Does my U12 child need a back protector, chin guard or other body protection?

Q: Does my U12 child need a back protector, chin guard or other body protection?

Under the ACA National Competition Rules 2026-27: Back protectors are recommended for U14 and older. The Rules list no back protector recommendation for U12. Chin guards are recommended for slalom (SL) only. Competitors may protect all parts of the body with protectors that comply with FIS equipment specifications. Alpine Canada's Learn to Train equipment guide says protective gear for gate training becomes standard at this stage: shin guards, a mouthguard or helmet chin guard, arm guards and a back protector. It notes the exact list varies by age and ability. Sources: ACA National Competition Rules 2026-27 (specifications for alpine competition equipment 3.5 and 3.6); ltad.alpinecanada.org/stages/learn-to-train/equipment.

Question

Accepted Answer

Under the ACA National Competition Rules 2026-27:

Back protectors are recommended for U14 and older. The Rules list no back protector recommendation for U12.
Chin guards are recommended for slalom (SL) only.
Competitors may protect all parts of the body with protectors that comply with FIS equipment specifications.

Alpine Canada's Learn to Train equipment guide says protective gear for gate training becomes standard at this stage: shin guards, a mouthguard or helmet chin guard, arm guards and a back protector. It notes the exact list varies by age and ability.

Sources: ACA National Competition Rules 2026-27 (specifications for alpine competition equipment 3.5 and 3.6); ltad.alpinecanada.org/stages/learn-to-train/equipment.