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UNITED STATES SKI & SNOWBOARD ASSOCIATION
2014-2015 REVIEW & UPDATE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION - ALPINE
The United States Ski and Snowboard Association’s competition rules for domestic alpine ski racing are adopted from
the FIS ICR, but are specific to USSA competitions. The Alpine Competition Regulations (ACR) is updated
annually, is published in the current Alpine Competition Guide and is available at www.ussa.org.
For all events scheduled by USSA as FIS events, applicable rules of the FIS should be considered and applied. In
cases that are not addressed by the ACR for USSA events or by the ICR for FIS events, or in cases where the rules
must be interpreted, the authority for making such decisions will rest with the Competition Jury.
It is the responsibility of every official, coach and competitor to know, understand and abide by the rules for the sport.
Coaches, Program Directors and other club officers are encouraged to provide the time and opportunity to instruct
their athletes on the rules for the sport. These rules include, but are not limited to, current editions and “Precisions” of
the FIS ICR, USSA ACR, and the appropriate supplemental rules, such as Rules of the FIS Points and Rules for the
Alpine Continental Cups. The following pages contain a review and clarification of existing USSA and FIS rules. An
overview of major rule changes is also included; this review and update, however, does not contain all rule changes.
GENERAL REVIEW AND CLARIFICATION – USSA AND FIS:
1. USSA CONCUSSION POLICY: USSA’s Concussion Policy has changed to include any USSA athlete, not just
minor athletes – this includes those with the new Club Participant membership. An athlete suspected of suffering
concussion, either in or out of competition, will be prohibited from further participation until evaluated and
cleared in writing to resume participation in USSA sporting events by a qualified health care provider trained in
the evaluation and management of concussive head injuries.
For athletes under the age of 18, the “Concussion Medical Evaluation Form” must be signed by the respective
athlete’s parent/legal guardian.
Additional USSA Concussion Policy information is available at:
http://ussa.org/alpine-programs/athletes/resources/concussion-policy
2. EVENT MEDICAL PLAN: An event medical plan must be in place for all USSA-sanctioned events and must
be reviewed by the Jury prior to being presented to the Team Captains. Jury Minutes are required documenting
the review and presentation to the Team Captains.
3. DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF THE REFEREE: The Referee is no longer responsible for inspecting the course
immediately after it is set, alone or accompanied by members of the Jury. In addition, the Referee no longer has
the right to change the course by taking out or adding gates. These duties/rights are deferred to the Jury as a
whole. [601.4.10]
4. JURY INSPECTION: Jury must inspect course set and final installation of on-hill competitor security measures
for all USSA-sanctioned events and confirm the daily Program (schedule); Team Captains are encouraged to
attend inspection. Necessary changes to course set and on-hill competitor security measures are the responsibility
of the Jury. Jury Minutes are required documenting the inspection and approval by Jury and Team Captains as
well as confirmation of the Program (schedule).
5. HOMOLOGATED TIMING DEVICES: All USSA scored and non-scored events, as well as all FIS events,
must use currently homologated timing devices. An updated list of homologated equipment is available at
http://data.fis-ski.com/alpine-skiing/timing-and-data.html
6. USSA MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:
a. USSA-SANCTIONED NON-FIS EVENTS: Jury members, Jury Advisors (Start and Finish Referees),
Chief of Course and Course Setters are required to be current members of USSA as a Coach or Official.
Competitors are required to have an appropriate competitor’s USSA membership. Qualified members of
foreign federations recognized by FIS must hold a valid USSA membership in order to take part in any
capacity at a USSA-sanctioned non-FIS event.
EXCEPTION: A limited number of USSA non-FIS events – CAN-AM’S – allow a set number of Canadian
competitors to compete without first obtaining a USSA competitor’s membership. This exception does not
apply to the coaches accompanying these competitors and wanting to serve as Jury members or Course
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Setters; they may, however function in the capacity of their team’s coach without obtaining a USSA Coach
membership.
b. COACHES’ USSA MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENT: Except in specific instances where an event has been
pre-approved, all coaches must have a current Coach membership in order to participate in any capacity at a
USSA-sanctioned event; e.g. on-hill coaching. The ROC may require that coaches present current membership
cards; digital copies stored on phones or computers are acceptable.
c. USSA-SANCTIONED FIS EVENTS: Jury members, Jury Advisors (Start & Finish Referees), Chief of
Course and Course Setters are required to be current members of USSA as a Coach or Official or must be
qualified members of foreign federations recognized by FIS. If a foreign FIS Federation lists a foreign coach on
their entry form, the Federation is certifying that the coach has the knowledge and ability to fulfill the duties
of a Team Captain: e.g. serve as a Jury member or set a course; this satisfies the “qualified member of foreign
federation” requirement for FIS events. Competitors are required to be FIS inscribed. Age-eligible current
USSA members who are not FIS inscribed and who are serving as forerunners must sign the “FIS Athlete’s
Declaration”.
7. ALPINE OFFICIALS’ CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
a. Referee, Assistant Referee and Course Setter must be certified Referees in order to officiate in the respective
capacities at all USSA-sanctioned events – both non-scored and scored.
b. For USSA scored events, Jury Advisor (Start/Finish Referee) must be a certified Jury Advisor (JA), a certified
Referee (RF) or a certified Chief of Race (CR).
c. For USSA non-scored events, a Jury Advisor (Start/Finish Referee) should be a certified Jury Advisor (JA), a
certified Referee (RF) or a certified Chief of Race (CR). When online Competition Official (CO) certification
becomes available, the Jury Advisor at USSA non-scored events must – at a minimum – be certified as a
Competition Official (CO).
8. COMPETITION EQUIPMENT: Equipment is the responsibility of the athlete and in the case of a minor, their
parents or guardians. Equipment must be maintained and utilized in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Protests against equipment at a USSA non-FIS event must be handled in accordance with current USSA
guidelines (Page 13). Protests against equipment at a FIS event must be handled in accordance with current FIS
rules.
9. HELMET-MOUNTED CAMERAS: All competitors and forerunners must wear a helmet for official training
as well as for the race that meets current Equipment Specifications. Helmet-mounted cameras are not approved
for use at USSA non-FIS events. [606.4, 707, 807, 907, 1007, and additional USSA and FIS regulations.]
Athletes who have personalized their helmets, e.g. camera mounts, bling, stickers, etc., are allowed to start.
10. COMPETITORS’ PROTECTIVE MEASURES: With the exception of forearm protection used in SG, GS
and SL and shin protection used in SL, body protection must be worn under the suit. This includes knee braces;
however, a leg brace may be worn over the suit if it is then covered with a piece of an old suit. [FIS
Specifications for Competition Equipment; Edition 2014-2015]
11. ATHLETES’ POINTS:
a. USSA POINTS: 999.99 indicates an athlete has not earned USSA points.
b. FIS POINTS: FIS Points are calculated to 990.00
c. FIS POINTS CONFIRMATION: If the FIS website version of the FIS Points List shows a competitor’s
points followed by a “C”, this indicates that the respective points have been confirmed by FIS, and when
applicable, replace points noted in the downloaded version.
12. INTERDICTION TO CONTINUE AFTER A GATE FAULT: If a competitor misses a gate, he must no
longer continue through further gates. [614.2.2]
13. INTERDICTION TO CONTINUE AFTER A COMPETITOR STOPS: If a competitor comes to a complete
stop (e.g. after a fall), he must no longer continue through previous or further gates. This interdiction is valid in
all events with a fixed start interval (DH, SG, and GS). The only exception is in SL [661.4.1], as long as the
competitor does not interfere with the run of the next competitor or has not been passed by the next competitor.
[614.2.3]
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A competitor who has been passed cannot continue on course and is classified as a DNF; the penalty for
continuing to race after a complete stop is disqualification. [628.8] At the discretion of the Jury, additional
sanctions may be applied.
14. PROVISIONAL STARTS OR RERUNS: When making a determination on the validity of a provisional rerun,
the Jury must evaluate the following, many of which are included in the very clear provisions of 623:
a. Did the competitor cross the finish line? Unless the claimed obstruction occurred in close proximity to the
finish line and the competitor’s racing speed did not allow sufficient time for the competitor to avoid crossing
the finish line, the Jury may consider the run is over.
b. Does the claimed obstruction meet the requirements of 623.2 – Grounds for Interference?
c. Did the claimed obstruction cause significant loss of speed or lengthening of the racing line and consequently
affect the competitor’s time?
d. Did the competitor commit a fault (gate fault or start procedure fault) prior to the obstruction or interference?
[628.7]
e. Did competitor stop immediately after the obstruction or interference occurred and report the incident to the
nearest Gate Judge?
f.
Only the Jury can authorize or validate a provisional start or a provisional run.
g. A provisional or definitively approved rerun remains valid even if it proves slower than the obstructed run.
15. RERUNS REQUIRED BY BROKEN GATES: Every case must be checked individually; the Jury on site is the
only group that can decide, based on the particular and detailed circumstances, if interference occurred.
16. COURSE SETTING GUIDELINES FOR MULTIPLE AGE CLASS COMPETITIONS: For multiple age
class competitions, course setting guidelines for technical events are based on one class older than the youngest
age class competing, e.g., U16, U14, U12 and U10 will follow U12 guidelines. Speed event course setting is
based on the youngest age class competing. U8 as well as additional classes for younger competitors are
established only for the purpose of awards and are subject to U10 course setting guidelines.
17. PENALTY MANIPULATION: Any competitor, official or coach clearly involved in artificially affecting
penalty points may be disqualified or sanctioned. Research over the last four years has culminated in a method to
identify races where athletes score point improvements far beyond expectations. The following are five of the
filters that are used to identify these races.

Point improvement greater than 95% confidence interval

Low point racers (pace) finish 6 through 10

Greater than 22% of the field scores a point improvement

Performance discrepancies from early season versus spring race date

Athletes never ski close (20 points) to the results earned in other races
Every scored event will be subject to these filters and events that meet criteria will be flagged for review by
USSA Competition staff and the USSA Classification Working Group.
18. USSA ALPINE COMPETITION EXCEPTIONAL ATHLETE “SKI UP” AGREEMENT: The USSA
Alpine Competition Exceptional Athlete “Ski Up” Assumption of Risk, Release and Indemnity Agreement allows
exceptional athletes to ski up one class and authorizes the athlete to compete in an age group competition with a
class of competitors which are older than the age group designated by USSA, but only in the events in which
they are normally eligible and only in the specific competitions authorized by the USSA National Development
Director (September 2001 ASC, as amended).
The intention of the authorization is to accommodate the top athletes nationally. Ski Up Agreements may only be
processed by the Regional Office, cannot be applied for on-site, and are not accepted by all USSA
Regions/Divisions/States. A copy of the approved Ski Up Agreement must accompany the entry. (Contact
appropriate Regional office for a copy of the “Agreement” and for more information regarding the application
process.) FIS does not recognize requests to ski up in class.
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19. DH TRAINING EVENT AND RESULTS:
a. USSA and FIS assign transmittal/codex numbers for all DH training runs; USSA’s assignment of these
numbers is verification of an event’s liability insurance.
b. Official training forms an integral part of the competition. Competitors are required to participate in the
training. All qualified competitors entered for the competition must have been entered and drawn in all
official training runs. (“Drawn” is accepted as meaning, “assigned a start number”. It does not mean,
“Drawn in the first group”.) [704.1]
c. Competitors and Forerunners must participate in at least one timed training run.
d. “Special Training Runs” outside of the official training runs do not have USSA/FIS transmittal /codex
numbers and must not be staged for forerunners or competitors that have not been able to participate in at
least one timed training run prior to the actual event.
e. Training results (TRA) in XML format must be submitted to USSA and to FIS.
f.
Do not submit a Technical Delegate Report or a Timing & Data Technical Report (TDTR).
20. USSA NON-FIS RACE RESULT DOCUMENT PACKETS: “Race Result Document Packets” must be
submitted either electronically to [email protected] or in paper copy format via USPS, UPS or FEDEX to
USSA Competition Services within 3 days after the final event. Packets are required for all levels of USSA
competition: non-scored and scored.

Transmittal (use as cover page)

Timing & Data Technical Report, if required for level of event

USSA Technical Delegate Report

USSA Official Results and Penalty Calculation, if Penalty calculation required for level of event

Referee Report(s)

All Programs and Team Captains’ Meeting Minutes

All Jury Minutes w/o Protest

All Protests and applicable Jury Minutes

All injury/accident reports

Copies of Exceptional Athlete Ski Up Agreements

USSA Volunteer Competition Worker Registration forms
Refer to “USSA Race Result Document Packets” in the “Master Packet of Forms” for detailed information
21. PREPARATION AND SUBMITTAL OF A “RACE RESULT DOCUMENT PACKET”:
a. Scan documents and save in PDF format; do not save as JPG!
b. Arrange documents in proper order (See USSA Race Result Document Packets in Master Packet of Forms)
c. Save as PDF booklet with USSA-assigned transmittal number as booklet title (alpha + 4 numbers)
d. Attach to email using USSA-assigned transmittal number as email subject (alpha + 4 numbers)
e. Email to: [email protected] (cc: Technical Delegate)
f.
Submit only one race file per booklet and only one booklet per transmission!
22. USING THE 3 ACCIDENT REPORT FORMS: The Jury, or an individual appointed by the Jury, must notify
USSA of injuries at all USSA-sanctioned events (both non-FIS and FIS), where injury claims may result. An
insurance claim for secondary accident insurance cannot begin unless an ASI First Report of Accident has been
filed with USSA. Please help us help our members with this process.
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a. American Specialty First Report of Accident (ASI)
1) The American Specialty First Report of Accident (ASI) is used only for USSA members injured in any
USSA event: FIS or non-FIS.
2) Online filing is available and is preferred.
The online form can be found at
http://www.amerspec.com/ussa_cov/ under “Online Incident Reporting”. After completing the online
form, a copy should be printed for the Technical Delegate and the official “Race Result Document
Packet”.
3) If online filing is not an option, the paper copy ASI form must be filed. The form is available in the
“Master Packet of Forms” on the USSA website.
4) The ASI form must not be submitted to the FIS Bureau.
b. FIS “Notice of Injury”
1) All reportable injuries at USSA-sanctioned FIS events must be reported on the FIS “Notice of Injury”
form regardless of nationality of the injured party.
2) In addition to being included in the FIS Race Result Document Packet, the report should be faxed to
+41 33 244 61 71 or e-mailed to [email protected]
3) Online filing is also available. After completing the online form, you must print a copy for the Technical
Delegate and the official “Race Result Document Packet”.
c. Technical Delegate’s Accident Report
Accidents that fit the “Guidelines for Serious Accident”, whether non-FIS or FIS, also require the additional
filing of the Technical Delegate’s Accident Report.
d. Which Injury Report Form and When: The Jury, or an individual appointed by the Jury, must notify USSA
of injuries at all USSA-sanctioned events (both non-FIS and FIS), where injury claims may result. Copies of
injury reports must be available for the Technical Delegate’s file and required race result document packets.
1) USSA non-FIS Events
a) If an injury occurs during official training or competition, the American Specialty First Report of
Accident (ASI) must be filed.
b) If the injury fits the “Guidelines for Serious Accident”, both the American Specialty First Report of
Accident (ASI) and the Technical Delegate’s Accident Report are required.
2) FIS Events – USSA Members
a) If an injury occurs during official training or competition to a USSA member at a FIS event, both the
American Specialty First Report of Accident (ASI) and the FIS Notice of Injury are required.
b) If the injury fits the “Guidelines for Serious Accident”, all three reports: ASI, FIS Online Report and
Technical Delegate’s Accident Report are required.
3) FIS Events – Foreign Competitors:
a) If an injury occurs during official training or competition to a foreign competitor at a FIS event, the
FIS Notice of Injury is required.
b) If the injury fits the “Guidelines for Serious Accident”, both the FIS Notice of Injury and the
Technical Delegate’s Accident Report are required.
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USSA COMPETITION CONTINUING EDUCATION (UPDATE) 2014-2015:
1. USSA ALPINE COMPETITION REGULATIONS: Alpine Competition Regulations (ACR) has been updated
to include applicable rule changes.
2. USSA MEMBERSHIP CLASSIFICATIONS: Effective 2014-2015, USSA is offering two new membership
classifications:
a. USSA Club Volunteer membership is available to those 15 and older and requires periodic background
screening. It is designed for parents and club volunteers who undertake a leadership role in USSA clubs,
divisions, regions, competitions and club training sessions. This membership is a good stepping-stone to
becoming a USSA Coach or Official and is fully upgradeable during the season. USSA Club Volunteer
members are not eligible for official’s certification.
b. USSA Club Participant membership is structured for young athletes who train with a club program and
compete only in non-USSA competitions. It is also perfect for club volunteers or parents who are starting to
become active in support of club activities and events as well as those forerunning sanctioned events. USSA
Club Participant members are eligible to forerun but not to compete in sanctioned events.
c. If you have any questions regarding the membership category appropriate for you, contact your Regional or
Divisional USSA Alpine Office.
3. MASTERS EVENT MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:
a. USSA Alpine Competitors 18 to 24 years of age may compete in Masters Competitions (excluding Regional
and National Championships) and USSA scored competitions.
b. USSA Alpine Coaches ages 39 and younger may compete in Masters Competitions (excluding Regional and
National Championships).
c. All competitors in Masters Regional and National Championships must have a USSA Masters membership.
d. Masters FIS competitions require that the athletes have the appropriate membership: A USSA Alpine Masters
Membership and Alpine Masters FIS registration.
e. Complete rules on membership requirements in USSA Masters events can be found in current editions of the
Masters Competition Guide, Chapter 3: “"General Competition Rules”; and the Alpine Competition Guide,
Chapter 5: “Masters Ski Racing”.
* Please note USSA Divisions and/or States may assess additional membership fees.
4. GOLDEN RULE SEEDING: Adaptive athletes competing in regularly calendared USSA competitions will be
seeded in special groups; point requirement has been deleted. [U621.3.1; U621.11.3.3]
5. GATE JUDGE EDUCATION: An updated Gate Judge presentation: “Gate Judges – The Most Important People
on the Hill” (2014) is being prepared. USSA will post it on the website when it becomes available.
6. HELMETS: For season 2015, it is recommended that athletes U14 and older should use helmets that meet the
new FIS standards for all USSA GS, SG and DH competitions. Beginning in season 2016, athletes U14 and older
must use helmets that meet the new FIS standards for all USSA GS, SG and DH competitions.
7. FACTORS:
Factors used for calculating race penalties for USSA scored events for the 2014-2015 season are as follows:
DH:
1250
SL:
720
GS:
980
SG:
1080
AC:
1150
8. KOMBI RULES:

Youth Kombi events must be set using appropriately homologated hills. SL/GS format (technical orientation)
using a hill homologated for GS and GS/SG format (speed orientation) using a hill homologated for SG.

Athletes must use the helmet that meets the standards for the faster of the two events being contested.

U1259.3.2: There are no minimum or maximum number of turns required.

U1259.6: The Jury should decide on the number of runs by the first Team Captains’ meeting.
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
U1259.7.1: Except as specifically modified, the rules for SL [800] also apply to non-scored SL/GS Kombi for
U16 and younger.

U1259.7.2: Except as specifically modified, the rules for GS [900] also apply to non-scored GS/SG Kombi
for U16 and younger.
9. GATE PANELS: Beginning in season 2015, USSA scored GS, SG and DH competitions must use gate panels
that conform to the current FIS specifications. Beginning in season 2016 all USSA GS, SG and DH (including
Masters competitions) must use gate panels that conform to the current FIS specifications. A list of homologated
panels is published on the FIS website. Articles 901.2.2 and 1001.3.2 remain valid.
10. FLEX POLES:

All scored events, both USSA and FIS must use homologated flex poles.

All poles on a course must be of uniform height and diameter.

For USSA scored SL events, women should use FIS type B poles (27 mm recommended) and men can use
FIS type A or FIS type B poles (27 mm recommended).

For U16 SL event, poles must be full length, 180 cm (71 in); women should use FIS type B poles (27 mm
recommended) and men can use FIS type A or FIS type B poles (27 mm recommended).

For U14 SL and younger, poles must be uniform in height with a minimum height of 137 mm/54 inches off
the snow with a 25-27 mm diameter. The recommended pole size is 152 mm/60 inches in height off the snow
and 27 mm in diameter. Stubby poles may be used. Beginning in season 2016, SL poles for this group will
be required to be 152 mm/60 inches in height off the snow and 27 mm in diameter; stubby poles may still be
used. This applies to events that are exclusive to U14 and younger; it is not applicable to mixed age events
which include athletes U14 and older.

In GS, SG and DH, poles should be full height (180 cm/71 inches) for all age groups and genders. U14 and
younger should use 27 mm poles.

FIS type B poles are 25-28.9 mm in diameter and FIS type A poles are 29-32 mm in diameter.
11. SECOND RUN - USSA SCORED EVENT: If the ROC and Jury allow it, competitors in SL and GS events
who are shown as DNF or DSQ in the first run can start in the second run with their original bib after the last
qualified competitor. Announcement of this procedure should be given no later than the Team Captains’ Meeting.
[U621.11.3.2]

Appropriateness depends on, but is not limited to field size, snow conditions, and visibility.

Coaches’ discretion advised

In cases of force majeure, the Jury may terminate a competition prior to DNF/DSQ second-run starts.
12. USSA’S ONLINE EVENT REGISTRATION: USSA’S online event registration system is being revised and
its use is recommended. An ROC that chooses to use the system must indicate their preference when filing their
event schedule agreement or contact Competition Services to have the option added later. Use of this system is
not mandatory!
When registration is closed, USSA will provide a downloadable race file and upon receipt of Official Results, will
calculate required head tax amounts and submit them to the ROC for verification. Upon ROC’s acceptance,
USSA National and, at the request of the Region/Division/State, Regional/Divisional/State Head Tax will be
processed and submitted as required.
If an ROC chooses to use an independent online or manual event registration system, the ROC will be responsible
for submittal/payment of all head tax documents and amounts.
13. ONLINE COMPETITION OFFICIAL (CO) CERTIFICATION: Competition Official (CO) is a prerequisite for all specialty-area certifications. A process that will allow online certification is being developed.
When Competition Official (CO) membership is available, Jury Advisors (Start and Finish Referee) at USSA
non-scored events must be – at a minimum – certified Competition Officials; the current requirement that they
“should” be certified as a Jury Advisor (JA), Referee (RF) or Chief of Race (CR) will remain in place.
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14. DAILY ALLOWANCE FOR USSA TECHNICAL DELEGATES AND USSA COURSE INSPECTORS: In
addition to normal out-of-pocket expenses, e.g. meals, lifts, lodging, mileage/transportation/rental car, etc., a daily
allowance of $75 per travel/inspection/training/competition day has been approved for USSA Technical Delegates
at all USSA events – both scored and non-scored. The $75/day daily allowance also applies to USSA Course
Inspectors. Please note that FIS officials officiating at USSA FIS events are entitled to a higher daily allowance
amount. A FIS Technical Delegate serving as the Technical Delegate at a USSA non-FIS event is only entitled to
the USSA daily allowance of $75 per day.
A copy of the USSA Technical Delegate’s Expense Report for all USSA non-FIS events must be submitted to
Randy Rogers ([email protected]).
15. TIMING & DATA TECHNICAL REPORT FORM: FIS program can be used to produce a paper copy report,
as required, for USSA non-FIS events. The software does accept “National Race Code” which is used for a
USSA Transmittal number (alpha character + 4-digit number); “Race Codex” is left blank and either “CHI –
Children” or “JUN – Junior” category must be selected. If using the FIS TDTR software for a USSA event,
download/install/test in advance of your event as slow connections/download time may not allow for day of event
installation. The TDTR XML file must not be submitted to FIS for non-FIS events or to USSA as USSA is not
currently set up to accept the TDTR XML file.
A signed copy of this form for all non-FIS USSA-scored events and USSA non-scored Championship events, e.g.
U14 and Masters Championships, must be submitted to the following, applicable region/division representative.
FIS will evaluate the TDTR’s for FIS events and will report any anomalies to USSA Competition Services.
Alaska:
Terry Sherwood
[email protected]
Central:
Gretchen Ransom
[email protected]
East:
Matt Howard
[email protected]
Far West:
Lucy Schram
[email protected]
IMD:
Tami Strong
[email protected]
Northern:
Bob Petitt
[email protected]
PNSA:
Bill Gunesch
[email protected]
Rocky Mtn.:
John Jett
[email protected]
Effective 2014-2015, a copy of the calculation(s) required for Replacement Time(s) (EET) must accompany the
TDTR submitted to the above region/division representatives.
16. USSA ONLINE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION UPDATE: Following establishment of a “User Account”,
membership registrations for foreign competitors (X membership) wishing to compete in USSA non-FIS events,
may now be accepted online.
17. COMBINED EVENT: The name of the “Super Combined” event (1 run of speed/1 run of slalom), has been
changed to “Alpine Combined”. Until transition on all documents is completed, please utilize “SC” designation
for “Alpine Combined” (AC) events.
18. TRAVEL LETTERS: Only National Ski Associations are entitled to make entries for international competitions. If a
National Ski Association issues an entry authorization (travel) letter, USSA allows non-USSA athletes training with
USSA clubs or attending USA schools/colleges/universities to be entered by their coaches.

Every non-USA athlete’s authorization letter must be submitted to Michelle Demschar ([email protected]).

Letters must be submitted directly by the respective National Ski Association; they will not be accepted if
forwarded by the coach or the athlete.

USSA will create a summary of these authorizations and will post that summary on the USSA website so Race
Administrators and Technical Delegates can be confident of their validity.

Foreign entries that are not submitted by the actual National Ski Association and for whom no authorization letter
has been submitted to USSA for verification must not be accepted.*
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
Authorization letters will only be recognized for FIS category and below. Entries for Nor-Am Cup and National
Championships must be submitted directly by the respective National Ski Associations.

Several nations, e.g. Austria, Canada, Great Britain, Italy and Spain, do not issue authorization (travel) letters;
entries for competitors from these nations must originate from the respective Federation.
*Prior to denying any FIS entry, please contact USSA Competition Services.
FIS COMPETITION CONTINUING EDUCATION (UPDATE) 2014-2015:
1. FIS ICR: FIS last published a paper copy of the ICR in July 2012; USSA published a paper copy of the 2013
web version that included all Precisions to that date. An updated 2014 web version is posted on the FIS website;
Precisions will be posted as required.
2. FACTORS:
Factors used for calculating race penalties for FIS events for the 2014-2015 season are the same as those used for
USSA-scored events and are as follows:
DH:
1250
SL:
720
GS:
980
SG:
1080
AC:
1150
3. ALPINE COMBINED EVENT: The name of the “Super Combined” event (1 run of speed/1 run of slalom), has
been changed to “Alpine Combined”. Until transition on all documents is completed, please utilize “SC”
designation for “Alpine Combined” (AC) events.
4. YOUTH EVENTS: Events formerly referred to as “Children’s Events” are now referred to as “Youth Events”.
5. FIS IT TOOL: A new tool for organizers of FIS Alpine events has been developed. The tool allows organizers
to enter and update race-related information, e.g. inspection times, official start times, place, time of Team
Captains’ Meeting, etc., and provide a one-stop location for this data. Organizers can access the tool on the
“Event Details” of the respective event on the FIS calendar page. After applying for access, a one-time access
code valid for one hour will be sent to the event’s designated email address (es). This tool is not intended to be a
replacement for a Team Captains’ Meeting.
6. EQUIPMENT RULES:

FIS HELMET RULES: Regulations for helmets for GS, SG and DH are applicable without exception at all
levels of FIS competition during season 2014-2015. [2.3.3]

Only the forerunners in Vail /Beaver Creek 2015 WSC events may use cameras like “Go-Pro”. Competitors
and forerunners at all other FIS alpine events are prohibited from using these cameras; camera mounts are
also prohibited. This prohibition does not apply to properly credentialed FIS media, e.g. POV runners

FIS Equipment rules will not change until, at the earliest after the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

Please refer to current FIS and USSA Equipment Regulations for season 2014-2015 and/or the current edition
of FIS Specifications for Competition Equipment.
7. LOSS OF ONE SKI: If a competitor loses a ski without having committed a gate fault or without coming to a
complete stop, he may continue as long as he does not interfere with the run of the next competitor or has not
been passed by the next competitor. [614.2.4] If the competitor violates these provisions, a penalty may be
assessed. [628.8]
8.
CROSSING THE FINISH LINE: The Finish Line must be crossed:

On both skis, or

On one ski, or

With both feet in case of a fall between the last gate and the finish line. In this case, the time is taken when
any part of the competitor’s body stops the timekeeping system. The phrase, “or equipment” has been
stricken from the rule. [615.3]
9. CHIEF OF TIMING & CALCULATIONS: The Chief of Timing & Calculations oversees preparation of the
Timing & Data Technical Report (TDTR) and XML file for the electronic transmittal to FIS at
[email protected]. [601.3.6] The program is currently available for Linux, MacOS and Windows at
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ftp://ftp.fisski.ch/Software/Programs/TimingReport/AL/. Program updates are posted as required; the Chief of
Timing & Calculations must verify the most current version is being used.
FIS will only accept an online TDTR. Software must be downloaded, installed and tested in advance of an event;
slow connections may require additional download time and may not allow for day-of-event
download/installation.
10. RACE ADMINISTRATOR: The Race Administrator is no longer responsible for receiving protests. The Race
Administrator ensures that the result XML file is available for transmission to FIS and ensures official results are
duplicated/published after the results are considered “Valid for FIS Points”. If electronic transmission is delayed,
official results may be duplicated/published with the permission of the TD. [601.3.7]
11. OFFICIAL NOTICE BOARD AND PROTESTS: Protests according to articles 641.1 - 641.6 are delivered at
the location designated on the Official Notice Board or at a place announced at a Team Captains' Meeting. Oral
announcement of disqualifications may replace the publication on the Official Notice Board, and it can be decided
that protests can be delivered verbally to the Referee at the Finish within 15 minutes after the announcement of
the disqualification. Team Captains must be informed beforehand of the announcement and protest procedure.
[617.2.2]
12. RE-RUN: Wording has been changed from “order a re-run” to “grant a re-run”. [623.1.2]
13. DUTIES OF THE FIS TECHNICAL DELEGATE – After the Race: Duties of the Technical Delegate have
been revised. The TD oversees the electronic transmission of result and Timing Report (TDTR) XML files and
completes his TD Report online immediately after the event. He must also check that the results are correct on
the FIS website. [601.4.9.3]
Following successful transmission/online filing of the result and TDTR XML files and Technical Delegate Report
are successful, only the following additional documents are required; they must be submitted in
scanned/PDF/booklet format.
1) Jury Minutes related to protests and/or sanctions; signed with record of votes
2) Injury Reports (Serious accidents will require filing of both forms.)
a) FIS Notice of Injury for minor injuries
b) Technical Delegate’s Accident Form for injuries that meet Guidelines for Serious Accidents
14. ELECTRONIC DATA/REPORT TRANSMISSION: The XML result file, XML TDTR file and Technical
Delegate Report must be transmitted electronically to [email protected]. Results without TDTR and TD
Reports will no longer be included in the FIS Points List. [8.1, Rules of the FIS Points] Additional USSA
reporting requirements are in place.
15. USSA’S COPY OF FIS RACE RESULT DOCUMENT PACKET: The result XML file must be transmitted
to [email protected]. USSA – not FIS – is the main repository of race-related documents, and copies of
the following documents must be electronically submitted to USSA: [email protected].

Transmittal (use as cover page)

Timing & Data Technical Report (PDF copy of online TDTR)

Technical Delegate Report (PDF copy of online TD Report)

FIS Official Results and Penalty Calculation

Referee Report(s)

All Programs and Team Captains’ Meeting Minutes

All Jury Minutes w/o Protest

All Protests and applicable Jury Minutes

All injury/accident reports

USSA Volunteer Competition Worker Registration forms
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
FIS Declarations for Forerunners who are not FIS inscribed
Refer to “FIS Race Result Document Packets” or “Distribution of Documents – FIS Events” in the “Master
Packet of Forms” for detailed information.
16. ALPINE CANADA’S COPY OF FIS RACE RESULT DOCUMENT PACKET: For a FIS event with a
Canadian FIS Technical Delegate, submit the following scanned documents in pdf booklet format:

Report of the Technical Delegate

Official Results and Penalty calculation

Jury Minutes related to protests and/or sanctions; signed with record of votes

FIS Injury/Accident Reports
Submittal procedure is as follows:
1)
Key: ftp://184.71.55.174
2)
At the Login prompt, key ftp-upload
3)
Key Password: FTP2011
4)
Use nation + FIS-assigned codex as subject and attach PDF booklet
If the ftp site is not functioning, email race result document booklets to [email protected].
17. COURSE SPECIFICATIONS: Refer to current editions of USSA ACR and FIS ICR for minimum/maximum
vertical drop and gate count requirements for USSA and FIS events.
NOR-AM CUP AND WORLD CUP RULES: Rules have been revised; please refer to current rulebooks.
NOTE: FIS World Cup Jury for technical events now includes the FIS Race Director as the Assistant Referee.
ALPINE OFFICIALS' INFORMATION:
1. CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES: Certification Guidelines have been updated; please refer to current edition
included in the “Master Packet of Forms” or posted on the USSA website.

Attendance at a Data Management (DM) clinic or division/state DM certification is being strongly suggested
as a pre-requisite for Race Administration (RA) certification.

A separate Jury Advisor (JA) examination is available for those individuals who wish to serve as Start / Finish
Referees. A separate Jury Advisor Clinic is not available; attendance at a Referee Clinic is required.
2. MASTER PACKET OF FORMS: Due to the many procedural changes for both USSA non-FIS and USSA FIS
events, many forms have been updated; e.g. all FIS forms, USSA Program/Team Captains’ Meeting Minutes,
USSA TD Report, USSA TDTR, ASI Report, USSA Volunteer Competition Worker Release, etc. Please only
use the forms included in the 2014-2015 “Master Packet of Forms” located on the USSA website. Race
Administrator must discard all copies of older forms.
3. ADDITIONAL AO EDUCATION MATERIALS: The “Timing Operations Clinic” and “Radio Protocol &
Techniques” have been updated. Presentations addressing the challenges of the use of race result software as well
as suggested formats for the preparation of Jury Minutes are also available. All presentations will be posted on
the USSA website.
4. CHIEF OF TIMING & CALCULATIONS: This official supervises, documents and enforces quality control of
timing operations. With the exception of lower-level events (e.g. YSL), where staffing might require it, the Chief
of Timing & Calculations should not be the individual operating the timekeeping equipment or the timing/race
result software. The Chief of Timing & Calculations for National Championship, NorAm Cup and World Cup
events should be certified as Level 3 or higher Chief of Timing & Calculations. In addition, USSA’s Schedule
Agreement requires that the Chief of Timing & Calculations be appropriately certified for all USSA-sanctioned
events; this requirement carries the responsibility of current USSA-membership.
5. ALPINE OFFICIALS’ CLINIC STUDY GUIDES: Study Guides for each specialty area are posted on the
USSA website. Clinic attendees should download, print and read the applicable Study Guide prior to attending a
USSA-approved Clinic, however, downloading, printing and reading the Study Guide must not be substituted
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for actual attendance at a USSA-approved Clinic; it must not be used as a replacement for actual instruction at
any USSA-approved Clinic.
Study Guides for Competition Official (CO) and Data Management (DM) remain in effect until updates are
available and posted on the USSA website. Other specialty area Study Guides do expire; they will be removed
from the USSA website on June 1, 2015.
With the availability of online Competition Official (CO) certification, successful completion of the online clinic
may be accepted as a replacement for actual attendance at an approved Competition Official Clinic.
6. MATERIAL FOR EXAMINATIONS: Examinations are open-book format. Allowing use of computers for
calculations, Second Run Start List preparation, Penalties, article research and location, etc., defeats the purpose
of having to KNOW how to perform the function and is strongly discouraged. The Study Guide is not intended
as a replacement for notes used during an open-book examination at any USSA-approved Clinic.
7. EXAMINATION FAILURE: An official who does not earn the points required to pass an examination is NOT
allowed to retake the failed examination within the same competition year. A retake cannot occur until an
updated version of the examination is available the following season.
8. REFEREE, ASSISTANT REFEREE AND COURSE SETTER CERTIFICATION: These officials must be
current USSA members and USSA-certified Referees (RF) for all USSA-sanctioned events – non-scored or
scored.
9. OTHER CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: The USSA Schedule Agreement requires that all Jury
members, Course Setters, Chief of Timing & Calculations and other “senior” officials be current members of
USSA and also be appropriately certified. A “senior” official is interpreted as being any “key” official who signs
any race-related document, e.g. Race Administrator.
a. Chief of Race (CR) for scored events (USSA or FIS), must be, at a minimum, certified as a Level 1 Chief of
Race (CR), Referee (RF), or Technical Delegate (TD).
b. Jury Advisors (Start/Finish Referees) for USSA-sanctioned scored events must be a certified Jury Advisor
(JA), a certified Referee (RF) or a certified Chief of Race (CR).
c. Jury Advisors for USSA-sanctioned non-scored events, should be a USSA-certified Jury Advisor (JA), a
certified Referee (RF) or a certified Chief of Race (CR). When online Competition Official certification
becomes available, Jury Advisors at USSA non-scored events must be – at a minimum – certified Competition
Officials (CO).
d. For USSA-sanctioned FIS events, when a foreign FIS Federation lists a foreign coach on their entry form, that
Federation is certifying that the coach has the knowledge and ability to fulfill the duties of a Team Captain:
e.g. serve as a Jury member or set a course.
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USSA MODIFICATIONS TO ICR:
The following is a partial list of USSA modifications that do not apply to FIS events.
1. TIMING RULES: There are differences between the ICR and the ACR regarding timing. Please review section 611.
2. LIMITATIONS IN SECOND RUN: ICR 806.2 & 906.2 allows the Jury to limit the second run to one-half of the
competitors on the first run start list; announcement must be made 1 hour prior to start of first run. ACR only allows
second run limitations for collegiate events and states notice must have been given in the official invitation, or on the
official notice board before the race started, and at the Team Captains’ meeting before the draw.
3. COMPUTER-GENERATED DRAW: ACR 621.9 states the Jury can allow a draw assisted by computer. ICR
621.9 requires that the Team Captains sign their entry before the draw is conducted by computer.
4. PLOMBS: ICR 606.2.1 requires a “plomb” on DH, GS and SG suits certain FIS events; USSA does not.
5. MONETARY SANCTIONS: ICR 223.3.1 allows for monetary sanction at FIS events. ACR 223.4 prohibits
monetary sanction at USSA events. It also prohibits the Jury at a USSA event from imposing a sanction that lasts
longer than the event for which they are the Jury.
6. VALID FINISHES: ICR 615.3 states Finish line must be crossed on both skis, or on one ski, or with both feet in the
case of a fall between the last gate and the finish; time is taken when any part of the competitor’s body stops the
timekeeping system. ICR 611.3.1 states that in case of a fall at the finish where the competitor does not come to a full
stop, the time can be taken without both of the competitor’s feet having crossed the finish line; competitor must then
cross the line. USSA states that a binding release more than 2 gates above the Finish line in SL, GS or SG or more
than 1 gate above the Finish line in DH shall be considered as a clear DSQ. [U628.1.5, U629.4]
7. PROTESTS: ACR U640.1 adds “eyewitness testimony” as a supplement to the requirement for physical evidence.
8. PENALTY POINT CALCULATIONS: USSA penalty point calculation differs from FIS in that no “correction
value” (adder) or “Z value” are part of the calculation. In addition, “Rules of the FIS Points” states that at least five
competitors have to be classified. USSA allows for the insertion of “ghost” racers/points and states that at least three
competitors have to be classified. (Refer to appropriate section of current Alpine Competition Guide.)
9. DNF/DSQ/DNS SECOND RUN START OPPORTUNITIES IN NON-SCORED EVENTS: ACR U621.11.3.2
allows a competitor who does not finish, who has been disqualified or who did not start the first run to take a second
run with their original bib after the last qualified competitor, if the Jury and the ROC allow. Announcement of this
procedure should be given no later than the Team Captains’ Meeting. However, when each run counts individually,
the competitors may start in their original order.
10. DNF/DSQ SECOND RUN START OPPORTUNITIES IN SCORED EVENTS: ACR U621.11.3.1 allows a
competitor who does not finish or who has been disqualified in the first run to take a second run with their original bib
after the last qualified competitor, if the Jury and the ROC allow. Announcement of this procedure should be given no
later than the Team Captains’ Meeting.
11. MINIMUM VERTICAL DROP PER RUN, ALTERNATE MINIMUM TIME STANDARDS AND
ADDITIONAL PENALTY: These items are fully explained in CURRENT Competition Guide - Alpine; “Rules
for Special USSA Race Penalty Calculations, Race Fails to Comply with Minimum Technical Standards”. FIS
requires that, unless an exception is granted by the FIS Bureau, vertical drop requirements must be met or the event
may result in being scored as an ENL.
12. SEEDING:
a. Adaptive seeding: USSA allows for special seeding or by USSA points, whichever is more favorable in order to
encourage Adaptive athlete participation in regularly calendared USSA competitions. This “Golden Rule” applies
to Adaptive athletes competing in regularly calendared USSA. [U621.3.1; U621.11.3.3]
b. Additional seeding methods: Special seeding formats can be used if currently approved by the Alpine Sport
Committee and announced in advance of the competition. These include, but are not limited to, team seeding and
TRS. Refer to current USSA Competition Guide for additional information.
13. USSA COURSE SPECIFICATIONS and USSA YOUTH RULES: These specifications may differ from FIS;
please refer to current edition of USSA ACR and its Precisions.
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