How is a para cross-country photo finish decided?
A · Advanced · Racing · 2 of 2Mass starts use an arrow, angled or flat grid, with warnings at one minute and 30 seconds; a false start means a restart. Ties go to the toe of the front foot, or a sit-ski's front binding. Athletes and guides must turn 16 by the end of the season's year.
How it works
- Mass start grid: arrow, angled or flat.
- Warnings: one minute and 30 seconds.
- False mass start: restart.
- Photo finish: front toe, or front binding.
- Age: 16 by season's year end.
- Juniors: 20 at most.
- FIS code: a para code needed.
- Codes: DNF, DSQ, DNS, NPS.
The glossary has the mass start grid, the photo finish, the age limits, the FIS code, the invalid result marks and the real time.
Tricky cases
How is a sit-ski finish judged?
By the front binding.
Can a 15-year-old guide?
Only if 16 by the end of that year.
What does RAL mean?
Ranked as last.
When does the FIS season run?
1 July to 30 June.
Why the rule exists
Clear finish rules matter when classes and equipment differ. Age limits protect young skiers.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Standing | Front toe | R 12317.4 |
| Sitting | Front binding | R 12317.4 |
| Age | 16 | R 12340.1 |
From the rule book
FIS, International Competition Rules, Para Cross-Country (9 July 2026), articles 12201.1, 12315.3, 12317.4, 12325.4.3 and 12340. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: FIS ICR Para Cross-Country and Para Nordic Classification Rules.