Start order

What is start order

Start order is the rules-based sequence in which racers take the start of a specific run or race. It is recorded in the start list and usually corresponds to bib numbers. However, it is not a current or projected results ranking.

Three terms need to be distinguished:

• start order – the sequence of racers at the start,
• start number – the number used to identify the racer,
• start list – the official document with the order and details of the registered racers.

The actual sequence on the course may exceptionally differ from the list, for example after a racer does not appear, a race interruption, or permission for a repeated run. In such a situation, the racer must not place themselves arbitrarily; they follow the instructions of the starter and the jury.

How the order is determined in FIS races

In regular FIS alpine skiing races, the first run is based mainly on current FIS points. The racers with the best points form the first group, usually with up to 15 racers, in which the start numbers are drawn. If there is a points tie at the boundary of the group, the group may be enlarged. The next racers with FIS points follow according to their points ranking, and racers without FIS points start after them in the order determined by draw. A lower number of FIS points means a better points ranking.

So it is not true that the entire start field is always randomly drawn. The draw is used only in the manner and groups defined by the rules of the given competition.

In two-run disciplines, especially slalom and giant slalom, the order of the second run is created from the results of the first run. In the standard reverse thirty (eng. bibbo 30) the 30. racer after the first run starts first, followed by the 29. and so on until the leader. Racers placed after thirtieth place then follow according to the first-run result. Under the conditions set by the rules, the jury may reduce the reverse group to 15 racers.

The World Cup and some top-level events have additional special provisions according to the discipline and the relevant rankings. The order known from a TV broadcast therefore cannot be automatically transferred to regional, youth, or club races.

Children’s and school-age competitions

In children’s races, the schedule and the valid rules of the specific competition decide. The organizer or federation may use a draw, series results, starting groups, rotation of order between races, or another заранее determined method. FIS points used in international adult and junior races should not be confused with the scoring of the children’s cup.

For children, the way the start order is set should be understandable, announced in advance, and the same for comparable groups. However, no start order can guarantee completely equal conditions. The course may get rutted, but it may also improve after preparation; snow, wind, fog, and visibility can all change. A low bib number is therefore not an automatic advantage, and a high number does not mean that the child has no chance of a good result.

Coach’s view

The coach teaches the young skier to find the correct category, name, and number on the list, follow the start progression, and arrive in the start area on time. Warm-up and clothing should be adapted to the approximate start time, not just the beginning of the race.

The start number should not change the technical intent of the run or the child’s mental setup. It is more useful than judging “good” and “bad” numbers to prepare the racer for the current surface, tracks, and visibility. Rules and the jury decide the start order, the right to start, and any changes, not a parent’s or coach’s estimate.