Race Rules

Like any organized sport or competition, we have a bunch of rules that we follow to keep the races safe and fun for everyone.

A brief summary of the basic competition rules follows. For complete details, refer to the USSA Alpine Masters Competition Guide, published annually by USSA and available online from the USSA Masters web site.

Masters Racer Eligibility

·        To participate in USSA masters events, athletes must be:
at least 21 years old and hold a USSA Masters membership, or,

·         be between the ages of 21 and 24 and hold a USSA Student membership, or,

·        be at least 21 years old and purchase a temporary USSA membership which is good for one weekend of racing. This membership option can be purchased for a maximum of two events before a full membership must be purchased, or,

·        be between the ages of 18 and 20, not hold a USSA Competitor membership or a USSA Student membership, and purchase a temporary USSA membership.

·        your age is computed as of Dec. 31 of the current winter season.

·        You must carry primary medical insurance for USSA membership.
(Why do they make this stuff so complicated?)

Equipment Requirements

·        USSA requires all competitors in GS, SG and DH events to wear a helmet.

·        Most racers wear downhill (speed) suits because they love to shave seconds off their time, they enjoy freezing in the cold, and they look really cool. The suit isn’t required, but you’ll feel a lot better freezing along with the rest of us.

·        The maximum height between the bottom of the running surface of the ski and the ski boot sole is 55mm.

·        The maximum boot sole thickness for all competitors for FIS and USSA events is 45 mm.

·        Ski length minimums are not enforced at USSA masters races; however, they are enforced at FIS (International) races.

Classes and Start Order

·         Age classes span 5-year ranges (21-24, 25-29, 30-34, etc). Start order is generally oldest to youngest, women before men, with all 70+ classes starting before all others.

·         Your age class is determined for the duration of a competition season (Nov-Jun) by your age on Dec. 31 of the competition season.

·         First run start order is by random draw within an age class.

·         Second run start order is by reverse first-run-finish time, i.e., fastest to slowest within an age class. First run DNF/DSQ's may run at the end of their age class, subject to the race jury assessment that course conditions will not be adversely affected for qualified competitors.

Race Rules

·         Course setting follows the standard USSA masters rules for each discipline. The general guideline is that courses should be set for the typical, good, 45 year-old racer, and be such that a 70 year-old racer can negotiate it safely.

·         If you lose a ski, you may not continue. If you miss a gate (and don't hike back), you are disqualified and may not continue to ski the course.

·         If you miss a gate and hike back, you must give way if in so doing you will interfere with the next racer. Be fair to your fellow competitors! This is especially critical for safety reasons in speed events.

·         In general, course inspection should be from outside the course. At the discretion of the race jury, course inspection may be permitted by slow side slipping beside the course.

·         Shadowing or high speed inspection through the course is not allowed and cause for disqualification, for reasons of both fairness and safety.

·         Free skiing on the race hill is not allowed and should be discouraged by the organizers, the officials, and the members. Find an adjacent slope for your warm up runs and save the race hill for our course.

Awards

·         We have opted to do draw names for donated equipment and prizes at each race, rather than give trophies, mugs, etc. We read results and recognize the top 3 competitors in each age class. Then we enjoy ample food and refreshments.

·         Season awards are given to the top 3 competitors in each age class to racers who compete in a minimum number of races.

USSA Masters' Age Classes