2014-20152014-2015REVIEW & UPDATE FOR REVIEW & UPDATE FOR

CONTINUING EDUCATIONCONTINUING EDUCATIONforfor

USSA ALPINE OFFICIALSUSSA ALPINE OFFICIALS

2014-2015 2014-2015 Review & Update Review & Update

for for Continuing Education – Continuing Education –

AlpineAlpineThis presentation contains excerpts from paper copy of the above document.

Please review the paper copy and applicable rule books for additional information.

RULES• USSA’S competition regulations for domestic alpine ski racing are

adopted from the FIS ICR, but are specific to USSA competitions

• USSA Alpine Competition Regulations (ACR) are updated annually, is published in the current Alpine Competition Guide and are available at www.ussa.org

• FIS Competition Rules (ICR) have been updated and are available on the FIS and USSA websites

ADDITIONAL RULE BOOKS

• 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

• COMPETITION EQUIPMENT: Refer to current “FIS and USSA Equipment Regulations for Season 2014-2015” and/or current edition of FIS Specifications for Competition Equipment.

 • NOR-AM CUP AND WORLD CUP RULES: Rules have been

revised; please refer to current rule books.

APPLICATION OF RULES• For all events scheduled by USSA as USSA non-FIS events,

applicable USSA rules should be considered and applied (ACR)

• For all events scheduled by USSA as FIS events, applicable rules of the FIS should be considered and applied (ICR)

• 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 – all decisions must be documented!

QUESTIONS NOT COVERED BY RULES• The Jury makes decisions on all questions not covered by the rules!

[601.4.7]

• These decisions must be documented in Jury Minutes

• The Jury Minutes must indicate Jury members’ votes

• The Jury Minutes must be signed

OFFICIALS’ RESPONSIBILITYIt is the responsibility of every official, coach and competitor to know, understand and abide by the rules for the sport. These rules include, but are not limited to, current editions and “Precisions” of:-FIS ICR

-USSA ACR

-Supplemental rules, such as Equipment Specifications, Rules of the FIS Points, Rules for the Alpine Continental Cups, etc.

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.

REVIEW OF PAST RULES AND REVIEW OF PAST RULES AND PROCEDURESPROCEDURES

USSA’S CONCUSSION POLICY• USSA’s Concussion Policy has changed. When any USSA athlete – including those with the new USSA Club

Participant membership – is suspected of having sustained a concussion, the athlete - must be removed immediately from participation in USSA sporting events (e.g. sanctioned training, practice,

camps, competitions or tryouts)- 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- USSA Competition Services must be informed of injury and removal from training, etc.- medical clearance to resume participation must be provided to USSA Competition Services in order to be

permitted to participate in USSA sporting events

• If necessary, medical clearance can be presented to and accepted by an on-site Jury.

• For athletes under the age of 18, the “Concussion Medical Evaluation Form” requesting a return to training/competition must be signed by respective athlete’s parent/legal guardian.

• Many states have enacted head injury laws that may include additional requirements or restrictions. Please review the law for your state and, if required, contact USSA for direction.

• Additional USSA Concussion Policy information is available at the following website:

http://ussa.org/alpine-programs/athletes/resources/concussion-policy

JURY’S COURSE INSPECTION

• Jury must inspect course set and installation of on-hill competitor security measures

• Jury must approve the daily Program• Team Captains are encouraged to attend Jury’s course inspection• Course and on-hill competitor security measure inspection must be

documented• Necessary changes to course sets and on-hill competitor security

measures are the responsibility of the Jury

DETERMINING AN ATHLETE’S AGE CLASS

• An athlete’s competition age class is calculated by their actual age on December 31 of the competition season

• The current competition season is July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015

• An athlete’s competition age class will be determined by their actual age on December 31, 2014.

USSA MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS• USSA-SANCTIONED NON-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. Competitors are required to have an appropriate competitor’s USSA membership. Forerunners must have appropriate and current USSA membership: Youth, Competitor, Masters or USSA Club Participant . 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.

• 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 are acceptable, e.g. stored on phone.

• 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”.

EXCEPTION: CAN-AM EVENTS• A limited number of USSA non-FIS events – designated as

“CAN-AM’S”, allow a set number of Canadian competitors to compete without first obtaining a USSA competitor’s membership

• The coaches accompanying the Canadian competitors may function in the capacity of their team’s coach without obtaining a USSA Coach/Official membership

• The exception does not allow these coaches or any other non-USSA member to serve as Jury members or Course Setters at these non-FIS events

“PENDING” MEMBERSHIPS

If a USSA Coach or Official member’s membership status on the USSA website is “PENDING”, this is an indication that the member has not completed membership requirements, e.g. required background screening and/or “Fast Start Coaching Course”, and they must not be appointed to serve as:

- Jury members

- Jury Advisors

- Chief of Course

- Course Setter(s)

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS –ALL USSA-SANCTIONED EVENTS• Referee, Assistant Referee and Course Setter(s) must be USSA-certified Referees (RF) for all USSA-

sanctioned events – scored or non-scored

• Jury Advisors (Start/Finish Referees) for USSA-sanctioned scored events must be a certified Jury Advisor (JA), Referee (RF) or Chief of Race (CR), for USSA-sanctioned scored events

• Jury Advisors (Start and Finish Referee) should be a certified Jury Advisor (JA), Referee (RF) or Chief of Race (CR), for USSA-sanctioned non-scored events. When online Competition Official certification becomes available, Jury Advisors at non-scored events must be – at minimum – certified Competition Officials.

• 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

• In order to serve as a Chief of Race (CR) at a scored event (USSA or FIS), an individual must be, at a minimum, certified as a Level 1 Chief of Race (CR), Referee (RF), or Technical Delegate (TD)

• Other “senior officials” must be USSA members and be appropriately certified; e.g. Technical Delegate, Chief of Course, Chief of Timing & Calculations, Race Administrator

NOTE : AO CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSUSSA Schedule Agreement requires that Jury members, Course Setters, Chief of Timing & Calculations and other “senior” officials be appropriately certified USSA members. “Senior” is accepted as meaning any official whose name appears on an official document, any official who signs an official document, or any official who supervises an integral part of the event.

Alpine Officials’ Certification is a benefit associated with membership. This Certification is not automatically achieved upon registration as a USSA Official or Coach/Official; it must be earned by attending a USSA-approved Alpine Officials’ Clinic and passing an applicable exam, if required.

Attendance at an AO Clinic and passing an exam still requires registration as a USSA Official or Coach/Official in order for earned certification to be valid.

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 Equipment Control/Protest Guidelines. • Protests against equipment at a FIS event must be handled in

accordance with current FIS rules.Equipment violations are subject to disqualification and other sanctions as

determined by the Jury. Sanction may be against the individual competitor, or the competitor’s coach if it is determined that he/she is complicit in the use of equipment known to be in violation of the rules.

EQUIPMENT CONTROL: USSA non-FIS Events• Skis must be marked by the manufacture with both the length and the radius. Unmarked skis

will be grounds for disqualification.• USSA scored alpine events, competition equipment will be subject to unannounced control.• USSA non-scored technical events (GS and SL), equipment control will be dealt with only on

a protest basis.• In the case of all speed events (SG and DH, scored and non-scored) where the Jury has

allowed control of equipment at the start for compliance, the athlete will not be allowed to start if their equipment does not meet the current marked specifications.

• Unless clear violation of equipment rules exists, e.g. no helmet, attached helmet camera, missing or broken ski brakes, GS skis in a SG, etc., the Start Referee must not refuse an athlete’s right to start. An athlete in a USSA non-FIS event is also allowed to personalize their helmet with the application of bling, stickers, helmet camera mount, etc.

• The Start and Finish Referees’ responsibility to monitor equipment and communicate to the Jury is critical in this process and should be reviewed by the TD at each event. TD instructions to these individuals must be clear. It is essential that the Start and Finish Referee communicate with and report their findings to the competition Jury.

EQUIPMENT PROTESTS:• The athlete must compete or intend to compete on the suspect equipment.• The Coach or Team Captain who observes the equipment that is suspect must alert the Start

Referee of his imminent intention to protest the equipment being used by that competitor.• The Coach or Team Captain must formalize the protest, at the end of the run, with the written

protest and the $100 (one hundred USD) protest fee.• If the athlete has started, the Start Referee alerts the Finish Referee and the Jury, that there is a

pending protest against equipment. The equipment must be evaluated or confiscated for evaluation when the competitor arrives in the finish.

• Finish Referee should stop the competitor with suspect equipment and confiscate the suspect equipment pending the filing of the formal protest and Jury review. Confiscation should be witnessed and third-party access to the confiscated equipment must be avoided.

• Equipment protests cannot be considered or accepted if the suspect equipment has left the finish area.

EQUIPMENT PROTESTS/TESTING• If approved testing devices are available, or compliance can be confirmed through

checking the manufacturer’s marks, the Jury will then evaluate the equipment and render a decision regarding the equipment. The decision of the Jury shall be final.

• If approved testing devices are not available, or the Jury is unable to reach a consensus, the Jury must seal and ship the equipment to the USSA National Office for evaluation. USSA’s decision shall be final.

• The Jury will use the $100 (one hundred USD) protest fee to cover the initial shipping costs. The losing party will be charged by USSA for all expenses related to shipping and testing. Reimbursement must be submitted within 10 (ten) working days of notice of USSA’s decision.

Acceptable equipment control devices for USSA non-FIS event alpine equipment evaluation include:•Reliable Racing stand height calipers•FIS-approved equipment-testing devices

EQUIPMENT CONTROL: FIS Events• FIS event on-site equipment control may only be conducted by a FIS

measurement expert using official FIS measuring tools

• Skis must be clearly marked with both the length and the radius. Unmarked skis will be grounds for disqualification

• In the case of a speed event (SG & DH) where the jury has allowed inspection of equipment at the start for compliance, the athlete will not be allowed to start if their equipment does not meet the current marked specifications

• Unless clear violation of equipment rules exists, e.g. no helmet, attached helmet camera or helmet camera mount, missing or broken ski brakes, GS skis in a SG, etc., the Start Referee must not refuse an athlete ’s right to start

SUSPECT EQUIPMENT/PROTESTS: FIS Events• If protest is involved, Team Captain must notify Start Referee of

intention to file a protest• Start Referee notifies Jury and Finish Referee of protest or, if no protest

is filed, of suspect equipment• Protesting Team Captain must file written protest and pay applicable

protest fee prior to Jury meeting• Finish Referee confiscates equipment before it leaves finish area• Third-party access to protested/suspect equipment must be avoided• Equipment must be confiscated in front of witnesses and must be

shipped (sealed) to FIS• Losing party pays all costs

HELMETS: A Review • Helmets are compulsory for all competitors and forerunners in all

USSA and FIS alpine events. Athletes without helmets must not be allowed to start!

• Athletes with personalized helmets, e.g. bling, stickers, helmet mounts, etc., are allowed to start in USSA non-FIS events

• Helmet-mounted cameras are not approved for use at USSA or FIS events. [606.4, 707, 807, 907, 1007]

• Helmet must cover head and ears. • Soft ear protection is only allowed in Slalom.• Helmet must have a smooth top surface; spoilers or edges that stick

out are not permitted.• Protective features integral to the event being contested, such as

chin guards on slalom helmets are permitted.

COMPETITORS’ PROTECTIVE MEASURES • With 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

• If a knee brace is worn over the suit, it must be covered with fabric, e.g. a piece of an old suit

INTERDICTION TO CONTINUE AFTER A GATE FAULT • After a competitor misses a gate, he must no longer continue

through further gates [614.2.2]

• This applies to GS, SG and DH

• Only exception is for 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]

INTERDICTION TO CONTINUE AFTER A COMPETITOR STOPS• This interdiction is valid in all events with a fixed start interval (DH,

SG, GS)• If a competitor comes to a complete stop (e.g. after a fall), he must

no longer continue through previous or further gates (hike)• Interdiction applies to all levels: SCORED & NON-SCORED • Only exception is for SL [661.4.1], as long as the competitor does

not interfere with the run of the following competitor or has been passed by a competitor [614.2.3]

• Penalty for continuing to race after a complete stop is disqualification. [628.8] Jury may apply additional sanctions.

HIKING IN SLALOM EVENTS

Slalom exception to 614.2.3: •If competitor misses a gate, he may continue on course as long as

- he does not interfere with the run of the following competitor or

- has been passed by a competitor

•A competitor who has been passed cannot continue and is classified as DNF

PROVISIONAL STARTS & RERUNSWhen 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:– Did the competitor cross the finish line? Possible Exception: 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.

– Does the claimed obstruction meet the requirements of 623.2 – Grounds for Interference?– Did the claimed obstruction cause significant loss of speed or lengthening of the racing

line and consequently affect the competitor’s time?– Did the competitor commit a fault prior to the obstruction or interference? [628.7]– Did competitor stop immediately after the obstruction or interference occurred and report

the incident to the nearest Gate Judge?– Only the Jury can authorize or validate a provisional start or a provisional run and if

approved, remains valid even if it proves slower than the obstructed run.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.

MULTIPLE AGE CLASS COMPETITIONS – COURSE SPECIFICATIONS

• 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.

USSA PENALTY MANIPULATIONAny 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 will be 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.

DOWNHILL TRAINING: OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE

• 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]

USSA RACE RESULT DOCUMENT PACKETSRace Result Document Packets are required for ALL USSA non-FIS events (scored and non-scored) and are submitted electronically to:

resultpackets@ussa.org

USSA transmittal number must be used as transmission booklet title and also as e-mail subject: alpha + 4 numbers (U0081)

One race file per transmission please!

Procedure for preparation and submittal more fully described in: - paper copy of “Review & Update – Continuing Education”

- “USSA Race Result Document Packets” located in the“Master Packet of Forms” on the USSA website

USSA COMPETITON USSA COMPETITON

CONTINUING EDUCATION CONTINUING EDUCATION UPDATE 2014 - 2015 UPDATE 2014 - 2015

NEW USSA MEMBERSHIPSUSSA is offering two new membership classifications:

– 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.– USSA Club Participant membership is designed for young athletes who are

training with a club program and may be competing 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.

MASTERS EVENT MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS• USSA Alpine Competitors 18 to 24 years of age may compete in Masters Competitions

(excluding Regional and National Championships) and USSA scored competitions.

• USSA Alpine Coaches ages 39 and younger may compete in Masters Competitions (excluding Regional and National Championships).

• All competitors in Masters Regional and National Championships must have a USSA Masters membership.

• Masters FIS competitions require that the athletes have the appropriate membership: A USSA Alpine Masters Membership and Alpine Masters FIS registration.

• 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.

GOLDEN RULE SEEDING

Adaptive athletes competing in regularly calendared USSA competitions will be seeded in special groups; point requirement has been deleted. [621.3.1]

For the second run, the special group starts in the 31st position or, in the case of flip 15, immediately following the first-run leader. [621.11.3.3]

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.

Special note of appreciation to the task force led by Laura Sullivan. Their efforts are providing a long-needed update to a critical education tool!

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

YOUTH KOMBI COMPETITIONS• Youth Kombi competitions 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: There is 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.

• 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.

COURSE SETTING SPECIFICATIONS

CHILDREN’S COURSE SETTING SPECIFICATIONS as of 08/25/14

FLEX POLESAll 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; 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 54” off the snow with a 25-27mm diameter. The recommended pole size is 60” in height off the snow and 27mm in diameter. Stubby poles may be used. Beginning in season 2016, SL poles for this group will be required to be 60” in height off the snow and 27mm 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 for all age groups and genders. U14 and younger should use 27mm poles.•FIS type B poles are 25-28.9mm in diameter and FIS type A poles are 29-32mm in diameter.

SECOND RUN ALLOWANCE: DNS, DNF or DSQ• In a two-run non-scored event, first-run competitors who are DNS,

DNF or DSQ should be allowed to take a second run at the end of the field. [U621.11.3.2]; notice should be given no later than the Team Captains’ Meeting.

• In a two-run non-scored event where each run counts individually, first-run DNS, DNF or DSQ competitors are allowed to start the second run in their originally scheduled start position.

• In a two-run scored event, first run DNF or DSQ competitors should be allowed to start the second run at the end of the field. [U621.11.3.1]; notice should be given no later than the Team Captains’ Meeting.

USSA’S ONLINE RACE 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.** – Upon receipt of Official Results, USSA will calculate required head tax amounts and

submit them to the ROC for verification. – Upon ROC’s acceptance of calculated Head Tax amounts, 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.

**Competitors’ data must still be verified, e.g. name, points, age

ONLINE CERTIFICATION: COMPETITION OFFICIAL

Competition Official (CO) is a pre-requisite 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 & 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.

Special note of appreciation to the task force led by Roger Root and Dan Chayes for undertaking this challenging assignment!

USSA TECHNICAL DELEGATE’S and COURSE INSPECTOR’S DAILY ALLOWANCEIn 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.

USING FIS TDTR SOFTWARE: USSA EVENTS– The FIS TDTR software can be used to produce a paper

copy report, as required, for USSA non-FIS events.

– The software does accept a “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.

– The XML TDTR file must not be electronically submitted to USSA for non-FIS events as USSA is not currently set up to accept the timing report XML file.

– When used for USSA non-FIS events, this XML TDTR file must not be submitted to FIS

TDTR SUBMITTAL – USSA EVENTSA signed copy of this form for all non-FIS USSA-scored, as well as USSA non-scored Championship events, e.g. U14 Championships, Masters Championships, etc. must be submitted to the following, applicable region/division representative:•Alaska: Terry Sherwood alyeska_ski_club@yahoo.com

•Central: Gretchen Ransom gretch1099@msn.com

•East: Matt Howard easttdtr@gmail.com

•Far West: Lucy Schram lucy@fwskiing.org

•IMD: Tami Strong tami@sbsef.com

•Northern: Bob Petitt NorthernTDTR@gmail.com

•PNSA: Bill Gunesch bgunesch@centurytel.net

•Rocky Mtn.: John Jett jjett@cjtiming.com

A copy of the calculation(s) required for Replacement Time(s) (EET) must accompany the TDTR submitted to the above region/division representatives.

MISCELLANEOUS• 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.

• 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.

• “Travel Letters” for non-USA athlete’s FIS entry authorization must be submitted to Michelle Demschar (mdemschar@ussa.org).

• 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.

FIS COMPETITON FIS COMPETITON

CONTINUING EDUCATION CONTINUING EDUCATION UPDATE 2014 - 2015 UPDATE 2014 - 2015

FACTORS

Factors used for calculating race penalties for FIS events (same as those used for USSA events) for the 2014-2015 season are as follows:

DH: 1250

SL: 720

GS: 980

SG: 1080

AC: 1150

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 and time of Team Captains’ Meeting, etc. (currently “Program” in pdf format)

• It provides a one-stop location for this data.

• Organizers can access the tool on the “Event Details” (red arrow) of the respective event on the FIS calendar page.

• After applying, they will be sent a one-time code valid for one hour to the “general” e-mail address listed for the event.

This tool is not intended to replace Team Captains’ Meetings.

Step 2: “Click here…”

Step 3: Enter “general contact e-mail”; currently, the access code will be sent only to this address

FIS TD’S may be granted access; decision pending.

FIS NEWSLETTERIt is strongly suggested you register for the FIS Newsletter on the FIS home page: www.fisski.com

EQUIPMENT RULES• Regulations for helmets for GS, SG and DH are applicable without

exception at all levels of FIS competition. [2.3.3] • Only the forerunners in Vail /Beaver Creek 2015 WSC events can 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.

• Additional FIS Equipment rules will be implemented after 2018 OWG.

Please refer to current FIS and USSA Equipment Regulations for Season 2014-2015 and/or current edition of FIS Specifications for Competition Equipment.

LOSS OF ONE SKI & CROSSING FINISH: FIS• 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, penalty may be assessed. [628.8]

• 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. [615.3]

FIS RACE RESULT PACKETSPlease refer to the following for detailed requirements:

- “FIS Race Result Document Packets” located in Master Packet of Forms on USSA website

- “Distribution of Documents – FIS Event”* located in “Master Packet of Forms” on USSA website

USSA’s copy of FIS Packet is electronically transmitted to: resultpackets@ussa.org

Nation + FIS codex must be used as booklet title and also as e-mail subject: e.g. USA1234

One race file per transmission please!

FIS ELECTRONIC REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FIS will only accept electronic transmission of the following:

•Timing & Data Technical Report (TDTR) must be submitted in XML format to alpineresults@fisski.ch

•Official Results must be submitted in XML format to alpineresults@fisski.ch

•Following FIS’ acceptance of both XML files, the FIS Technical Delegate must sign in to his/her FIS account and submit the online “Report of the Technical Delegate”

•FIS acceptance of “Report of the Technical Delegate” locks the event file

•The Technical Delegate must verify the accuracy of the results posted on the FIS website

If the Official Results and TDTR XML files as well as the Report of the Technical Delegate are not received by the FIS Bureau, the results will not be scored to the FIS Points List.

ADDITIONAL FIS REQUIREMENTS

FIS only requires the following additional documents:•Jury Minutes related to sanctions or protests• FIS Notice of Injury (for minor injuries): FIS Notice of Injury should

also be faxed to +41 33 244 61 71 or e-mailed to fisiss@nih.no •FIS Accident Reports (for serious injuries; if used is filed in addition to the FIS Injury Report)

The National Federation (USSA) is the repository for the complete official document packet.

MISCELLANEOUS• The name of the “Super Combined” event (1 run of speed/1 run of

Slalom), has been changed to “Alpine Combined” (AC). • The Chief of Timing & Calculations is responsible for the preparation

of the TDTR, providing a PDF copy for the Technical Delegate’s review/signature and for overseeing the electronic transmission of the TDTR XML file to FIS.

• Protests are submitted at the location designated on the official notice board or at a place announced at a Team Captains‘ Meeting. Receiving protests has been removed from Race Administrator’s duties.

• The Race Administrator ensures that the result XML file is available for transmission to FIS.

REVIEW OF NEW RULESREVIEW OF NEW RULES

RULE CHANGESRULE CHANGES

&&

CLARIFICATIONSCLARIFICATIONS

PLEASE REVIEW, as required1. USSA Concussion Policy2. USSA membership requirements: Coaches & new classifications3. Clarification of CAN-AM event membership requirements 4. Interdiction to continue (hike) & its application5. USSA Online Race Registration and Head Tax6. Factors: USSA and FIS7. Second runs: DNS, DNF, DSQ [U621.11.3.1, U621.11.3.2]8. Helmet Cameras: USSA and FIS9. Kombi Rules [U1259]10. Flex Poles11. FIS - Loss of One Ski Rule [614.2.4, 628.8]12. TDTR Software & its use for FIS and non-FIS events 13. Result Requirements: FIS14. USSA Course Specifications15. Updated “Master Packet of Forms”

ALPINE OFFICIALS’ ALPINE OFFICIALS’ INFORMATIONINFORMATION

• ALPINE OFFICIALS’ MANUAL: Manual has been updated and is posted on the USSA website.

• 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

• MASTER PACKET OF FORMS: Due to the many procedural changes for both USSA non-FIS and USSA FIS events, many forms have been updated. Please discard old versions of forms and only use the forms included in the 2014-2015 “Master Packet of Forms” located on the USSA website

ADDITIONAL AO EDUCATION PRESENTATIONS

• “Introduction to Ski Racing (CO)”• “Gate Judges – The Most Important People on the Hill” (2014) • “Split Second 101 - Data Management of a Ski Race” • “Referee”• “Jury Minutes: a Guide for Preparation”• “Basic T & C” • “Race Points & Penalty”• “Replacement Time”• “TDTR”; Paper & Online • “Timing Workshop” • “Radio Protocol & Techniques” All presentations are posted on USSA website.

Our goal is to provide education that will result in events that are secure, consistent, fun and fair for all competitors:

YSL or Olympic-bound.

A special thank you to Allen Church for his many years of service to the USSA and the FIS Alpine Officials’ community;

he has been a valuable mentor and is a valued friend!

Thank you for your attendance and for your support of the United States Ski & Snowboard Association and its

Alpine Officials’ Education Program.

T. Hoessler, ChairUSSA AOEWG