SINGLE POLE SLALOM
Dated: Mon. Dec. 7, 2009
The OFSAA Sports Advisory Committee learned recently that many FIS and club races will be adopting the single pole slalom rule for their slalom races this year. The SAC has looked at this and felt that there are some definite benefits. However, the SAC also felt that it might be too early for OFSAA to apply it to this year’s championships. The SAC believes most races will be going to single pole slalom in the future. However, it is a newconcept that is slowly making its way into various levels both internationally and locally. The last thing we would want to create at the OFSAA Championships event is any panic or confusion about the way a race course will be set - especially if it is a new conceptfor a coach or athleteon that particular day. Therefore, we will hold off going to a single pole slalom event for this season and then implement it in the 2010-2011 season.
At the OFSAA coaches’ meeting this February, the single pole slalom will be discussed so that everyone can be prepared for the change which will take place in 2011 by explaining how it would work.
It would be very valuable to all of us if a few regionsgo as far as encouraging aschool to host a single pole slalom event at a local (non-qualifying) slalom race to test out the idea and report back to the committee on howwell both the level 1 and level 2 racers were able to manage the new system.
Below is more information on the Single Pole Slalom:
FROM FIS RULES FOR SINGLE POLE SLALOM: “New 804 Single Pole Slalom
804.2 A Single Pole Slalom has no outside pole, except for the first and the last gate, a delay gate and combinations (hairpin, vertical).
804.3 Where there is no outside pole, both feet and ski tips must have passed the turning pole on the same side, following the natural race line of the slalom. The natural race line is an imaginary line from turning pole to turning pole, which the racer has to cross. If the racer has not correctly passed the natural race line, then he has to climb back up and pass around the missed turning pole. Where there is an outside pole (first and last gate, delay gate and combinations (hairpin, vertical) art. 661.4.1 is valid.”
Advantages:
- less poles required to host a race
- a bit safer (especially if bamboo poles or non-hinged gates are used for outside gates) - less things for an athlete who loses control to run into or attempt to avoid.
- faster re-set for second run (less manpower required to re-set course)
- less confusion for newer athletes looking at a slalom course for first time - less "gate jungle" perception the same could be said for a spectator watching the event from the bottom with little experience.
- anyone that trains slalom uses this format anyway, so the familiarity level from training to race is consistent
- seems to be the way slalom courses will be progressing in the future at all levels
Disadvantages:
- it's new; therefore, there may be a slight learning curve for athletes and coaches
- gate keepers will need to be educated to determine if an athlete passes a gate properly with an outside gate and without. This will add another slight level of competence required and may be a challenge for these volunteers
A note on climbing and correctly making a gate: the only difference is a racer now must go around the turning pole instead of climbing high enough to pass the imaginary line between the two gates.
Good luck with the upcoming season.
Ken Coffin
OFSAA Special Projects Coordinator for Alpine Skiing
Kevin Gosselin
OFSAA Sports Advisory Chairperson and OFSAA Alpine Skiing Championships Convenor