The New Game in Ski Jumping: Yellow and Red Cards After the Suit-Gate Scandal
Amidst ski jumping's suit controversy: Yellow and Red Card Incidents Explored - Ski Jumping Now Faces Penalties Following Scandal: Yellow and Red Cards Introduced
In ski jumping, the International Ski Federation (FIS) is about to shake things up with the introduction of a yellow and red card system, aiming to enhance fairness and minimize manipulation in the sport. This bold new move comes in response to a World Championship scandal involving manipulated jumping suits.
In the upcoming season, an athlete receiving a yellow card for equipment violations will be issued a temporary ban for the following competition. A second yellow card will equate to a red card and an immediate disqualification. This means the athlete's nation stands to lose a starting spot in the event as well. Previously, disqualifications like oversized suits hardly impacted subsequent events.
Last winter in Trondheim, a shocking cheating scandal unfolded: Norwegian ski jumpers were wearing manipulated suits with a banned band designed to provide additional stability after takeoff. World Champion Marius Lindvik and others were consequently banned from subsequent competitions.
Aside from implementing the card system, FIS is also introducing cutting-edge measurement controls and new suit regulations to minimize opportunities for manipulation. Furthermore, stricter sanctions will be enforced for deliberate cheating, such as after-control modifications that violate the rules.
- Ski jumping
- Yellow and red cards
- International Ski Federation (FIS)
- Rule change
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The International Ski Federation (FIS) is introducing the yellow and red card system, inspired by football, to improve fairness and enforce discipline in ski jumping. The system is likely to be implemented in World Cup races, World Championships, World Ski Flying Championships, and World Junior Championships, but not during the Milan/Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. To minimize opportunities for manipulation, the FIS is also implementing 3D measurements and RFID technology in suits and measures in response to the Norwegian wetsuit scandal at the World Championships in Trondheim. The final version of these regulations is currently under review by the FIS Council, with preliminary approvals given for the competition calendars for the 2025/2026 season.
- The International Ski Federation (FIS) is adopting a rule change from football, introducing yellow and red cards in ski jumping, aiming to establish fairness and discipline within the sport.
- In the upcoming season, these cards will be used for equipment violations, leading to temporary bans for a yellow card and disqualification for a red card, potentially affecting both the individual athlete and their nation's standing in events.
