Germany calls for a change in jumping regulations. “Best Idea”

Last Monday, the German national team did not advance to the second round of the mixed teams competition in ski jumping at the Olympic Games in. All because Katharina Althaus was disqualified for non-regulatory suit.

The check should take place before jumping

The athletes from Austria, Japan and two from Norway were also disqualified. There has never been such a situation in the highest rank competitions. As a result, there was a great chaos and it was difficult to know who was really fighting for the medal positions. Especially that the disqualifications concerned the leading nations. Eventually, Slovenia, Russia and Canada took the lead.

“We stick to the rules no matter what! Nevertheless, I have to ask this question: have the women’s regulations changed overnight with so many disqualifications?!? This was not the right time or the right place to disqualify so many rose athletes? nations … “- he wrote after the competition on Instagram

The competition aroused so much emotions that people connected with the world of ski jumping keep coming back. – At the moment, there is a heated discussion on this topic – said the sports director of the German Ski Association Horst Hüttel on Friday. And he added that the talks concerned the development of an idea that would allow the player sitting on the beam to be sure that he would not be disqualified at the bottom. “This means that the procedure would be completely shifted to the top,” explained Hüttel.

Although the idea seems interesting, there may be a problem with implementing it. – This check continues if you do it right. And this hinders the athletes in their preparations – said in an interview with German Eurosport, a former coach of German jumpers. The only solution would be to check the equipment before the competition, but after the jump it would be necessary to check that the competitor has not changed the suit or any other piece of equipment.

A 3D scanner would be more objective

Schuster also emphasized that the competitors sometimes do not change their suits for up to four weeks, but some have a different one for each jump. In turn, he would like to change the regulations, which give more freedom in sewing the jumpsuit. – You have to think about what is good for a jumper. Therefore, you need a few clearly defined, fixed points that are easier to control. In other areas, teams can be given more leeway, believes the team Olympic champion from Salt Lake City.

– It would be good if there was a little more air in the shoulder area. I would check the crotch area very carefully – added the two-time winner of the Crystal Ball for the World Cup.

Both Schuster and Schmitt also paid attention to the human factor when controlling the equipment. – Checking does not meet one criterion: objectivity. Different auditors receive different measurements, believes Martin Schmitt. – The best version of the control would be a 3D scanner, then we have a clear statement and we ignore the human factor – the former jumper suggested the idea.

This idea also sounds interesting, but there may be a problem with the supply of this type of equipment to all places where ski jumping competitions are organized. Not every organizer can afford it.

– I know people who have been doing this for ten or twelve years. Nobody has come up with a brilliant idea yet, summed up Schuster, but called for an in-depth debate. – It can always be done better than it is now. We have to start now, otherwise we will lose our chance, said the Austrian.