Frequently Asked Questions
Sports, programme and results
The Olympic programme comprises sports, disciplines and events – what is the difference between the three?
A sport is that which is governed by an International Federation (IF).
A discipline is a branch of a sport comprising one or more events.
An event is a competition in a sport or discipline resulting in a ranking and giving rise to the awarding of medals and diplomas.
Thus, skiing is a sport, while cross-country skiing, Alpine skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping and Nordic combined are disciplines. Alpine skiing is a discipline, while the super-G, giant slalom, slalom and combined are events.
Learn more:
Education Series: The Modern Olympic Games, p. 9
For more information on the Olympic programme, please see the Olympic Charter, Chapter 5, Rule 45 and its Bye-law
Sports, programme and results
The Olympic programme comprises sports, disciplines and events – what is the difference between the three?
A sport is that which is governed by an International Federation (IF).
A discipline is a branch of a sport comprising one or more events.
An event is a competition in a sport or discipline resulting in a ranking and giving rise to the awarding of medals and diplomas.
Thus, skiing is a sport, while cross-country skiing, Alpine skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping and Nordic combined are disciplines. Alpine skiing is a discipline, while the super-G, giant slalom, slalom and combined are events.
Learn more:
Education Series: The Modern Olympic Games, p. 9
For more information on the Olympic programme, please see the Olympic Charter, Chapter 5, Rule 45 and its Bye-law
