THE INTERNATIONAL SKI COMPETITION RULES (ICR) BOOK II - Fis

384 The Course
384.1 Width
384.1.1 All obstacles must be cleared from the course to a width that allows, at a
minimum, double tracks to be set throughout the length of the course. For
free technique competitions the course width should allow unhindered
overtaking.
384.2 Start Area
384.2.1 The start area should be flat or nearly flat. It should lead directly into the
course and be wide enough to avoid excessive crowding. The start should
gradually narrow to the width of the course over a distance sufficient in
length to allow competitors to spread out before entering the tracks. The
start area should be organised to provide for
- ski marking
- control of competitor identification
- control of commercial markings
- competitor seeding
- crowd control.
384.3 Finish Area
384.3.1 The course should enter the finish area on a straight and flat approach.
The finish area should be flat and sufficiently wide to allow several competitors
to finish at the same time without impeding each other.
The last 200 meters should have a width of at least 10 meters and be divided
into at least 3 lanes separated with appropriate markings. Where
more than one competition (two races of different distances) are held over
the same course at the same time, separate finishing lanes should be provided
to ensure that the leaders in the longer competition are not hindered
by slower finishers in the shorter competition. The finish area should be
designed and equipped for the necessary control functions and to avoid
crowding. Feeding, access to clothing, showers or transportation to such
facilities should be clearly marked in different languages and available
near the finish area.
384.4 Course Preparation
384.4.1 Pre-season
The course should be groomed and maintained to ensure that the competition
can be held safely with a minimum of snow cover.
384.4.2 Winter preparation
The course should be packed and groomed throughout the winter to ensure
a solid base for final preparation.
384.4.3 Free Technique
In free technique competitions, the course should be well packed and wide
enough to allow two competitors to ski side by side. Where appropriate,
one single track may be set along the side of the course. The last 200 meters
should be prepared to a width of at least 10 m. This section should be
divided into at least 3 lanes and separated with appropriate markings.
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