THE 2016 SSA PERISHER Snowsport paraprogram AUGUST 13-14 Featuring National Team Head Coaches, Paralympians and National Team Athletes Register Online 2016 SSA Para-snowsport at www.skiandsnowboard.org.au Futures Program Page 1
WHAT IS SSA FUTURES: SSA Futures is a Ski & Snowboard Australia (SSA) athlete development and talent identification program. SSA Futures has a vision to identify the next big talent in snowsports, while enhancing the opportunities and resources for athletes in the SSA athlete pathway. SSA Futures programs aim to: Introduce developing athletes to elite sporting opportunities and elite sports people Increase knowledge of the athlete pathway, selection criteria and the various opportunities, resources and programs available to Australian snow sports athletes Establish a consistent and unified approach to athlete development Engage National Team athletes and programs in pathway development initiatives Provide athletes with superior technical coaching and performance opportunities Encourage involvement in SSA domestic ski/snowboard events Bridge the gap between Interschools competition participation and involvement in seasonal SSA Pathway Programs SSA FUTURES: PERISHER PARA-SNOWSPORT SESSIONS The SSA Para-Snowsport Futures is a Talent Identification (TID) initiative by SSA with support from the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC). The program seeks to provide opportunities for potential elite athletes to transfer their talent to para-alpine or para-snowboard, whilst verifying the potential of para-snowsport athletes currently in the pathway. The program will invite selected athletes based on pre determined criteria to have their potential to achieve high performance success verified by experienced coaches and support staff. National High Performance Coaches, Christian Geiger (Para-alpine) and Lukas Prem (Para-snowboard) will be running the program with support from National Team Members Joany Badenhorst, Ben Tudhope, Simon Patmore and Tori Pendergast. National Classification will be provided as part of the program for athletes with a physical impairment. Athletes with a vision impairment will be required to arrange provisional or national classification in advance through the Australian Paralympic Committee as outlined at www.paralympic.org.au/vision-classification/ The program will involve sessions both on-snow and off, with elements of training, education, skill development, testing and fun racing, whilst having the opportunity to work alongside our para-alpine and para-snowboard National team athletes. ON SNOW ACTIVITIES On-snow activities will consist of participants being taken through blocks of basic technical drills, gate training, an informal race and basic progressions. Participants will have the opportunity to develop fundamental skills under the tutelage of experience coaches, whilst having exposure to the courses and training environments that our National Team athletes utilise. The on-snow training will also form part of the national classification process, with participant required to perform certain drills and movements. OFF SNOW ACTIVITIES Off snow activities will include an education session, introducing participants to the opportunities and pathway for Australian Para-snowsport athletes, should they wish to pursue high performance success. Information will be provided on talent identification/ talent transfer, the SSA High Performance Para-programs, classification, how to access competition opportunities, funding and support and what is involved in pursuing Paralympic representation. Part of the national classification activities will also occur off-snow and will involve a series of physical tests. Paralympians and National Para-snowboard Team athletes Joany Badenhorst and Ben Tudhope at the IPCAS World Cup in Big White (CAN) earlier this year. Page 2
WHAT IS IT: 2 Day Talent Identification, Development and National Classification Session run by SSA for potential talent in Para-snowsports Hosted at Perisher Ski Resort and the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre Featuring Paralympic and World Class coaches & athletes INCLUDES Technical Training Talent Identification Opportunities National Classification Educational and Motivational speeches Information Sessions Equipment Setup education WHEN IS IT: Saturday, August 13 - Sunday August 14. WHERE IS IT: Perisher Ski Resort, NSW Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre, NSW FACILITIES: The on-snow component of the program will take place at Perisher, most likely at Blue Cow. Training will be run in a closed off area where gates and other training apparatus will be available for athletes to utilise. Off-snow activities will take place at the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre at the Club Rooms opposite the Tennis Courts and the bottom end of the facility. EQUIPMENT: All participants must provide their own equipment including the following: Helmet (compulsory) Required adaptive equipment/ personnel (ie. sit ski, outriggers, VI guide, appropriate prosthesis, etc) Skis/ snowboard Ski/Snowboard Boots Ski Poles (Skiers only) Waterproof Outerwear Pants and Jackets Goggles Winter Gloves Thermals Backpack with water, snacks and spare clothing Gym clothes for off-snow sessions WHO IS IT FOR: SSA will select 10 athletes based on applications received and with respect to the broad criteria as listed below. Criteria for participation includes, but is not limited to; Having a National Provisional Classification or evidence to suggest participant will be eligible for Paralympic sport Depth of field in classification or likely classification Attendance at previous DWA activities, including race week Previous sport history in relevant sports such as skateboarding, waterskiing or surfing Previous high performance sport experience (for talent transfer candidates) Demonstration of required skills (through video or otherwise) Age Total number of days skiing/boarding (recreational or otherwise) Physical considerations (including fitness, healthy lifestyle choices etc) Personal and performance psychology considerations The SSA Para-winter Generic Selection Factors* There is a limited number of spots available, which will be allocated upon discretion of SSA and the coaching staff. High level technical ability is not a prerequisite, however, safety for the individual and group is always the priority with these activities so some basic proficiency must be present in participants. *Included in the SSA Pathway Framework linked as further reading COACHES/ STAFF: Annie McCormack SSA Sport Programs Coordinator Christian Geiger SSA Para-alpine Head Coach Lukas Prem SSA Para-snowboard Coach Leanne Rees - Classifier Ben Sui - Classifier Fiona Peat - Classifier Joany Badenhorst Para-snowboard Paralympian and World Cup/ World Championship Medallist Benjamin Tudhope Para-snowboard Paralympian and X- Games Bronze Medalist Simon Patmore Para-snowboard National Team Member and World Cup Medallist Victoria Pendergast Para-alpine Paralympian If an athlete requires specific adaptive equipment they can source this through Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA). In order to access DWA equipment, participants must be a current financial member of and contact DWA in advance. Contact: Tom Hodges Phone: 0415 923 509 Email: nsw@disabledwintersport.com.au Web: http://www.disabledwintersport.com.au/ Patrick Jensen (B3) competing in an IPCAS race in Park City with guide Max Hough. Page 3
ACCOMMODATION: Participants will need to source their own accommodation for this program. It is recommended that accommodation is sought for at least Friday and Saturday night in the Jindabyne locale. If you require any assistance in booking accommodation, you are recommended to contact program coordinator Annie McCormack who will be able to assist. A subsidy of up to $200.00 will be provided after the completion of the program upon submission of accommodation receipts. LIFT PASS: Lift passes to Perisher will be provided to participants for those that do not already have an Epic Australia Pass or regular lift ticket. FOOD: All participants are required to bring their own snacks, lunch and water up to the mountain each day. TRANSPORT: Transport to and from the training facilities at Perisher and the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre will not be provided. You will need to organise your own transport. If you cannot organise transport, please contact Annie, who may be able to assist in arranging car pool options with other participants. COST: There will be no cost to participate in this program. The SSA Para-Snowsport Futures Program is being supported by Ski & Snowboard Australia and the Australian Paralympic Committee via a generous sport development grant provided by Alan Dean, a long term supporter of Para-snowsport in Australia. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: Transport Accommodation Equipment Food Support GRANT OPPORTUNITY At the completion of the SSA Para-Snowsport Futures, coaches and support staff will discuss with participants individual pathway opportunities moving forward, should they be identified as having high performance potential. This may include such things as facilitating international program placements, individual performance planning assistance and guest SSA Para-wintersport program opportunities. As part of identifying and supporting individual high performance pathways and fast tracked development opportunities, SSA through the generous support of the APC and Alan Dean will be offering up to $5000.00 in direct athlete scholarship grants. More information about this will be provided during the pathway information session on Day 1. HOW TO APPLY: Please go to http://www.skiandsnowboard.org.au, and follow the links to the SSA Futures Page (from the Pathway tab) to be directed to the application form. Applicants are encouraged to submit video footage to support their application. Any video footage should be hosted online and the link should be sent through to Annie McCormack. Applicants will be required to download, complete and submit a Wintersport Classification Expression of Interest form as part of their application. This should be sent via email to am@skiandsnowboard.org.au. Please note: Applications, including the Classification Expression of Interest Form must be submitted by no later than Friday 15th, July. Page 4
APPROX. DAILY SCHEDULE: DAY 0 - Friday August 12 6:00PM - Optional meet and greet at the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre to meet the coaches, other participants and to discuss the program including any classification requirements needing to be addressed. DAY 1 - Saturday August 13th TIME: LOCATION: ACTIVITY: 7:30am Bullocks Flat Catch Tube through to Blue Cow 8:30am Blue Cow On Snow Warm Up Basics 10:30am Blue Cow On Snow session 12:00pm Blue Cow Lunch Break - Travel to Jindabyne 1:00pm Jindabyne S/R National Classification 6:00pm 7:00pm Jindabyne S/R Para-snowsports Pathway Information Session/ Q&A With National Team Athletes and Coaches Day 1 Complete DAY 2 - Sunday August 14th TIME: LOCATION: ACTIVITY: 7:30am Bullocks Flat Catch Tube through to Blue Cow 8:30am Blue Cow Athletes Warm Up on Snow 9:15am Blue Cow Course Inspection (Race) 9:45am Blue Cow Talent ID Race - Run 1 10:15am Blue Cow Talent ID Race Run 2 10:45am Blue Cow 12:00pm Blue Cow Lunch Break Training Session, Skills Assessment and on-snow classification activities 1:00pm Blue Cow Afternoon Skills Session FURTHER READING: We encourage prospective participants to familiarise themselves with para-winter sport and the opportunities available within the SSA High Performance Pathway before they apply for the Futures program. Please find below links to assist with directing you to the relevant documents. 2:00pm Blue Cow Futures end What is Para-alpine? What are the disciplines and classes? What are the eligible classifications? What do I need to do to prepare for National Classification? Please follow the link below to further reading to assist in understanding the sport of para-alpine further. www.skiandsnowboard.org.au/paraalpine What is Para-snowboard? What are the disciplines and classes? What are the eligible classifications? What do I need to do to prepare for National Classification? Please follow the link below to further reading to assist in understanding the sport of para-alpine further. www.skiandsnowboard.org.au/parasnowboard What is the SSA Para-winter Athlete Pathway, Australia s Wnning Edge Athlete Categorisation and SSA Para-winter Generic Selection Factors? CONTACT: Annie McCormack Ski & Snowboard Australia P +61 3 9696 2344 E am@skiandsnowboard.org.au W www.skiandsnowboard.org.au www.skiandsnowboard.org.au/pathways What is the SSA Para-winter Program - Selection Criteria and Performance Categorisation? www.skiandsnowboard.org.au/para/rules-and-criteria/ Page 5