Dear Fellow Alpine Official/Coach:

The goal of an Alpine Official is to provide events that are conducted in accordance with current rules and procedures while providing a fun and fair racing experience for all participants.

To that end competitors expect, and officials must strive to provide, an environment appropriate for the conduct of excellent competitions, and free of unnecessary risk. Race Juries must always monitor the preparation and ongoing condition of the start area, the finish area, and the actual course.

Alpine ski racing – by its nature – includes inherent risks. Among these are weather, terrain, competition surface, gates, gate panels, timing equipment, competitors’ equipment, the requirement for course personnel, etc.

We must all work to ensure that items are not introduced into the competition arena that might increase the risk to participants, spectators, and course workers.

All items and personnel introduced into the competition arena must be placed in areas that do not create an environment that is not secure. For instance,

• Event-related equipment such as a shovel, rake or drill, etc. should be maintained in such a manner that it is within the control of the user and not stuck in the snow surface.
• Gate Judges, Course Slippers, Event Photographers and Manual Timekeepers must be in positions where they can view their assigned area and perform their assigned tasks without becoming an obstacle for a competitor. The use of chairs, folding stools, tripods, and other implements should be avoided as they may provide an additional obstacle that could increase the potential for injury to both competitor and official.

When officiating at an event, please be aware of your surroundings and call a Jury member’s attention to items that may increase injury risk. Your cooperation will help us provide a secure environment for our athletes and other officials – including yourself.

Wishing you the best for the New Year and safe and successful ski racing season.

On behalf of the Alpine Sport Committee and the Alpine Officials Education Working Group,

Darryl Landstrom
Alpine Sport Committee Chairman