A GUIDE TO GATEKEEPING
What is a gate?
A “gate” is the imaginary line joining the points where a pair of gate poles enter the snow.
Note: Not all parts of a course will have an outside pole or for GS Races.
Slalom Course
A gate has been passed correctly when both ski tips and both feet, with mounted skis, have passed across the gate line (the line between inside pole and outside pole). If a racer does not ski through the gate correctly (misses the gate or straddles the turning pole) then he/she may hike back and cross the gate line with both skis and both feet (SL race only!). A traditional “open” gate has no outside pole, thus no imaginary gate line. The racer must ski with both skis and both feet on the same side of the turning pole, following the Natural Race Line of the race course. The remedy for a missed “open” gate is to hike all the way around the turning pole, from either side, and then continue on the Natural Race Line of the course. If the turning pole is knocked out or missing, the racer must still ski in the Natural Race Line, as if the pole was still in place.
GS Course
A gate has been passed correctly when both ski tips and both feet, with mounted skis, have passed across the gate line, the line between the two sets of gates (poles). If a racer does not ski through the gate correctly (misses the gate or straddles the turning pole) then he/she may NOT hike back uphill in a GS race! Note: that in many cases a straddle will cause a crash since there is a flag mounted between the two poles!) Where there is no outside gate, both feet and ski tips must have passed the turning pole of the turning gate on the same side, following the Natural Race Line of the Giant Slalom. If the racer has not correctly followed the Natural Race Line, and would be forced to therefore climb back up and pass around the missed turning gate, they are immediately disqualified and should removed themselves from the race course. If the turning pole is knocked out or missing from the gate, the racer must still ski in the Natural Race Line around the turning pole, as if the turning pole was in place.
Crossing the Finish Line
Cross on both skis, or Cross on one ski, if the loss of the ski occurred after the last two turning gates, or in the case of a fall in the immediate finish area, the time is taken when any part of the competitor’s body or equipment stops the timekeeping system. No binding (ski) release allowed (automatic DQ).
What if a racer misses a gate?
If a racer misses a gate, you should not give any verbal directions unless the racer asks. Never, ever yell “Go Back”. Yell more clearly than spectators, please be commanding. If a racers misses a gate in GS and begins to climb uphill, please instruct the racer that he/she is disqualified and get off the course.
If the racer asks, either yell:
“Go” if there was no fault and point to the gate(s) missed (applies to a Slalom race only), yell “Back”, followed by the color of the missed gate, such as, “Back to Blue” Keep yelling “Back, Back, Back…”
Overtaking
The oncoming racer has the right of way. If an overtake situation develops near your gate, loudly yell “Course”. Instruct the overtaken racer to get off the course. Record this event with both racer’s numbers and gate number. Keep your eyes out for interference!
Gate Cards
You may be asked to fill out a gate card, to properly record each athlete’s proper passage through the gates you are “keeping”. Gate cards and instructions on how to fill out a card will be provided.
Staying Comfortable
Dress for any kind of weather to stay warm, prepare for anything you may need while fulfilling this duty.