Who makes the decisions in a ski race?
A · Advanced · Penalties, equipment and officials · 3 of 3Each race is run by a jury of the FIS technical delegate, the referee and the chief of race, with more referees at big events. It rules on protests. A course setter sets the gates and gate judges watch them. Protests must be based on evidence, made within set times and paid for; most must be made within 15 minutes.
How it works
- The jury: the technical delegate, the referee, the chief of race and, at speed events and big championships, assistant, start and finish referees.
- Deciding protests: the technical delegate chairs and has the casting vote.
- Course setter: sets the gates on behalf of the jury.
- Gate judges: record faults, outside help and obstructions.
- Video control: an official video controller where the equipment exists.
- Protest grounds: admittance, the course, a racer or official, a disqualification, timing or jury instructions.
- Deadlines: course protests 60 minutes before the race; most others within 15 minutes.
- How: in writing, with evidence and a fee of 100 Swiss francs, returned if upheld.
- Who may protest: national ski associations, trainers and team captains.
- Appeals: to the FIS Appeals Commission within 48 hours, for set matters only.
The glossary has the jury, the protest, the gate judge, the course setter, the course homologation and the DSQ.
Tricky cases
Can a racer protest their own disqualification?
Not themselves; a trainer, team captain or national association may protest within 15 minutes of it being posted.
Can a disqualification be protested verbally?
Yes, where the jury allows it, at the finish within 15 minutes.
Must the race be on an approved course?
Yes. Every race must be on a course homologated by FIS.
What can be appealed beyond the jury?
Only fines, a decision to end a race, whether a stopped race counts for points and clear calculation errors.
Why the rule exists
A small jury on site can decide quickly while the evidence is fresh. Fees and short deadlines stop teams from protesting everything.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Course protests | 60 minutes before the race | FIS 643.2 |
| Disqualification protests | 15 minutes after posting | FIS 643.4 |
| KO system | 5 minutes after each run | FIS 1242.5 |
From the rule book
FIS, ICR Book IV: Joint Regulations for Alpine Skiing (edition July 2026), articles 601.4, 640 to 670. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the FIS ICR, revised by the FIS Council each season.