Patrick Kenney GEPA photos
U.S. Ski & Snowboard has launched its annual abstract of alpine rule modifications for the approaching season, masking each FIS and USSS racing. The updates embody security tools necessities, competitors format changes, and rule modifications affecting begin limits.
For FIS velocity occasions, airbags are actually required on the World Cup and Europa Cup ranges, however not for NorAm competitions. In USSS racing, U18 athletes not face begin restrictions, giving them broader racing alternatives. Moreover, at U14 races and youthful, on-line timing won’t be obtainable throughout runs. Nonetheless, unofficial outcomes from every run might be posted on-line as soon as the run is full.
We share this abstract so athletes, coaches, and oldsters are conscious of essential modifications earlier than the season begins. The listing of rule updates is included beneath.
USSS Alpine rule modifications
U18 Begin Limitation – The U18 FIS begin limitation of 30 technical occasions for first-year athletes and 35 technical occasions for second-year athletes was repealed (U607.2).
Out-of-Area Quotas for FIS Occasions – Flexibility was allowed for U.S. Ski & Snowboard regional administrators to develop out-of-region quotas past 10 when potential, relying on area measurement and race organizer approval.
Reside Timing at U14 and Youthful Races – Actual-time “reside timing” providers won’t be allowed throughout U.S. Ski & Snowboard races with U14 and youthful athletes. Unofficial outcomes might be posted on-line after the completion of a race run.
Gate Peak for U14 Athletes – Flexibility was allowed for 72-inch slalom gates for use at occasions with U14 athletes.
Alternating Gate Colours – Flexibility was allowed for gates to be contrasting and alternating colours, not simply crimson or blue (680.2.1.1).
Officers Schooling – Alpine Official (AO) updates can be required yearly starting with season 2026.
TD Day by day Allowance – The day by day allowance for Nationwide Alpine TDs will rise from $120 to $150.
A Reminder of Beforehand Reported FIS Modifications
For Season 2025-26, to be applied beginning with the Base Checklist for Season 2026-27:
An 8-point adder can be utilized to the calculated penalty of Degree 2, 3, and 4 FIS occasions
An athlete’s FIS seed factors in SL and GS can be calculated by the common of the perfect three ends in that occasion
Further shin pads should not allowed to be worn contained in the boot. To deal with medical points, further safety pads, as comfortable padding, might be permitted by FIS. To guard athletes coping with medical points, comfortable and versatile pads stay allowed however should meet strict pointers. Authorised padding should:
Be constituted of comfortable supplies akin to gel or foam
Stay versatile in all instructions
Keep away from any preformed or curved shapes
Keep inside the top and width of the boot tongue.
For the 2025-26 season, utilizing an Airbag is obligatory in DH and SG at World Cup, Olympic Winter Video games, and Europa Cup occasions. Airbags are strongly really helpful in DH and SG at South America Cup, NorAm Cup, Far East Cup, and World Junior Championship occasions. Presently, there are two producers, Dainese and In&movement
Reduce-resistant lower-body underwear, rated three stars or larger, is required for all Degree 0 and 1 FIS occasions.
Beginning within the 2025–26 season, FIS would require cut-resistant undergarments in any respect Degree 0 and Degree 1 alpine races. These embody the World Cup, World Cup Qualification, World Championships and stage 1 competitions, Continental Cups, Europacup Qualification, Junior World Championships, and Universiade.
