June 13, 2013 (Cavtat-Dubrovnik, Croatia) – Meetings of eight different Cross-Country Committees addressed some important topics mainly concerning the World Cup calendar and rules. After extensive discussions and debate, various proposals were presented and confirmed by the FIS Cross-Country Committee and forwarded for review and decision by the FIS Council.

The Cross-Country Sub-Committee for Rules and Control has been continuously working on updating the International Competition Rules (ICR). One of the changes concerns the finish corridors so that in sections with marked corridors, the competitors must choose and ski within the chosen corridor. This rule does not apply to start corridors.

Bonus seconds in stage-events
One of the most important rule changes for the next winter is the number of bonus seconds awarded in sprints, which are part of stage events. So far, the winner of the sprint has received 60 bonus seconds. As of next season, the winner will receive 30 seconds, the 2nd placed athlete 27 and the 3rd placed athlete 24. The complete list of bonus second attribution can be found here.

The Sub-Committee for World and Continental Cup also determined that waxing facilities using big open space buildings or tents will no longer be acceptable. The main goal of the new rule is to guarantee best possible working conditions for the waxing staff. Additionally, the team areas, athletes’ lounges and changing areas will be continuously reviewed and improved.

Flow after the finish
Another novelty concerns the flow of the top 3 after the finish, to better suit the needs of winning athletes, broadcasting TV stations and photographers. A presentation of the top three athletes from each competition will take place in the finish area as soon as possible after the end of each race followed by international flash interviews, change of clothes and passing through the TV mixed zone. After all live interviews, the winners’ ceremony will take place.

Minimum age
For all Nordic disciplines, the FIS Council approved the definition of the minimum age of 16 (during the calendar year of the Championships) for participation in the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships and Junior Championships, as well as the World Cup.

Junior World Ski Championships
Almaty (KAZ) was appointed as Organiser of the FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships 2015 .