Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 Technique Violations (Classic)
- First offense: Oral warning from technique controller (yellow card shown)
- Second offense: Written warning and 5-minute time penalty added to final time
- Third offense: Disqualification (DSQ) from the competition
- Video evidence from course cameras used to confirm violations
7.2 Obstruction and Interference
- Failure to yield when being overtaken: time penalty (typically 30 seconds to 2 minutes) or DSQ depending on impact
- Deliberate blocking in sprint heats: relegation to last place in the heat or DSQ
- Contact causing a fall: penalty applied to the responsible athlete; review by jury
7.3 Equipment and Substance Violations
- Fluorocarbon wax detection: Immediate DSQ, confiscation of skis, and potential suspension from subsequent events
- Pole length exceeding limits: equipment must be replaced before start or DSQ
- Ski length below minimum: DSQ if discovered during pre-race inspection; post-race detection also results in DSQ
- Unauthorized equipment modifications during the race: DSQ
7.4 Unauthorized Assistance
- Receiving physical assistance (pushing, pulling, pacing from non-competitors): DSQ
- Unauthorized coaching from outside designated zones: warning to the team; repeat offense may result in team sanctions
- Equipment exchange outside designated zones (relay exchange, transition): DSQ