After the meetings of the FIS Sub-Committees in Switzerland FIS race-director Walter Hofer analyzed the skijumping season 2009/10 and also spoke about upcoming changes of the rules.

berkutschi.com: What is your assessment of the past season?

Hofer: "The 2009/2010 season was definitely a positive one for skijumping. It was long and challenging, but also very successful with great feedback of our fans and viewers both on site and in front of the television. On the whole we can be satisfied with the current state of the discipline."

berkutschi.com:Will there be any changes?

Hofer: "The meetings of the various skijumping Sub-Committees held in Zurich last weekend resulted in a few recommendations for the FIS Jumping Committee that will meet at the 2010 Congress early June.

The two main recommendations concern an adjustment to the guidelines for the construction of skiflying hills, and a full adoption of the wind and gate compensation factors that were tested this season at some World Cup events as well as at the FIS Ski Flying World Championships in Planica.

The adjustment to the construction of skiflying hills was supported by the responsible Sub-Committee and by the managers of all five currently existing hill facilities, three of which are being or will need to be adjusted. In terms of our rules, this adjustment means that the maximum size of the hill will be increased from 130 m to 135 m. In reality, the amendment of this 18-year-old rule allows an alteration of the existing facilities that brings them in tune with the modern circumstances of our sport. As a result of the change, jumps of 240 m to 245 m will probably be possible on the largest hills.

The Sub-Committees are also unanimously recommending the full acceptance of the wind and gate compensation rules at all competitions at the highest level, beginning with the FIS Grand Prix in summer and including the FIS World Cup and the 2011 FIS World Championships. The additional tests have shown that the theoretical basis for these rules is solid and that the system also works from the sports perspective. Most importantly, the safety of the athletes can be managed better through controlling that they will not outjump the hill.

The only point of critique involved individual cases relating to the application of the rules by the competition management which can be addressed by additional training of the Technical Delegates and other jury members. We will also fine-tune some details concerning the TV graphics to ensure that the new system is comprehensible to all our fans and spectators.

The additional two proposals being sent for further review include the inclusion of a ladies team event at the Junior World Championships and the launch of a ladies skijumping World Cup beginning with the 2012/2013 season. All these proposals are currently with the National Ski Associations for review before they will be re-considered by the Jumping Committee in Antalya with their comments."