BASICS OF NORDIC RACING RULES

THE RULES

TEMPERATURE
CANCEL OR POSTPONE: 

• Competition >1 minute duration at -4°F 

• All Activity at -20°F for or at -40° Wind Chill

CLASSIC RACE RULES
Skating in a Classic race is not allowed. The penalty for this infraction is disqualification


PACING
No pacing is allowed. Pacing is defined as skiing behind or in front of or alongside of a racer with the intent of controlling or maintaining that racer's tempo. Note: It is not illegal to run on foot alongside the tract shouting encouragement, giving intermediate times and information to racers for maximum distance of 30 meters. In all circumstances the racecourse must be kept clear for all other competitors. The penalty for this infraction is disqualification.


FINISH OF A RACE
The toe of the foot crossing the line is the finish of the race, there aren't torso finishes in Nordic Skiing. In chip timed races, when the chip has been activated on the mat the racer has finished.


TRACKING
When a skier is being overtaken during a Classic race on verbal command they must surrender the track. They are not required to stop, they are just required to give way to the oncoming skier. The penalty for non-compliance is disqualification. There is not tracking within 100-150 meters of the finish line.


RELAY RACE 

Ski teams are made of 2 skiers. Each skier skis 2 laps total, trading off in an exchange between each lap.  Each lap (split) as well as overall times are recorded for records.  First team to cross the finish line is winner. 

EXCHANGE
During a relay race there must be body-to-body contact to exchange, not touching equipment, in the exchange zone.


PURSUIT RACE
Interval Race -- Starter countdown: 5-4-3-2-1

Racers start from a straight line of 8-10 skiers and are sent out in waves, typically 30 seconds apart.  Winner is determined from overall times of each individual skier.  


LENGTH OF RACE
A normal Nordic race is 5km. Special events, such as an invitational may use any length they desire. Make sure all competing teams know the distance of the race in advance. Temperature and course conditions may require the distance to be reduced.


SCORING PROCEDURE
Use a base equal to or greater than the total number of skiers. Fastest skier receives highest point value. Each succeeding skier is scored on a point less. High score wins. Number of skiers scored depends on the conference/race organizer. In section meets it is the top 4.

TIMING
Electronic chip times shall be recorded in all cross-country races to the tenth of a second. Hand timing times shall be recorded to the second.


RACE NUMBERS
When race numbers are provided/requires must be worn and readable. Race numbers will be issued for each event and should be sequential.