Key decisions from SB, FS and FK Committee spring meetings

FIS Spring Meetings and Calendar Conference

The 2019 FIS spring meetings and calendar conference took place in Cavtat-Dubrovnik (CRO) from May 27-31, with the Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski Committee and all subcommittees converging to review developments observed in the 2018/19 competition season, present proposals, rule changes, and calendars for 2019/20 World Cup and Continental Cup tours, and continue to chart the best course forward for our sports.

General info

The Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski Committee reviewed reports from the various sub-committees reflecting on the 2018/9 World Cup, Continental Cups, FIS Junior World Championships and the Utah 2019 World Championships, with largely positive feedback on all fronts.  Looking ahead to the 2019/20 competition season, as well as upcoming world championships in Zhangjiakou/Genting Resort 2021 (CHN) and 2023 Bakuriani (GEO), it was agreed that there is strong momentum and much to build on.

The 2019/20 World Cup and various Continental Cup calendars were presented, as well as a long term events programme. Furthermore, the detailed competition programme for the Zhangjiakou/Genting Resort 2021 world championships was approved by the FIS Council, and will take place from February 18-28, 2021.

In more world championships news, the FIS Council has also agreed to enter into negotiations with Infront and other interested parties for the broadcast rights for the 2023 and 2025 events, with live streaming of all events being the focal point of the negotiations.

Also, the FIS Council has acknowledged the receipt of the application of Krasnoyarsk (RUS) for the 2025 FIS Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championships.

Revision of the vision with the goal of equity and sustainability - including increasing athletes welfare, reducing event costs, increasing broadcast exposure, as well as exploiting diversity and leverage global exposure.

Reflect on the harmonisation process and assessing the first year of the combined Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski Committee.

Huge workload that has been done to create one combined ICR rule book.

Importance of judges education and course building has been emphasised, in order to increase the quality and efficiency of FIS events on all levels of competitions.

Ski and Snowboard Cross

Heading into the 2018/19 season, the main stated goal for Cross subcommittee was to reduce the number of injuries occurring during in-venue training and competition. 2018/19 proved to be successful in that regard, with no major injuries occurring, due largely to the adaptation of course designs and builds.

Moving forward, the goal utilising available technologies to improve the efficiency of course design and building is a top priority. Full digitalisation of these processes has been tested in Innichen/San Candido (ITA) for the Audi FIS Cross Alps Tour stop, and further implementation for other events is planned in the future.

The most significant rule change agreed upon was the implementation of permanent equipment control on every World Cup stop, beginning next season.

Other proposals include the addition of a ski cross team format competition. The structure for SX team is being prepared, and development will be ongoing through the upcoming months.

Park & Pipe

Top priority in the world of the big air, slopestyle, and halfpipe World Cups is implementing a quota adjustment for the 2019/20 season, with the aim of decreasing the field of athletes. The goal of reduced field sizes is increased event quality, while also allowing organisers for more flexibility for rescheduling in the case of challenging weather conditions or other delays. As well, this development will also indirectly impact the competition level of continental cups.

The video review system introduced in 2018/19 in order to increase the level and accuracy of judging continues to be a subject of discussion, and the system will continue to be refined and developed to allow the World Cup to maintain the highest-quality judging in snow sports.

And, finally, the evolution of the World Snowboard Point List (WSPL) was reviewed and an agreement tabled to compile a similar list for freeski in the future.

Moguls & Aerials

The Moguls and Aerials Subcommittee addressed the new dual moguls scoring system that was introduced at the World Cup level in the 2018/19 season, as well the set of rules and procedures for the aerials mixed team event as we work towards the event’s Olympic debut at the Beijing 2022 Games.

SB Alpine

While no major changes are forthcoming for snowboard alpine during the offseason, the biggest development for Alpine SB can be reflected in the upcoming World Cup calendar. With no major events taking place in 2019/20, 12 various locations will host a total of 35 competitions, good to emphasise an increased interest to host events in Asia - with China, Korea leading the way.

The Alpine Subcommittee reemphasized a commitment to the highest possible quality of events, focused on maintaining and building relationships with the best organisers for World Cup competitions.