What is the equipment and substance violations in Cross-Country Skiing?

Section 7: Violations & Penalties

Sanctions for technique-rule violations can be given by a unanimous decision of two Jury members, including the TD, without requiring video evidence (ICR 352.1.3)
The Jury decision chart (ICR 352.1.1.1) weighs the specific circumstances, any gain or advantage, and impact on other competitors to select between a verbal warning, written reprimand, competition suspension, or disqualification
Video evidence from course cameras used to confirm violations

Failure to yield when being overtaken, or otherwise obstructing another competitor, is subject to sanction under the ICR 352 decision chart, ranging from a written reprimand up to disqualification
Under new ICR 352.8 (June 2026 edition), in Mass Start, Skiathlon, Pursuit, and mass-start Popular Cross-Country competitions the Jury may substitute a Rank Penalty for a disqualification arising from obstruction: the sanctioned competitor is re-ranked immediately behind the competitor they obstructed and is credited with that competitor’s time (ICR 352.8.2). If more than one competitor was affected, the sanctioned competitor is ranked last within the affected group and is credited with the time of the last-placed athlete in that group (ICR 352.8.3). A Rank Penalty is always accompanied by a written reprimand (ICR 352.8.5).
Contact causing a fall: penalty applied to the responsible athlete; review by jury
In sprint heats, athletes may not make lateral movements to block overtaking

Fluorocarbon wax detection: A competitor whose skis are found positive for fluorinated wax at controls before the start is not permitted to start; a positive control after the competition results in DSQ and equipment confiscation (ICR 351.4)
Pole length exceeding limits: equipment must be replaced before start or DSQ
Ski length below minimum: DSQ if discovered during pre-race inspection; post-race detection also results in DSQ
Unauthorized equipment modifications during the race: DSQ

Receiving physical assistance (pushing, pulling, pacing from non-competitors): DSQ
Unauthorized coaching from outside designated zones: warning to the team; repeat offense may result in team sanctions
Equipment exchange outside designated zones (relay exchange, transition): DSQ

Sanctions for technique-rule violations can be given by a unanimous decision of two Jury members, including the TD, without requiring video evidence (ICR 352.1.3)
The Jury decision chart (ICR 352.1.1.1) weighs the specific circumstances, any gain or advantage, and impact on other competitors to select between a verbal warning, written reprimand, competition suspension, or disqualification
Video evidence from course cameras used to confirm violations

Failure to yield when being overtaken, or otherwise obstructing another competitor, is subject to sanction under the ICR 352 decision chart, ranging from a written reprimand up to disqualification
Under new ICR 352.8 (June 2026 edition), in Mass Start, Skiathlon, Pursuit, and mass-start Popular Cross-Country competitions the Jury may substitute a Rank Penalty for a disqualification arising from obstruction: the sanctioned competitor is re-ranked immediately behind the competitor they obstructed and is credited with that competitor’s time (ICR 352.8.2). If more than one competitor was affected, the sanctioned competitor is ranked last within the affected group and is credited with the time of the last-placed athlete in that group (ICR 352.8.3). A Rank Penalty is always accompanied by a written reprimand (ICR 352.8.5).
Contact causing a fall: penalty applied to the responsible athlete; review by jury
In sprint heats, athletes may not make lateral movements to block overtaking

Fluorocarbon wax detection: A competitor whose skis are found positive for fluorinated wax at controls before the start is not permitted to start; a positive control after the competition results in DSQ and equipment confiscation (ICR 351.4)
Pole length exceeding limits: equipment must be replaced before start or DSQ
Ski length below minimum: DSQ if discovered during pre-race inspection; post-race detection also results in DSQ
Unauthorized equipment modifications during the race: DSQ

Receiving physical assistance (pushing, pulling, pacing from non-competitors): DSQ
Unauthorized coaching from outside designated zones: warning to the team; repeat offense may result in team sanctions
Equipment exchange outside designated zones (relay exchange, transition): DSQ