The following is excerpted from the USSA rule book, Rule
2.2, regarding Start, Finish, Timing, and Calculations.
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2.2 Start, Finish, Timing and
Calculations |
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2.2.1 Technical Installations |
2.2.1.1
Communications
In all competitions, there must be multiple communication (telephone
or radios, etc.) between the start and finish.
Except as set out
in 2.2.1.2.4, all other methods of electronic timing, e.g. transmission by
radio are forbidden. |
2.2.1.2
Timing Equipment
For all national championship races (including regional junior
championships), electronic timing systems approved by USSA must be used. A
list of these approved devices will be published. Races using timing
devices other than those on the approved USSA list will not be considered
for scoring to the USSA point list.
For other competitions that are scored to the USSA point lists, there
shall be a primary timing system which generates a permanent printed
record of time-of-day at the start and at the finish. The primary
timing device shall be shown to meet the requirements of a homologated
timing device. (Exceptions may be made on a petition basis through the
USSA office to the chairman of the Timing Working Group.) Further,
there shall be a secondary electronic timing system, preferably reporting
time-of-day, and manual timekeeping. Additionally, a Timing
Technical Report Form must be completed for each run of a scored
competition and submitted with the results to USSA.
For other competitions, which are not scored to any points lists, there
shall be a primary timekeeping system which is electronically based,
preferably measuring time-of-day, and manual timekeeping.
If wireless timekeeping is used it may be applied only to the secondary
system.
Specifications and procedures for timing are more fully described in a
separate Timing Booklet. |
2.2.1.2.1 Electric Timing
For all USSA national and regional championships, two synchronized
electronically isolated timing systems operating in Time-of-Day mode 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.
All time of day times must be immediately and automatically
sequentially recorded on printed strips to at least the 1/1000th (0.001)
precision. Both systems must allow for the calculation of net times by the
mathematical comparison of each racer’s start time to finish time. The
final result for each skier’s run 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 2.2.1.3.2. 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 by hard wire connection. System B must be connected to another
electronically isolated start gate contact by another separate pair of
wires.
Refer to the 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.
Synchronization of the two timing systems must occur within 60 minutes
of the Start of each run. Synchronization of the two systems must be
maintained throughout the competition. Timers may not be re-synchronized
during any run. |
2.2.1.2.2 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 requires replacement during a run, it must replaced
with an identical start gate in the same position |
2.2.1.2.3 Photocells
For all events, there must be two photocell system(s) approved for
use 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 wands and photocells are found in
the Timing Booklet. |
2.2.1.2.4 Hand Timing
Manual (Hand) Timing, completely separate and independent of the
Electronic Timing, must be used for all competitions listed in the USSA
calendar. Stopwatches or hand-held battery operated timers that are
installed at both the start and the finish and capable of expressing times
to 1/10th (0.1) or 1/100th (0.01) precision qualify as proper hand timing
devices. They must be synchronized prior to the start of each run,
preferably with the same Time-of-Day as System A and System B. Printed
records, either automatic or handwritten, of recorded hand times must be
immediately available at the start and at the finish. |
2.2.1.2.5 Score-board
Organizers shall provide appropriate facilities for continuous visual
or acoustic presentation of all registered times of all
competitors. |
2.2.1.2.6 Radio Transmission
It is permitted to use radio transmission systems only for System B
connection to the start. |
2.2.1.3
Timing of Finish |
2.2.1.3.1
With electronic timing, the time is taken when a competitor
crosses the finish line and triggers the beam between the photo cells.
In case of a fall at the finish, 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. |
2.2.1.3.2 Utilization of times taken by
hand
Hand times may be used in the official results after a correction has
been calculated.
* Calculation of the correction
Calculate the difference
between the times taken by hand and the electronic times of the 5
competitors starting before the missing time and the 5 starting after or
if necessary the 10 nearest competitors.
The sum of the 10 time difference is divided by 10 to give the
correction, which must be applied to the hand time of the competitor
without an electronic time. |
2.2.1.3.3
The official timing strips from the printer will be given to the
Technical Delegate. They will be kept until the official approval of the
race or after any appeal dealing with timing or race results.
A Technical Timing Report Form must accompany the race results and must
be reviewed and signed by the Chief of Timing and reviewed and signed by
the TD as his approval of the race.
All printed records from System A, System B and hand timing must be
retained by the ROC for a period three (3) months after the competition or
after any appeal dealing with timing or race results. |
2.2.1.3.4
When the official printing timer allows manual input or correction of
a time, some type of indication (star, asterix or other) concerning any
effected change must be printed on all timing documentation. |
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2.2.2 Start and Finish
Officials |
2.2.2.1 The Starter
The Starter must synchronize his watch with those of the
assistant starter and by telephone and radio with the chief timekeeper
within ten minutes from 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. He assigns the supervision of
the competitors to the assistant starter. |
2.2.2.2 The
Assistant Starter
The Assistant Starter is responsible for calling the
competitors to the start in their correct order. |
2.2.2.3 The Start
Recorder
The Start Recorder is responsible for recording the actual
start times of all competitors. |
2.2.2.4 The Chief
Timekeeper
The Chief Timekeeper is responsible for the accuracy of the
timing. He synchronizes the watches with the starter as shortly
before and after the race as is possible. He must publish
unofficial times as quickly as possible (on the scoreboard, etc.). If
the electric timing fails, the chief timekeeper must communicate
immediately with the start referee and the TD |
2.2.2.5 The
Assistant Timekeeper
Two assistant timekeepers operate stop watches according to
article 2.2.1.2.4.
One assistant timekeeper maintains a complete record with the
registered times of all competitors. |
2.2.2.6 The Finish
Controller
The finish controller has the following duties:
- Supervision of the section between the last gate and the finish.
- Supervision of proper crossing of the finish line.
- Recording of the order of all racers who complete the course.
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2.2.2.7 The
Chief of Calculations
The chief of calculations is responsible for quick and
accurate calculation of results. He supervises the immediate
duplication of unofficial results and the publication of official
results after the expiration of the protest interval, or after any
protests have been dealt with. |
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2.2.3 The Start |
2.2.3.1 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.. |
2.2.3.2 The Start Ramp
The Start Ramp shall 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.. |
2.2.3.3 Start
Procedure
No official or attendant who could possibly give an
advantage to or disturb the starting competitor my be behind him.
All outside help is forbidden. By order of the starter, the
competitor must plant his 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 the
competitor may start only with the help of his ski
poles.. |
2.2.3.4 Start Signals
10 seconds before the start, the starter will tell each
competitor "10 seconds". Five seconds before the start, he shall
count "5, 4, 3, 2, 1" and then give the command "Go".
(For Slalom see article 3.2.5.3).
If possible, an automatic audible signal is to be used. The
starter will let the competitor see the start
clock. |
2.2.3.5 Start Timing
The start timing shall measure the exact time the competitor
crosses the start line with his leg below the knee. |
2.2.3.6 Delayed Start
A competitor who is not ready to start on time will be
disqualified. The start referee may however excuse such a delay
if, in his opinion the delay is due to "force majeur". For
example, breakdown of a competitor's personal equipment or minor
sickness of a competitor, does not constitute "force majeur". In case of
doubt, the start referee may allow the start
provisionally. |
2.2.3.6.1
In the case of fixed start intervals, the delayed
competitors may start at the fixed interval after he has reported to the
start referee, in accordance with the decision of the start
referee. |
2.2.3.6.2
In the case of irregular start intervals, the delayed
competitor will start according to article 3.2.5.3 |
2.2.3.6.3
The start referee makes the decisions on this matter and
must inform the Referee of 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. |
2.2.3.7 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 sanctioned.
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. |
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2.2.4 Course and Competitions |
2.2.4.1 Course
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2.2.4.1.1 Technical Parts of a Competition Piste
Start ad finish installations, television towers, measuring
equipment, sponsor advertising equipment etc., ar necessary items for a
competition. |
2.2.4.2 Course Setting
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2.2.4.2.1 Assistance
Assistance must be provided to the course setter, at a time
to be fixed by the Jury, so that he can concentrate on the actual course
setting and not be distracted by fetching poles, etc.
The chief of course equipment must provide enough of the following:
- enough blue and red slalom poles
- a corresponding number of flags, divided by colors
- sledge-hammers, drills, wedges, etc.
- enough gate numbers
- coloring substance for marking the position of the poles..
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2.2.4.2.2 Marking of the gates
The positions of the gate poles are to be marked with an
easily recognizable coloring substance that remains visible throughout
the entire race. If the poles are fixed using large wooden or
plastic bases (bucket gates) no coloring substance is
required. |
2.2.4.2.3 Numbering the gates
The gates must be numbered from top to bottom of the course
and the numbers attached to the outside pole. Start and finish are
not counted. |
2.2.4.2.4 Marking of the course and terrain
In Downhill and Super-G, in sections of the courses to be
decided by the Jury, twigs can be stuck in the snow on the inside of the
racing line before and after the gate. |
2.2.4.2.5 Spare Poles
The chief of course is responsible for the availability and
correct placing of enough spare poles. The poles are to be placed
s that the competitors are not mislead by them. |
2.2.4.3 Warm Up Slope
Appropriate warm up slopes closed to the public must be made
available. |
2.2.4.4
Closing and modification of the course
A course is closed from the time that the course setting
begins. Nobody except for the Jury is permitted to change gates,
banners, markings, etc. or modify the course structure (jumps, bumps,
etc.) on a closed course. Competitors are not permitted to enter a
closed competition course.
Trainers, servicemen etc., who are allowed on a closed competition
course are to be determined by the Jury.
Photographers and camera teams are allowed into the closed course
area for the necessary documentation of the competition. Their
total number can be limited by the Jury. They will be located by
the Jury where possible and may only remain in this area.
The Jury or the Organizing Committee may close a course or sections
of a course to competitors, trainers, media and service personnel
outside of the actual competition or inspection times for preparation
and maintenance purposes. |
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2.2.5 Competition |
2.2.5.1 Passage of
the Gates
A gate must be passed according to article
2.7.1.4. |
2.2.5.2
Interdiction to Continue After a Gate Fault
If a competitor misses a gate, he may no longer continue
through further gates. |
2.2.5.3 Crash Helmet
(Downhill, Giant Slalom and Super-G)
If a competitor or forerunner fails to wear a crash helmet,
he will not be allowed to start. |
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2.2.6 The Finish |
2.2.6.1 The Finish
Area
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2.2.6.1.1 The finish area should be plainly visible to
competitors approaching the finish. It must be wide with a gently
sloped smooth run out.
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2.2.6.1.2 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.
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2.2.6.1.3 The finish area is to be completely fenced
in. Any unauthorized entry is not allowed.
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2.2.6.1.4 Finish installations and closures should be set
up or secured through suitable protection measures, that the competitors
are protected as well as possible.
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2.2.6.1.5 The competitor must leave the finish area
through the official exit with all the competition equipment used in the
race.
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2.2.6.2
The Finish Line and its Markings
The finish line is marked by two posts or vertical banners
that are connected by a horizontal banner with the sign "Finish".
In Downhill and Super-G races, the finish must be no less than 15 m wide
and in Slalom and Giant Slalom no less than 10 m wide. In
exceptional cases, the TD can only 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 posts 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 posts or banners, on the downhill side.
The finish line must be clearly marked with coloring
substance. |
2.2.6.3
Crossing of the finish line and reporting 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 in the immediate finish
area. In this case the time is taken when any part of the
competitor's body or equipment stops the timekeeping system.
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2.2.6.4 Report
The finish referee must make a report to the Referee
immediately after the race or the official training. |
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2.2.7 Calculation and Announcement of the
Results |
2.2.7.1 Unofficial
Times
Times taken by the timekeepers shall be considered
unofficial times. They shall be posted on a score-board that shall
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. |
2.2.7.2
Announcement of Unofficial Times and Disqualification
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2.2.7.2.1 As soon as possible after completion of the
race, unofficial times and disqualifications shall be published on the
official notice board and also at the finish.
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The time limit for
protest is counted from the moment of this announcement.
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2.2.7.2.2 The announcement of unofficial times at the
finish and start, together with written and oral announcements, may
replace the publication on the official notice board. In this case,
it can be decided that protests can be delivered verbally to the Referee
at the finish immediately or, at the latest, within 15 minutes after the
announcement of the disqualification and that protests submitted after
this are considered null and void. The team captains must be
informed beforehand.
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2.2.7.3 Official
Results
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2.2.7.3.1 Results are determined from the official times
of those competitors who have been officially scored.
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2.2.7.3.2 Combined results are calculated by adding
together the race points obtained in each discipline of the combined
event.
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2.2.7.3.3 If two or more competitors have the same time
or the same number of points, the racer with the higher start number shall
be listed first on the official list of results.
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2.2.7.3.4 The official result list must contain:
- the name of the organizing club or association
- the name of the competition, the site, discipline and category (men
or ladies)
- the date of the race
- all technical data such as the name of the course, altitude at start
and finish, vertical drop, homologation number and, for Downhill and
Super-G, the length of the course
- the names and affiliations of the members of the Jury
- for each run, the names and affiliations of the course setter and
the forerunners, the number of gates (G & SG: Between brackets:
Number of direction changes) and the start time
- the weather, the snow conditions on the course and the air
temperature at the start and finish areas
- all details concerning the competitors, finish order, start number,
code number, name, affiliation, time and race points
- the start number, code number, name, first name and affiliation 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.
- Codex and F value
- penalty calculation sheet
- the signature of the Technical Delegate.
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2.2.7.3.5 The result list (official and unofficial) as
well as the start lists must be printed on the following colored paper:
Downhill: yellow
Slalom: blue
Giant Slalom: pink
Super-G: green
Combined: white |
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2.2.8 Award Ceremony
The award ceremony may not be held before the completion of
the race and not before the Technical Delegate has authorized it.
.
The organizer has the right to present the probable winners before
this time. This presentation is unofficial and is organized at a
place different from that of the official award
ceremony. |
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Chapter
7 