FIS Technical Delegate Seminar in skiing centre Rogla (Slovenia)

       From 16th to 18th of October, 2009 Russian delegation consisting of the specialists from the Cross-Country Ski Federation of Russia Yuri Garmash, Igor Belomestnov, Anna Belyaeva, Director of sport of SSC “Demino” Alexander Ignatiev, Race Director of World Cup “Rybinsk-Demino-2009” Andrei Arseniev, under the direction of Scientific and Industrial Organization “Saturn” Deputy of General Director, Chief of WC “Rybinsk-Demino” Oleg Zaynullin took part in the seminar devoted to preparation of Technical Delegates (TD) FIS. The seminar was carried out in skiing center “Rogla” where WC CC stage is to be held in December, 2009 after 30-year break.
     The main reporter and organizer of the TD seminar Uroš Ponikvar (Slovenia) summarized the previous season 2008-2009 and pointed out some problems which took place during latest competitions under the aegis and patronage of the FIS. For example, during WC “Demino-2009” the main problem, which worried the FIS leaders, was stocking of snow (approximately 25000 m³)  and correct work of special snow consolidating machines (ra-tracks) while laying and preparation of courses for competitions. Uroš Ponikvar also told about main principles of selection and education of TD and read some reports about the duty of TD in individual sprint competitions (main ideas, rules and procedures; start, format, requirements for the stadium and courses; classic technique sprint, jury requirements), about imposition of sanctions (types of sanctions, procedures, documentary basis of sanctions, protest procedure and appellation), and about control under competitions (types of control, control procedures and innovative offers).
     TD FIS Marko Mapelly (Italy) read some reports about the role of a TD (checklist of TD measures, TD recourses, principles of selection and education of TD), and preparation of courses (different forms and styles, production of snow issues, installation profile of a track, course marking, security issues, ski testing, equipment).
     TD FIS Yakub Vodrachka (Czech Republic) acquainted participants with the main requirements for work of a TD in carrying out team sprint (main ideas, rules and procedures, start and start lists, requirements for the stadium and courses, jury requirements).
     TD FIS Bruno Barkatta (Italy) described in details the system of crediting the FIS points (principles of crediting, results of 2008-2009 seasons, news of 2009), and presented a report “Popular FIS competitions – work of a TD” (Tour de Ski, COC, WC, World Championship, Olympic Games).
     Theme working groups were organized during the seminar. Representatives from Russia took part in the work of the group for analysis of violations and imposition of sanctions with the help of photo-video-audio fixing equipment and for organization of competitions with limited recourses of organizing committees.
    The work of Russian group regarding the planning of training course in skiing centre “Rogla” was highly estimated by the organizes of the seminar.
     At the end of the seminar 1st-degree TD candidates from Italy, Greece, Ukraine, Turkey, and Romania took the exam for the title of a Technical Delegate FIS. From 8 candidates only 4 managed to get the status of a TD FIS.