The FIS Council has approved a series of equipment rule changes for Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined, following proposals from the Ski Jumping Sub-Committee for Equipment and Development. These new regulations will take effect during the 2025/26 season, starting with this summer’s Grand Prix.
A key innovation is the introduction of a yellow and red card disciplinary system aimed at cracking down on equipment tampering. Athletes disqualified for equipment violations will receive a yellow card. A second offense leads to a red card, triggering a one-event suspension and the loss of a quota spot for their nation in that competition.
The new rules will be enforced by the newly appointed Ski Jumping Equipment Coordinator Jürgen Winkler and equipment specialist Mathias Hafele, a former ski jumper who brings extensive expertise to both Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined.
Enhanced Equipment Checks and Suit Regulations
Central to the rule updates is a more accurate 3D measurement process for athletes on competition weekends. These will be carried out by two FIS equipment controllers and an FIS-approved doctor. Additional measurements, such as arm length and foot size, will be taken for greater precision.
New suit standards include more defined cuts at the arms and legs to prevent manipulation, and stricter measurements in the thigh area to avoid illegally lowering the crotch for better flight. Gloves now have regulated thickness and length, and boots and wedges must adhere to fit standards.
RFID chips will continue to be used for suit tracking, but only after the suits are verified to match athlete measurements. Rejected suits cannot be resubmitted until the next weekend. The current seasonal limit on suits also remains.
A revised inspection system has been set up: two dedicated equipment controllers will inspect gear post-jump, while another monitors athlete conduct during the preparation phase.
Clear Sanctions and Greater Transparency
Infractions such as 3D measurement tampering, chip manipulation, or altering suits after approval will be met with penalties as outlined in FIS’ anti-manipulation rules. Disqualifications will be publicly recorded and shown on broadcasts via the Swiss Timing System.
To reinforce these changes, FIS will provide both online and in-person training for equipment controllers. National teams will receive guidance and workshops led by Hafele to ensure full understanding and compliance with the updated rules.
“FIS has strengthened its team, and the Ski Jumping Sub-Committee for Equipment and Development has worked swiftly and thoroughly to come up with measures that are truly effective and that can be implemented right away. As we take these steps, we really hope that all teams will be on board and contribute to a fair environment for the discipline.”
– Sandro Pertile, FIS Ski Jumping Race Director
Looking Ahead
These changes come in response to the recent suit manipulation scandal at the Trondheim 2025 Nordic World Ski Championships. FIS Ski Jumping Race Director Sandro Pertile acknowledged the controversy but emphasized that it has pushed the sport to evolve and improve.
A broader, long-term review of Ski Jumping equipment regulations is already underway, led by Nordic Combined Race Director Lasse Ottesen. Preliminary findings from this initiative are expected to be presented at the FIS Fall Meetings in Zurich this September.
Ottesen is optimistic: “The steps we’re taking now will already have a strong positive impact. But with collaboration from all key stakeholders, we believe even more progressive solutions can be found to push the sport forward.”
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