Yes, this has been an issue for a long time. There have been many different panel attachment designs but I don’t think any of them have been perfect.This is a design safety flaw that will cause injuries, now that somebody has mentioned it hope they change it as it has a known liability.
After Bodes crash and gash which basically ended his career, I believe the problem was looked at again and another improved design has been used since. Arms getting caught & bad things were still happening on the WC this season. Ski racing has never been considered a “safe” activity.
SPM World Cup Safety Panel - FIS - World Cup Supply
The World Cup Safety Panel from SPM is our FIS Homologated panel and is approved, and required for all FIS and USSA sanctioned events. Elastic straps with two webbing pull tabs make installation easy and efficient and hold the panel firmly in place yet allow for release under normal skier...
worldcupsupply.com
Gate Panels for Giant Slalom Super-G and Downhill
Gate panels which conform to the FIS Specifications must be used for all Giant Slalom, Super-G and Downhill competitions published in the FIS Calendar. A list of homologated panels is published on the FIS Website. Arts. 701.3.2, 901.2.2 and 1001.3.2 remain valid.
690.1 Release in case of collision
Gate panels should release from the pole when a competitor gets caught by it. The gate panel must meet the test requirements for this as defined in the specifications for Gate Panel Homologation.
690.2 No removal during normal collision with the pole
During normal collisions, the gate panel should not release from the pole. The gate panel must meet the test requirements for this defined in the specifications for Gate Panel Homologation.
690.3 Wind permeability
The panel must be made of wind-permeable material.
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