FIS. The FIS Council held its Autumn Meeting at the FIS Office in Oberhofen (SUI) on Saturday 3rd November and dealt with a full agenda, including reports from Organising Committees for future FIS World Championships, the appointment of technical officials as well as proposals from the FIS Technical Committees with calendar updates and a number of rules.

The main decisions of the Council in Oberhofen include the following:

FIS World Cup calendars 2012/2013 to 2016/2017

Minor modifications to the FIS World Cup Calendars for the 2012/2013 season proposed by the respective Technical Committees were approved, the final versions of which are available on the FIS website. The Audi FIS Ski World Cup calendars for 2013/14 were sent back to the Alpine Committee for revision, notably for the ladies, due to the late opening of the main part of the World Cup season in central Europe.

Lindsey Vonn’s request to participate in men’s World Cup races

The Council respected Lindsey Vonn’s proposal to participate in men’s World Cup races and confirmed that one gender is not entitled to participate in races of the other and exceptions will not be made to the FIS Rules. In terms of her request to participate in the men’s downhill in Lake Louise, she is welcome to submit a request to the Organising Committee and jury to be a forerunner. Should Vonn decide to put forward such a request, all other rules currently in place remain valid so as per this year's calendar, Vonn would not be able to compete in the ladies' races.

Technical Committees

At the Audi FIS Ski World Cup City Events, World Cup points are awarded to all competitors for the slalom World Cup, overall and Nations’ Cup (no WCSL Points are awarded neither in slalom nor overall).

Specifications for Alpine Technical Equipment

The Council confirmed the clarification to the new specifications for giant slalom skis that have entered into force this season 2012/13, to specify that no turning points shall be established in between the measurement points. The objective of the skis, supported by scientific studies, is to reduce the “aggressive potential” as well as the "self-steering momentum" of the skis and thus to reduce the risk of injury for athletes.

Other Decisions

The Council had a principle discussion about whether betting companies should be allowed as sponsors and decided that any form of identification on and/or with athletes by betting companies is forbidden with immediate effect. As far as advertising with commercial betting companies at FIS World Cup and World Championship competitions is concerned, existing agreements for this winter season can still be accepted, but no new ones may be entered into and a final decision will be taken in spring 2013.

Bring Children to Snow Campaign – FIS World Snow Day

The second FIS World Snow Day will take place on 20th January 2013 following the success of the inaugural event in January 2012. As of the 30th October 2012, 110 Organisers in 24 countries have already signed up, with considerable interest from many more.

FIS news
Saturday 3 November 2012

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