Section 1: Introduction
1.1 Overview and Governing Body
Ski jumping is one of the original Winter Olympic disciplines, contested at every Winter Games since the inaugural 1924 Chamonix Olympics (men). Women's ski jumping was added at the 2014 Sochi Games after decades of campaigning. The sport is governed by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) under ICR Book III — Ski Jumping, which codifies all technical rules for competition hills, equipment, judging, and fair-play standards.
1.2 Olympic Events
- Individual Normal Hill (NH): Hill Size (HS) 98–109 m, K-point typically 90 m. Two competition rounds; top 50 after round 1 advance to round 2.
- Individual Large Hill (LH): Hill Size (HS) 127–145 m, K-point typically 120 m. Same two-round format as NH.
- Team Large Hill: Four jumpers per team, each jumps twice on the Large Hill. Total team score determines ranking.
- Mixed Team (added 2022): Teams of 2 men and 2 women compete on the Normal Hill. Each athlete jumps once per round across two rounds.
1.3 Historical Context
The sport evolved from Scandinavian skiing traditions in the 19th century, with the first recorded competition held at Huseby Hill, Norway in 1879. The V-style flight technique, pioneered by Jan Boklöv in the late 1980s, revolutionised the sport by increasing lift and distance, replacing the traditional parallel-ski technique. The wind and gate compensation system, introduced in the 2010–2011 season, fundamentally changed competition fairness by adjusting scores for varying conditions.
Section 2: Equipment
2.1 Skis
- Maximum length: 146% of the athlete's body height (Article 222.1, ICR). Athletes with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 21.0 receive a ski length reduction of 0.125 m for each 0.5 BMI unit below the threshold.
- Width: 105–118 mm (4.1–4.6 in) at the binding area. Tip width may differ but must follow the approved camber profile.
- Weight: Minimum 4.0 kg (8.8 lb) per pair including bindings.
- Surface: Skis must be flat — no concave, convex, or stepped bottom surfaces. Running surface must be smooth without ridges or grooves that create aerodynamic advantage.
- Binding: Binding must allow the heel to lift freely. Maximum binding height from ski surface: 65 mm (2.56 in). Front binding position: maximum 57% of total ski length from tail.
2.2 Jumping Suit
- Material thickness: Maximum 6 mm (0.24 in) at any measured point.
- Air permeability: Minimum 40 l/m²/s (±5 l/m²/s tolerance). Measured at multiple points during random equipment checks.
- Fit tolerance: Maximum 2 cm (0.79 in) from body contour at any measured point when standing upright (Article 426, ICR). No aerodynamic aids, flaps, or extensions permitted.
- Construction: Single-piece suit covering body from wrists to ankles. Seams may not create pockets or channels that trap air.
2.3 Helmet and Boots
- Helmet: FIS-approved helmet mandatory. Smooth surface with no aerodynamic modifications, wings, or extensions. Visor or goggles permitted but must not extend beyond helmet profile.
- Boots: Maximum boot height 30 cm (11.8 in) from sole. Must support the forward lean angle required by the binding system. Boot sole length must match binding specifications.
2.4 BMI Rule and Equipment Correlation
Introduced to combat dangerous weight loss practices, the BMI rule links maximum ski length to body mass. Athletes must weigh in before competition. A BMI of 21.0 or higher allows maximum ski length (146% of body height). For each 0.5 BMI unit below 21.0, the maximum ski length is reduced by 12.5 cm, limiting the aerodynamic advantage of underweight athletes and protecting athlete health.
Section 3: Playing Area
3.1 Hill Classification
All competition hills must be homologated (certified) by FIS and are classified by their Hill Size (HS), the maximum safe landing distance:
- Small Hill: HS 20–49 m (training and youth competitions)
- Medium Hill: HS 50–84 m (national-level events)
- Normal Hill: HS 85–109 m (Olympic Normal Hill typically HS 105–109)
- Large Hill: HS 110–145 m (Olympic Large Hill typically HS 127–140)
- Ski Flying Hill: HS 185–240+ m (World Cup Ski Flying events; not Olympic)
3.2 Hill Dimensions and Geometry
- In-run (approach): Straight track of 80–120 m (262–394 ft) with a gradient of 33–38 degrees. Surface is prepared ice track in a profile-milled groove.
- Takeoff table: Curved transition from in-run slope to the lip. Table angle typically 10–11 degrees on Normal Hill, 10–11.5 degrees on Large Hill. Takeoff speed: approximately 85–90 km/h (53–56 mph) on NH, 90–95 km/h (56–59 mph) on LH.
- K-point (critical point): The reference point on the landing slope where the gradient begins to flatten. Marked by a visible line. NH K-point: typically 90 m; LH K-point: typically 120 m.
- Landing slope: Gradient of 33–37 degrees at the K-point, transitioning to a flatter outrun. Must be wide enough for safe landing (minimum 9 m / 30 ft at K-point).
- Outrun: Minimum 100 m (328 ft) of flat or uphill deceleration zone beyond the landing area. Must allow athletes to stop safely.
3.3 Wind and Weather Measurement Infrastructure
Competition hills are equipped with multiple wind sensors at standardised positions along the flight path. Sensors measure wind speed and direction at the takeoff, mid-flight, and landing zones. Data is transmitted in real time to the wind compensation calculation system and displayed on the competition scoreboard. The Jury may pause competition when sustained winds exceed safe thresholds.
Section 4: Players & Officials
4.1 Competitors
- Individual events: Each nation may enter up to 4 athletes per event at the Olympics. World Cup allows broader entry based on national ranking quotas.
- Team events: Teams of 4 jumpers. Each member jumps twice (two rounds). The Mixed Team event uses 2 men and 2 women.
- Starting order: Determined by World Cup standings (weakest first, strongest last) or qualification round results. The top 50 from the first round advance to the second round in reverse order of standing.
4.2 Competition Jury
- Technical Delegate (TD): Appointed by FIS. Oversees hill homologation, equipment controls, and overall competition integrity.
- Chief of Competition: Responsible for organising and executing the event, course preparation, and volunteer management.
- 5 Style Judges: Positioned at the K-point area. Each judge independently scores style from 0 to 20 points per jump. The highest and lowest scores are discarded; the remaining three count.
- Equipment Controller: Performs random and targeted equipment checks (suit permeability, ski length, boot height, BMI verification) before and after jumps.
- Wind and Gate Jury Members: Monitor real-time wind data and recommend gate changes to the TD.
4.3 Distance Measurement
Jump distance is measured by a video distance measurement system (VDMS) to the nearest 0.5 m (1.6 ft). The system uses cameras mounted along the landing slope with calibrated reference lines. The landing point is defined as the point where both feet (or the lower foot in telemark position) contact the snow.
Section 5: Rules of Play
5.1 In-Run and Takeoff
The athlete starts from a designated gate (starting bar) on the in-run. The gate number determines the in-run length and thus the takeoff speed. Higher gate numbers are higher up the in-run, producing greater speed. The Jury sets the initial gate based on weather conditions and may adjust it between jumpers or between rounds. Athletes must maintain a stable, aerodynamic crouch during the in-run with skis in the prepared groove. At the takeoff table, the athlete extends explosively upward and forward to maximise the trajectory angle.
5.2 Flight Phase
The V-style is the standard modern technique: ski tips are spread apart at 25–35 degrees while the athlete's body leans forward over the skis at an angle of approximately 40–45 degrees from horizontal. This position maximises aerodynamic lift by using the body and skis as an airfoil. Arms are held tight against the body. Any arm-spreading, unstable body movements, or asymmetric ski positioning results in style deductions.
5.3 Landing
The telemark landing is the gold standard: one ski placed ahead of the other in a lunge position, with knees bent to absorb impact, arms extended to the sides for balance. A clean telemark landing with stable outrun earns maximum style points (up to 20). Two-footed (parallel) landings receive lower style scores. If the athlete touches the snow with a hand or sits down, significant deductions apply. A fall results in severe style deductions (typically 7–10 points per judge) and in extreme cases the jump is not scored.
5.4 Wind and Gate Compensation System
Introduced in the 2010–2011 season to ensure fairness when conditions change during a competition round:
- Gate compensation: If the Jury lowers the gate (shorter in-run, lower speed), the athlete receives additional points to compensate for the reduced takeoff velocity. Conversely, a higher gate results in point deductions. The exact values are calculated from hill-specific tables.
- Wind compensation: Headwind provides lift and extends distance — points are deducted. Tailwind reduces lift and shortens distance — points are added. Wind speed is measured at multiple sensors in real time, and the compensation value is calculated automatically using hill-specific wind factors.
5.5 Team Event Format
Four jumpers per team, jumping in a fixed order. Each jumper completes one jump per round across two rounds (8 total jumps per team). The team's total score is the sum of all individual jump scores (distance + style + compensation). Teams are ranked by total score. In the Mixed Team event, the order alternates between women and men within each round.
5.6 Qualification and Trial Rounds
A qualification round may be held the day before competition to determine starting order or to reduce the field. In World Cup events, the top 50 qualifiers advance to the competition. A trial round on competition day allows athletes to test conditions but results do not count toward the competition score.
Section 6: Scoring
6.1 Distance Points
Every jump starts with a base of 60.0 points at the K-point. Points are added or deducted for distance beyond or short of the K-point:
- Normal Hill (K-90): 2.0 points per metre beyond K-point; 2.0 points deducted per metre short.
- Large Hill (K-120): 1.8 points per metre beyond K-point; 1.8 points deducted per metre short.
- Ski Flying Hill (K-185+): 1.2 points per metre beyond K-point; 1.2 points deducted per metre short.
Distance is measured to the nearest 0.5 m, so the minimum distance increment is worth 0.9–1.0 points depending on the hill.
6.2 Style Points
Five judges each award a score from 0.0 to 20.0 (in 0.5-point increments) based on:
- In-run position: Stability and aerodynamic form on approach.
- Takeoff: Power, timing, and body position at the lip.
- Flight: Ski symmetry, body angle, arm position, V-style consistency, and overall stability.
- Landing: Clean telemark with balance. Parallel landings, hand touches, or falls result in progressive deductions.
- Outrun: Controlled transition from landing to a stable stop.
The highest and lowest of the five scores are dropped. The remaining three scores are summed, giving a maximum of 60.0 style points per jump.
6.3 Compensation Points
Gate compensation and wind compensation values are added to or subtracted from the raw score. The final jump score = Distance Points + Style Points + Gate Compensation + Wind Compensation. An athlete's total competition score is the sum of their jump scores across all rounds (typically two).
6.4 Tiebreaking
If two athletes have identical total scores, the athlete with the higher single-round score is ranked higher. If still tied, the athlete with the higher distance points total breaks the tie. If all criteria remain equal, the tie stands and both athletes receive the same rank.
Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 Equipment Violations
- Suit non-compliance (thickness >6 mm, permeability <40 l/m²/s, fit tolerance >2 cm): Disqualification (DSQ) of the jump or entire competition.
- Ski length exceeding BMI-adjusted maximum: DSQ.
- Binding height or position violations: DSQ.
- Aerodynamic aids (extensions, flaps, modified helmet): DSQ and potential FIS disciplinary proceedings.
7.2 Competition Infractions
- Touching snow with hands during landing: Style deduction (typically 2–4 points per judge).
- Fall on landing: Severe style deductions (7–10 points per judge). Jump is still scored unless the athlete fails to cross the fall line.
- Failure to cross the fall line: Jump is not measured and receives 0 distance points.
- False start or leaving gate before signal: Warning for first offence; DSQ for second offence in same competition.
- Obstructing outrun: Yellow card warning; repeat offences may result in DSQ.
7.3 Disciplinary Measures
The FIS may impose additional sanctions beyond competition-day DSQ, including suspension from future events, fines, and loss of World Cup points. Equipment violations detected in post-competition checks retroactively void results. Coaches and team staff who modify equipment in prohibited ways may also face sanctions.
Section 8: Safety Considerations
8.1 Wind Limits and Competition Suspension
- Maximum tailwind: Competition should be paused when sustained tailwind exceeds 4 m/s (8.9 mph), as tailwinds reduce aerodynamic lift and can cause dangerously short landings on the steep slope.
- Crosswind limits: Strong or gusty crosswinds that risk destabilising athletes in flight warrant competition suspension at the Jury's discretion.
- Visibility: Competition may be suspended for fog, heavy snowfall, or whiteout conditions that prevent distance measurement or endanger athletes.
8.2 Hill Safety Requirements
- Landing slope preparation: Snow surface must be packed, profiled, and maintained to absorb landing impact evenly. Loose, icy, or uneven conditions require correction before competition resumes.
- Safety zones: Fenced areas along the landing slope and outrun prevent spectator or personnel encroachment.
- Outrun deceleration zone: Minimum 100 m (328 ft) of flat or uphill terrain beyond the landing slope to allow safe stopping.
- Netting and barriers: Protective netting along the sides of the landing slope prevents athletes from leaving the prepared surface in the event of an off-axis landing.
8.3 Medical Requirements
- Fully staffed medical team with emergency physicians present at all FIS competitions.
- Ambulance with stretcher access to the outrun area at all times during competition.
- Helicopter medical evacuation available for World Cup and Olympic events at remote venues.
- Athletes who fall and cannot immediately stand are attended to before the next jumper is cleared to start.
8.4 BMI Health Protections
The BMI minimum rule (21.0 for full ski length) was introduced to combat eating disorders and dangerous weight-cutting practices that became prevalent when lighter athletes gained significant aerodynamic advantage. Medical screening for eating disorders is part of the FIS athlete health programme, and athletes flagged for dangerously low body weight may be required to undergo medical clearance before competing.
