Brian Bahr/Allsport |
RULES
Jump
For each ski jump, competitors receive style and distance points, which are added together to give the total score.
Style Points
Skiers can receive a maximum of 60 style points. If competitors fall on the inrun (downward-sloping takeoff ramp), they get zero points. Judges consider the three groups of the jumper's movements: flight, landing and outrun.
During the flight, jumpers must make a bold and aggressive move at takeoff, proceed rapidly and smoothly to achieve an optimal flight position and initiate preparations for the landing. Judges evaluate the jumper's utilization of air pressure and whether or not the jumper's legs are fully stretched. They can deduct up to 5 points, including 2.5 points for unsuccessful utilization of air pressure.
When landing, jumpers must come from a stable flight position, split their legs and bend their knees right before touching down and then increase the distance between the legs while bending the back leg (telemark position). Judges look for a smooth movement from the flight position to the landing. They can deduct up to 5 points, including 2 points for failing to achieve a telemark landing.
During the outrun, skiers need to remain in the telemark position until the fall line (for about 10 meters to 15 meters), maintaining a relaxed body position and keeping the two skis parallel. Judges look for jumpers to distribute their weight equally on both legs. They can deduct up to 7 points, including .5 to 3 points for unsteadiness, 5 points for the hands or body touching the snow prior to the fall line and 7 points for a fall before crossing the fall line.
Distance Points
Distance is measured from the edge of the takeoff to the jumper's landing place. The landing point is the place where the jumper's feet touch the slope. The skis must be in full and flat contact with the slope. For skiers landing in the telemark position, the distance is the midpoint between the feet.
Competitors receive distance points based on the slope's K point (critical point). The K point is where the hill flattens out; top jumpers routinely soar past it. The K point is 90 meters for the individual normal hill and 120 meters for the individual and team large hill. A jump to the K point is worth 60 points, and each meter greater than or less than that distance increases or decreases the score by 2 points for the normal hill and 1.8 points for the large hill.
Gundersen Method
The Gundersen Method converts the points earned in the ski jumping portion of the competition into a time value. The time value determines the start order in the cross-country race.
The individual who scores the most points from the ski jump(s) starts first in the cross-country race. The other competitors follow the leaders based on their points. For example, an athlete who finishes .25 points behind the leader starts 1.5 seconds later, a person .5 points behind starts 3 seconds later, an individual 1 point behind starts 6 seconds later, etc.
Devised by Gunnar Gundersen of Norway, the Gundersen Method allows the individual who crosses the finish line first to win.
Ties
Ties are not permitted. If two or more athletes arrive at the finish line with identical times, the placement is determined by using a photo finish video or by a finish referee.
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