Start list

Start list is the official competition document for a specific race, training, or run. It lists the racers entered at the start and their assigned start numbers, usually along with other identification and organizational details. In the FIS system, it is created after processing entries and determining the start order according to the applicable rules.

What it includes

The form of the list can vary depending on the level of the competition and the timing system used. Commonly, it includes:

• the name, venue, and date of the event,
• the discipline, category, and designation of the run or training,
• the racer’s start number,
• name, year of birth, and club or country,
• the racer’s identification code, if used,
• points or another value decisive for seeding,
• the planned race start time, or other details set by the organizer.

The start number is usually also the number on the start bib. It determines the racer’s place in the order, but not the exact minute of their start. The actual flow is affected by the start interval, course preparation, a race interruption, or a jury decision. Official FIS documents distinguish, for example, the start list for training, the first run, and the second run.

How the start order is created

In FIS races, classification, drawing, and start order are governed by the FIS International Competition Rules – ICR. The exact procedure depends on the discipline, the level of the competition, the racers’ points, and the additional rules of the relevant series. The claim that the best racer always gets number one therefore does not apply universally: part of the order may be drawn, and some competitions use special seeding rules.

In two-run disciplines, a new start list is issued for the second run, compiled from the results of the first run according to the rule valid for that competition. It may include the reversed order of a designated group of racers. The scope of the reversed order and the conditions for participation cannot be automatically transferred from World Cup races to every club or children’s event. The current rules and race regulations are decisive.

What not to confuse

Entry or list of entered racers does not yet necessarily mean final entry at the start. Start list determines the lineup and order before the run. Results list then records achieved times and statuses such as DNS, DNF, or disqualified. So a competitor can be on the start list but have a result marked as DNS.

A separate term is World Cup Start List – WCSL. It is a points ranking used for seeding in the Alpine World Cup, not the start list for one specific race.

Children’s races and the coach’s view

In children’s races, the order may be based on age groups, points, drawing lots, or the rules of a specific series. Parents and racers should therefore not expect the same system as in FIS races. The key reference is the latest official list issued by the organizer, the event regulations, and the jury’s instructions.

The coach uses the start list to plan course inspection, warm-up runs, equipment checks, and the move to the start. As a training practice, not a competition rule, it is useful to teach a child to know their number and follow a few racers ahead of them. For younger children, an adult must also check the information and allow enough time.

A common mistake is using an old photo of the list from a group chat, confusing the first-run and second-run lists, or assuming that a low number automatically means a better racer. Before the start, always verify the correct discipline, category, run, document version, and the organizer’s current notices.