No-Fluor Wax Policy 2022

In line with the decision by the International Ski Federation (FIS) to ban the use of all fluorinated waxes for 2022-2023 and beyond, the Snow Australia Cross Country Committee (SAXC) has introduced a no-fluoro policy for the 2022 Australian winter.

This no-fluor policy is underpinned is an honesty system that relies on all athletes, parents and coaches following the principles of the fair sport. The protocol is supported by all the state committees and teams operating under Snow Australia, including the NSWACT XC Team and Victorian Cross Country Team.

For 2022, the main events covered by the no-fluoro waxing policy are state and national championships. In these events all of the new range of no-fluor products can be used. Fluoro waxes are also prohibited in Interschools events.

"This fluoro wax ban has been flagged for several years now, so shouldn't be a suprise for competitors," said Snow Australian Cross Country Program Director Finn Marsland. "We now have a good opportunity to test the new no-fluor waxes in advance of athletes and teams heading overseas at the end of the year."

Though the new range of non-fluoro waxes may be used in all events, for lower level races SAXC recommends for developing athletes and all national team athletes to focus on their pre-race mental preparation and warm-up on competition days, rather than on glide wax testing and application. The Australian season is a good time for athletes to refine pre-race routines and find their optimal psychological performance zones.