Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 Gate Faults
- Straddling a gate: Passing with one foot on each side of the turning pole (i.e., not both feet passing on the correct side) results in DSQ (ICR 661.4.1, 629.3).
- Missing a gate: Failing to pass through a gate correctly results in DSQ (ICR 629.3). A competitor who misses a gate must not continue through further gates (ICR 614.2.2), and one who continues is penalised (ICR 628.8).
- Incorrect gate passage in GS: Both ski tips and both feet must cross the gate line, the shortest imaginary line between the turning pole and the outside gate (ICR 661.4.1, 661.4.1.1). An incorrect passage is a gate fault (DSQ, ICR 629.3).
7.2 Start Infractions
- False start: A false start is penalised by the Jury (ICR 628.5). In fixed-interval events a start more than 5 seconds before the official start time is disqualified (ICR 613.7); in Slalom a competitor who does not start according to the start signal rules is disqualified (ICR 805.4).
- Late start: In fixed-interval events, failing to start within 5 seconds after the official start time results in DSQ (ICR 613.7, 629.3).
- Missing start time: A competitor who is not ready to start on time is sanctioned, unless the Start Referee accepts the delay as force majeure (ICR 613.6, 628.5).
7.3 Equipment Violations
- Ski length below minimum: DSQ. Equipment is measured with a tolerance of ±1 cm to account for wax and base material.
- Sidecut radius below minimum: DSQ. Radius is measured using certified FIS gauges.
- Speed suit air permeability below 30 l/m²/s: DSQ. Suits are tested before and/or after races using a calibrated permeability meter.
- Boot sole height exceeding limits: DSQ.
- Platform height exceeding 50 mm: DSQ.
- Unapproved helmet: DSQ. The helmet must bear a valid FIS sticker for the current season.
7.4 Conduct Violations
- Receiving outside assistance: Receiving outside help during a competition is penalised by the Jury (ICR 628.12).
- Unsportsmanlike conduct: Verbal abuse of officials, deliberate obstruction of another competitor, or refusal to submit to equipment checks may result in DSQ, suspension, or further disciplinary action by FIS.
- Doping: Alpine skiing falls under WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) regulations. Violations result in disqualification, result annulment, and suspension per the WADA Code.
7.5 Sanctions and Appeals
The competition jury may impose DSQ, time penalties, or written warnings. Appeals against Jury decisions (such as monetary fines or terminating a race) may be submitted only by the National Ski Association, to the FIS Office, within 48 hours of the decision; they are decided by the Appeals Commission or the CAS (ICR 647.1.1–647.1.4). Repeat offenders may face season-long suspensions or bans from FIS events. Financial penalties may also apply for conduct violations or failure to fulfil media obligations at World Cup events.