Start Of Ski Races

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29901, 15 August 1962, Page 13

Start Of Ski Races

The disqualification of four top Canterbury skiers from starting in the South Island downhill championship last week-end because they were late in reporting to the starter involves several problems in the sport The responsibility of the racer is to be ready to race at the time appointed, which normally follows the list of seedings, with one-minute intervals timed from the course-opener’s run. The international regulations covering the downhill event give tne starter the right to disqualify those who are late, although he may accept as an excuse lateness through unavoid-’ able circumstances and start late arrivals at half-inter-vals between subsequent seedings. A tow failure or a broken binding could provide such a reasonable excuse. However, there seems little justification in advancing the starting times of racers to fill the gaps left by late arrivals, as was done at Coronet Peak. It prevented one racer from competing, although he was ready to race at the time implied by his seeding. The race committee at the protest meeting after the race had a difficult decision to make, and it did make it in all sincerity, without being influenced by the ranking of the skiers concerned and the high places they had gained in the slalom. The result, however, has caused some problems. The combined championship, which is a balanced scoring of the times recorded in both the downhill and slalom events, has been awarded and will be one of the bases used for grading skiers, for start licences. Team selection could also be involved. Few skiers like to wait around the starting point until their number is called. The tension builds up and on a cold day it is best to keep moving and keep the muscles warm and active. While lateness should not be condoned—the Starter has a difficult job—some latitude might be given if starting times are being advanced.