FIS AND USSA RACE EQUIPMENT RULES
One of the major costs involved in alpine ski racing is the equipment. Before you make the investment, please review the material on this page and at the links provided to be sure that the equipment you purchase meets the regulations for USSA races. The information on the USSA web site may be more up to date than what is below and supersedes this site as a reference.
Helmets
All skiers must wear a helmet for practices and races. We recommend hard sided helmets for all aged skiers. They do not have to be FIS compliant until the racer is in the U14 age class. Helmets must cover the head and ears. Helmets with spoilers or edges that stick out are not permitted. Protective features integral to the event being contested, such as chin guards on SL helmets are permitted. Soft ear protection is only permitted for helmets used in SL. All racers must have hard-sided helmets in order to compete in a GS event. Details on helmet requirements are available here.
Athletes U14 and older must use helmets that meet FIS standards for all USSA GS competitions. Helmets designed and
manufactured for ski racing are required for all competitors and forerunners in all USSA events and official training. Helmets
must bear a CE mark and conform to recognized and appropriate standards such as CEH.Din 1077, ASTM F2040, SNELL S98
or RS 98. The CE mark shall be affixed in a non-removable way on the back of the helmet in a visible location not covered by
the goggle strap.
Poles
There are no specific requirements for poles. You may choose to purchase lightweight racing poles specific to the discipline (Slalom or GS) for your skier(s). Pole guards are recommended for U14 and older skiers. Pole Guards fit over the ski pole grip as an added layer of hand protection from race gate impact.
Boots
Each of the age group sections below include any regulations around ski boots for racers by age group. You may find this site helpful for guiding your race boot purchase. Buying Guide for Race Ski Boots on Ski.com
Skis
The type of skis you purchase for your racer will depend on their age (U10-12 | U14 | U16 | U19), height, weight, and skill level. You typically do not need to invest in multiple pairs of skis for children under age 10 (U10). Because of the USSA equipment rules, as your skier gets older, the equipment requirements become more restrictive which makes it difficult to have one set of skis that meets both slalom and giant slalom requirements. Additionally, skiers will be more competitive if they have skis specific to each type of race - shorter skis with more of a side cut to facilitate the quick turns of slalom and longer, faster skis with less of a side cut for Giant Slalom.
Protective equipment
In addition to the chin guards noted under helmets and the pole guards noted under poles, older skiers may need additional protective gear such as arm guards, shin guards, and back protection. This is determined based on the skier's skill and aggressiveness, coach recommendations, and parental preferences.
Used equipment
Many families sell their outgrown equipment, and TRT provides a list of items on the Facebook page. In addition, some families have had luck with SidelineSwap.com, craigslist, or ebay. Please be careful when buying used equipment to be sure it meets current specifications so that your child is not disqualified at a race. We recommend that you verify all equipment purchases with the head coach.
Sizing Considerations:
Source: https://the-raceplace.com/pages/how-to-size-race-skis
- Consult FIS and USSA regulations
- Racer's height to weight ratio - a heavier racer may need a longer ski
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Racer's ability level and preference - more advanced skiers can generally handle longer length skis which can be more stable at higher speeds and have more surface area which makes them glide faster. Shorter skis are easier to turn.
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Growth of the athlete - you may want to consider sizing up a little if you want to get multiple years out of a younger racer's skis, although most coaches agree that skiing on a slightly shorter ski the second year is preferable to skiing on a ski that is too long
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Coach's recommendations
See ski requirements, by age group below.
U10 - U12 RACE SKI GUIDELINES
The USSA Guidelines recommend that U12 and younger athletes should choose skis based upon the recommendations in the Alpine Training System.
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U12 - two pairs (SL, GS), length ski/size appropriate
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U10 - one pair (multi-event), length ski/size appropriate
Junior Race Skis Sizing Chart
Source: https://www.skis.com/Sizing-Guide-for-Race-Skis/sizing-guide-12-1-2012,default,pg.html
U14 RACE SKI GUIDELINES (2017-18)
NOTE: The race jury is empowered to prevent an athlete from starting if equipment is deemed inappropriate for the event being contested, which means, if your equipment does not meet he specifications, you will not be allowed to start. If you have non-compliant equipment, you may be allowed to race, but you will not be allowed to earn a medal.
U16 RACE SKI REGULATIONS
NOTE: The race jury is empowered to prevent an athlete from starting if equipment is deemed inappropriate for the event being contested, which means, if your equipment does not meet he specifications, you will not be allowed to start. If you have non-compliant equipment, you may be allowed to race, but you will not be allowed to earn a medal.
U19 RACE SKI REGULATIONS (2017-18)
NOTE: The race jury is empowered to prevent an athlete from starting if equipment is deemed inappropriate for the event being contested, which means, if your equipment does not meet he specifications, you will not be allowed to start. If you have non-compliant equipment, you may be allowed to race, but you will not be allowed to earn a medal.