From Special Olympics North America: 

Special Olympics values the safety of all athletes and their use of appropriate protective equipment. This memo is to advise Special Olympics Programs on new FIS standards for alpine ski helmets.

In order to improve safety, the USSA Alpine Sports Committee has confirmed that the regulations requiring the use of helmets for Giant Slalom, Super-G and Downhill that meet new FIS standards will be mandatory for all competitors in the 2016-2017 season. Special Olympics Sports recently adopted these requirements.

The new FIS helmet certification standards will be phased In during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons. (USSA “Ski Helmet Regulations” are available on the USSA web site at http://ussa.org/alpine-programs/masters/rules).

Under the new regulations, helmets must bear a CE mark and conform to recognized and appropriate standards such as CEH.Din 1077, ASTM F2040, SNELL 598 or RS 98. In addition, in order to attest that a helmet fulfills all FIS requirements, it must have a conformity label affixed by the manufacturer in a non-removable way, at the back of the helmet, in a position where it is not covered by the goggle strap. The conformity label must contain the text “Conform to RS Specifications RH 2013”.

Helmets must cover the head and ears. Helmets with spoilers or edges that stick out are not permitted. Protective faatures, such as chin guards on SL helmets are permitted. Soft eair protection is only permitted for helmets used in SL. Helmet mounted cameras are not allowed on helmets during official training or competition.

The Special Olympics Sports Department has mandated that these regulations will apply to *ALL* Spacial Olympics events starting in the 2017-2018 season. This means that for all Special Olympics Alpine events in the 2017-2018 season helmets with the FIS certification sticker will be compulsory.