11 October 2019

32nd Meeting of the FIS Alpine Sub-Committee for Youth & Children’s Questions Experts Group) Dear Ski Friends: Thank you very much for your valuable contribution to our meeting in Zurich (SUI). Please find enclosed minutes of the meeting of the Alpine Youth and Children´s Sub-Committee (Experts Group). You are kindly asked to send any remarks to these minutes to the FIS Office in Oberhofen within two weeks. May I take this opportunity to wish you a successful winter to those members from the Northern Hemisphere and a pleasant summer to those from the southern Hemisphere.

INTERNATIONAL SKI FEDERATION

Ken Read Chair (sent by e-mail)

To the: - Members of the Alpine Youth & Children s Sub-Committee - Chairman of the Children’s Race Organisers Committee - Representative of SRS For information to: - Gian Franco Kasper, FIS President - Sarah Lewis, FIS Secretary General - Bernhard Russi, Chairman Alpine Committee - Jeff Weinman, Chairman Classifications Sub-Committee - Michael Huber, Chairman Rules Sub-Committee FIS Staff - Janez Fleré, Alpine Technical and Administrative Coordinator - Peter Gerdol, Continental Cup Coordinator - Jordi Pujol, Continental Cup Coordinator - Andrew Cholinski, Coordinator Bring Children to the Snow

INTERNATIONAL SKI FEDERATION

Blochstrasse 2

3653 Oberhofen/Thunersee

Switzerland

Tel +41 33 244 61 61

Fax +41 33 244 61 71

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INTERNATIONAL SKI FEDERATION Sub-committee for Alpine Youth & Children’s´ Questions Invitation Meeting Sub-Committee for Youth & Children’s´ Questions (Experts Group) Thursday, 3

rd October 2019, 13:00 – 16:30, Meeting Room: “Panorama C”

AGENDA 1. Welcome, opening of the meeting and Roll Call of Members present 2. Approval of the Agenda 3. Report of the Chair

3.1. Introduce Jordi Pujol, Continental/EC Coordinator 4. Review of the previous meetings and minutes

4.1. 31st Meeting, Alpine Youth & Children's Sub-Committee Cavtat-Dubrovnik (CRO)

5. Reports from Special Groups 5.1. Equipment/SRS

Report from SRS: Rudi Huber 5.2. FIS Children’s Race Organisers Committee:

Report from Children’s Race Organisers Committee Calendars – any changes will be circulated at meeting, or in minutes

5.3. FIS Medical Committee (Dr. Jenny Shute) 5.4. SnowSafe Policy (Dr. Jenny Shute/Andrew Cholinski)

Update

6. Special Presentation: 6.1. ARG: - Present a project introducing the parallel to U16 athletes speed training and

racing. (Martin Begino) 6.2. Future Presentations: Spring/2020: SVK will present a project with speed and parallel.

7. Proposals/Discussion:

7.1. Age of FIS participation (Chip Knight) – discussion to review any future change to the age of FIS participation.

7.2. Tabled from spring: SWE Proposal U14 and U16 competitors included for FIS Registration.

8. FIS Alpine Junior World Ski Championships (Wim Roussel)

8.1. 2020 – Narvik (NOR) – March 4-14, 2020 – Presentation by Organising Committee 8.2. 2021 – Bansko (BUL) – update 8.3. 2022 – Panorama (CAN) – update 8.4. 2023 – Hinterstoder (AUT) – update 8.5. Update on future candidates

9. Other Youth Competitions

9.1. 2020 Youth Olympic Winter Games – Lausanne (SUI)

10. FIS Update/Promotion and Development (Andrew Cholinski) 10.1. FIS Youth Seminar 10.2. FIS Snow Day (January 20, 2019) 10.3. FIS Snowkidz

11. Varia/New Business/Questions 12. Next Meetings/Gathering:

12.1. Informal Gathering: Narvik (NOR) – meeting announced on-site 12.2. FIS Congress: Royal Cliff (THA) – 24 to 30 May 2020

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INTERNATIONAL SKI FEDERATION Sub-committee for Alpine Youth & Children’s´ Questions 32

nd Meeting Sub-Committee for Youth & Children’s´ Questions (Experts Group)

Thursday, 3rd

October 2019, 13:00 – 16:30, Meeting Room: “Panorama C” ATTENDANCE

Chair: Ken Read (CAN) Vice Chair: Gert Ehn (AUT) Experts Group: Bostjan Anderlic (SLO); Martin Begino (ARG); Olle Danielsson (SWE); Andreas Ertl (GER); Hans Flatscher (SUI); Kiyotaka Kato (JPN); Olga Krizova-Charvatova (CZE); Andrea Bell Pedersen (NOR); Jenny Shute (GBR; Medical Liaison)

Committee members in attendance: Radovan Cagala (SVK); Jelena Dojcinovic (BIH); Dinars Dorss (LAT); Sophia Gritsi (GRE); Jaana Karhila-Rasanen (FIN); Rajko Kosic (MNE); Roberto Lorenzi (ITA); Henrik Oksholm (DEN); Jacques Pastor (MON); Fiona Stevens (NZL); Carles Visa (AND); Ivan Vucinic (CRO) Replacements: GALINIER Jean-Louis, for Pierre Bornat, (FRA); GAJEWSKI Wojciech, for Jan Winkiel (POL); PIROLA Stefano for Rainer Grob (CHI);

FIS: Wim Rossel, Wim; Jordi Pujol; Andrew Cholinski

SRS: Rudi Huber YOG Lausanne 2020: Simone Righenzi Narvik 2020: Erik Plener; Toni Franz; Linda Bogholm Kolloen; John Christian Eriksson Children’s Race Organisers: Hans-Peter Carlson (SWE) Guests: Marina Angelo SUI; Suresh Azmal IND; Milan Bosic SRB; Lorenzo Conci ITA; Marek Didek SVK; Jana Gantnerova SVK; Christian Greber AUT; Anne-Chantal Pigelet-Grevy FRA; Petra Kronberger AUT; Karin Sundberg SWE; Anders Sundqvist SWE; Tommi Viivret FIN; Matjaz Vrecl SLO; Hlebayna Walter AUT; Stefan Havnelid NOR MINUTES

1. Welcome, opening of the meeting and Roll Call of Members present (Chair) Chairman Ken Read welcomed members and guests to the meeting, and the Secretary took the Roll Call of Members present.

2. Approval of the Agenda The agenda was approved as circulated.

3. Report of the Chair (Ken Read) 3.1. Introduce Jordi Pujol, Continental & EC Women Coordinator (Wim Rossel now working with

Men’s Europa Cup) 3.2. Report of the Chair: The Chair focused on the crisis that is developing in the speed events, in

particular downhill, with declining participation and competence despite nearly 10 years of revisions to technical specifications to make the speed events more accessible and available. Urgent steps are required to continue to address needed technical or rule changes, to ensure the skills of speed are included in course design and NSA’s train coaches to properly guide and manage competitors in the speed events.

Action at the FIS, ENL and U16 levels is needed. The full statement of the Chair is attached to the minutes as Annex 1.

4. Review of Previous Meetings and Minutes

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4.1. Meeting of the 31st Alpine Youth & Sub-Committee in Cavtat-Dubrovnik (CRO) – the minutes were approved.

5. Reports from Special Groups

5.1. Equipment/SRS: Report from SRS: Rudi Huber – Head of Ski Race suppliers – no update, but happy to answer questions.

5.2. FIS Children’s Race Organisers Group: 35th Meeting in Ricky CZE September 2019. Chair

Hans-Peter Carlson presented some statistics. Last season, 24 nations hosted events; 70 nations competed. A commercial rights project has commenced. Calendars – any changes will be circulated along with the minutes. Challenging calendar issues had been addressed. New member was welcomed to the group – Japan Cup/Nastar. New Honorary member had been appointed - former Secretary Marisa Ruatti. The group was overall not in favour of age range reversal.

5.3. FIS Medical Committee (Dr. Jenny Shute): requested any feedback or statistics for injuries in

case of age range reversal; will be discussed at Medical Committee meeting tomorrow. A reminder to take concussion seriously, especially as recovery is known to take longer in youth and children

5.4. Snow Safe Policy (Dr. Jenny Shute/Andrew Cholinski): An update to the Snow Safe Policy had

been presented at the Youth Seminar. A reminder that all NSAs are expected to have policies and procedures in place by end 2019. This will remain on the agenda at each meeting. The Children’s Alpine competitions will adopt a statement and policy, as will World Junior Championship organisers.

The Chair advised the Sub-Committee that reporting on Snow Safe will now be a standing Agenda item.

6. Best Practices / Knowledge Exchange: 6.1. ARG: - Martin Begino presented a project introducing parallel to U16 athletes, also covering

speed training and racing. 6.2. Future Presentations: Spring/2020: SVK will present a project with speed and parallel.

7. Proposals/Discussion 7.1. Age of FIS participation (Chip Knight): discussion to review any future change to the age of

FIS participation. No proposals to date. 1997 YoB were first group to be held back. Shortly afterwards, the restriction of the number of technical starts in first year FIS was removed. Original goals - Promote LTAD, reduce injuries, keep costs down as athletes will in general be closer to home. In USA, there has been a decline in FIS registrations, and less density of FIS competitions in remote areas; reduction in race field sizes; reduced speed participation. Also noted retention of U16 athletes, but loss of U18/older athletes (probably because of educational challenges which are specific to USA at this age). CAN – increased FIS membership over and above prior to 2012, for various reasons, though with 40% drop in regions that are geographically more remote. FRA, USA, FIN, AUT, SUI, SLO – worse fit with education; ISL, GBR, CRO, IRE, better fit. Number of FIS racers in JPN has dropped, though number of races has increased. Last time voted, roughly 50/50. A gender split (age range reduction for women, men to stay the same) would be ideal, but is impractical. Must look for solutions. For example, could last year childrens try a limited number of FIS events? Top end Juniors (U21) will definitely not change. Appeal for injury figures from any nations that are available. JS will also chase through FIS Medical Committee. Other changes in FIS may be responsible for decrease in numbers. Snow preparation, VD, equipment changes – multifactorial.

7.2. Tabled from spring: SWE Proposal U14 and U16 competitors included for FIS Registration.

FIS prefers to not take a decision.

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7.3 Art. 1001.1.4. Entry League Races (ENL) – a proposal to reduce the lowest permissible VD for ENL SG competitions from 350m to 300. This had been tabled to the Spring meeting by Rules Committee, no additional comments here.

8. FIS Alpine Junior World Ski Championships (Jordi Pujol)

8.1. – 2020 Narvik (NOR): 4-14 March, 2020: Presentation by Organising Committee - 3 nearby airports. 6 hotels, all very close. Lunch near slopes. Hotels allocated by date of registration. The Grand Hotel is also the location of race office. Contacts and all information available at www.narvik2020.no

8.2. – 2021 Bansko (BUL): 1-11 March 2021. Venue confirmed. Inspection next week.

8.3. – 2022 Panorama (CAN): 1-12 March, 2022; No report. Venue inspection in spring/20.

8.4. – 2023 Hinterstoder (AUT): No report.

8.5. – Future candidates: Interest indicated from Sakhalin (RUS); if NSA’s wish to propose a candidate, contact the FIS Office and Jordi Pujol.

9. Other Youth Competitions

9.1. 2020 Youth Olympic Winter Games – Lausanne (SUI): Simone Righenzi presented the 2020 plan to use existing venues; travel times will be long (70km to Les Diablerets); all stay in Lausanne athletes’ village. 8km of corridors/ramps. This is necessary to fully experience the games. Sport promotion is important – “Lausanne en Jeu”, 2-week festival at every competition site. Two waves of athletes for the first time. Not much time or appropriate snow conditions for training. The races will be held on the refurbished former WC slope in Les Diablerets. This is only slope with artificial snow, hence limited training opportunities. VAP system, so NSAs can bring own car/vans, need permit – can also book additional accredited staff into local hotels.

10. FIS Update/Promotion and Development (Andrew Cholinski):

New initiative ‘Project Play’ in Lebanon, in conjunction with Right to Play. FIS Snow Day (January 19, 2020) – 82 events, 30 countries already registered. FIS Snowkidz – FIS safety animations freely available. Snowkidz awards 2020 - evolution criteria added; communications efforts rewarded; new judge this time. Top 8 announced online, top 3 in THA. Eco-friendly materials distributed free of charge. Essential to produce report. The Chair thanked all the FIS staff for their great work with these various FIS promotion activities and for the promotion of Snowsports

11. Various / New Business: None

12. Next Meetings/Gathering: 12.1. Informal Gathering: Narvik (NOR) meeting announced on-site 12.2. FIS Congress: Royal Cliff (THA) 17

to 23

May 2020

The Chair proposed thanks to Jenny Shute for the minutes, and best wishes to all race organisers for a successful winter season in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 17:30.

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Attachments

Report of the Chair – Autumn/2019

2019-20 FIS Children’s Race Organisers calendar (attached – separate file)

2020-21 FIS Children’s Race Organisers calendar (attached – separate file)

FIS Age Change Report (Chip Knight-USA) (attached – separate file)

Report of the Chair - Zurich

Welcome to the 32nd

meeting of the subcommittee: Experts Group – all members of the subcommittee are welcome to attend and participate, as is our practice.

As we move into the northern Hemisphere winter season, I felt it is my responsibility as your Chair to bring to your attention what I am prepared to call “a crisis”. I’ m speaking of our speed events – downhill and super G – but more specifically downhill. Our Sub-Committee has been hosting information sharing and giving profile to speed projects and initiatives for several years now. The alpine committee has been supportive of rule changes to ease vertical drop as well as encouraging events such as the alpine combined, 2-run downhills and ENL downhills – all to promote participation. But the result, after nearly 10 years, is not positive. At the 2019 Junior World Ski Championships, there were only 30 athletes at the start in the women’s DH. Roughly half the field – 15 – were competitive, the rest capable but learning. I have been on the mountain at COC speed events with fields of less than 20 competitors. I am hearing from the members of this subcommittee, the challenges to run speed events for very small fields – resorts are not willing to invest for so few. Quite frankly – and to be completely honest – if we care about the future of downhill, we need to declare we have a crisis and start – today – with a new approach, a new way of encouraging our competitors. I think we need to acknowledge the cost to set up and maintain speed tracks is enormous, so we need to collectively decide which venues we support and how we assist these or organisers. We need to figure out ways to make speed cost effective for individuals and for teams. We need to collectively agree to train our coaches – especially younger coaches – of the importance of speed and methods to introduce these events. And we need to always ensure our speed venues are safe, are challenging but in a way that matches the skill set of the competitors. As a speed competitor in my time, it is painful to see how thin our fields have become and how speed has become irrelevant to far too many coaches. They see it as time consuming and costly – and unnecessary to progress an athlete forward. Yet, on the other hand, I hear many competitors who participate in well run training sessions or racing at U14, U16 and FIS – who get all excited after a run, after a race. The kids still love speed. We need to work hard together to ensure we can tap into this enthusiasm. We know in our subcommittee, that we are the future of our sport. That what happens with competitors in Children’s and Youth events, will eventually emerge at the World Cup and World Championship level. So it is our responsibility to voice our concerns – loudly – boldly – and honestly – to ensure our sport continues to have a healthy base.

DRAFT CALENDAR 2022/2023

Vratna Interkriterium Vratna (SVK) 23-25 January Ricky v Orl. Horàch Skiinterkriterium FIS (CZE) 27-28 January Ordino Arcalis Trofeu Borrufa (AND) 30 Jan. – 2 February

Stari vrh Pokal Loka (SLO) 11-12 February Zagreb Zagreb Children Fis (CRO) 14-15 February Mokra Gora Fis Children Cup (SRB) 18-19 February Bjelasnica Children for Peace in World (BIH) 21-23 February Naeba Goldwin Japan Cup/ NASTAR RACE 10-12 March

Abetone (PT) Pinocchio sugli Sci (ITA) 30 Mar. – 1 April Val d’Isere La Scara (FRA) TBD Whistler Whistler Cup (CAN) TBD Tärnaby Ingemartrofen (SWE) TBD

Folgaria ALPECIMBRA FIS Children Cup (ITA) TBD

FIS ALPINE SKI RACING AND THE CHANGE OF AGE

Nigel Loring, September 2019

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FIS ALPINE SKI RACING AND THE CHANGE OF AGE

Nigel Loring, September 2019

For nearly one hundred years, the International Ski Federation known as FIS has enjoyed a

tremendous rise in popularity. Since it was formed in 1924 during the first Winter Olympic Games

in Chamonix, France, it is remarkable that the organisation, based in Oberhofen, Switzerland and

manages 6 Olympic Winter sports has been so successful for so long. Coming up on its centennial

in just 5 years, FIS is currently comprised of a 132-member National Ski Associations

representing more than 30’000 licensed and active athletes. It is not surprising that with 12’300

registered alpine skiers and 40 percent of the entire FIS competitive membership, that Alpine’s

status and relative health is of significant interest to the future of the organisation and all

concerned.

By 2010, FIS Alpine ski racing was in its peak with participation numbering over 16’000 athletes

competing at various levels in countries around the world. After a successful Vancouver Winter

Olympic and all-time high competitor number for many nations and their respective FIS race

circuits, a major decision was taken to change the age of entry to this stable and robust population

of alpine ski racers.

The idea had been floated around for a few short years. Various FIS committees and national

associations supported the move. Not all but the notion gained notable popularity in the name of

growth and maturity, skill acquisition, injury prevention, school requirements and so on. A

formalized proposal emerged that as of the 2012/13 season the minimum eligible age of

registration would be raised from 15 to 16. In what many had thought to be a very progressive

move, the motion was ultimately passed by the FIS council. At the time, it was believed this would

likely be a good thing for the reasons mentioned above but also as a means of mitigating the

costs of participation in a sport which is generally considered a privilege of affluent alpine nations.

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World FIS Alpine Compet i tor Populat ion

Women Men

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In the 2012/13 season, with 15-year-old’s no longer eligible to register, the world’s alpine ski

racing population decreased 20 percent for men and 25 percent for women. Shocking as this may

sound, the global reduction of active FIS alpine racers since 2012, roughly 3’700, is likely not that

big a concern as presumably most of those were 15-year-olds and still racing within their own

nation’s or region’s development circuit. In fact, evidence supports that as dramatic the FIS age

change was to the overall alpine competitive population, the resiliency of the alpine world keeps

churning along in a remarkably stable and predictable manner.

The most immediate effect was felt by those two ages, 15 and 16. Competitors born in 1996, who

registered at the age of 15 for 2011/12 season where again at the age 16, the only eligible first

year of birth to compete in the 2012/13 season. Without any new FIS competitors for a whole

season it felt like every competition was a do over or repeat of the previous season. For those

born in 1997, the experience was similar where they repeated K2 (now U16) for a third year. The

season seemed like everything was frozen in time and for those specific birth years, it was.

Beyond the effect to the overall FIS Alpine population and those birth years that spent an extra

year in the same category, what has not been widely examined are the ramifications of the age

change on how the sport has reacted globally since that time. Individuals registered by their

respective national ski associations each season appear on the FIS Alpine point list, which is now

published digitally 13 times a year. Regardless of a competitors relative standing or rank in the

various alpine disciplines (qualitative), the nation, year of birth, gender and year over year rate of

return (retention), the final FIS list each season can be considered as a quantitative approach to

illustrating what affect this move has had and offers some insight as to the relative long-term

success of the sport.

In 2019, 68 percent of women and 65 percent of men alpine competitors came from just 9 nations.

It is not surprising what nations make up that list but what may not be as widely known is the

relative numbers each of those nations have put on the slopes every year for the past decade. A

seven-year average of pre and post age change shows that since 2012-13 women’s FIS

registrations have fallen 23 percent and men’s overall decline, almost identical at a 24 percent.

ITA USA JPN CAN FRA SWE SUI AUT NOR

2012 Totals 2774 2112 1527 612 1099 726 492 521 569

2019 Totals 1918 1443 1346 787 750 538 502 460 421

Net Change -856 -669 -181 175 -349 -188 10 -61 -148

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FIS Alpine Registrations: 2012 versus 2019

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Even without the annual influx of 15-year-olds, today, Italy is still by far the largest alpine nation

in terms of the numbers with 1’800 – 1’900 FIS licenses issued to Italian men and women every

season on a consistent basis since 2013. USA is second with just over 1’400 but to some a

surprise, Japan has the world’s 3rd largest FIS population, just 100 or so shy of the American

average.

France, who had for long been the 4th most prolific alpine nation moved to 5th largest overall, was

surpassed by Canada in 2017. France and the USA saw the most significant decline in

participation rates at -32% but almost every nation is down -12-32% today from their peak in 2012.

Conversely, Canada has had a surge in FIS activity and is up 29 percent by adding over 175 to

their national FIS ranks in just 7 years. Up until the age change, Canada had the same general

number of competitors as the central Europeans and Scandinavians, around the 500-600 range.

Switzerland is the only other nation other than Canada to show overall growth at 2 percent since

2012.

European alpine power nations have surprisingly very modest numbers, fielding annually between

420 (Norway) and 540 (Sweden) of combined male and female populations. In central Europe,

the numbers are very similar with Austria at 460 and Switzerland at just a nose above 500.

However, the age change had a much larger impact on total numbers in Scandinavia and France

than was felt in those nations in the heart of the Alps.

Yet Canada’s net growth barley offsets the net loss of Japanese racers and is less than 10 percent

of Italy’s annual line up. The fact Canada is the only nation experiencing significant growth in this

sector where all others have simply reset their expectancy rates of a normal annual participation,

begs the obvious question.

It appears that Canada has bolstered its FIS registrations by an increase popularity of entry league

FIS (ENL) in-province racing as well as FIS University circuits (UNI). This effect has been almost

entirely felt in the East of the country where availability of FIS competitions specific to those

categories has flourished in recent years.

Understanding the considerable investment of resources it takes to become a world class

competitor, it is not surprising that National Ski Associations look carefully at their FIS Alpine

population tracking and adjust for specific obstacles or opportunities they face in their region.

Canada’s numbers aside, it would be tempting to discount the global decline as merely a shift of

where the international counting point starts, at 16 instead of 15. But for the very reasons the

change was initiated in the first place, some nations are now evaluating its effects on the long-

term interest of their competitive populations and the viability of the competitive circuits that

support them.

Regardless of the age change, retention rates could be an indicator of which nations are better

than others in engaging and offering compelling reasons for competitors to continue racing or that

the racers themselves are more committed and have the necessary resources to persevere longer

than their peers in other nations. Either way, developing FIS Alpine World Cup ski racers takes a

long time, and few have done so before becoming senior which is another way to say, adult. This

is important to consider that in reaching their performance potential, a competitor, having

committed the years of training and experience is likely at age of 21, fully grown physically,

cognitively and socially.

Page | 5

Obviously not everyone who is still competing as an adult is a world cup ski racer. Many senior

racers may have kept their FIS registration active so they can compete part time when their

educational or work commitment allows or aligns. They still enjoy the level of competition and

preparedness that racing FIS Alpine requires. Their participation also helps younger racers with

crucial opportunities for strong competition and a chance to improve their FIS ranking and profile.

To know more, the idea of retention needed to be measured. As strong as nation’s first year

numbers are, year over year, that number will decline. This rate of change can be expressed as

percentage of the original population that will return each year thereafter. In this way, it is possible

to compare nations side by side regardless of how big or small their initial first year population

was. Over time a pattern emerges and an image of how FIS alpine competitors from different

nations and different year of births will track, return the following year, or not. To illustrate the

trend, North America (Canada and USA), a central European country (Switzerland) and a

Scandinavian country (Norway) were selected for comparison.

These four nations’ 10-year return rates for women and men through U18, U21 to Senior age

classes show a broader view of career expectancy, or at least a likely number of those who start

FIS Alpine racing, will stay competitive for how long and from which nation. On average, the

United States has the highest rates of second year returnees, but it is Switzerland, who over the

long term has the best track record of retaining their skiers through to senior. Canada seems to

lose competitors at a quicker rate despite its increase number in recent years, they fall behind the

other nations.

Another way to look at it would be for every 10 sixteen-year-olds who start racing FIS, 9 American,

Norwegian and Swiss would likely return the following season but only 8 Canadians. By fourth

year FIS, 5 women from Switzerland and Norway, 4 from the USA and 3 Canadians are on

average still competing. A similar story with the men but the Swiss would likely have 6 men,

Norway and USA 5, and again Canada just 3 of their original line up still racing.

75%46% 30% 25% 21%

85%

66%52% 40% 30%

86%

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25%

R E T U R N F O R 2 N D Y E A R ( U 1 8 )

R E T U R N F O R 3 R D Y E A R ( U 2 1 )

R E T U R N F O R 4 T H Y E A R ( U 2 1 )

R E T U R N F O R 5 T H Y E A R ( U 2 1 )

R E T U R N F O R 6 T H Y E A R ( S R )

Women Racing FIS Alpine Past Year 110 Year Average

CAN Women AVG SUI Women AVG NOR Women AVG USA Women AVG

Page | 6

Year over year, these are big declines however, considering the factors involved in continuing to

find success in racing against more mature and ever skilled competitors it is not that surprising.

Anecdotally these “costs” add up and be it money, education, health / injury, insurance, social or

economic obstacles, there can be no doubt FIS Alpine at its higher levels has its challenges.

The change of age eligibility clearly brought about a reduction in overall worldwide participation

however different nations responded quite differently in the 2012-13 ski racing season and

thereafter. As with many long-term development sports, new participants are mostly of youth age.

Alpine ski racing is no different and every year, the FIS point lists adds a new year of birth (YOB)

to its ranks. In all but 2 unique cases, the number of first year competitors (15 for those born in

1996 or earlier and 16 for those born in 1997 or later) will be the largest group.

Looking closer at comparable nations ten-year track record provides a clearer view of what was

happening before and what has happened since the age change. The differences between

women’s and men’s numbers follow a similar pattern with most nation’s FIS populations

responding in very similar but predictable manner with only slight fluctuations year to year

thereafter.

With an individual choosing to register in FIS, regardless if they are 15 or 16, their respective rate

of entry seems to fluctuate more in some nations than others. The below graph shows annual

variation of the same four nations and how total first year competitor registrations were only

slightly affected for those born in 1997 and later in Switzerland, as a Norwegian woman or an

American Women. Norwegian men declined somewhat however the largest reduction is found in

American men. Canadian registration rates have improved since the age change perhaps in large

part due to the FIS category options available that were mentioned earlier.

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R E T U R N F O R 2 N D Y E A R ( U 1 8 )

R E T U R N F O R 3 R D Y E A R ( U 2 1 )

R E T U R N F O R 4 T H Y E A R ( U 2 1 )

R E T U R N F O R 5 T H Y E A R ( U 2 1 )

R E T U R N F O R 6 T H Y E A R ( S R )

Men Racing FIS Alpine Past Year 110 Year Average

CAN Men AVG NOR Men AVG SUI Men AVG USA Men AVG

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Perhaps there may be a correlation between 1st year registration rates and the age change but

there are many other factors that affect overall populations and will vary by nation. In some cases,

influences may be policy related as some adopted eligibility requirements in order to be

considered for international racing opportunities their point profile had to meet a specified

threshold. This made a lot of sense as the cost and time requirements of race travel is

considerable, an issue related to retention many nations debate continuously.

Over time, return rates may depend more on the availability of local programs and an appropriate

circuit as mentioned in the case of Canada. May be access to special camps or select teams that

provide a pathway for future success. Economics for Switzerland and Austria as their costs and

travel distances to and from training and competition are relatively small. Education commitments

weigh heavy on all student athletes. Most Europeans complete high school a year or two ahead

of their North American peers. Finally, it can be just luck as some year of births have a larger

overall number than others of would be ski racers.

It would be extremely difficult to quantify all those influencing factors however to better understand

the longer-term effect, compare the average return rates by birth year, both pre and post age

change. The first four years mark the sharpest rate of decline in returning competitors for all

nations. After 2012, all nations experienced a noticeable shift in return rates. Some very

positively, others not.

The below graphs track both women and men by their birth year with the average return rates for

the 5 years prior to the age change (1992-1996) with a dashed line. The 5 years since (1997-

2001) is represented with a solid line.

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100

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200

250

300

350

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

1st Year FIS Alpine Registrations by YOB

US Men 1st Year US Women 1st Year CAN Men 1st Year CAN Women 1st Year

NOR Men 1st year NOR Women 1st year SUI Men 1st year SUI Women 1st Year

Page | 8

Today, a women’s average chance of returning for a second-year racing FIS is almost identical

in Norway, Switzerland and the United States at roughly 90%. Those gains over the previous

period remain consistent tracking 10% (or 1 net person) higher through third and fourth years of

FIS for both Switzerland and Norway. USA is relatively unchanged through 3rd year but drops in

the 4th. Canada however is seeing fewer women return for thirds year FIS at 40% but remains

comparatively consistent with its previous fourth year returns at 28%.

SUI 1992-1996

SUI 1997-2001

NOR 1992-1996

NOR 1997-2001

USA 1992-1996

USA 1997-2001

CAN 1992-1996

CAN 1997-2001

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

W Return 2nd Year W Return 3rd Year W Return 4th Year

Women FIS Alpine Return Rates Pre VS Post Age Change

SUI 1992-1996 SUI 1997-2001 NOR 1992-1996 NOR 1997-2001

USA 1992-1996 USA 1997-2001 CAN 1992-1996 CAN 1997-2001

SUI 1992-1996

SUI 1997-2001

NOR 1992-1996

NOR 1997-2001

USA 1992-1996

USA 1997-2001

CAN 1992-1996

CAN 1997-2001

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

M Return 2nd Year M Return 3rd Year M Return 4th Year

Men FIS Alpine Return RatesPre VS Post Age Change

SUI 1992-1996 SUI 1997-2001 NOR 1992-1996 NOR 1997-2001

USA 1992-1996 USA 1997-2001 CAN 1992-1996 CAN 1997-2001

Page | 9

Men's comparative data is consistent with what the women experience in percentage of retained

competitors through the age change. As with the women, more Swiss, Norwegian an American

men stay in competitive FIS Alpine racing longer starting at 16 than prior to the age change when

they started at age 15. Canada again shows a greater decline in third year but by fourth, those

variations match more closely to the pre age change return rates.

Each nations tracking has taken a slightly different course. Shown in the chart below, the net

effect since the age change on return rates gives a good indicator of which nations appear to

have benefited most from the change.

Women in Norway and Switzerland clearly had a favorable bounce. The Norwegian men, who

since 2012 experienced a 36 percent drop in first year registrations also have had double digit

improvement to their rates. Only minorly affected, the Swiss men’s annual net rate of return

appreciated a modest 3 percent.

Both Canadian and American women’s second year rates are completely neutral pre versus post

age change. Returning for a third year competing FIS proved a bigger challenge for those women

who were now age 18 when previously they’d have been in third year at age 17. By fourth year,

the difference was less so but still in negative territory. American men were equally unaffected

and Canadian men only slightly so for those who returned for a second year of FIS. Third- and

fourth-year declines for both nations and genders have greatly accelerated since 2012.

Time will tell, but indicators are that for some parts of the FIS Alpine world, retention rates have

shifted significantly since the age change. Even though there are far fewer competitors overall,

those who register at age 16 in Norway and Switzerland nowadays are more likely to stay in

competition a little longer than those who previously started at the age of 15.

USA, 0%USA, -13%

USA, -7% USA, 0% USA, -9%USA, -6%CAN, 0%

CAN, -9%

CAN, -3%

CAN, -3%

CAN, -16%

CAN, -6%

SUI, 16% SUI, 14%SUI, 12%

SUI, 3% SUI, 3% SUI, 3%

NOR, 13%NOR, 21%

NOR, 13%

NOR, 14% NOR, 15% NOR, 13%

W Return 2nd Year(17)

W Return 3rd Year(18)

W Return 4th Year(19)

M Return 2nd Year(17)

M Return 3rd Year(18)

M Return 4th Year(19)

+/-

Net Effect of Age Change on FIS Alpine Return Rates ofWomen (left), Men (right)

USA CAN SUI NOR

Page | 10

This could be an example of how nations with smaller populations punch above their weight when

it comes to competitors reaching maturity or adulthood. Closing the gap in total numbers

competing over the long term between nations may explain in part, some nations consistent

dominance in the sport. There are also many other advantages central European alpine nations

have over North America such as broader and closer access to training, competition, and other

foundational resources.

For Canada and the USA, a complete opposite effect has occurred since the age change. Perhaps

the re-alignment of third-year FIS registration corresponding with the end of high school in both

countries might explain why the U18 age category has remained largely unaffected. But for post

grads or even grade 12 students, the decision to continue competing FIS Alpine or pursue other

opportunities in life is a difficult one.

Not surprisingly, both the USA and Canada had hoped to revisit the matter at the 2019 FIS Spring

meetings in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Although the matter was discussed, no consensus was formed.

Any consideration for a reversal of the age change would require a specific proposal and further

study.

In the grand scheme of things, how much does the concept of retention really matter? For

perspective, if 25% of the 198 USA women and 25% of 199 USA men that started racing last

year, roughly 50 women and 50 men should still be competing at the FIS level when they turn 21

during or before the 2023/24 season. In contrast, Switzerland’s average retention rate of 30% for

48 women and 33% for 52 men should expect 14 women and 17 men to be competing as a senior.

Canada, with an average sixth-year return rate of 21% for those 150 women and 20% for the 153

men who registered in the 2018/19 season, means on average, 32 women and 31 Canadian

senior men will still be active in 2023.

Regardless of retention rates, North America’s sheer size of population advantage, over all

individual European nations (except Italy) means more Canadian and American racers will be

competing in FIS at older ages.

The value of examining retention rates and how policy can affect competitive populations is

something every nation strives to get a handle on. The perceived cost for continued participation

versus the potential for reward reaches its limit at some point for every competitor, in every sport.

Many nations have had to adjust to new economic realities since 2012, not the least of which is

funding opportunities to support fewer available competitors.

In terms of success, the age change has had mixed result. Some nations saw return rates improve

but population decline, others experienced the reverse. Undeniably, the change of age has

greatly reduced number of internationally licenced competitors on the slopes each winter. As

such, nations have had to adapt to smaller field sizes meaning the economic equations of hosting

successful events or sustainable circuits has become that much harder to balance.

Good news is that globally, FIS Alpine continues to attract new competitors every season at highly

predictable rates. Nation by nation that may be a slightly different story as other internal factors

may also be exerting influences on new registrations and rates of retention. Even at three quarters

its previous size, the future looks strong and healthy for FIS Alpine ski racing through its centennial

year and beyond.

FIS ALPINE SKI RACING AND THE CHANGE OF AGE

Nigel Loring, September 2019, Data source: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/alpine-skiing/fis-points-lists.html