Special Olympics Maryland Alpine Skiing Pre-Season Coaches Webinar November 27th, 2018 Matt Otwell Alpine Venue Director (Volunteer) George Herghenhahn Chief Financial Officer (SOMD) Kendall Zeswitz Sports Director (SOMD) Steve Bennett Sr. Director Sport & Competition (SOMD) Maryland
SOMD Winter Games Pre-Season Agenda Winter Games Dates & Schedule Housing Information Registration Deadlines Helmets Change to Staging Whitetail Review Head Coach Certification Events Offered Race Training Weekends Rules of Competition & Resources On-Snow Tips Q&A Additional Resources & Information
2019 Winter Games Event Dates All Events at Whitetail Race Training at Whitetail January 12 th, 2019 Race Training at Whitetail February 9 th, 2019 Winter Games and Time Trials at Whitetail February 24 th, 25 th, & 26 th, 2019
2019 Winter Games Schedule (tentative) Sunday February 24 th, 2019
2019 Winter Games Schedule (tentative) Monday, February 25th, 2019
2019 Winter Games Schedule (tentative) Tuesday, February 26 th, 2019
2019 Alpine Competition Schedule The Alpine Competition schedule has been drafted but has not been fully vetted by all SOMD/GMT Winter Games members. What we can share More balanced competition schedule Better flexibility for lunch Additional events 7
Housing Information Delegations will be housed in the same locations in 2017. 8
2019 Winter Games Registration Deadlines What When What Is Due Training Registration Deadline 01/10/2019 Roster entered into GMS of all Athletes, Unified Partners, Coaches and Volunteers participating in your program; Establishes who is eligible to compete at state competitions. (provided they meet all other criteria) Anyone submitted after this date is NOT eligible for state competition Last Date For Missing Forms To Be Submitted To SOMD HQ 01/21/2019 Every Athlete must have a complete medical form valid through 02/26/2019 on file at SOMD HQ. Every Coach/Partner/Volunteer must have a complete volunteer application 02/26/2019 on file at SOMD HQ. Must also have updated Protective Behaviors Certification valid thru 02/26/2019. All Head Coaches must have Special Olympics Coach Certification for their specific sport completed by this date Competition Registration Deadline 02/07/2019 Delegation members, team rosters and their events must be entered into GMS; any Athlete or Unified Partner without an event will be deleted from Winter Games The dates listed above are when all entry information and forms must be completed entered into GMS by your local Area/County GMS manager (unless specific alternative instructions from local Area/County management have been given). This webinar is being recorded for possible sharing on the Internet
Helmets Helmets have arrived at our HQ office in Baltimore! Kendall will contact Head Coaches by the end of the week to schedule a pick-up/potential delivery Counties who have not ordered they are required for On-Snow training as well as Winter Games Race Name Glide Super Glide Slalom Giant Slalom Super G Helmets Needed NO NO NO YES YES 10
New Staging Procedure Coaches will be acting in role as escort If needed we can have volunteers step in Staging will take place on the top of the mountain no more staging tent at the base Coaches will escort through both runs and then take their athlete to the awards area 11
Super G (Sidewinder) Intermediate (Stalker) Advanced (Homerun) Novice (Velvet) Glide/Super Glide (Children's Center- Velvet) SOMD 2019 Winter Games Course Locations Whitetail Resort
2019 Special Olympics Maryland Winter Games Ski Whitetail Mercersburg, Pennsylvania Date: February 24 th -26 th 2019 Finalized Details to come in Pre- Competition Webinar 2/18/2019
Events Offered Current Event Information - Alpine Skiing Advanced Giant Slalom Advanced Slalom Advanced Slalom (Unified) Intermediate Giant Slalom Intermediate Slalom Intermediate Slalom (Unified) Novice Giant Slalom Novice Slalom Advanced Super G Advanced Super G (Unified) Intermediate Super G Intermediate Super G (Unified) Super Glide Glide Coaches Fun Race Super G NEW
Race Training Open to all Athletes & Coaches both dates Goal is to give early access to race courses to maximize Athletes and Coaches time to develop racing skills Clinicians will be available at the end of race course to evaluate both Coaches and Athletes during and post course runs. Workshops with Instructors/Clinicians can be scheduled ahead of time or day of to cover these skills and techniques Beginner skiers Basic Racing Skills Competition Transition Techniques Special O Athletes Racing Skills Adaptive Skills Advanced/Personal Ski Skills/Styles
Rules of Competition & Resources The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Alpine Skiing shall govern all Special Olympics competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon Federation Internationale de Ski (FIS) rules for Alpine Skiing found at http://www.fis-ski.com. For purposes of this competition, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association is the National Governing Body (NGB), and its rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Alpine Skiing, or Article I. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Alpine Skiing shall apply. Alpine Skiing National Governing Body U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association Website: www.ussa.org For those who require further clarification, please refer to the 2018 Special Olympics Alpine Rules.
Sport Safety And Risk Management Additional Links for Alpine Alpine Skiing Specific Information Special Olympics Alpine Skiing Rules Special Olympics Alpine Skiing Rules, Protocol, and Etiquette Special Olympics Alpine Skiing Page Special Olympics General Information Article 1 (.pdf) Special Olympics General Rules Principles Of Coaching Coaching Special Olympics Athletes Basics Of Special Olympics Preparing The Athlete For Competition Protective Behaviors Training
General Competition Rules Skiers will be divisioned according to the Official Special Olympics Winter Sports Rules. Skiers will be divisioned based upon age, gender, and ability. Some age groups and genders may be combined to offer the best competition. Beginner skiers shall be divisions in the event(s) in which they are entered. Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced skiers shall have two runs on a modified Giant Slalom course of their ability level, with the fastest time used to determine their division for competition. If time in the race organizers schedule permits, divisioning time trials may be conducted for each event. In the first run of competition in each division, the fastest trial time starts first, slowest last. Age groups will be broken down using the Special Olympics Maryland age grouping regulations: Elementary School Age: 8-11 years of age Middle School Age: 12-15 years of age High School Age: 16-21 years of age Young Adult Age: 22-49 years of age Senior Age: 50 years of age or older Detailed information on the Special Olympics age-grouping policy can be found at: http://somd.org/pdfs/agegroupingdocument.pdf According to the Special Olympics Article 1: I:18, Special Olympics Maryland does not permit the use of any alcohol or tobacco products at any Special Olympics Maryland training or competition venue. This policy applies to all Families, Athletes, Unified Partners, Coaches, Volunteers, etc. No profanity or abusive language at any time. Additional Information found in the Alpine Competition Guide
Alpines Rules Highlights Given the amount of time we will not review every rule, below is a list of rules that we would like to highlight Helmets 1 Minute Rule & 2 Minute Rule Race Start (Countdown) Coaching Coaches as Escorts Super G Practice Run first run practice, second timed Time Trials only (1) good run required Slalom Course only outer/marker poles on first & last gate
Alpine Rules Review Alpine Rules Clarifications and Modifications 1. A helmet appropriate for alpine ski racing is required on all forerunners and competitors in official training and competition for all ability levels and all events. 2. Athletes must wear gloves and goggles (not sunglasses). 3. Athletes must use their ski pole straps correctly. 4. Time trials shall be held on a modified Giant Slalom course for divisioning in Super G, Slalom and Giant Slalom. Each athlete will do at least two runs, with the best time used to determine the start order and division for all events (Super G, Slalom and Giant Slalom) and at each level of competition (novice, intermediate, advanced). Time trials for the Glide and Super Glide will be conducted on the Glide and Super Glide courses. Separate time trials will be held for the Glide and for the Super Glide. Each athlete will have two opportunities to complete one timed run. 5. Two-Minute & One-Minute Rule: During time trials and competition, if the competitor moves out of the general direction of the line of the course (falls, misses a gate, loses a ski, etc), he/she shall have two minutes from the time of the deviation to re-enter the course. A competitor who fails to adhere to this two-minute time limit or receives assistance of any kind shall be disqualified. Multiple deviations during a time trial or competition run may result in a disqualification (at the discretion of the Course Officials). 6. Athletes may finish a race on one ski after they have passed the last gate. Athletes may finish a race without skis if the skis are lost in the immediate vicinity of the finish line. 7. During competition, all athletes and coaches must report to the Alpine Staging Area at the noted staging time on the posted Division Sheets. Any delay of the division start may disqualify an athlete. 8. Coaches are not permitted on the race courses or in the starting area (unless approved based on skier accommodations. See below). In addition, please see the statement on coaching during an event. 9. Slalom and Giant Slalom races will consist of two timed runs. Awards for each event will be based on the combined times of the two runs for that event. In the Slalom and Giant Slalom competitions, the start order for the second run is determined by reversing the finish order of the first run. Any athlete who is disqualified in the first run will be permitted a second run for a Participation Ribbon only. Only athletes officially completing two runs are eligible for awards. 10. The Super G race consists of two runs. The first is a practice run. The second is the competition run. Results are based on the time of the second (competition) run. Start order for both runs is fastest to slowest, based on time trial results. 11. The Glide and Super Glide competitions consist of one run each. 12. Athletes disqualified during a time trial will be placed in a heat with other disqualified athletes and will race in the competition for a Participation Ribbon only. 13. Athletes may participate in these events: Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G, Glide, Super Glide and one Unified event (where offered). The Glide and Super Glide are intended for lower ability level athletes. An athlete in those events may not also register at the novice level. Athletes may participate in three total events, the breakdown is as follows, two regular competitions and one unified event.
Alpine Rules cont. For Skiers Using Adaptive Equipment 1. A competitor starts with his/her torso behind the starting line (ski may extend beyond the starting line). For the Super Glide, Giant Slalom, and Slalom the start volunteer may give the ski a gentle push. For the Glide, the start volunteer may give the skier a running start. 2. A competitor is disqualified if he/she receives any assistance from his/her coach. Verbal commands (when to turn, directions, etc.) are not permitted. Coach assistance is defined as: the intentional tightening of the tether line to initiate, start, complete, or otherwise affect the direction of travel of the skier physical assistance to move the ski performing an emergency stop in any other way helping the athlete in completing the race. 3. Disqualification shall be determined by the gatekeeper or designated person assigned to the gate closest to where the infraction's occurred. Verbal directions and physical assistance in righting an overturned skier are permitted, if necessary. 4. A competitor is disqualified if he/she fails to complete the course upright except when a competitor falls in the immediate finish area in which case he/she must cross the finish line with his/her torso. For a time to be valid, the competitor must immediately cross the line between the posts with his/her torso. With hand timing, the time is taken when the competitor s torso crosses the line. The finish referee is responsible for all such decisions. For Skiers Requiring Other Accommodations Race procedure for hearing-impaired skiers: 1. Every effort will be made to find an escort who can communicate with the athlete. If one is not available, the coach may serve as one of 2 escorts. 2. The escort/coach may assist the athlete with: a. assistance, as needed, in the staging area. b. movement into the start area. c. movement up to the start line. 3. The starter will look directly at the athlete when commencing the start commands. 4. The starter/coach may do the following: a. Sign the start command in addition to saying it verbally. b. Use hand signals (e.g., counting down with fingers) in addition to saying it verbally. Note: A coach, if used as an escort, may not offer assistance during the race. A coach may not ski next to the athlete during a race.
On-Snow Tips Health Preparation Checklist The Medical Team has developed the following Health Preparation Checklist to assist coaches and family members in helping to prepare Special Olympics athletes for attendance and competition in the Winter Games. Medications Each athlete or Delegation member who is taking medication should have a supply of medications. It is important that those individuals who are taking medications also bring an accurate list of medication taken, as well as a schedule indicating the exact dosage. Should an athlete, delegation member, or other individual require assistance, the medical staff must have accurate information regarding that person s medication so that proper treatment can be provided. Maryland State law requires that all medications must be in their original prescription containers. Personal Health Items Athletes should have a good sunscreen and lip balm in addition to the usual toiletries. Each athlete should try the sunscreen lotion before the Games to be certain that it does not cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. Remember, everybody burns regardless of skin pigmentation, even in the winter. The sun reflects very strongly off the snow, so a pair of non-glare sunglasses or goggles would also be appropriate. Clothing Athletes should have warm, water resistant clothing, hats, gloves and socks. Being able to add and subtract layers of clothing (sweater, long underwear, etc.) works best for the large temperature swings possible at Winter Games. Athletes should have extra sets of clothes to change into should their clothes get wet. Diet A balanced diet is essential to the athlete s performance at the Games. The diet should contain extra carbohydrates (in the form of starches) and fresh fruit and vegetables. Athletes and members of Delegations should be discouraged from eating greasy, fried or fatty foods during the Games. A normal intake of salt along with regular meals is advised. Encourage non-caffeinated fluid intake. Liquids Each athlete should drink extra non-caffeinated fluids with meals and at regular intervals at the sports specific venues during competition. Special Need Coaches should know each of their athlete s needs for protective or special athletic equipment.
What was the athlete working on before the accident? On-Snow Tips cont. Accident Procedures 1. DO NOT REMOVE EQUIPMENT OR MOVE THE INJURED PERSON UNLESS THEY ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER. 2. Summon the Medical Team and the Ski Patrol (if on the mountain). Provide as much information as possible: Name of the trail / location of the athlete Exact location on the trail Any primary information regarding the injured person 3. Move other athletes and people to a safe place on the trail. 4. Obtain the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses. 5. Wait for the Medical Team and the Ski Patrol. 6. Once the Medical Team and/or the Ski Patrol have control of the situation, stay with the other athletes(s). Get them safely to the appropriate Special Olympics area. 7. Report the accident to the Chief Medical person, SOMD Staff or the Games Director. 8. DO NOT VOLUNTEER INFORMATION OR MAKE STATEMENTS TO ANYONE. 9. Complete an accident report as thoroughly as possible. Prepare a detailed narrative of exactly what happened. (Blank accident report forms may be obtained from the Medical Team.) What was the weather? What was the condition of the slope, trail, field or area where the accident occurred? What was the level of the athlete s ability? How did the athlete s ability compare to the other athlete s abilities? If someone else was injured, what was his/her ability? How long had the class/training/competition been going on? How many lessons or training sessions had you had with the athlete?
Questions Q&A
Additional Alpine Info cont. Who s Who? Alpine Team Leaders The team leaders are responsible for all aspects of course setup and operation including: Organizing and training course volunteers. Determining disqualifications. Receiving protests from coaches. The team leader is the point of contact for any concerns you have about the venue and its operation. Course Officials Team These volunteers run all aspects of the race itself from organizing Athletes at the Start line, monitoring the race for disqualifications, and recording the times for each Racer calling into the Data Team. Course Setting Team These volunteers set, reset, and dismantle all the race courses. They also troubleshoot issues with the courses during competition. Competition Data Team These volunteers work with GMT for both Alpine & Snowshoe to input the times into the GMS Escorts These volunteers escort athletes from staging to the race course, they collect the athletes at the end of the first run and take them back to the start for the second run, if necessary. Escorts also bring heat sheets to the course. Evaluation Team These volunteers observe, interview participants and collect written feedback. They use this information to create a written report that helps us improve all aspects of the games. Please feel free to share your thoughts with them. Games Management Team(GMT) These volunteers organize and run the games. Sports Rules Committee This group rules on protests and considers requests for new rules and amendments, modifications or deletions of existing rules.
Alpine Additional Info Alpine Racing 101 What are the different types of competition? Levels of Competition We offer three levels of competition: novice, intermediate and advanced. Different events are offered at each level. In addition glide and super glide competition is available for beginner. Events We offer a variety of alpine competition opportunities. Each athlete can compete in a maximum of two events plus one unified event. The events include:
Alpine Additional Info. Cont Glide A straight run of about 10 meters There will be one timed run Super Glide A 30-40 meter course with 1-2 turns There will be one timed run Giant Slalom (GS) The giant slalom is the second fastest course and calls for rounded technical turns. GS gates consist of two poles connected by a flag. There will be two timed runs; the times are added to determine awards GS calls for fast technical turns that are rounder and longer than those found in Slalom. The Giant Slalom rewards precision, control, and balance. It is considered a technical event because it emphasizes subtle technical skills required to turn, negotiate line, and manage speed. Slalom The slalom is the most technical of all the events and requires the tightest turns. Slalom gates consist of a single pole. There will be two timed runs; the times are added to determine awards. Slalom courses are designed to demand great technical skills to turn, control speed, and optimize line. Slalom courses cover the shortest distance, at the lowest speed, over the smallest drop in elevation, with the least distance from one gate to another. Slalom rewards quickness, balance, and aggressiveness. The Slalom is referred to as a technical event because it emphasizes subtle technical skills required to turn, negotiate line, and manage speed. Super G The Super G runs from the top to the bottom of the mountain. It is the longest and fastest course available. Super G gates consist of two poles connected by a flag. There will be two runs; the first run is a practice run and the second run determines awards Of all the disciplines, Super G courses cover the longest distance, at the highest speed, over the greatest drop in elevation, with the most distance from one gate to another. Super G is referred to as a speed event, it rewards fine balance skills, aerodynamic racing postures, and strength.
Alpine Additional Info cont.
Alpine Additional Info cont. How does this work? Staging At the staging tent athletes are grouped into heats and sent to the course with an escort. The starter will contact staging to send heats. Time trials The first event of games are the time trials, athletes at each level of competition will make two runs on a modified Giant Slalom course. Athletes best times will be used to group them in divisions for competition. Divisioning Divisioning is the process we use to group competition divisions or heats. Divisioning insures that all athletes compete against athletes of similar ability. results are used to put athletes in groups between 3 and 8. Time trial Heat sheet The heat sheet shows the athletes competing in a heat. This document is used to verify and organize athletes at the start and to record times. The escort will bring two copies of the sheet, one for the start and one for the finish. Start command The starter asks, Racer ready? The athlete can respond by saying yes, making a noise or nodding their head. The starter then says 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, GO. The athlete can start within plus/minus five seconds of Go. Second run start order In the second run, athletes will go in order from slowest to fastest based on the first run. The computer operator will provide the start order. Continuous Timing In order to run efficient competition venues and allow more athletes to compete, we use a continuous or running time method. Using continuously running digital stopwatches, race officials obtain a start and finish time for each athlete. The difference between the two times is an athlete s competition time. Times are radioed to a computer operator inside and recorded on paper. The start time is taken when the toe piece of the athlete s binding crosses the start line. The finish time is taken when the toe piece of the athlete s binding crosses the finish line. When an athlete nears the end of a race course (but is still on the course), the next athlete will receive the Start Command to begin. This saves time normally lost between runs. We will wait until the first athlete has cleared a safe number of gates before starting the next athlete s race. This will minimize the risk that an athlete will interfere with the next athlete s run. If an athlete feels another athlete interfered with his/her run, the athlete should ski off the course. The athlete will be allowed to repeat that run with no time penalty. If an athlete completes his/her run, that athlete cannot claim interference and will not be allowed another run.
Alpine Additional Info cont. Disqualification Team Leaders will disqualify athletes if they: Miss a gate. If the athlete hikes up the hill and goes through the gate they will not be disqualified. If an athlete falls and is unable to get up in two minutes. The athlete will be helped up and off the course. This is a judgment call that can be made by a team leader. If an athlete receives inappropriate coaching. If an athlete is disqualified in only one of the two time trial runs, they will be allowed to compete for a Participation Ribbon. An athlete may finish a race on one ski after they have passed the last gate. An athlete may finish a race without skis if the skis are lost in the immediate vicinity of the finish line. Disqualified athletes receive a participation ribbon. Coaching Coaching during competition is contrary to the goals of Special Olympics. Coaching is any action or words intended for an athlete to gain an advantage over others. This may be hand signals, verbal instructions, or other methods of communication with an athlete. Some examples of unacceptable behavior include verbal and physical pacing of any athlete and specific instructions (right/left turn, etc.) other than normal encouragement (go, hooray, etc.). Coaching is prohibited in the start area and while the athlete is on the competition course. Coaches may speak to their athlete for a short time in-between runs. Coaching will result in the disqualification of the athlete. Awards The top three finishers in a division receive a gold, silver or bronze medal, respectively. Other finishers are awarded ribbons. Disqualified athletes receive a participation ribbon. Protests Coaches can protest the action or inaction of a course official. In the event of the protest, we will record a time for the athlete incase the protest is upheld. If the team leaders can not resolve the protest, it will be decided on by the Sports Rules Committee. Judgment calls cannot be protested.
Additional Resources Whitetail Instructor Training USSA Website www.ussa.org SOMD Website www.somd.org Special Olympics International www.specialolympics.org
2018 Alpine Skiing Coach Briefing Registration, Forms, and Procedures Maryland 32
No athlete or volunteer may participate in any manner in a Special Olympics Maryland program without a valid and current medical form or volunteer application. There are no exceptions to this policy. This webinar is being recorded for possible sharing on the Internet
Work With Your Area Leadership All athletes, Unified partners, coaches and other volunteers must have proper forms completed and submitted prior to starting their involvement in any Special Olympics sports training program. This is for the health and safety of our athletes, as well as for the protection of Special Olympics Maryland and its volunteers. Coaches should work with their respective Area/County leadership in advance of the start of the training season to determine which athletes and volunteers have their forms current and valid through the end of the season, and which will need to have new forms completed prior to their involvement with the training program. This webinar is being recorded for possible sharing on the Internet
Athletes Every athlete must have a valid and current Athlete Application for Participation (commonly called the Athlete Medical) prior to the start of training. In addition, in order for the athlete to be eligible for competition at a state level event, that medical must be submitted by the announced deadline at the beginning of the season and valid through the date of the state competition (i.e., it cannot expire during the season). To be considered valid, the athlete medical: Must be completely filled out, including but not limited to: must include all three pages, must have all necessary information (including diagnosis) and must have all required signatures (including that of the medical professional). Athlete medicals that are complete are valid for three years from the date of the medical professional s signature. This webinar is being recorded for possible sharing on the Internet
SOMD Athlete Medical / Application for Participation Page 1
SOMD Athlete Medical / Application for Participation Page 2
SOMD Athlete Medical / Application for Participation Page 3
SOMD Athlete Medical / Application for Participation Page 4
SOMD Athlete Medical / Application for Participation Page 5
Volunteers (incl. Coaches/Partners) Every volunteer (coach, Unified partner, program volunteer, etc.) must have a valid and current Volunteer Application prior to the start of training. Special Olympics Maryland will complete a criminal background screening for every volunteer using the information provided on the application; volunteers must successfully pass the background screening as well in order to participate in Special Olympics. In addition, in order for the volunteer to be eligible for participation in a state level event, that application must be submitted by the announced deadline at the beginning of the season and valid through the date of the state competition (i.e., it cannot expire during the season). To be considered valid, the volunteer application must be complete, including but not limited to: must include all three pages, must have all necessary information and must have all required signatures If the volunteer is a minor (under the age of 18) he/she must also complete the Volunteer Minor Reference form and obtain signed references from two people with whom they are not related (teachers, coaches, etc.). Volunteer applications/screenings that are complete are valid for three years from the date of the screening. (Note: For volunteers who are minors, their volunteer application/screening will expire on their 18th birthday.) This webinar is being recorded for possible sharing on the Internet
SOMD Volunteer Application Page 1
SOMD Volunteer Application Page 2
SOMD Volunteer Application Student/Minor Reference Form
First Report of Accident/Incident All coaches should be familiar with (and have available at every training session) the First Report of Accident/Incident. This form, updated annually, should be completed immediately following an injury to any program participant or spectator OR after any property damage to the facility. Should any incident occur, immediately after the injured person has been treated for their injuries, the coach or program coordinator should complete the form and submitted to the individuals listed at the bottom of the form as well as your Area Director. This webinar is being recorded for possible sharing on the Internet
SOMD First Report of Accident / Incident Also send a copy directly to your Area Director