ALL ABOUT GATE JUDGING
An Essential Role in Every WIJARA Race
Gate judging is one of the most important volunteer positions at WIJARA ski races. Gate Judges help ensure that racers navigate the course correctly while supporting a safe, fair, and well-organized competition.
You don’t need to be an experienced ski racer to become a Gate Judge. With a little preparation and an understanding of the basic rules, parents and family members can make a valuable contribution.
Sundown Race Team has built a strong reputation within WIJARA for supporting race operations and fulfilling our volunteer responsibilities. That reputation depends on families like yours.
Why We Need Gate Judges
Every WIJARA race requires volunteers stationed along the course to observe racers as they pass through designated gates.
When Sundown hosts a race weekend, we need volunteers for both the younger and older racing divisions. With multiple races scheduled throughout the day, these positions represent a substantial volunteer commitment.
Gate judging is one of the most valuable ways SRT families can support the team and the entire WIJARA racing community.
What Does a Gate Judge Do?
Gate Judges are assigned a section of the racecourse and are responsible for observing racers as they pass through designated gates.
Their primary responsibilities include:
- Watching racers navigate assigned gates.
- Identifying and recording potential gate faults.
- Maintaining awareness of approaching racers and course conditions.
- Reporting course obstructions, damaged gates, and safety concerns.
- Following instructions from the Chief Gate Judge and other race officials.
Gate Judges do not independently disqualify racers. They document potential violations for review by the appropriate officials.
Understanding the Rules
Although WIJARA operates independently of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, its competitions generally follow established alpine racing rules, with certain league-specific modifications.
Gate Judges should follow the instructions provided during the race-day officials’ briefing, including any WIJARA-specific procedures.
We strongly encourage all volunteers to review the available training materials before their assigned race day.
Gate Judge Training Resources
U.S. Ski & Snowboard provides educational materials covering alpine racing rules, gate judging, and racecourse procedures.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard — Alpine Officials Education
Visit the Alpine Competition Officials Education page for current training materials and competition guidance.
We also recommend reviewing the Gate Judge training video provided by U.S. Ski & Snowboard.
1. SAFETY FIRST
Your Safety and the Racers’ Safety Come First
Gate Judges work close to active racecourses. Always remain alert and maintain awareness of approaching racers.
Choose a Safe Position
Stand where you can clearly observe your assigned gates without interfering with racers or creating a collision hazard.
Remain outside the race line and follow instructions regarding designated safe locations.
If a Racer Crashes
Stay alert for following racers and immediately report any obstruction or safety concern using the procedures established during the officials’ briefing.
Do not enter an active racecourse unless it is safe and you have been instructed or authorized to do so.
If a Racer Is Injured
Notify the appropriate race official or ski patrol immediately.
Do not move an injured racer unless necessary to prevent further immediate danger.
If the Course Becomes Obstructed
Follow the established procedures for warning or stopping approaching racers. Gate Judges should not improvise signals or independently authorize reruns.
Watch for Dangerous Conditions
Report deep ruts, broken gates, equipment left on the course, or other hazards to course maintenance or the appropriate official.
Remember: No race result is more important than the safety of the participants and volunteers.
2. UNDERSTANDING CORRECT GATE PASSAGE
One of the most important responsibilities of a Gate Judge is determining whether a racer has correctly passed the assigned gates.
The Basic Rule
For normal gate passage, the racer’s ski tips and both feet must pass on the correct side of the gate line.
In Slalom, advanced racers often take extremely tight lines and may knock down flexible poles while passing.
Contact with a gate does not automatically mean a racer has committed a fault.
What matters is whether the racer completes the required passage correctly.
What If a Racer Misses a Gate?
A racer may attempt to correct a missed gate when permitted by the applicable rules.
However, the circumstances differ depending on the discipline and competition regulations.
Gate Judges should observe what happens, record any potential fault, and follow the procedures explained during the race-day briefing.
What If a Racer Loses a Ski?
Rules governing continuation after losing a ski depend on the circumstances and applicable competition regulations.
Gate Judges should not instruct a racer to continue or stop solely based on their own interpretation.
Observe, document, and report. Let the appropriate race officials make the determination.
3. DAMAGED OR MISSING GATES
Gates can become loose, bent, broken, or completely dislodged during competition.
If a Gate Is Knocked Loose
Do not enter the race line while another racer is approaching.
Wait for a safe opportunity and follow instructions from course maintenance or race officials.
If a Gate Is Missing
Notify the appropriate race official or course maintenance personnel.
A missing gate may still have an established location that racers are required to navigate correctly.
Gate Judges should document what they observe rather than assume that a missing pole eliminates the gate-passage requirement.
If a Racer Is Obstructed
A racer affected by a course obstruction may be eligible to request a rerun under the applicable rules.
Gate Judges do not independently grant reruns.
Report the circumstances to the appropriate officials so the request can be evaluated.
4. RECORDING GATE FAULTS
Gate Judges may be provided with a gate judging card or other documentation for recording potential faults.
When documenting an incident:
- Identify the racer’s bib number.
- Record the gate number involved.
- Clearly describe or diagram the observed fault.
- Follow the instructions provided by the Chief Gate Judge.
- Report only what you personally observed.
Accuracy matters more than speed.
If you are uncertain whether a fault occurred, communicate that uncertainty rather than guessing.
5. PREPARE FOR A DAY ON THE HILL
Gate Judges may spend several hours outdoors, often standing in one location.
Winter weather can make this more demanding than expected.
Dress for the Conditions
- Wear warm, waterproof, and wind-resistant clothing.
- Dress in multiple insulating layers.
- Bring insulated boots, gloves or mittens, and appropriate headwear.
- Consider hand and foot warmers.
- Bring water and snacks.
- Wear sunscreen and appropriate eye protection.
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Staying warm, comfortable, and alert helps you perform your duties safely and effectively.
6. RACE-DAY EXPECTATIONS
Before heading to your assigned location:
- Check in with the volunteer coordinator or designated race official.
- Attend the Gate Judge briefing.
- Confirm your assigned gates and responsibilities.
- Understand the procedures for reporting faults and safety concerns.
- Know whom to contact if assistance is needed.
- Remain at your assigned position until properly relieved or dismissed.
If you have questions, ask the Chief Gate Judge or another designated official before racing begins.
THANK YOU, SRT FAMILIES!
GREAT RACES REQUIRE GREAT VOLUNTEERS.
WIJARA racing depends on the commitment of parents, guardians, coaches, officials, and volunteers who generously contribute their time throughout the winter.
Sundown Race Team is fortunate to have families who consistently step forward to help make these events possible.
Whether you’re volunteering for the first time or returning for another season, your participation makes a difference.
Thank you for helping us provide a safe, competitive, and rewarding racing experience for our young athletes.
Coach Mya
Sundown Race Team
