FIS FACT SHEET: FIS Injury Surveillance System: Special Project with University of Salzburg

The continuously high number of injuries in alpine ski racing is a great concern for FIS. As a next step for the FIS Injury Surveillance System (ISS) project launched in 2006, FIS has mandated the University of Salzburg with a three-year scientific project with two main objectives. First, the task for the University of Salzburg as a neutral body is to collect and structure suggestions from ski racing expert groups for target-oriented, short-term prevention strategies. Second, it will investigate the biomechanical background of ski racing specific risk factors and their combinations to provide a basis for future prevention strategies and changes in competition rules. The project operates on three levels, as despite the three year timeframe, there is an evident need for short term solutions to be realized from next season.

Project Overview

Project Process

Short Term Project
The qualitative interview study will aim to collect and structure ideas and suggestions of expert groups concerning ski racing specific risk factors and mechanisms behind injuries. A total of about 70 representatives with different areas of interest and expertise will be personally interviewed for 45-60 min. The interviewed expert groups are:

• Athletes (10)
• Coaches (15)
• Officials (8)
• Organizers (6)
• Ski Equipment Companies (10)
• Safety Equipment Companies (2)
• Topic-specific Experts (10)
• Female Specificity (10)

This information will serve both as basis for "Short Term Decision-Making" concerning prevention strategies and changes in competition rules from May 2010 and as basis for the further research process.

Data Protection
The interviews will be recorded to allow a precise evaluation of the responses. The tapes will be available only for members of the project team of the University of Salzburg and suggestions will be presented to FIS categorised in expert groups. This will guarantee the confidentiality of the individual suggestions and remarks.

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About FIS
Founded in 1924 during the first Olympic Games in Chamonix, France, the International Ski Federation (FIS) aims to promote the sport of skiing and snowboarding and directs the development of all ski and snowboarding activities world-wide. It administers the Olympic disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding, including setting the international competition rules. With the help of its 110 member nations (one currently suspended), FIS stages more than 6'000 ski and snowboard competitions annually. FIS also makes recommendations for recreational skiing and snowboarding in the interest of all and promotes play in the snow as a healthy leisure activity for children and the youth. For more information, please visit www.fis-ski.com.

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