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« FLEX POLES »
All rights reserved:www.nafistd.com
North American FIS TD Working Group
2009 NA FISTD Update 1
2009 North AmericanFIS TD Update
Flex Gates : « THE RULES »• ICR 680: rigid or flex poles– ICR 680.1 – rigid poles– ICR 680.2 – flex poles
• FIS Specifications for Flex Poles (Edition May 2008)– http://www.fis-ski.com/data/document/kip08e.pdf
• See also Flex poles definitions– http://www.fis-ski.com/data/document/zeich08e.pdf
• Homologated flex poles– http://www.fis-ski.com/data/document/hom_flexpole_2009.pdf
22009 NA FISTD Update
FIS Specifications for Flex Gates
• FIS specs are intended to ensure that flex poles all over the world will behave in the same manner, whether during training or in actual races
32009 NA FISTD Update
Flex Gate Components
• FIS Specs refer to a pole consisting of:– a base shaft firmly
anchored in the snow base
– a bending device at the level of the snow surface
– an upright pole
• A gate according to FIS
42009 NA FISTD Update
Flex Gates
• What they look like in the catalogue!
And then in real life
General Requirements
• Shape of the Flex Pole:– the pole must have an uniform diameter and an
uniform wall thickness– protection of the bending device is not permitted– if the bending device is wider than the pole, there
must be a progressive conical transition to the pole diameter
72009 NA FISTD Update
More Requirements
• Surface of the Upright Pole– must be uniformly smooth
• Bending Device– tipping of the pole can be achieved by a pivot
point or a flex zone (only one bending device per pole!)
– the bending device must be constructed in such a way that the proper functioning of the mechanism is not impaired by adverse weather conditions (snow, icing, low temperatures)
82009 NA FISTD Update
Some Measurements
• Pole length (above surface of snow):– min. 1.8 m
• Pole diameter:– Type A: 29-32 mm
(authorised to use in any FIS race)
– Type B: 25-28.9 mm (authorised to use in any FIS race except World Cup races)
• Pole wall thickness:– min. 2 mm
• Length of flex zone (including transition):– max. 300 mm
• Bending Device Diameter:– max. 35 mm
92009 NA FISTD Update
Some More Requirements
• Protection of the Pole– Pole top must be sealed– seal must not exceed the
diameter of the pole
• Use of Gaiters– if the length of the
bending device is less 30 cm
– a gaiter can be fitted up to a height of 30 cm above the snow surface
– gaiter must not exceed a diameter of 35 mm and must attach to the pole without sharp edges
102009 NA FISTD Update
Quality Assurance
• Any flex pole which has been supplied with a test certificate to show that it has satisfied the applicable requirements is automatically considered suitable for any FIS race
• suitability checks or tests must be repeated every 3 years3 years– otherwise FIS recognition of the flex pole becomes
null and void
112009 NA FISTD Update
A FIS Certificate!
Parts Replacement• all connections between base shaft, bending
device, and pole should be easy to open using standard tools
• so any of these parts can be replaced– “Mix ‘n Match” components from different gates
models/brands that are homologated (shaft/base/flex cartridge) ??
132009 NA FISTD Update
Flex Gate Components -some
Shafts Screw base
Flexcartridge
Featherbase
What to Look For During Inspection
• Uncapped poles• Broken poles• Splintered poles• Uniform pole shape• Smooth pole surface• Pole length (min 1.8m)
• “Anchoring mechanism”– Will it hold the pole in
place during the race
• Not more than one bending device per pole!
• Proper SS screw
152009 NA FISTD Update
How not to inspect!!!
162009 NA FISTD Update
Stuff to look for…
What Does it All Mean?• Flex gates are
homologated every 3 years by modelmodel
• The homologation of a model every 3 years does notnot mean that only gates that are 3 years of age can be used
• Any gate homologated within the past 3 years regardless of its ageregardless of its age can be used by an ROC
• You cannotcannot use a new gate if the model homologation is moremore than 3 years old
• Can you “mix ‘n match” components (shaft/base/flex cartridge) from different brand models that are homologated ????
182009 NA FISTD Update
By way of example!
• We have “Brand X” manufactured in 2007, so once (the model) is re-homologated in 2010, would our poles purchased in 2007 be good until 2013?– YesYes, as long as the pole is homologated within the last 3
years as a MODEL by FIS.– ButBut, the pole itself must be in good condition.– A pole model purchased in 2007 but re-homologated as a
model in 2010 would be valid for use until 2013.
By way of example!• If the manufacturer does NOT re-homologate the
“Brand X” in 2010 and we have poles purchased in 2009 (only one year old) are these 1 year old poles still valid for use in 2011? – Depends on the actions of the manufacturer– If the model is NOTNOT re-homologated in 2010 and
the poles are only one year old they are NOTNOT valid for use because the brand homologation has lapsed.
Major Suggestion
Make certain when you purchase poles:- You are aware of the homologation
status of the “model”- If the “model” is due to expire, question
the distributor/agent/manufacturer as to THEIR guarantee to YOU that THEY will re-homologate the model
Finish