FIS Rules on Alpine Competition Suits

Alpine Race Suits marked with a metal label, called a “plomb,” are no longer accepted at FIS Alpine events. This includes the ANC being held at Mt Hotham this year. 

In 2015, FIS rules were changed to phase out the plomb and replace it with a label affixed by the manufacturer. Season 2017-18 was the last season where race suits with a plomb were permitted. To assist with this transition, the previous Alpine Director requested an extra season exemption from FIS for the 2018-19 season. This was accepted last year but moving forward race suits must carry the label in those competitions in which certified suits are required.

The official FIS Rule:

606.2.1 For Downhill, Giant Slalom and Super-G competitions at the Olympic Winter Games, FIS World Ski Championships, FIS World Cup, FIS Continental Cups and FIS World Junior Ski Championships competition suits must conform to the Specifications for Alpine Competition Equipment.

606.2.2 The competition suit must have a label attesting conformity with FIS specifications for competition suits.

DH/SG/GS:
Fulfillment of requirements is to be attested by a specific standardized conformity label affixed in a non-removable way at the back of the lower left leg above the top of the ski boot cuff area of the competition suit in a location, which is and shall remain visible during competition. The conformity label shall include the following text:
“Conforms to FIS specifications CS 2015”.

Labels affixed by manufacturers shall comply with the specifications set forth in the attachment. The conformity label attests that the manufacturer and NSA are guaranteeing that the surfaces of the competition suit are not plasticised or treated by any chemical means (gaseous, liquid or solid) and that they have a minimum permeability of 30 (thirty) litres per m2/sec with a measurement tolerance of 3,0 (three) litres per m2/sec.

Both conformity systems, label and plomb systems, will be valid during the transition period until the end of the 2018/19 season.

PLEASE NOTE certified suits are NOT required for the SSA Children’s Carnival.

The National Alpine Committee is working alongside the National Interschools Committee to improve competitor safety and to align the National Interschools Alpine competitions with the national sport. Further information will be available through the National Interschools Committee.