It doesn't matter how the ski tips & boots pass through the gate: up hill, down hill, backwards, forwards, racer on his/her back ….. as long as both boots and ski tips pass through the gate. If a racer straddles a gate pole so one boot passes through the gate and the other is outside the gate, then the racer has not passed correctly through the gate.

The diagram above show four racers passing through the same set of gates. Racers 1 through 3 have made a legal passage through the four gates -- (no rules about passing through gracefully).  Racer 4 missed a gate, which the gatekeeper will note - the racer will be disqualified for the run.

GATE NUMBERS, ASSIGNMENTS, and PROCEDURES
Each gate is given a number with gate 1 at the top of the course. Usually a gatekeeper is assigned to watch 3 or 4 gates.  You'll be given a clip board with a   'gate keepers' form attached.  As each racer passes, you write down their bib number.  For any racer that misses a gate draw a small diagram (similar to #4 above) showing the location of the gates and the route the racer took.  After the last racer has passed, stay at your post and someone will be by shortly to collect your 'gate keepers' card. 

WHAT TO SAY WHEN A GATE IS MISSED
There are only three words a gatekeeper should say to a racer: 'GO', 'BACK', and 'COURSE'.   If the fallen racer has NOT  missed any gates, say GO, GO, GO.  If one or more gates have been missed, point to the first gate missed and say BACK, BACK, BACK.  Once a fallen racer has passed through all gates properly, say GO, GO, GO.  If it looks like the fallen racer will interfere with the next racer coming down the course, say COURSE.  It is up to each  individual racer to decide if he/she is interfered with.  That's it!

Alleged conflicting instructions to racers by gatekeepers and/or spectators is by far the most common "racer" related problem. It is ultimately up to each racer to pass through all gates correctly - reruns are usually not granted because of conflicting instructions.  Keeping the dialog down to three words is the best help a gatekeeper can give a racer. 

HELPING A FALLEN RACER
Any aid given to a racer will disqualify the racer for that run. This means retrieving any equipment or clothing or helping in any way.

INJURED RACER
If a racer appears to have injuries that may be aggravated by being moved, place yourself in a highly visible position on the course so the next racer will know to leave the course. Find an official with a radio. If need be, send a skier to the finish so help can be summoned.

You will typically be standing/sitting along side the race course for two to three hours and keeping warm is often a challenge. Warm clothing including a good water-resistant jacket, warm hat, and gloves are usually the minimum.

A 5-gallon plastic bucket (available at many paint stores) with a lid can serve both as a seat and a container to haul goodies you may decide to bring. A foam pad placed between you and the plastic bucket makes the bucket a more comfortable seat and a heck of a lot warmer.

The weather varies and you should be prepared for cold, wind, blowing snow and/or rain, and sun. It's not too unusual to have the weather change dramatically during the day.

Warm clothing - several layers works best including a sweaters or two
Long underwear
Gloves - you will be writing occasionally so gloves that are difficult to get on and off may be a problem.
Hand warmer(s)
Ski goggles
Warm boots - ski boots are usually not the best for keeping your feet warm
Sunglasses and sun screen for those rare sunny days
Umbrella - rain coat and pants for rain or wet snowy conditions
Change of clothes
Thermos of coffee/chocolate or other liquid

The down side of liquids is the time you are required to remain at your station is always directly proportional to how bad you have to go and the distance to the restrooms.