U1250             Childrens (J3 and younger) Non-scored Competitions

U1251             General Regulations

U1251.1          The following titled events must meet the following set forth guidelines.

U1251.2          The age limits in these competitions are according to article 607.3.

U1252             Regulations for Organization

U1252.1          In the choice of courses, attention must be given that one is dealing with competitors who are children in their growing years during their physical development and these factors must be given appropriate importance.

U1252.2          The course setter in setting the course should take particular consideration of the physical ability of the competitors.

U1252.3          Flex poles shall have a maximum diameter of 27 mm.

U1252.4          J4 and younger SL events should use flex poles of 25-27 mm with a minimum gate height of 54 inches from the snow surface to the top of the pole.

U1253             J3 Downhill (DH)

U1253.1          Only J3s may take part in DH races. The maximum vertical drop is 400 m (300 m if contested in two runs). The maximum inclined length is 2000 m.

U1253.2          Course Setting

Downhill for J3s consist of training or racing on variable terrain, which will provide gliding sections, some jumping and enough width and terrain to permit speed control with course setting consideration to fit the average J3’s ability and skill level. The maximum distance between gates is 50 m.

U1253.3          Number of direction changes 8% of vertical drop.

U1253.4          Except as specifically modified, the rules for DH (700) also apply to non-scored DH for J3s.

U1254             J3 and younger Slalom (SL)

U1254.1                      Maximum Vertical Drop

J3:                                140 m

J4:                                120 m

J5 and younger:           100 m

The course should have no special technical difficulties. The SL is conducted in one or two runs.

U1254.2          Maximum distance between gates

Combination   Open               Delay

J3:                                6 m                  10 m                18 m

J4:                                6 m                  9 m                  15 m

J5 and younger:           5 m                  9 m                  15 m

U1254.3          Additional requirements

J3: 3-5 hairpins, 1-2 vertical combinations and at least one delay gate

J4: 2-3 hairpins, one vertical combination and one delay gate

J5 and younger: 2-3 hairpins, one vertical combination and one delay gate

U1254.4          When using flex poles, protective clothing is recommended.

U1254.5          Except as specifically modified, the rules for SL (800) also apply to non-scored SL for J3s and younger.

U1255             J3 and younger Giant Slalom (GS)

U1255.1                                              Maximum Vertical Drop         Maximum Distance Between Gates

J3:                                300 m                                      27 m

J4:                                250 m                                      22 m

J5 and younger:           200 m                                      22 m

GS for children may be conducted in one or two runs.

U1255.2          Additional requirements

A minimum of one delay gate must be set and a variety of terrain is suggested.

U1255.3          Except as specifically modified, the rules for GS (900) also apply to GS for J3s and younger.

U1256             J3 and J4 Super G (SG)

U1256.1                                              Maximum Vertical Drop         Number of Direction Changes

J3:                                350 m                                      8%-10% of vertical drop

J4:                                300 m                                      8%-12% of vertical drop

The minimum number of gates counts only those requiring change of direction.

The distance between the gates of a SG should be 25-40 m.

U1256.2          J3 SG should include at least one jump. All children’s non-scored SGs should be set using a variety of terrain.

U1256.3          For SG, based upon hill topography and field ability, the Jury may increase the gates to a maximum of 14% of vertical drop (counting only those requiring change of direction).

U1256.4          Official Training for children’s SG will encompass at least one SG training run prior to the first competition. Training times are not to be posted. Official training for USSA children’s SG events is an integral part of the competition, and all entrants are required to participate according to the competition jury’s decision.

U1256.5          Except as specifically modified, the rules for SG (1000) also apply to non-scored J3 and J4 SG.

U1257             Starting Order

U1257.1          Regions, divisions and state associations may use the procedures of article 621 or they may adopt special rules for determining the start order for the first run in these competitions.

U1258             Starting Order for the 2nd Run

In the second run, the thirty best finishers of the first run start in reverse order, the remaining competitors in the order of their first run placing.

U1258.1          Regions, divisions and state associations may adopt special rules for determining the start order of the second run in lieu of 1258.

U1259             Children’s Kombi

The children’s Kombi consists of a mixture of standard turns and gates. The event meets developmental needs for this age group, creating a tactical awareness by blending sections of different gates in a flowing, rhythmical, constantly changing pattern. Results may be determined by combined times of each run, or each run may be classified separately. The Jury must indicate the method in advance.

U1259.1          Course Setting

U1259.1.2       The Course Setter and Jury are to provide an interesting but safe course.

U1259.1.3       The racer’s speed must be controlled when transitioning from one section to a different section and the course setting should allow skiers a smooth transition from jumps or waves back into the course.

U1259.1.4       Common course characteristics and recommendations

- The course should test the skier’s ability to react and adapt to an ever changing rhythm and radius, but allow the competitors smooth transition between the various sections of gates.

- Building terrain is optional but not necessary as the course itself should apply enough demand. Use creativity with available terrain.

- Include a minimum of one jump.

- Avoid gates that cause sudden braking and deceleration.

- Use the entire slope and natural terrain and skiing across the fall line as often as possible.

- The first and last gates should lead the skier comfortably.

- Forerunners or course testers should be available for course setting.

U1259.1.5       Gates

- Gates may consist of one or two poles. If outside gate is used, it must be the same type as turning gate (stubbie gate with stubbie gate, SL gate with SL gate, GS panel with GS panel).

- Consecutive gates must alternate in red and blue.

U1259.2          Kombi Design

There can be two different forms of the Kombi:

- SL/GS format (technical orientation) – setting with stubbies, SL gates and GS gates or colored ground indicators, and

- GS/SG format (speed orientation) – setting with GS and SG gates or colored ground indicators.

The selected race style must be announced on the race notice prior to the race and again at the first team captains meeting.

U1259.3          SL/GS Kombi: Technical Data

SL skis are recommended to be used for SL/GS Kombi.

U1259.3.1       Maximum Vertical Drop

- J3 maximum 200 m

- J4 maximum 180 m

- J5 and younger maximum 150 m

U1259.3.2       Distance between gates

- SL turning gate to turning gate distance 6-10 m.

- GS turning gate to turning gate distance 12-20 m.

U1259.3.3       Course characteristics and recommendations:

- Recommended minimum of 30 turns.

- Recommended to have a minimum of five different sections.

- It is recommended to use only a single pole for vertical combinations.

- There should be at least one section of stubby gates.

U1259.4          GS / SG Kombi: Technical Data

GS skis are recommended to be used for GS/SG Kombi.

U1259.4.1       Maximum Vertical Drop

All categories maximum 250 m

U1259.4.2       Distance between gates

- GS turning gate to turning gate distance 12-20 m

- SG turning gate to turning gate distance 18-28 m

U1259.4.3       Course characteristics and recommendations:

- Recommended to have 3-5 different sections.

U1259.5          Kombi Inspection

A normal one run inspection, with a set inspection time is suggested. The concept is to test reaction and adaptability from a standard amount of inspection time.

U1259.6          Number of runs

The Jury should decide on the number of runs by the first team captains meeting. Depending on weather and course conditions it is recommended that entries up to 140 competitors should be two runs and entries over 140 competitors should be one run.

U1259.7          Rules

The ACR SL and GS rules apply for running of the Kombi race except as modified in U1259.

U1259.8          Starting order

See U1257.