What gets a ski racer disqualified?
I · Intermediate · Penalties, equipment and officials · 4 of 4A racer is disqualified for missing a gate, starting outside the time allowed, racing under false pretences or endangering people. Lesser breaches, such as skiing through gates in inspection, taking outside help or continuing after a miss, bring penalties from the jury. Some racers are not permitted to start at all, for example without a helmet or ski brakes.
How it works
- DSQ: missing a gate, a start outside the time limits, false pretences or endangering people or property.
- DNF: did not finish; DNS: did not start.
- NPS: not permitted to start, for example for illegal equipment or training on a closed course.
- Second run: a racer who was DSQ, DNS, NPS or DNF in the first run may not start the second.
- Penalties: set by the jury for breaches such as bib changes, false starts or outside help.
- Continuing after a miss: a penalty as well as the disqualification.
- Unsporting conduct: obscene markings or bad behaviour bring penalties or NPS.
- Later discovery: a racer found to have started when not permitted is penalised.
The glossary has the DSQ, the DNF, the not permitted to start, the penalties (alpine), the jury and the correct passage of a gate.
Tricky cases
A racer falls and a coach helps them up. Problem?
Yes. Outside help during a run brings a penalty, and the gate judge records it.
A racer is DNF in the first run of a giant slalom. Can they ski the second?
No. Only first-run finishers start the second, except in alpine combined races at FIS level.
A racer forgets their bib. Can they start?
No. A racer without the official start number is not permitted to start.
Can a racer be penalised for what they wear?
Yes. Obscene names or symbols bring NPS or a penalty.
Why the rule exists
A clear list of what disqualifies keeps decisions consistent. Penalties for lesser breaches let the jury act without throwing out a run that was otherwise fair.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Disqualification | Four grounds | FIS 629 |
| Penalties | Fourteen listed breaches | FIS 628 |
| Alpine combined | DSQ in slalom may still start the speed run | FIS 627.7 |
From the rule book
FIS, ICR Book IV: Joint Regulations for Alpine Skiing (edition July 2026), articles 627 to 629. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the FIS ICR, revised by the FIS Council each season.