ICR Reference

611 Technical Installations

611.1

Communications & Cabling

In all international competitions, it is highly recommended that there is multiple communications (telephone or radios, etc.) between the Start and Finish. Voice communication between Start and Finish must be assured by fixed wire connection or radio. In case of radio, this must be on a separate channel from that used by any other function of the OC. In Olympic Winter Games and FIS World Championships all communications and timing connections between Start and Finish must be assured by fixed wiring.

611.2

Timing Equipment

For all events in the FIS Calendar, electronic timers, start gates and photocells homologated by the FIS must be used. A list of these approved devices will be published. Races using timing equipment other than those on the homologated FIS list will not be considered for FIS points. Specifications and procedures for timing are more fully described in a separate FIS Timing Booklet.

611.2.1

Electric Timing

For all international competitions, FIS World Cup, FIS Continental Cups and FIS competitions, two synchronised electronically isolated timing systems operating in time-of-day must be used. One system will be designated system A (main system), the other system B (back-up system)prior to the beginning of the race. Only exception for Parallel competitions, on Level 2, 3 and 4 where no system B is required. Time of day times must be immediately and automatically sequentially recorded on printed strips at the maximum precision of the timing device according to the requirements for homologation. The final result is calculated by subtracting the start time from the finish time for each skier’s run and is then expressed to 1/100th (0.01) precision by truncating the calculated net time on course. All times used for the final result must be from system A. If there is a failure of system A, a calculated net time from system B must be used following the same procedure as set out in art. 611.3.2.1. It is not permitted to substitute time-of-day times from system B for use with system A for the purpose of net time calculations. For all events, system A must be connected to its respective start gate contact. System B must be separately connected to another electronically isolated start gate contact. Refer to the FIS Timing Booklet for more details regarding cabling and complete wiring descriptions, diagrams and start gate installations. All timing equipment and technical installation should be set up or protected in such a way that danger to the competitors is avoided where possible. Synchronisation of the timing systems must occur as close as possible to the scheduled start for the first run of the day. Synchronisation of all systems must be maintained throughout each run. Timers must not be resynchronised during any run.

611.2.1.1

Start Gate

The start gate must have separate electronically isolated switch contacts for triggering the start inputs of both system A & B. If a start gate or start wand requires replacement during a run, it must be replaced with identical equipment in the same position

611.2.1.2

Photocells

For all events, there must be two photocell system(s) homologated by the FIS installed at the finish line. One is connected to system A. The other is connected to system B. Procedures and regulations for start gates and photocells are found in the FIS Timing Booklet.

611.2.1.3

Start Clock

For DH, SG and GS, the use of a start clock that provides at least an acoustic countdown signal on the fixed start interval as prescribed by the Jury should be used as an aid to race management. This is mandatory for all Level 0,1 and 2 races.

611.2.2

Hand Timing

Manual (hand) timing, completely separate and independent of the electronic timing, must be used for all competitions listed in the FIS Calendar. Stopwatches or hand operated battery powered timers that are installed at both the Start and the Finish and capable of expressing the time of day to at least 1/100th (0.01) precision qualify as proper hand timing devices. They must be synchronised prior to the start of the first run, with the same time-of-day as system A and system B (see art. 611.2.1). Printed records, either automatic or hand-written, of recorded hand times must be immediately available at the start and at the finish.

611.2.3

Presentation of times

Organisers should provide appropriate facilities for continuous presentation of all registered times of all competitors.

611.2.4

Timing without Cable

For FIS Level 3 events only, it is permitted to use homologated timing equipment in such a way that hill cable connection between start and finish is not required. Refer to the FIS Timing Booklet for a detailed discussion of how this is possible.

611.3 Timing

611.3.1

With electronic timing, the time is taken when a competitor crosses thefinish line and triggers the beam between the photo cells. 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. For the registered time to become valid, the competitor must immediately completely cross the finish line with or without skis. With hand timing the time will be taken when any part of the competitor crosses the finish line. The finish controller determines the correctness of passage across the finish line.

611.3.2

In the case of a failure of the main electronic timing system (system A), the results of the electronic back-up system (system B) will be valid as per art. 611.2.1. For the Olympic Winter Games, FIS World Ski Championships and FIS World Cup, a synchronised electronic timing system with printers, connected to the starting gate and to the photocells at the finish is obligatory. In case of a failure in the lines of the timing system between start and finish, this back-up system will allow the calculation of the times to 1/100ths of a second. In the case that time of day from either system A or system B are not available for a competitor, the calculated time of day as per art. 611.3.2.1 will be considered valid.

611.3.2.1

Utilisation of times taken by hand

Hand times may be used in the official results after a correction has been calculated. Calculation of the correction: Subtract the electronic time from the time taken by hand for the 10 competitors starting before the missing time. If there are not 10 times before, complete the calculation with the remaining times after the missed time. The sum of the 10 time differences is divided by 10 and rounded up or down (0.044 -> 0.04, 0.045 -> 0.05) to give the correction which must be applied to the hand time of the competitor without an electronic time.

611.3.2.2

Photo Finish

A Photo Finish System may be used to determine a competitor´s finish time. In case of a failure of system “A” and “B”, and where the competition has been recorded by the Photo Finish System, this time must be used in place of hand-timing without any correction. The photo finish time is taken when any part of the competitor´s body first crosses the Finish line. The photo finish result is to be provided to the Jury only.

611.3.3

The official timing strips from the printer will be given to the Technical Delegate for review. They will be kept by the OC until the official approval of the race or after any appeal dealing with timing or race results. A technical timing report form as prescribed by the FIS must accompany the race results and must be reviewed and sent by the chief of timing and reviewed and confirmed by the TD as approval of the race. All printed records from system A, system B and hand timing must be retained by the OC for a period of three (3) months after the competition or after any appeal dealing with timing or race results.

611.3.4

When the official printing timer allows manual input or correction of a time, some type of indication (star, asterisk or other) concerning any effected change must be printed on all timing documentation.

611.3.5

Computer software calculating net times must use the precision of the time of the day as used in the timing device.

611.4

Private timing and speed measurement equipment of the Teams

Any request to install such equipment has to be made to the Jury by the team captain concerned, and the Jury decides concerning approval of the installation. At Olympic Winter Games, FIS World Ski Championships and FIS World Cup only the organisers timing equipment is permitted.

612 Start and Finish Officials

612.1

The Starter

The starter must synchronise a watch with those of the assistant starter and by telephone or radio with the chief timekeeper within ten minutes of the start. The starter is responsible for the warning signal and the start command as well as for the accuracy of the intervals between these signals and assigns the supervision of the competitors to the assistant starter.

612.2

The Assistant Starter

The assistant starter is responsible for calling the competitors to the start in their correct order.

612.3

The Start Recorder

The start recorder is responsible for recording the actual start times of all competitors.

612.4

The Chief Timekeeper

The chief timekeeper is responsible for the accuracy of the timing and synchronises the watches with the starter as shortly before and after the race as is possible. The chief timekeeper must publish unofficial times as quickly as possible (on the score-board, etc.). If the electric timing fails, the chief timekeeper must communicate immediately with the start referee and the TD.

612.5

The Assistant Timekeeper

Two assistant timekeepers operate stop watches according to art. 611.2.2. One assistant timekeeper maintains a complete record with the registered times of all competitors.

612.6

The Finish Controller

The finish controller has the following duties: - Supervision of the section between the last gate and the finish - Supervision of the proper crossing of the finish line - Recording of the order of finishing of all competitors who complete the course

612.7

The Chief of Calculations

The chief of calculations is responsible for quick and accurate calculation of results and supervises the immediate duplication of unofficial results and the publication of official results after expiration of the protest interval, or after any protests have been dealt with.

613 The Start

613.1

The Start Area

The start area must be closed off to everyone except the starting competitor, accompanied by only one trainer and the start officials. The start area must be protected appropriately against inclement weather. A special roped off area must be provided for trainers, team captains, service personnel etc., in which they may take care of the waiting competitors without being interrupted by the public. An adequate shelter must be prepared for the competitors waiting for the call to start. The competitor enters the defined start hut with both skis attached without any covers on them.

613.2

The Start Ramp

The start ramp should be prepared in such a way that the competitors can stand relaxed on the starting line and can quickly reach full speed after leaving the start.

613.3

Start Procedure

No official or attendant who could possibly give an advantage to or disturb the starting competitors can be behind them. All outside help is forbidden. By order of the starter, competitors must plant their poles in front of the start line, or where indicated. The Starter must not touch the competitor at the start. Pushing off from the start posts or other aids is forbidden and competitors must start only with the help of their ski poles.

613.4

Start Signals

10 seconds before the start, the starter will tell each competitor “10 seconds”. Five seconds before the start, the starter should count “5, 4, 3, 2, 1” and then give the start command “Go - Partez - Los”. (For Slalom see art. 805.3). If possible, an automatic audible signal is to be used (art. 611.2.1.3). The starter will let the competitor see the start clock.

U613.4

Start Signals (from ACR)

10 seconds before the start, the starter will tell each competitor “10 seconds”. Five seconds before the start, the starter should count “5, 4, 3, 2, 1” and then give the start command “Go - Partez - Los”. (For Slalom see art. 805.3). If possible, an automatic audible signal is to be used (art. 611.2.1.3). The starter will let the competitor see the start clock. Use of start clock/beep does not replace verbal command.

613.5

Start Timing

The start timing must measure the exact time when the competitors cross the start line with their leg below the knee.

613.6

Delayed Start

A competitor who is not ready to start on time will be sanctioned. The Start Referee may however excuse such a delay if, in the start referee´s opinion the delay is due to “force majeure”. For example, breakdown of a competitor’s personal equipment or minor sickness of a competitor does not constitute “force majeure”. In case of doubt, the Jury may allow the start provisionally.

613.6.1

The start referee makes the decisions after consultation with the Jury (according to art. 613.6.2 and 613.6.3) and must record the start numbers and names of competitors who were not allowed to start because of late appearance, or who were allowed to start in spite of late appearance, or who were allowed to start provisionally.

613.6.2

In the case of fixed start intervals, delayed competitors may start at the fixed interval after they have reported to the start referee, in accordance with the decision of the Jury. The Start Referee informs the Jury as to when (after which start number) a delayed competitor is starting.

613.6.3

In the case of irregular start intervals, the delayed competitor will start according to art. 805.3. The start referee informs the Jury as to when (after which start number) a delayed competitor is starting.

613.7

Valid and False Starts

In competitions with a fixed start interval the competitor must start on the start signal. The start time is valid if it occurs within the following limits: 5 seconds before and 5 seconds after the official start time. A competitor who does not start within that space of time will be disqualified. The start referee must inform the Referee of the start numbers and names of the competitors who made a false start or have contravened the starting rules.

615 The Finish

615.1 The Finish Area

615.1.1

The finish area should be plainly visible to competitors approaching the finish. It must be wide with a gently sloped smooth run-out.

615.1.2

In setting the course with gates particular attention should be paid to directing competitors across the finish on a natural line adapted to the terrain.

615.1.3

The finish area is to be fenced in. Any unauthorised entry is not allowed.

615.1.4

Finish installations and closures should be set up or secured through suitable protection measures.

615.1.5

For competitors who have finished their runs, a special area separated from the actual finish, is to be provided. In this area or corridor, it should be possible to make contact with the press (print, radio, TV and film) located in the media corridors.

615.1.6

The competitor must leave the finish area through the official exit with all the competition equipment used in the race.

615.2

The Finish and its Markings

The Finish is marked by two poles or vertical banners which may be connected by a horizontal banner. In Downhill and Super-G races, the finish must be no less than 15 metres wide and in Slalom and Giant Slalom no less than 10 metres wide. In exceptional cases, the Jury may decrease this distance on the spot for technical reasons or because of the terrain. The width of the finish is considered to be the distance between the two finish poles or banners. The supports used to mount the timing devices must also be at least this far apart. The timing supports can usually be placed behind the finish poles or banners, on the downhill side. The finish line between the timing cells must be clearly marked horizontally with colouring substance.

615.3

Crossing of the Finish Line and Recording of the Times

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.

615.4

Report

The Finish Referee must make a report to the Referee immediately after the race or the official training.

617 Calculation and Announcement of Results

617.1

Unofficial Times

Times taken by the timekeepers must be considered unofficial times. They should be posted on a score-board which should be readily visible from the area provided for the competitors who have finished, and from the press area. Whenever possible, unofficial times should be announced to the public over loud-speakers.

617.2

Announcement of Unofficial Times and Disqualifications

617.2.1

As soon as possible after completion of the race, unofficial times and disqualifications must be published on the official notice board at the finish. The time limit for protest is counted from the moment of this announcement. (art. 643.4, 643.5)

617.2.2

Oral announcement of disqualifications may replace the publication on the official notice board. 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. Protests submitted after this are considered null and void. The team captains must be informed beforehand of the announcement and protest procedure.

617.3

Official Results

617.3.1

Results are determined from the official times of those competitors who have been officially classified.

617.3.2

Combined results are calculated by adding together the race times obtained in each event of the combined event. (or by adding the race points)

617.3.3

If two or more competitors have the same time or the same number of points, the competitor with the higher start number must be listed first on the official list of results (ex aequo).

617.3.4

The official result list must contain: - the name of the organising club or association - the name of the competition, the site, event, category and gender - the date of the race - all technical data such as the name of the competition course, altitudeat start and finish, vertical drop, FIS homologation number and, for Downhill and Super-G, the length of the course - the names and nations of the members of the Jury - for each run, the names and nations of the course setter and the forerunners, the number of gates (Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super-G between brackets number of direction changes) and the start time - the weather, the snow conditions on the course and the air temperature at race start and finish recorded at time of race start. - all details concerning the competitors, ranking, start number, code number, name and first name, nation (and possibly club), time and race points - the start number, code number, name, first name and nation of those competitors who were not at the start, did not finish or were disqualified in each run - the names of the official service companies, e.g. timing company, computer service etc. - the codex and F value - the penalty calculation sheet - the signature of the Technical Delegate

617.3.5

Nations must be indicated by the designated FIS code of three capital letters (see FIS Bulletin or FIS Website).

805.3

Start Signal for Slalom

As soon as the order for the next start is received, the starter gives the competitor the warning “Ready”, “Attention”, “Achtung” and a few seconds later the start signal “Go! Partez! Los!”. The competitor must start within about 10 seconds after this order.