2019 Handbook - Wentworth Ski Race Club

Wentworth Ski racing

club 2019 Handbook

8/18/2019

WENTWORTH SKI RACING CLUB Parent Handbook

Updated August 2019

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1 Introduction

1.1 What is the WSRC?

Wentworth Ski Racing Club (WSRC) is a not for profit organization that organizes alpine ski racing

programs at Ski Wentworth. WSRC is run by a volunteer board elected by it members at an annual

general meeting each year.

1.2 The Goals of WSRC:

The overall goals of the club are as follows:

• to foster and develop ski racing in Nova Scotia;

• to develop coaches', parents', and skiers' understanding of modern ski racing, coaching and

training principles;

• to utilize nationally accepted programs of ski racing training and coaching;

• to provide a social environment whereby all members can experience the comradery and

friendship common to the sport of ski racing;

• to employ a roster of high quality, trained, and certified ski race coaches and conduct periodic

reviews of their suitability to the programs;

• to maintain membership in good standing with Alpine Canada and Alpine Ski Nova Scotia.

• to ensure the relationships with the ski hill are managed and approved by the Board of Directors

whose intentions are to provide cost-effective ski race programs through fiscal management.

1.3 Mission Statement

A fun, competitive Alpine Ski racing club whose athletes and coaches are encouraged to achieve their

personal best, grow from their experiences and most of all, develop a life-long love of the sport.

1.4 Vision

Athlete Centered / Coach Driven / Board Supported

1.5 WSRC Values

1. Integrity

2. Honesty

3. Intensity

4. Loyalty

5. Friendship

6. Contentedness

7. Joy / Love of the Sport

These values, in combination with those brought by the coaching staff, work together to create a group

of athletes who race well on their own, as well as supporting each other and embodying the mission of

the Club.


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1.6 WSRC Budget

WSRC has an annual budget of approximately $100,000. Funds are provided through registration fees,

race fees, sponsorship and fundraising. The main expenses are coaching costs, Alpine Canada fees

(insurance for athletes, coaches and volunteers), equipment and facility charges. The annual financial

statements of the club are presented each year at the AGM. All members of WSRC are encouraged to

attend the AGM.

Ski racing can be an expensive sport. The WSRC board is mindful of keeping the sport accessible from a

cost perspective while offering a program with highly qualified coaches. One approach the board uses to

manage this balance is a “user pay” model. There are training opportunities throughout the season

(Fridays, camps etc) as well as race fees, that are not included in the base program fee. By doing this the

club can keep the program fees as low as possible by having only those who with to participate in the

extra training and racing opportunities bear the cost.

The Financial Policies describing the financial management of the Club can be found on the website

under About Us.

1.7 Our Coaches

Program Coordinator

Gregor Byrne

CSCF Level 3 Certified/CSIA 3/ Entry & Development Level Facilitator/SX Facilitator/SPEED Facilitator

U10 / U8 Lead Coach

Dawn Scissons U10 Head Coach

The coaching staff varies year over year. The coaching line-up for a specific year is posted on the

website under “About US” and “Coaches” by December 1st of each season.

1.8 WSRC Contact Information

The WSRC website can be found at www.wentworthracing.com. The website is kept up to date with

the club calendar and weekly training updates.

Contact e-mails are as follows:

Program Coordinator: [email protected]

Club Admin: [email protected]

Club Treasurer: [email protected]

http://www.wentworthracing.com/

mailto:[email protected]




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Club Registrar: [email protected]

Club Race Organizing Committee: [email protected]

Club social media: [email protected]

1.9 WSRC Board of Directors

The current Board of Directors are listed on the website under “About Us”.

1.10 Governance

The Club is governed by its By-laws and Policies which can be found on the “About Us” page of the

website.

1.11 Communication

The Club website www.wentworthracing.com is the main reference for information about the club. This

is updated continuously with information as it becomes available. Additionally, weekly newsletters are

sent via e-mail to the e-mail addresses you provide at the time of registration and will provide pertinent

and timely information about away races, club activities, deadlines, club happenings and general

information. We encourage you to read these. These newsletters are also available on the website,

www.wentworthracing.com under “Newsletters”.

We will be using Whatsapp, a free application you can download onto your phone, to communicate with

program groups and for away race events and camps. Please download this app and text 9024788185

that you have downloaded it. Be sure to include your name.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! On Facebook we are “Wentworth Ski Racing Club”. All parents

and athletes are encouraged to follow us on Instagram: wentworthracing where WSRC parent &

professional photographer, Jeff Cooke posts photos and stories. We welcome photos from parents and

athletes; just send them to Jeff at [email protected] We are hoping to do some coach,

athlete and volunteer features on Instagram as the season progresses.







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2 Programs

The Program Coordinator has committed to the development of a comprehensive training and racing

plan based on ACA and CSCF Standards.

A club championship race is usually held on the concluding weekend of the program.

ALL AGE CATEGORIES REFER TO ATHLETES AGE AT MIDNIGHT ON DECEMBER 31 PRIOR TO THE WINTER

OF THE SEASON.

2.1 WSRC U8 AND U10 SNOWSTARS PROGRAM

The WSRC U8 and U10 (Snowstars) programs are a twelve-week entry level / learn to race Alpine

Skiing program for athletes aged 6 to 9 (as of December 31st).

2.1.1 Pre-requisite

Athletes need to know how to ski to join this program as it is not a “Learn to Ski” program it is a

“Learn to Race” Program.

WSRC only accepts five-year-old athletes who are younger siblings of existing WSRC member

athletes. These athletes of member families are allowed to join the program providing they can

ski from the top to the bottom of the hill on their own in a “somewhat” parallel fashion and are

mature enough to follow the directions of their Coach. Following instructions is key to group

safety and an athlete may be disciplined and/or removed due to inability to follow instructions.

WSRC offers 2-DAY (Saturday and Sunday) and 1-Day (Saturday OR Sunday) Snowstars Program

options and follows the National ACA (Alpine Canada Association) SNOWSTARS seven level

program. (Ref www.snowstars.ca )

2.1.2 Daily Schedule

Meet in front of the lodge at 9:20

• Pick up for lunch in front of the lodge at 11:30

• Drop off for afternoon session at 12:30pm (lunchtime supervision is not available) • Pick up in front of lodge at 2:30pm

2.1.3 U8 & U10 SNOWSTARS Program Goals

http://www.snowstars.ca/


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1. To offer our U10 Athletes the opportunity to train as close as possible to Alpine Canada’s recommended number of on-snow training days for skill development in this age-group. (Days on snow recommended by ACA are: 40 -50) 2. To have all of our U10 athletes achieve at least ONE SnowStars Level this season. (The SnowStars program is a seven-level skills achievement program which ACA develops and recommends. WSRC utilizes the SnowStars Program as mentioned above. 3. To have ALL of our U10 athletes participate in TWO Club / Fun race events 4. To have all U10 athletes achieve Level 5 before moving on to U12. 5. To have our U10 Program run for 12 weeks = Minimum 12 days on snow for one-day athletes / 24 days minimum on snow for two-day athletes. 6. To foster a love of the sport of alpine skiing and for the athletes to have FUN with their Coaches.

2.1.4 Groups

We group our athletes based on age, ability and whether they are training one- or two- days per weekend. We try to keep the group sizes at around six athletes per coach; although with some of the older more skilled athletes we may do as many as eight per coach.

2.1.5 Time on Snow

These athletes should get anywhere from 5 to 10 runs per day with their coach on a variety of terrain and environments that have been set up for them to develop their skills. We encourage you to allow your athlete to ski after they are finished their session for the day with their coaches. Take your young athlete with you skiing for three or four runs at the end of their session – Let them show you what they can do – Let them have some FUN with Mom and/or Dad!!

2.1.6 Equipment Needs

U10 Athletes should have JR RACE Slalom Skis (no taller than their nose) and 4 buckle front overlap JR

RACE boots of appropriate stiffness for the ability of the athlete. The athlete should also have poles of

the right length. A hard – shell racing helmet is required.

Racing (“skin”) suits are permitted (but not required) for athletes in our U10 Program.


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2.1.7 Training & Racing

U10 Athletes wishing to compete in a racing event have to have had at least three days of practice /

training in gates in order to mitigate the risks involved with racing and to give them a level of comfort on

a race course.

Coaches are responsible for the safety and well-being of their athletes and they are responsible to

decide whether or not athletes have sufficient practice (training) to compete safely.

2.2 U12 PROGRAM

The WSRC U12 Program is a twelve-week learn to train / race program for athletes aged 10 and 11(as of December 31st). WSRC offers the following program options to this age group:

• 1 Day – Saturday OR Sunday option • 2 Day – Saturday and Sunday

U12 is the graduate level of our Snow Stars Program. However, WSRC also offers programming for U12 athletes who are new to ski racing. Particularly timid U12 skiers on occasion may opt to train with second year U10’s; this can be accommodated.

2.2.1 U12 Program Goals – Learn to Train

1. To provide such training opportunities that our U12 athletes are able to train as close as possible to the Alpine Canada’s recommended number of on-snow training days for this age group. Days on snow recommended by ACA are: 75 +/- training/racing with a Coach. 2. To provide a corresponding number of Competitive starts to our training opportunities: 4 to 6 Races. 3. To have ALL (Recreational & Competitive) of our U12 athletes get a minimum of 3 Slalom SL / Kinder Kombi KK starts over the course of the season. These can be at either WSRC-hosted club races at Ski Wentworth or regional AAA races also known as away races. 4. To see evidence of three-dimensional training promoting autonomous athletes by season’s end. 5. To have athletes that have consolidated and refined the basic skiing skills to apply to ski racing by the end of U12. 6. To provide Mental training opportunities for our U12 athletes. One of the most important aspects in

becoming a good alpine ski racer is to have a great mental Game and develop their mental skill as they

relate to sports.

7. To have the athletes become Process-Focused with regards to their training by the end of the season.

2.2.2 Groups


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Groupings take into consideration the following: Age, target coach to athlete ratio levels, ability & skill,

interest & commitment, fit with the group and coach, and to a degree social. Athlete groupings are at

the discretion of the Program Coordinator. Changes to athlete or coach group assignments may be

made for a variety of reasons by the Program Coordinator.

2.2.3 Philosophy

Within ALL levels of our U12 Program our coaches will be trying to have the athletes focus on improving

their basic skills and then racing tactics (THE PROCESS) and not worrying about how fast they go, who

they beat, or what place they finish (THE OUTCOME).

The athletes will learn to understand how to focus on Process Goals and to realize that they compete

against themselves, the terrain and the set courses.

2.2.4 Schedule

U12's meet at the Clubhouse at 8:15am. Warmup on snow is at 8:45 in front of the Lodge with ski boots

and gear on. On lift by 9am. At 11:30, the athletes break for lunch in the lodge. WSRC does not provide

supervision at lunch time. We begin again in the afternoon at 12:30, meeting in front of the lodge and

run until 2:30. We may run longer on some days as video and debriefing sessions can run until 3:00.

Pickup is at the clubhouse.

We would like to suggest that when the athlete’s sessions are complete at 2:30 they be allowed and

encouraged to ski for another hour or more on their own OR with their parents. Skiing and practicing on

their own is paramount for their improvement as ski racers.

2.2.5 Race Events

All U12 athletes will have the opportunity to race at least 6 race starts at Ski Wentworth – no travel

involved:

❖ Slingshot ❖ Scaravelli Cup ❖ Club Champs

The U12 age groups have a large number of races to choose from. The AAA schedule posted on the

website represents all race events. At the pre-season parent meeting, WSRC will agree which events we

are attending as a club. Athletes are welcome to decide to attend additional events independent of the

club. With enough notice, WSRC can arrange a coach from another Club to provide required on-hill

support. (Keep in mind program goal 2 above, indicating 4-6 races as the ACA recommended number

relative to training days for this age group.)


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Away races are not mandatory.


Required:

❖ Skis: Optimally, a pair of JR Race Slalom skis (no taller than their nose) ❖ Boots: The athlete should have JR Race Boots. 4 buckle front overlap design. They should

be able to flex the boots. Flexing would mean being able to move the cuff forward bringing the two-middle buckles closer together.

❖ Helmet: The athlete should have a hard-eared FIS approved helmet with a chin guard. ❖ Guards: The athlete should have a pair of JR sized slalom shin guards and JR pole guards.

Optional:

Based on how much away racing your athlete plans to do and level of competitiveness and

development. These are more recommendations for competitive second year U12’s. If you have any

questions, feel free to ask your Coach or the Program Coordinator.

❖ Skis: JR Race GS skis (10 to 15 cms longer than Slalom skis). ❖ Race Suit (aka Skin Suit)

2.2.7 Tuning Equipment Needs

Retailers such as Aerobics Frist in Halifax and Hub Cycle in Truro sell tuning supplies. Additionally, the

club will host a tuning session early in the season with a Sidecut representative who will have ordering

at a discount available to WSRC members.

In the U12 age group, it is recommended that parents start engaging their athlete to help with tuning

their skis. Younger kids can scrape. Optimally, athletes can tune independently by the time they are in

U14.

A suggested basic tuning equipment kit is provided in section 13 of this handbook.

2.2.8 Training & Racing Safely

WSRC has a policy that athletes must have done a minimum amount of training in order to attend a race

event. This applies to specific disciplines as well. I.e. – GS training to race GS, SX training to race SX, etc.

U12 Athletes will need a MINIMUM of three days of Gate training (GS & SL) in order to mitigate the risks

they are exposed to on Race Day in a course. Examples of when this restriction applies is to events


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early in the season and an athlete’s return after an extended absence such as injury recovery. The

WSRC Coaching staff ultimately makes the decision as to whether they feel an athlete is Safe enough to

race.

2.3 WSRC U14 PROGRAM

The WSRC U14 Program is a twelve-week Train-to-Train / Learn-to-Race program for athletes aged 12 and 13 (as of December 31st).

2.3.1 Program Offerings

WSRC offers the following program options to this age group:

• 1 Day – Sunday option • 2 Day – Saturday and Sunday • 3 Day – Friday, Saturday and Sunday • A late entry 1 day or ½ day “Intro to Race” program described separately

If athletes need to be focusing on skill development so that they can properly attack a race course (SL & GS) that is what the focus will be on for those athletes.

2.3.2 U14 PROGRAM GOALS – TRAIN TO TRAIN & LEARN TO RACE

1. To provide such training opportunities that our U14 Athletes can train as close as possible Alpine Canada’s recommended number of on-snow training days. Days on snow recommended by ACA are 75 - 110 +/- - The WSRC is offering 82 possible days of training/

2. To provide a corresponding number of Competitive starts to our training opportunities. 14 to 18 Starts is recommended – WSRC is offering 23 possible Starts to choose from.

3. To have ALL of the athletes at this level of the Program have a minimum of 8 Competitive Race Starts this season.

4. To train start to finish, as fast as possible without falling and without supervision while showing excellent technical skills while diligently FOCUSING on THE PROCESS.

5. To develop specific fitness for ski racing, build the engine, refining specific racing skills. To offer one day of dry-land maintenance during the competitive season.

6. To offer two competitive opportunities in Ontario this winter to all U14 Group athletes.


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7. To have the Athletes understand the importance of mental training. Having each Athlete develop

their own mental training goals & plan. To have each athlete using a training Journal daily. To Provide

scheduled mental training opportunities in the Fall and during the season.

2.3.3 Philosophy

Before the middle of January, the coaches will spend some one-on-one time with these athletes establishing a jumping-off-point for the season as well as some season long Process-Oriented goals with intermediate milestones along the way so that they can track their progress and adjust when necessary. For each athlete, this path through the season will be different with different goals and objectives. For each athlete, the key will be to: FOCUS ON THE PROCESS. To put in the time and effort required to be the best ski racer that they can be. To build the PROCESS which when followed and worked at diligently will yield OUTCOMES. Each athlete will be asked to outline their Process goals and objectives for the season along with the Coaches. The athlete will then be asked to keep a written training journal (outlining what they are doing each training day – both on and off the snow) so that we and they can track their progress toward their Process goals checking off the smaller milestones that will need to be reached along the route. Also, so that we can review what an athlete did / ate / slept / thought / tuned / dreamed on the day they trained / raced REALLY well or REALLY poorly. These goals / objectives will encompass nutritional, mental, physical, technical and tactical aspects of each athlete’s development over the course of the season.

2.3.4 Schedule

The U14 RACE Group meets at the WSRC Clubhouse at 7:45 DAILY (on weekends) for a training day meeting with the Coaching Staff. Athletes may get ready in the Clubhouse each morning. For Thursday and Friday Training we will meet at the Clubhouse at 8:15 AM. The training Program Day begins on-snow for warm up at 8:15 sharp in the morning (warm up in front of the Lodge) and goes until 11:30 +/- when the athletes break for lunch. We begin again in the afternoon at 12:15 (and run on-snow until 2:30. Video and debriefing sessions can run until 3:30 or 4:30 depending on the day.

2.3.5 Race Events All U14 athletes will have the opportunity to do 11 race starts at Ski Wentworth – so no travel involved:

o Byrne Memorial / Scaravelli Cup / Office Interiors Cups o Team Atlantic SL Cup o Roland Brunner o Club Champs


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The U14 age groups have a large number of races to choose from. The AAA schedule posted on the website, represents all race events. At the pre-season parent meeting, parents and coaches will collectively decide which events we are attending as a club. Athletes are welcome to decide to attend additional events independent of the club. With enough notice, WSRC can arrange a coach from another Club to provide required on-hill support. (Keep in mind program goal 2 above, indicating 14-18 race starts as the ACA recommended number relative to training days for this age group.) While the races are not mandatory, for club-selected away races, there will not be any training programs available at Wentworth and athletes remaining in Wentworth can free ski on their own.


U14 Athletes should have JR Race Slalom and JR Race GS skis (2 pairs of SL & GS, i.e. - Racers & Trainers, is a HUGE advantage if budget allows.)

❖ Boots should be JR/SR Front overlap design race boots of appropriate size & stiffness.

❖ Shin guards / pole guards and a Slalom helmet with chin bar for slalom.

❖ Skin suit / race suit.

❖ A FIS-approved hard ear helmet for GS as well as a back protector of appropriate size - NOTE helmets must be FIS Approved. There will be a sticker on the back of the helmet indicating this.

2.3.7 Tuning Equipment Needs

At the U14 age group, athletes should develop the ability to tune their own skis. Retailers such as Aerobics Frist in Halifax and Hub Cycle in Truro sell tuning supplies. Additionally, the club usually organizes a tuning session early in the season with a tuning supply representative who will have ordering at a discount available to WSRC members.

A suggested basic tuning equipment kit is provided in section 13 of this handbook.

2.3.8 Racing & Training Safely

WSRC has a policy that athletes must have done a minimum amount of training in order to attend a race

event. Examples of when this restriction applies is to events early in the season and an athlete’s return

after an extended absence such as injury recovery. The WSRC coaching staff ultimately makes the

decision as to whether they feel an athlete is safe enough to race.


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U14 Athletes will need a MINIMUM of three days of gate training (GS & SL) in order to mitigate the risks they are exposed to on Race Day in a course. U14 Athletes are eligible to race SUPER G. All U14 athletes who wish to race in a SG event must have a MINIMUM of three days of SPEED Training in order to be safe while racing at speeds between 70 and 90 kmph.

2.4 U16/U18 Program Goals – Train to Race

1. To provide such training opportunities that our U16 / U18 athletes are able to train as close as possible to the ACA AIM Document’s recommended number of on-snow training days. ACA recommends 115-147 days on snow.

2. To provide a corresponding number of Competitive starts to our training opportunities. 15 to 25 Starts + Speed.

3. To have ALL of the athletes at this level of the Program have the opportunity to participate at the FIS Level of Racing. To offer a FIS Racing schedule for our U18 Group.

4. To develop a competitive professional attitude / commitment to all aspects of the Program cultivating a desire to excel.

5. To develop and implement a Mental Training plan with goals and objectives for each athlete.

2.4.1 Goal Setting

Before the first of January the coaches will spend some one-on-one time with these athletes establishing a jumping-off-point for the season as well as some season long Process-Based goals with intermediate milestones along the way so that they can track their progress and adjust when necessary. For each athlete, this path through the season will be different with different process-based goals and objectives. Each athlete will be asked to outline their goals and objectives for the season along with the Coaches. The athlete will then be asked to keep a training journal (outlining what they are doing each training day (both on and off the snow) so that we can track their progress toward their goals checking off the smaller milestones that will need to be reached along the route. Also so that we can review process (what an athlete did/ate/slept/thought/tuned/dreamed) against outcome (on the day they trained/raced REALLY well or REALLY poorly). These goals/objectives will encompass nutritional, mental, physical, technical and tactical aspects of each athlete’s development over the course of the season.

2.4.2 Race Events


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All U16 athletes will have the opportunity of 10 race starts at Ski Wentworth – no travel involved:

❖ Team Atlantic Slalom Cup ❖ Roland Brunner ❖ Club Champs

The U16 age groups have a large number of races to choose from. The AAA schedule posted on the

website, represents all race events. At the pre-season parent meeting, parents and coaches will

collectively decide which events we are attending as a club. Athletes are welcome to decide to attend

additional events independent of the club. With enough notice, WSRC can arrange a coach from

another Club to provide required on-hill support. (Keep in mind program goal 2 above, indicating 15-25

race starts as the ACA recommended number relative to training days for this age group.) While the

races are not mandatory, for club-selected away races, there will not be any training programs available

at Wentworth and athletes remaining in Wentworth can free ski on their own.

2.4.3 SCHEDULE

U16/18 Athletes are to be in the Clubhouse at 7:45am to meet with coaches and to prepare for the

training day.

The outdoor training Program Day begins at 8:15am sharp in the morning (warm up in front of the

Lodge) and goes until 11:30 when the athletes break for lunch. We begin again in the afternoon at 12:15

and run until 2:30. We may run longer on some days as video and debriefing sessions can run until 3:30

or 4:00.

After Video, the athletes will have the opportunity to ski on their own for an hour or so. We

recommend that they would take advantage of this time to ski. Research has shown that those who

become expert in their sport spend MORE time practicing on their own than those who are average.

For the U18 athletes that hold a FIS Card we will run a schedule of FIS Races in Ontario and Quebec.

2.4.4 EQUIPMENT NEEDS

• Race Slalom and Race GS skis • Optionally - 2 pairs of SL & GS - Racers & Trainers - is a HUGE advantage if budget allows • SG skis if racing Super G • Boots should be front overlap design Race boots of appropriate size & stiffness. • Shin guards and pole guards • GS Hard ear FIS-Approved Helmet and Slalom helmet with chin bar for slalom • Race suit (aka skin suit) • Back protector of appropriate size


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NOTE : To be FIS approved there will be a FIS sticker on the back of your athlete's helmet.

2.5 WSRC UNIVERSITY PROGRAM

The WSRC UNIVERSITY Program is a twelve week Train to Race program for WSRC Alumni athletes (who

are now enrolled in University) that will begin the weekend of January 2nd and run until the last

weekend of March

2.5 (i) UNIVERSITY Program Goals – Train to Race

1. To provide such training opportunities that our University aged athletes can participate in Club

training / racing events at minimal cost so that they may stay involved while attending University

2. To provide a corresponding number of Competitive starts to our training opportunities. Club / AAA /

FIS starts

3. To keep these athletes as involved with the Club as their schedule allows so that they can interact

with / and be inspiration to our younger athletes.

5. To be examples of a competitive professional attitude / commitment to all aspects of the Program

cultivating a desire to excel.

The cost of this Program will be $1.00 + Club & ACA fees appropriate to the level of competition the

athlete would like to participate in.

3 PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT OPTIONS

FALL DRYLAND - We recommend that your athlete attends a Fall Dry-Land training program working on

their own or with a trainer outside of the Club. WSRC offers Fall Dryland as an option.

PRE-SEASON CAMP – WSRC, through Team Atlantic, offers two December Camps at Mont Ste Anne;

there are also many other options throughout North America and elsewhere. (See section 5 for more

information)

HOLIDAY CAMP - Training Camps are offered at Wentworth during the Holiday break from school prior

to school starting in January.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING - Training at Wentworth is offered throughout the winter every Thursday and

Friday, except when there is an away race or training event in the posted season schedule. Minimum


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number of pre-registered athletes is required for these ad hoc days to occur.

4. RACES

4.1 AAA Calendar and Club Race Participation

The ATLANTIC ALPINE/ALPIN ATLANTIQUE (AAA) is a group comprised of members of ski racing clubs

across the Atlantic Region. Each year the AAA decides upon the race calendar for the season. The AAA

Calendar is set based on the availability of space at the sponsoring ski hills and the expected conditions

at different times during the ski season. Race Notices for all races are distributed to families via e-mail as

soon as we receive them and they are also posted on our website; under “Racing” (select “Race Notices”

from the drop down menu).

Once the AAA Calendar is set, it is posted on the website. There are also other races outside of Atlantic

Canada considered for athlete participation.

The decision around which races to attend can be based on a number of factors:

• Fit with the overall training plan which aims to balance training time with races (for example

races on multiple weekends in a row can be problematic for athlete development)

• Depth of competitive field at races

The decision on which races to attend will be made collaboratively with the Program Coordinator (PC)

and Parents at the pre-season parent meetings. If athletes / parents wish to attend races which the club

does not plan to attend, they are encouraged to contact the Program Coordinator. Arrangements can be

made to accommodate these requests.

Athlete safety is of upmost concern. For races early in the season, the PC and the coach will together

decide whether a racer has had enough training to attend. For this reason, athletes who attend pre-

season camps may be invited to attend a race while athletes who did not, may not be.

4.2 Travel Arrangements

Parents should either attend all away races with their athletes or make arrangements with other

families for travel and accommodations at away races. WSRC will reserve a block of rooms for each away

race, but it will be up to each family to make their own arrangements.

Parents who wish to carpool or share accommodations are responsible for making their own

arrangements with other families. If parents are unable to attend an away race and would like their

athlete to attend, they are fully responsible to make alternative arrangements with other families. The

parents who cannot attend must ensure that whoever is taking their athlete is fully responsible for them

during the trip, including ensuring they attend meals, are on time for races, etc. Sharing of expenses is to

be agreed upon by the families; WSRC will not have any involvement.


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4.3 Race Fees

WSRC’s ROC (Race Organizing Committee) will send out notice of races when they become available

from the hosting club. Race fees must be paid by the deadline in the WSRC’s notice of race and before

the athlete attends the race as the club has to pay all athletes race fees at the coach's meeting before

the race starts. The club cannot be expected to pay an athlete's race fees and then recover it from the

athlete.

The cost of coaching for Saturday and Sunday of the race weekend is covered in the program

registration fees. The additional cost of the race fee for away races includes estimated costs of coach

travel, meals and accommodations, race registration fees and any coaching costs for additional time

(travel to the race, Friday training days, etc) and a $5 fee by the club to cover any ancillary costs.

Therefore, the fees collected by WSRC are higher than the “Race Fee” in the host club race notice

because these fees also cover estimated coach expenses.

A reconciliation is done at the end of each race and each athlete's account is updated. At the end of the

season, you may receive a refund or may be required to pay additional money.

4.4 Expectations of Parents at Races

Without parent volunteers, there would not be any ski races. Parents from all clubs are expected to

volunteer while at races (races can't be run without volunteers from all clubs). You can volunteer as a

gate keeper (no prior experience required, you will be trained the morning of the race), as hill crew, help

with administration, writing results on the results boards at the bottom of the hill, etc - if you're willing

to volunteer, they will find you something to do!

Level 2 and 3 officials may also be recruited for other activities on race day (starter, manual timing, etc).

Volunteers are generally provided with a lift ticket for the hill (if you are a gate keeper or hill crew) and

lunch each day.

Parents are expected to abide by the Club Code of Conduct while at Wentworth and while at away

events. Remember races are being run by a group of parent volunteers at the host hill. If you have

questions or concerns around the race organization or results, ask your coach.

4.5 National Competitions

Each season there are opportunities for athletes to compete in national competitions. The Can-Ams,

typically held in April for U14 and U16, are one example. The Atlantic region is given an annual quota of

athletes to send for these races. The AAA committee selects the athletes and chooses the coaching staff

for these events. Athlete selection is typically based on an athletes “National Points.” You can find your

athletes points here http://acapoints.ca/. The method by which point are calculated is complex, contact

your Program Coordinator or coach to learn more.

http://acapoints.ca/


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5. Training Camps There are several opportunities for additional training during the season which are outlined in the table

below. The more that your young athletes ski / train with our certified CSCF Coaching staff, the faster

they will progress with their skiing/ski racing skills. For U12 and up there is also training available on

Thursdays and Fridays at Wentworth on a pay per day basis.

At camps, athletes are grouped based on age, ability and whether they are training one or two days per

weekend. We try to keep the group sizes at around six athletes per coach – although with some of the

older more skilled athletes we may do eight per coach.

Please note that the three training camps in Mont St. Anne are outsourced to Team Atlantic. The

logistics and complexity of planning and managing these camps is beyond the capacity of the WSRC

volunteer board. Team Atlantic is run by the WSRC Program Coordinator, Gregor Byrne and some of the

coaches at these camps will be the same as the WSRC coaches. WSRC reviews the cost of the these

camps to ensure that they are comparable to camps offered by other clubs, ASNS and ACA. To

participate in this pre-season camp, you must have registered and paid for your regular season program

fee. This is for insurance purposes so that your athlete is covered by the insurance provided through the

ACA membership fee which is part of the WSRC program fees.

Please note that it is not possible to pay a reduced fee for partial camp attendance.

There are other opportunities for training camps which are often held at away races. More information

on these camps is distributed as it becomes available.

6 Membership Information

6.1 Registration Registration opens on July 15th, 2019 to returning members only. Registration opens to the public on

August 15th, 2019. Early Bird Fees expire October 1st. Registration closes December 1st. Space is

available in the program on a first come first serve basis. When a program is full or after December 1st,

whichever comes first, interested athletes will be placed on a wait list which will be confirmed prior to

the first day of the regular weekend program.

6.2 Payment for Registration Fees

Program Registration fees are due at the time of registration. Your athlete will not be allowed to

participate in program activities until payment is received. An installment option is available through

the on-line registration system, but all fees are due in full by December 1, 2019.

6.3 Parent Participation

Parent meetings are held at the start of the season. All parents are encouraged to attend. Coaches

review the plans for the upcoming year, and the parent reps are introduced. Parent meetings for U12

and up are held in the pre-season (typically November) and Parent Meetings for U8 & U10 are held at

Wentworth during program hours.


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WSRC is a parent participation club and as a member you have an important role to play. There are

many ways to get involved throughout the season

6.4 Cancellation Policy

Registration in the regular program can be cancelled with a full refund prior to the start of the regular

program. After the start of the regular program, registration can be refunded 50% for withdrawals up to

the end of January, after which registration is non-refundable. This does not include the ACA fees which

are non-refundable upon the commencement of the program.

It is understood that contending with the unpredictability of the weather, varying conditions including

adverse conditions, are all part of the sport of alpine skiing. No consideration or refund will be provided

due to delays, cancellations or hill closures caused by weather.

This refund policy applies to program registration only and does not apply to away race fees or camp

fees.

For away race fees, if the athlete withdraws prior to the Friday before the race starting, they can do so

at 100% refund. If the athlete withdraws after this, a refund will apply to the coach expense portion of

the fee only.

This cancellation policy does not apply to away camps which are governed by policies specific to the

camp.

6.5 Alpine Canada Association (ACA)

The club’s liability insurance is provided through its membership with ACA. This provides the lowest

possible insurance rates which helps to ensure low program fees. All athletes, coaches, volunteers and

parents must be registered with ACA in order to have insurance coverage. This is required in advance of

participation in any club events, programs or affiliated camps, or races.

6.6 Medical Forms

Registration includes a medical consent form in the unlikely event that your child is injured on the hill

and medical attention is required in advance of the parent or guardian being reached. As well, medical

information is provided for coach’s reference including allergies. Allergies are to be clearly stated on the

medical information form. Note: The Ski Wentworth Lodge is not a nut-free environment. Please note:

Parents are expected to be reachable during program hours. Please ensure contact information

provided at the time of registration is the correct contact information to reach you during program

hours.


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7 Equipment Purchasing Options

7.1 Used Race Equipment at WSRC

Throughout the year you can find Used Race Equipment on the website, under “Buy and Sell”. Generally,

athletes outgrow their skis, boots and poles (helmets and uniforms). The Used Race Equipment section

of the website gives athletes an opportunity to sell of some of their gear and for other athletes to

acquire 'gently used' gear at a good price. The coaches can offer advice to help determine whose skis

might be suitable for another athlete. The prices and financial transactions are negotiated between

seller and buyer.

7.2 Purchasing New Gear

There are a few options for purchasing new gear in Nova Scotia. Members of WSRC enjoy a discount at:

➢ Aerobics Frist, Quinpool Road, Halifax

➢ Cleve’s Sporting Goods, Akerley Blvd, Dartmouth

➢ Hub Cycle, Truro

Additionally, WSRC organizes a ski night at both Aerobics First and Cleve’s for its members to try out

gear, speak to product rep’s, etc. These are communicated via e-mail to our membership.

7.3 Uniform Orders

Note: In Winter 2018, WSRC opted to take a ‘jacket holiday”. Other elements of our Karbon order were

available for sale as usual and outlined below. In 2019/20, we are investigating introducing a new team

jacket – stay tuned for more on this topic.

Club uniforms are not mandatory. There is a club jacket, club skin suit and other elements of skiwear

available. Every Spring at the end of the season, and order form and pricing is distributed via e-mail to

club members. 50% payment is due Spring and the other 50% is due the following October. Delivery of

the club clothing is made in early December.

8 Training for Volunteers WSRC and ASNS offers training for officials so that we have enough volunteers throughout the years.

Many of the officials are the parents of our athletes. As the training dates are provided to us, we will

send them out to members.

8.1 Officials courses

Alpine Officials Level 1 – WSRC offers an Officials Level 1 course every year, all parents and guardians are

strongly encouraged to attend. Not only will this prepare you to volunteer for events but it will also give

you valuable insight into the running of a race.


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This is the entry-level course. It is an overall introduction to race organization and the various officials’

positions with particular emphasis on timekeeping and gate judging. There are no course prerequisites

or required experience.

Alpine Officials Level 2 – This level is the second of three officials’ courses and is designed for those who

have already taken the Level 1 course and have then obtained the necessary practical experience to

qualify for Level 2.

Level 2 has been designed as a detailed introduction to the methodology of alpine ski racing, the types

of races, rules, points systems as well as preparing officials for the managerial positions of chief of gates

judges, chief of course, chief of race, start referee, finish referee and referee (coaches). It is a fairly

intensive course and does not cover in any detail the material presented in Level 1.

The objectives of the course are to develop officials capable of functioning at a codexed race and to

provide a base of experience and knowledge to course participants to allow them to assume greater

responsibilities at higher-level races.

Course description: Time required: Eight hours plus a one-hour exam (may be done in one day or two

evenings). Course fee: Set by the provincial alpine associations’ officials’ chair – includes manual and

officials’ pin. Prerequisites: Level 1 certification and practical experience in at least three different

officials’ positions from two different categories which cover a minimum of eight days race experience.

Exam: One hour – multiple choice, true/false and short answers. Open book.

Alpine Officials Level 3 – This level further prepares officials for all chief positions and for minimum-

entry qualifications for the Technical Delegate (TD) Program. It is designed for those officials who have

obtained Level 2 and since then have gained specific practical experience as covered in the Alpine

Officials’ Certification Program. It is an interactive course in which the major emphasis will be discussion

and exchange of ideas, opinions and race experiences by the participants. An examination of the course

outline will show the variety and depth of the material covered.

The level requires the official to gain all necessary knowledge (experience not included) to manage races

at the national or FIS level. The course directs the participant to use the FIS ICR Book and apply the rules

and their interpretation in precise circumstances. This level develops the volunteer’s judgment and

leadership skills in concrete situations. MSRC Handbook

Course description: Time required: 12 hours. Generally given on a weekend but can be given over four

evenings. Course fee: Set by the provincial alpine associations’ officials’ chair – includes manual, course

materials and officials’ pin. Prerequisites: This course is only open to those who have the necessary

prerequisites or are identified as being very close to having the necessary practical experience to take

the course. Participants must be recommended by their provincial alpine associations’ officials’ chair.

Exam: Two-hour open book exam.

This and further information about Officials courses can be found on the ACA website.


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All volunteer officials must ensure they complete an ACA registration form and submit it via the

registration website.

9 The WSRC Training Centre The WSRC training centre consists of our clubhouse and container located at Ski Wentworth. We are

very proud to have been able to establish this significant of a resource for our club members to enjoy.

The training centre policy located under policies (under “about us”) on the website describes how the

training centre is to be used and maintained.

10 Policies WSRC’s policies are posted on the website under About Us. Policies are subject to review and updating

annually or as needed.

The policies of the club are continuously being improved upon and further developed. If you have any

questions or concerns or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected]

11 Criminal Records/ Vulnerable Sector Checks

Under ACA standards, coaches comply with the criminal background check requirements to maintain

their licensed status by CSCF. It is the policy of WSRC that all coaches are licensed. This does not apply

to assistant coaches.

A Criminal Records and Vulnerable Sector (CR/VS) check will be required for chaperones and volunteers

working directly with athletes. The CR/VS checks will be required every three years as long as the person

remains involved in WSRC. (A new check is required if a person leaves and then returns)

Copies of CR/VS checks will be accepted as long as the check was completed within the last twelve

months.

12 The Code of Conduct Coach – Parent -Athlete Agreement

The objective of this Code of Conduct Agreement is:

❖ to ensure that programs are provided in an emotionally and physically healthy atmosphere enabling each athlete to achieve to his/her maximum potential as a skier to make athletes, coaches and parents aware of their responsibilities

This agreement must be agreed to by parents and athletes at the time of registration and by coaches at

the time of hiring.

A complete copy of this agreement is included under “about us” on the website.



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13 TUNING EQUIPMENT NEEDS

Retailers such as Aerobics Frist in Halifax and Hub Cycle in Truro sell tuning supplies. Additionally, the

club quite often organizes a tuning session early in the season with tuning supply representatives who

will have ordering at a discount available to WSRC members.

There are lots of options for tuning equipment, here is a list of what comprises basic kit:

-Ski vises (SWIX is a great brand)

-Ski straps (3 per pair of skis)

-Soft paint brush

-Clean rags

-Spray bottle

-Ski break retainer elastics (min 2)

-Sidewall remover with stabilizer and stainless steel plate

-Wax iron

-3mm Plexi wax scraper

-Universal training wax (Nanox recommended)

-Nylon brush (oval)

-250mm ski file (medium cut for base edges)

-100mm ski file, cut 16 (for side edge filing)

-0.7 base bevel guide

-File guide with stainless steel plate and trigger clamp (92 degrees)

-File brush (for cleaning files)

-Diamond guide with stainless steel plate (92 degrees)

-Diamond stone, 400 grit

-Diamond disc, 400 grit (used with diamond guide)

-Green gummy stone (deburring of edges and polishing stainless steel guide plates on guides)

2019 Handbook - Wentworth Ski Race Club

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Transcript of 2019 Handbook - Wentworth Ski Race Club