Examples of Incorrect Gate Passage  back one page or page 1

The most uncomplicated example of incorrect gate passage is missing a gate.Passing a gate often occurs because a hairpin or vertical combination is entered from the "wrong" direction. It is "wrong" not because it is illegal, but because it will cause the racer to exit the combination in a direction that takes them off the course line. The racer will fail to observe the next gate, in some cases they may have their back to it, and will therefore miss it. This fault also occurs when a racer enters a control gate as if it were a turning gate. This, too, will redirect the racer off the course line.  Another example of incorrect gate passage is straddling a gate, wherein the racer passes over the gate with one ski passing one side and the other ski passing the opposite side of the pole, thus straddling the pole with their legs. It is also possible, usually in slalom, to block the gate out of the way and have the inside boot pass over the gate, rather than over the gate line. This is sometimes called skinning. It is subtle, and requires vigilance to catch, because it happens with lightning speed and the ski tips pass legally over the gate line.  

If a competitor loses a ski, without committing a fault, e.g. not by straddling a Slalom pole, then the tip of the remaining ski and both feet must have passed the gate line. (661.4.1) This rule comes into play only in the last gates before the finish in USSA events. (see: losing a ski in Case Studies) This rule is also valid when a competitor has to climb back up into a gate. (661.4.1) In this case, the competitor has straddled the gate. The ski tip and boot that ran outside the gate during the straddle must pass the gate line while hiking. Racers may also be prone to falling and pass through a gate while sliding. If the gate is blocked over by the skis, and the boots and ski tips do not pass over the gate line, the gate has been passed incorrectly. If both ski tips and boots pass over the gate line, whether the racer is standing on the skis or not, the pass is correct. This is true whether the racer’s body passes the line, or not. Only the tips and boots must pass the line. The racer’s body can block down the pole and the majority of their body pass over the pole, as long as boots and ski tips pass over the gate line.