How does the start work in ski jumping?
I · Intermediate · The start and officials · 3 of 3A traffic light controls the start. At major events it runs red, yellow, then green. The jumper may sit on the start bar when it turns yellow, and once it turns green has 10 seconds to leave. Starting before the signal, delaying on purpose or running out of time leads to disqualification.
How it works
- Three-phase mode: red (preparation), yellow (take position), green (go).
- Yellow: at least 10 seconds; it returns to red if conditions are wrong.
- Green: 10 seconds to leave the start bar.
- Two-phase mode: at other events, a start window of 10 to 15 seconds.
- One jumper at a time: the next signal waits until the jump is finished.
- Too early: starting before the signal is a disqualification.
- Stalling: delaying or faking an equipment problem is a disqualification.
- Ready: the jumper must be at the start when called.
The glossary has the start signal, the start time control, the in-run, the takeoff, the wind window and the disqualification.
Tricky cases
The light goes back to red while the jumper sits on the bar. What then?
The jumper leaves the bar and prepares for a new start.
The start is interrupted by the wind. Does the clock keep running?
No. The starting process begins again.
A jumper pretends their binding is loose to wait for better wind. What happens?
Feigning equipment problems is inexcusable and as a rule leads to disqualification.
What is the yellow phase for?
It lets the jury hold the start until the wind is within the limits.
Why the rule exists
A short start window stops jumpers waiting for a lucky gust. The yellow phase lets the jury hold a jumper back when the wind is unsafe.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Olympics, World Cup | Three-phase light, 10 seconds green | ICR 415.4.1 |
| Other FIS events | Two-phase light, 10 to 15 seconds | ICR 415.4.2 |
| Coach lowering the gate | Announced in the red phase | ICR 422.1 |
From the rule book
FIS, The International Ski Competition Rules (ICR), Book III: Ski Jumping (edition June 2026), articles 415.4 and 422.3 to 422.11. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the FIS ICR, revised by the FIS Council.