Becoming an Official | Checking Credentials | Maintaining Credentials | Advancement
Running an alpine ski race requires a number of volunteers to check in athletes, prepare and maintain the course, and judge and time the competition. The rules of alpine ski racing require that a sanctioned event have a number of credentialed officials. A typical race requires a Start and Finish Referee, Chief of Course, Chief of Race, Chief of Timing, Referee, Technical Delegate, and Race Administrator.
Alpine Officials are responsible for the safe conduct of the event and the accurate timing, judging, and scoring. They also play a key role in ensuring that the spirit of the sport and competition is maintained.
Serving as an Alpine Official is a fun and rewarding experience! The NHARA Alpine Officials Committee encourages parents to be involved in ski racing and serve as positive role models.
Alpine Officials consist of the following specialty areas, reflecting different responsibilities, abilities, and experience.
The Competition Officials course discusses each of these specialties, their role, and how the officials work as a team to oversee the operations of an event.
If you are new to alpine ski racing, spend a season or two helping run events with your club by fulfilling roles that do not require certification. This will help you understand the flow of the event, learn about different roles, and find what interests you. For example, you can be the Starter where you'll work with the Start Referee and can learn a about the responsibilities of the team that manages the start area.
Most will start with a Jury Assistant certification, but whichever specialty area you start with, you will need to do the following
Completion of the Alpine Official membership requires the completion of SafeSport, Avalanche Awareness, and a background check. The confirmation email you receive from USSA after registering will contain details on how to complete each of these additional requirements.
Training Videos
Gate Judge Training
Clean Hill Initiative
B-Net Installation
FIS Resources
2024 FIS Alpine ICR
FIS Alpine Home
FIS Points List
FIS Timing & Data
Homologation
Last updated November 14, 2023