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.