTS would be 525 plus 500 divided by 2 = 512.50 for John and
580 plus 540 divided by 2 = 560.00 for Judy.
49

CLOSING THE LOOP
That is how POINTS are calculated and how racers try to reduce their NATIONAL POINTS in each
discipline in which they race.
It can also be seen how a racer might complain that, in spite of a good finish (possibly even a
medal) s/he or she got “NO RESULT”. This happens when his or s/her POINTS RESULT for a
given race is higher than their NATIONAL POINTS for that discipline. Since averaging these
results with their next best result would increase rather than decrease their NATIONAL POINTS,
the National Points Chair will simply disregard the result. For the racer, this is a “NO RESULT” ..
the race will not lower his or s/her NATIONAL POINTS in that discipline.
The incentive to CHASE POINTS should also be apparent. Chasing points is going out of the way
to enter races w,here there are competitors having much lower points. The effect of the low point
holders will be to reduce the penalty for the race. With a good result, even 15th or 20th, the
combined effect of low penalty and low race points could give a points result which, after
averaging, might significantly reduce one’s NATIONAL POINTS.
Remember, lowering his or s/her NATIONAL POINTS could greatly improve their start position in
subsequent races, raise their ranking relative to others in their age group, bring their points down
enough to qualify for an “ALL AREA PASS”, meet selection criteria for a team or summer camps
or qualify them for other forms of recognition.
GIVING AWAY POINTS involves low point holders entering races so that higher point holders can
benefit from the reduced penalty but the low point holder will not benefit from the result.
POINTS FIXING, which is prohibited, is conducting the race or participating in the race in such a
way as to artificially reduce the penalty.
CONCLUSION
RACE POINTS – rank competitors in a particular event
NATIONAL POINTS – rank competitors across Canada for each discipline, for all age
groups, for males and for females
That’s it... all you need to know (for now) about POINTS. Reviewing a race results package with
your coach or official is a good idea).
John and Judy will be surprised and pleased when you ask about their points or whether a race
had a good (low) penalty.
Now you can help introduce new racers and ski club members to the wonderful world of POINTS!
Peter Engstad
BC Alpine Technical Delegate
Officials TD Education Coordinator
Manual edited and up-dated September 2004 by Irene Whitney, BC Alpine Officials Committee
50