New 2023 Sporting Code and Disciplinary Code
The FAI General Air Sport Commission (CASI) has made an extensive revision of the FAI General Section of the Sporting Code as well as creating a new Disciplinary Code. These two documents took effect on 1 January 2023.
The format and the content of the General Section have undergone revision.
FORMAT
- We have 5 levels of titles/subtitles instead of 6.
- The Table of Contents makes research much easier. It now shows the first 3 levels instead of 2. Each level has a header to define what it relates to.
- The chosen language is British-English , not American-English. Typography rules are respected and redundancies removed.
- Some terms are clarified and unified.
- Some chapters are reorganised in a more logical order. Some paragraphs have been moved from one chapter into another.
- Nonessential cross-references have been deleted.
CONTENT
Below are the most significant changes.
Some have consequences for NACs and ASCs. Such consequences are stated and shown with an asterisk *.
Introduction
The Sporting Code also deals with achievement badges. * ASCs must define the requirements needed. NACs are responsible for control and certification.
1. Principles and Authority of FAI
The reference documents include the new FAI Disciplinary Code.
NACs, ASCs and EB share responsibility for enforcing the Sporting Code.
2. Classes and Definitions
The definition of classes was removed in 2016. It has been replaced and updated.
Most other definitions are moved to chapter 7: International Records
3. FAI Sporting Licences (SL)
NACs have the obligation to issue SLs to eligible persons.
* NACs’ eligibility criteria and information on the process of obtaining a Sporting Licence must be available within each NAC’s regulations.
* The duration for Sporting Licences is until the end of the calendar year, at the minimum.
SL issuing by FAI to FAI competitors is clarified.
The consequences of withdrawing a Sporting Licence are clarified.
In line with the 2022 Statutes modifications, when a NAC does not pay its membership fees on time, its pilots will have their Sporting Licences suspended.
4. Sporting Events
Terms defining participants in FAI events are reviewed.
* Team Leaders (or Team Managers) must hold a valid Sporting Licence.
Anti-doping rule violations are updated.
In line with the 2022 Statutes modifications, when an NAC does not pay its membership fees in time, it may not add events to the FAI calendar.
Suspension and cancellation of events are clarified. These may happen before or during an event. Responsibilities are defined.
5. Control of Sporting Events
The role of FAI Officials is clarified.
Stewards and Controllers may be appointed by ASCs.
Officials in Second Category events are defined.
* A Jury must be implemented in all Second Category events. This may need modification in specific Sections. Some ASCs already have such rules and can share their experience.
6. Penalties, Complaints, Protests, Appeals
The chapter has been totally rewritten. It is in line with the new Disciplinary Code. Penalties are more extensively described. Different processes are described for before, during and after events, and for record attempts.
Please read it carefully. Comments will be answered.
7. International Records
No significant changes.
8. Measurements, Calculations, Margins
No significant changes.
Source photo credits Lukas from Pixabay.
