COMPETITION RULES

U.S. Ski & Snowboard competitions are run in accordance with the ICR of the FIS with certain modifications by U.S. Ski & Snowboard regions and divisions. It is every competitor's responsibility to know and observe the current rules. Coaches are expected to support the rules by instructing competitors in proper observance and respect.

The FIS reorganizes and rewrites some of its rules as the sport evolves, placing these changes in new rule books issues after the Rules Congress. The changes made at the current Rules congress have been incorporated into the new provisions/rules of the ICR. The current edition is available through the divisional/state Officials' representative, the office serving your division or the U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Amendments, or "precisionings", are published each November as necessary.

All competitors are required to be current members of U.S. Ski & Snowboard to race in the following levels of U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned events:

Youth Ski League (YSL): Entry level racing for racers ages 13 and younger. A U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership or a short term license is required to compete in these events, which are non-scored. These events are open to 14 and 15 year-olds to participate in these events with their U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competitor or Non-Scored athlete membership, but they will not be scored.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Scored Races: Ranges from local to statewide participation for racers aged 14 and older. Results give competitors national U.S. Ski & Snowboard rankings, known as U.S. Ski & Snowboard points. A U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competitor License is required to compete in these Scored events. For those few older athletes who wish to compete at this level, but not score points, they are able to compete with a non-scored athlete membership. In Northern Division, specific races will allow for U14's (ages 12 and 13) to compete against this group of older athletes and score points with their U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competitor's license.

Regional and National Championships: U18 and U21 racers qualify for National and Regional Championship events in their age group. Qualification is based on certain Western Region races and Northern races. Please see Western Region Policies and Procedures and Northern Handbook for clarification. A Competitor’s License and FIS License is required for athletes to compete in these events. U16 racers qualify for Regional Championship events or a Tri-Divisional at most Northern Division U.S. Ski & Snowboard races. U14 racers qualify for a regional or tri-divisional Championship at most Northern Division YSL races. These Championship events bring together the best junior skiers in each group for these final competitions.

FIS Series: FIS is the international governing body of skiing. Racers 16 and older may be selected to compete in these events in the Western Region. Results from these events give competitors an international FIS ranking, known as FIS points. A U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competitor License is required to compete in these events. A FIS license is required to gain a FIS ranking. These races are scored for both U.S. Ski & Snowboard and FIS points.

Divisional Rules and Procedures

Membership and Licensing: All competitors are required to be current members of U.S. Ski & Snowboard and hold a current U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Competition License or a Non-Scored Athlete Membership in order to compete in U.S. Ski & Snowboard scored races. Age appropriate Competitor's license is required for all non-scored events for athletes U14 and younger. Non-Scored Athlete membership or U16 Competitor's license may also be used for athletes who wish to compete at non-scored events.

Entry Deadlines and Entry Fees: All events in Northern Division utilize the online portal of U.S. Ski & Snowboard for entries and payment. Race announcements will list an entry deadline and late fees that will be applied if that deadline is missed.