Section 5: Rules of Play
5.1 Halfpipe
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). The Jury chooses the format: "best of 2" or "best of x" (3 or more runs), ranked on the best single score (ICR 3502.1, 3502.2). A typical run lasts 25–45 seconds and includes 5–7 "hits" (tricks performed on the pipe walls). Athletes drop into the pipe from the deck and alternate between the frontside and backside walls. Judges evaluate execution, difficulty, amplitude, variety and progression (ICR 3402).
5.2 Slopestyle
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. A balanced run demonstrates mastery on both jib features and jumps. Judges score overall impression on a 0–100 scale (ICR 3403, 3403.2). Alternatively, section-by-section judging splits the panel into trick and composition judges (ICR 3403.3).
5.3 Big Air
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. In the Clockwise / Counterclockwise version, clockwise and counterclockwise rotations count as different tricks. In the 2 of 4 Directions version, snowboard tricks are classed as frontside, backside, switch backside and switch frontside (ICR 3502.3.1). This rule prevents athletes from simply repeating their best trick and rewards versatility.
5.4 Snowboard Cross (SBX)
A qualification phase is followed by a knockout final (ICR 5500.1). Finals are run in 4-person or 6-person heats. The top 2 (4 per heat) or top 3 (6 per heat) advance from phase to phase (ICR 5502.1). Rank in each heat is decided by the first part of the body or the snowboard to cross the finish line (ICR 5407.1.1). Contact is common in snowboard cross, but the Jury sanctions interference such as pulling, pushing or blocking with hand or arm, contact from the side or behind, and line deviation (ICR 5404.1, 5404.1.2). A rider who does not finish but is ranked in the top 2 (4-person heats) or top 3 (6-person heats) still advances (ICR 5407.3.1).
5.5 Parallel Giant Slalom (PGS)
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. Riders swap courses for the second run, and the total time of both runs decides the top 16 for the finals (ICR 6504.1.1, 6504.1.2). In a two-run knockout final, each pair races twice, switching courses after the first run. The time differences of the two runs are added, each run capped at the penalty time (4% of the best qualification time, max. 1.5 s), and the rider with the lower total advances (ICR 6504.3.2, 6504.3.2.3). A single-run knockout format may be used instead (ICR 6504.3.3). The bracket runs through the 1/8-finals, 1/4-finals, 1/2-finals, and small and big finals (ICR 6504.3).