🏛️Official — FIS
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Clear the landing zone immediately after riding a feature
After landing a jump, rail, or halfpipe run, the rider must move out of the landing and run-out zone without delay. Pausing to celebrate, catch breath, or let a filmer catch up while the next rider is already in the air is considered a dangerous breach of protocol. This norm holds even when no verbal go-signal was given.
Never snake a terrain park feature
Dropping in on a jump, rail, or halfpipe while another rider is still setting up at the top or finishing their run is the cardinal sin of park culture. Each feature operates as an informal queue; the rider who called the drop goes next. Snaking is met with sharp verbal correction from peers and, in organized sessions, intervention from coaches or park staff.
Scope a feature before you send it
Before riding any unfamiliar park feature, backcountry kicker, or natural cliff, riders are expected to first walk or hike by it to assess the takeoff angle, landing zone, and run-out. Hitting a feature blind — especially a large jump — is seen as reckless and disrespectful to others who may be in the landing area.
Applaud competitors' runs regardless of outcome — including after crashes
At FIS halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air events, the culture strongly expects competing riders to clap and show visible respect after all runs, especially after crashes. Walking past a fallen competitor in silence or failing to acknowledge a rival's standout performance is considered a notable breach of the sport's sportsmanship culture, which is widely viewed as more collaborative than adversarial.
Don't drop into a line someone else has set up for (backcountry and off-piste)
If a rider has hiked to the top of a backcountry line or off-piste run and is visibly preparing to drop, cutting in front of them to take the line — especially the first set of fresh tracks — is a serious violation of mountain respect. The convention is to wait, yield, and ask. In avalanche terrain this also carries real safety implications.
Call the drop before committing to a feature in group sessions
In any shared park or halfpipe session, riders waiting at the top are expected to verbally signal — 'dropping', 'going', 'in' — before committing to their run. In halfpipe, calling which wall you intend to hit prevents collisions when multiple riders are active in the pipe simultaneously.
Halfpipe / Slopestyle / Big Air: No minimum board length. Athletes choose boards suited to their height, weight, and riding style. Typical lengths range from 148–162 cm. Boards are twin-tipped (symmetrical nose and tail) for switch riding.; Snowboard Cross: No minimum length. Boards are direction...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that all snowboard disciplines use the same length specifications, thinking it's a uniform standard across halfpipe/slopestyle/big air and snowboard cross. But in reality, the 2.1 rule clearly states different lengths are used for each discipline to cater to their specific demands and performance requirements.
Freestyle events (Halfpipe, Slopestyle, Big Air): Soft-boot highback bindings with strap-in or rear-entry systems. The binding must securely retain the boot and allow quick release in emergencies.; SBX: Soft-boot bindings similar to freestyle but often with stiffer highbacks for responsiveness.; ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that binding length is crucial for snowboard cross events based on board size alone, but in reality, it's all about proper fit and performance - the official ruling emphasizes that typical board lengths dictate optimal binding configurations, not vice versa.
Helmet: Crash helmets are compulsory for all FIS snowboard events and must be worn according to the manufacturer's recommendations (ICR 2012.6). Must conform to EN 1077 or equivalent. Full-face helmets permitted in SBX and PGS.; Back / impact protector: Mandatory for Halfpipe and Slopestyle at Wo...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that all snowboard events require identical protective equipment, which leads them to argue about what gear is necessary for different disciplines like halfpipe or big air. However, the official verdict clarifies that protective equipment requirements indeed vary by event in snowboarding, addressing this misconception directly.
Size: Level A competitions (OWG, WSC, WJC, WC, YOG) use a 22 ft / 6.7 m pipe; Level B uses 18 ft and Level C 15 ft (ICR 3102.2.1).; Length: A 22 ft pipe must have at least 160 m of rideable length, 170 m recommended (ICR 3102.2.1).; Width: At least 19.0 m from coping to coping on a 22 ft pipe, wi...
Why people argue about this
People often argue that the minimum length of 150 meters seems excessive for halfpipe, thinking it's too long for a single run. In reality, they overlook how many times competitors must perform multiple runs and jumps within this space to qualify for finals, making the distance crucial for variety and skill demonstration.
Vertical drop: At least 150 m at Level A, 80 m at Level B and 50 m at Level C, with an average gradient of 10° or steeper (ICR 3102.3.1).; Width: 30 m slope width (ICR 3102.3.1).; Features: The course must have at least two different feature types (table top jumps, fun boxes, quarter pipes, waves...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a 400-meter length is about minimum distance for safety, when in reality it's more about ensuring there are enough varied features like jumps and rails for creative snowboard tricks to be showcased effectively. The rule aims to balance course complexity with practical considerations of what can realistically be built on slopes.
Kicker: At least 2.0 m high, with a take-off angle of at least 25° and a width of at least 5.0 m (ICR 3102.4.1).; Landing: Take-off to landing of at least 15 m at Level A and B (10 m otherwise), a landing gradient of at least 28°, and a landing at least 20 m wide and 20 m long (ICR 3102.4.1).; In...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in 3.3 Big Air, all riders must perform from exactly the same halfpipe, which is a misunderstanding. Actually, while the playing area guidelines outline specific dimensions, each competition site can have its own unique features and size within those parameters, leading to variations in how the event unfolds.
Length: 800–1,300 m at Level A, at least 600 m at Level B and at least 450 m at Level C (ICR 5102.1.1).; Vertical drop: 100–250 m at Level A (ICR 5102.1.1).; Average course angle: 7°–11° (about 12–20%) at Level A (ICR 5102.1.1).
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the width of 19-22 meters is for each lane individually, leading to misunderstandings about how many lanes can fit within the total 150-meter length requirement for a course. The confusion arises because this rule specifies overall dimensions for the entire SBX run, not individual lanes within it.
Course: 400–700 m long with 100–200 m of vertical drop and an average angle of 16° (+/- 2°) (ICR 6102.2).; Gates: About 22–26 gates are recommended, set 20–25 m apart turning pole to turning pole (22–24 m recommended). The two courses are set 9–12 m apart (ICR 6102.2, 6104.3.2, 6104.3.3).; Course...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the 150-meter length for the playing area in PGS is a fixed measurement from one end of the course to the other, but actually, it refers to the total length encompassing both parallel runs combined, which can vary based on where the start gates are positioned along their respective slopes.
Halfpipe / Slopestyle / Big Air: Individual runs in heats. The standard World Cup and major-event final has 10–12 men and 6–12 women (ICR 3501.2).; Snowboard Cross: Knockout heats of 4 or 6 riders (ICR 5502.1). Qualification can be timed runs, seeding runs, qualification heat rounds, 3-heats qual...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only one TD is needed for a whole competition, forgetting that each discipline requires its own dedicated TD to oversee equipment inspections and venue compliance specifically within their category. The confusion arises because they overlook how this rule allows for specialized oversight in disciplines like parallel giant slalom versus halfpipe.
Halfpipe / Slopestyle / Big Air: At World Cups there are at least 6 scoring judges plus a Head Judge (ICR 3311.7.2), and 6–9 scoring judges plus a Head Judge at the Olympics and World Championships (ICR 3311.7.1). Each judge scores 0–100 without decimals (ICR 3403). With 6 or more scoring judges ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only the Chief of Competition is in charge during an event, overlooking the crucial role of the Technical Delegate (TD) who certifies the venue and ensures all equipment meets ICR standards. This oversight can lead to misunderstandings about whose responsibilities take precedence on the day of competition.
The competition is run by a Jury that includes an FIS Technical Delegate (TD). A Chief of Competition manages event logistics.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only TDs are responsible for checking equipment at venues, forgetting that Chief of Competitions also oversee logistics, leading to misunderstandings about whose job it is to ensure all equipment meets ICR rules.
Competitions run in heats through Qualification, an optional Semifinal and a Final (ICR 3501). For a phase to count as a result, at least 2 runs must be completed (ICR 3502).
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only the fastest runs qualify for seeding in halfpipe competitions, which leads them to believe they should focus solely on speed. However, the official verdict clarifies that a timed solo qualification run is used to determine seedings, but it's not the only factor; other aspects like artistic merit also play into placement within the elimination bracket heats.
The same heat and run formats as halfpipe apply: at least 2 runs per phase, ranked on the best score (ICR 3502). Athletes choose their own line through the course, selecting which features to hit and in what order.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in slopestyle snowboarding qualification runs are purely for scoring points rather than determining seeding for heats, but actually, these runs are crucial as they establish which athletes will compete directly against each other in elimination heats based on their scores from this initial run.
Big Air can use a "best 2 out of 3" format in which the two counting tricks must be different (ICR 3502.3.1). At the Team Captains' meeting the Jury chooses which variety version applies.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in the Big Air qualification runs, their score determines seeding directly for the competition rounds, which is a common misconception. Actually, it's the timed run that decides seedings, with the scores from this run used to place athletes into elimination heats based on ranking, not as direct competitors' scores affecting their own placement.
A qualification phase is followed by a knockout final (ICR 5500.1). Finals are run in 4-person or 6-person heats.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in snowboard cross (SBX), all athletes start together at once for their qualification run, which leads to a scramble and confusion about who goes when. In reality, each athlete has their own timed run first, then they're placed into heats based on their qualifying time, not necessarily starting times, leading to less chaos and more strategic racing.
Qualification has two runs. In the first run odd numbers ride the red course and even numbers the blue course, and the top 16 per course advance.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in each round of the elimination bracket, only two athletes race at a time on both parallel courses simultaneously, but actually, they race individually against their opponents from the qualifying run, with results determining who races where and when. Confusion arises because the rule doesn't specify how these individual matches are conducted within rounds.
Each judge scores each run 0–100 without decimals. Any calculated score is truncated to two decimal places (ICR 3403).
Why people argue about this
People often assume that each judge's score is averaged out to determine a final score, leading them to believe in a more traditional 0-10 scale system. However, they misunderstand that the six judges' scores are simply added together on this 0-100 scale directly, which can lead to wildly different final scores depending on how harshly or leniently each judge scored.
In the best 2 out of 3 format, the two counting tricks must be different. If a competitor performs the same type of trick two or more times in the same phase, only the highest-scored one counts.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that they can only choose two runs regardless of their rotation or trick type, leading to confusion about how the scoring works when both criteria must be met simultaneously—different rotations AND different tricks. The rule's specificity on needing distinct elements makes it tricky for some athletes and spectators to grasp intuitively.
SBX: finish order in each heat decides who advances — no scoring (ICR 5407.1.1, 5502.1). PGS: in two-run finals the time differences of the two runs are added, each capped at the penalty time (ICR 6504.3.2).
Why people argue about this
People think that in SBX, they should compete against each other head-to-head like skiing events, but actually, it's about finishing order only - no scoring is given based on who finishes first or last. For PGS, people often misunderstand that their combined time from both runs decides advancement; instead, it's the fastest run score that counts for qualifying and deciding placements.
In judged events, tied competitors receive the same rank. The competitor with the higher start number is listed first (ICR 3503).
Why people argue about this
People think they only compare the second-best run in SBX events too, forgetting about simultaneous finishes where qualification seeding comes into play instead of individual scores. The confusion arises because the rule specifies different tiebreakers for judged and SBX events, which isn't always clearly communicated or understood by all athletes.
Official warning (WRG): For an intentional action with involuntary interference, or an unintentional action with accidental interference, where the consequence is not severe (ICR 5404.2.1.3). A second warning in the same competition becomes a Yellow Card (ICR 5404.3.1).; RAL: For an unintentional...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only equipment issues found during a run result in disqualification or annulment of results, overlooking the fact that inspections can happen at any time before or after the race, leading to confusion about when and how their gear could be scrutinized.
SBX: A rider who does not pass a gate correctly receives a DNF and may not continue through further gates (ICR 5401.3).; PGS: A gate is passed correctly when at least the front foot is fixed in the bindings and the entire board crosses the gate line outside the turning pole (ICR 6401.1). In a two...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that gate violations are about boards hitting gates directly, when in fact, they're concerned with equipment compliance issues like board length, leashes, and helmets failing safety standards — leading to a lot of debate over what exactly constitutes a 'gate violation' under this rule.
The Jury may disqualify or sanction a competitor who does not wear an acceptable helmet or the official start number, or who violates any FIS equipment rule (ICR 2025.4). Boards shorter than the minimum (PGS) and missing leashes are equipment violations.
Why people argue about this
People think that they can get away with having non-compliant equipment as long as their run hasn't started yet, but the rule actually states inspections can happen at any time during competition, meaning boards shorter than minimum could still disqualify them even if they haven’t ridden yet.
Not being ready to start on time, or making a false start, can be sanctioned by the Jury (ICR 2024.5, 2024.6).; Unsportsmanlike conduct or verbal abuse: yellow card, disqualification, or suspension at the jury's discretion.; Doping: per FIS Anti-Doping Rules and WADA Code. Violations result in di...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a Red card in SBX is only for physical contact between competitors, forgetting that it can also be given for creating safety hazards through dangerous riding techniques or maneuvers, even if no actual contact occurs. They overlook how the rule extends beyond direct collisions to encompass risky stunts and moves that endanger others on the course.
The Jury must formally approve the course before the first Official Training. A Jury member inspects the course before each day's training and periodically during the competition (ICR 3605).
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the Jury only needs to approve the course once at the beginning of the competition, which leads them to argue about why it's inspected multiple times throughout the event. Actually, the rule mandates periodic inspections by the Jury to ensure safety and compliance with regulations as conditions change on the snow.
The halfpipe must have compact, consistent snow in the walls and be ready for training at least one day before the first scheduled session (ICR 3102.2.2).; Park and pipe courses must be entirely closed off by barriers. In critical places, the Jury may require safety installations such as mattress...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the snow conditions for a halfpipe are solely about compactness and consistency, forgetting that visibility is crucial for safety in such steep terrain. The confusion arises because they overlook how poor snow conditions can lead to hidden hazards like buried obstacles or icy patches, which could be deadly during high-speed runs.
Before the first official training on each competition day, a course inspection is held for coaches and competitors, sliding down the course without riding the features. Teams can then raise concerns with the Jury (ICR 3606).
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the course inspection is only for identifying hazards like moguls or jumps that could cause injuries, but in reality, it's about checking if the features are set up correctly according to the competition rules and standards, which can lead to disagreements on whether certain features meet the required specifications.
Big Air and Halfpipe events are frequently held under artificial lighting for spectator appeal and broadcast scheduling. The light level anywhere on the course may not be less than 80 lux (ICR 2034.2.1).
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the artificial lighting in big air and halfpipe events is solely for aesthetic reasons, but they overlook the technical aspect: the rule ensures a minimum light level of 80 lux to maintain fair competition conditions, ensuring judges can see clearly during night events.
FIS enforces anti-doping rules per the WADA Code. In-competition and out-of-competition testing is conducted at all World Cup, World Championship, and Olympic snowboard events.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that anti-doping tests are only conducted randomly at snowboard events, when in fact they happen both randomly and during out-of-competition periods as well, which can lead to misunderstandings about when athletes might be tested.
Halfpipe / Slopestyle / Big Air: No minimum board length. Athletes choose boards suited to their height, weight, and riding style. Typical lengths range from 148–162 cm. Boards are twin-tipped (symmetrical nose and tail) for switch riding.; Snowboard Cross: No minimum length. Boards are direction...
Why people argue about this
People often argue that snowboard cross boards must be exactly 157-165 cm long, forgetting that these are just typical lengths for directional boards in the event. The confusion arises because they assume this is a hard and fast rule rather than a general guideline based on common practice and performance characteristics.
Size: Level A competitions (OWG, WSC, WJC, WC, YOG) use a 22 ft / 6.7 m pipe; Level B uses 18 ft and Level C 15 ft (ICR 3102.2.1).; Length: A 22 ft pipe must have at least 160 m of rideable length, 170 m recommended (ICR 3102.2.1).; Width: At least 19.0 m from coping to coping on a 22 ft pipe, wi...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the 150 m halfpipe length is just for showjumping events, overlooking that it's crucial for all snowboard disciplines requiring a pipe, like slopestyle or big air. They also misunderstand the 30 m width as merely aesthetic, failing to grasp how critical this dimension is in ensuring proper landing and takeoff angles necessary for executing tricks safely and effectively.
The competition is run by a Jury that includes an FIS Technical Delegate (TD). A Chief of Competition manages event logistics.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only TDs are responsible for venue certification and equipment inspections in snowboarding competitions, overlooking the role of the Chief of Competition who oversees event logistics as well. This leads to misunderstandings about whose job it is to ensure everything complies with ICR rules.
Big Air can use a "best 2 out of 3" format in which the two counting tricks must be different (ICR 3502.3.1). At the Team Captains' meeting the Jury chooses which variety version applies.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in FIS snowboard events, only the fastest run determines seeding for qualification runs, which leads to misunderstandings about how eliminations work in heats. In reality, while speed is crucial, the official bracket system also considers other factors like style and technique, not just time, when placing athletes into 4- or sometimes 6-rider heats for elimination rounds.
Each judge scores each run 0–100 without decimals. Any calculated score is truncated to two decimal places (ICR 3403).
Why people argue about this
People often assume that each judge's score is averaged out to determine a final score for a run, but in fact, all six judges' scores are independently used, with no averaging process applied. This discrepancy leads to confusion because some observers might expect a more democratic scoring system where everyone’s input is equally weighted.
The Jury may disqualify or sanction a competitor who does not wear an acceptable helmet or the official start number, or who violates any FIS equipment rule (ICR 2025.4). Boards shorter than the minimum (PGS) and missing leashes are equipment violations.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that inspections happen only before the race starts, so they argue about equipment found non-compliant during the run itself, thinking it's too late for penalties. However, the official verdict clarifies that equipment can be inspected at any time during competition, not just prior to racing, addressing this misconception directly.
Before the first official training on each competition day, a course inspection is held for coaches and competitors, sliding down the course without riding the features. Teams can then raise concerns with the Jury (ICR 3606).
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the reduced-speed inspection period is only for safety checks, forgetting that by starting the race, they're also agreeing to take responsibility for their own actions on the course, even if it means potentially risking injury or losing points if they don't meet expectations during this initial run.