Coaches Guide
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Table of Contents SOMI-Specific Information...3 Uniform Guidelines & Equipment...4 Course Layout...5-7 General Rules...8-9 Event Modifications...10 Unified Alpine Skiing Rules...10 Registering for State Event...11 Divisioning Process...12 Training Requirements...18 Eight Week Training Program...14-16 Coaches Certification...17 Concussion Certification...17 Coaches Code of Conduct...18-19 BBCIC & Universal Precautions...19 Athlete Medical Procedures...20 FAQ...21 Resources...22-23 Notes...24 2
SOMI-Specific Information Sport season: December - February Culminating State Events: State Winter Games Events Offered: Slalom: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced Giant Slalom: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced Super-G: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced Unified Giant Slalom: Intermediate Unified Slalom: Intermediate National Governing Body: Federation Internationale de Ski (FIS) CH-3653 Oberhofen/Thunersee Switzerland 413344-6161 Recommended Events for Appropriate Ability levels: Novice (level 1) skiers may enter the Giant Slalom or Super-G. Please register in event specific for Novice. Novices will use a tow rope. Athlete can do gliding wedge to a stop and gliding wedge turns. Intermediate (Level II) and Advanced (Level III) skiers may enter the Giant Slalom, Super- G, or Slalom. They must be trained using a chairlift. Athletes should be able to do Novice requirements, plus be able to do sliding wedge turns. Advanced (Level III) skiers may enter either Giant Slalom, Super-G, or Slalom. All Advanced skiers will ride the chairlift. Athletes can do Novice and Intermediate requirements, plus be able to parallel ski. Note: if an athlete has never been on skis or cannot walk in skis, he/she should not be entered in alpine skiing. If they do not display the skills required for the level registered they will be moved up or down to the next level. If athletes create a safety hazard on the slopes the games officials have the authority to disqualify them. 3
Uniform Guidelines & Equipment 1. Athletes should wear appropriate winter sports attire. Warm gloves or mittens, hat, scarf, headband or ski mask, and sunglasses or goggles are recommended. 2. All competitors must wear competition bibs for all time trials and finals races. Bibs must be worn on the hill at all times throughout the games, even if the athlete is not competing at that time. 3. Competition equipment such as skis, boots, bindings and poles must pass all appropriate safety guidelines. 4. All athletes competing in all skiing events must wear ski racing helmets that meet the FIS equipment specifications. All helmets must have an approved tag in order for athletes to race. 5. Jewelry, and denim may not be worn during competition or practice. Headwear for religious or medical reasons are acceptable but must be brought to the attention of the Games Director prior to competition. Good uniform example: Illegal uniform example: No helmet No race bib 4
Course Layout 1. Slalom - One slalom pole, the turning pole, shall be used to establish a slalom gate. A Single Pole Slalom has no outside pole except for the first and last gate. The first gate should always be red. 2. Giant Slalom and Super-G - In Giant Slalom and Super-G, two sets of two poles with a panel between, constitute a gate. For Giant Slalom, the distance from the turning pole to the outside pole across the fall line is 4 to 8 meters. The Super-G distance is no less than 8 meters. For Giant Slalom and Super-G, panels shall be used. The first gate, or sets of gates, after the start should always be red. Slalom Giant Slalom Super-G 5
Course Layout Cont. 3. An auger or crow bar shall be made available for the course setter to set poles into the snow. 4. Adequate protection for the start and finish areas shall be provided. Fencing and/or pop fencing may be used. 5. Whenever possible, for safety reasons, the courses should be fenced off to be perceived by the skiing public as a self- contained racing venue. Additional fencing, snow fencing, and protective bagging are the responsibility of the ski area. 6. Whenever possible, electric timing equipment, with back- up system, shall be used. When this is not possible, hand held timing may be used. Gate judges shall be responsible for timing the two minutes for the Two Minute Rule. Start and finish banners shall be used. 7. Information boards: Start Order Board - Shall be located at the start and contain the skiers start order, bib number, and other pertinent information. Result Board - Shall be located outside the finish area to post results and list skiers by name, start order, and bib number. General Information Board - Shall be located in close proximity to the racing venues, awards area, and lodge and contain general information and announcements. 6
Vertical Drop Diagram 7
General Rules 1. It is mandatory for all athletes to be on snow regardless of snow conditions prior to attending Winter Games. 2. Each athlete participating at the Games may only compete in one sport. Each athlete may participate in two events within the chosen sport. Special attention should be directed to recommended events for the athlete s ability level. An athlete can be registered only within one level. For example and athlete cannot be in Novice Slalom and Intermediate Super-G. 3. All athletes must be accompanied by an Intermediate ski coach for safety reasons. If athletes are found on the hill unsupervised or if they are a safety hazard to others, they will be escorted off the hill. 4. Coaches MAY NOT coach on the hill. 5. A skier must have three (3) pieces of equipment on them when they cross the finish line. Example: Two skies and one pole. 6. Athletes with Down Syndrome who may compete in Alpine Skiing must have an x-ray prior to participation indicating that they don t have atlantoaxial instability. 7. Start Areas I. All start areas shall be flat, enabling the skiers to stand in the start in either a relaxed or ready position. Care should be given to provide easy access to this area as well as securing the area from the flow of general public skier traffic. 8. One Minute Rule I. During competition, if the competitor moves out of the general direction of the line of the course (fall, miss a gate, lose a ski, etc.) he/she shall have 1 minute from the time of the deviation to re-enter the course. II. III. 9. Start command A competitor who fails to adhere to this 1 minute time limit, or receives assistance of any kind, shall be disqualified. Disqualification shall be determined on the gate card by the Gate Judge assigned to the gate closest to where the infraction occurred. The Gate Judge is responsible for timing the 1 minute. I. For all Special Olympics alpine events at each ability level, the start command shall be as follows: "5.4.3.2.1. GO!" The timer begins when the skier s front boot crosses the start line, or when the electric timing wand is activated. 8
8. Gate Line I. The gate line in downhill and giant slalom, where a gate consists of two pairs of poles holding panels between them, is the imaginary shortest line between the two inner poles at ground (snow) level. The gate line in the slalom is the imaginary shortest line between the turning pole and the outside pole at ground (snow) level. 9. Correct Passage I. A gate has been passed correctly when both the competitors ski tips and both feet have passed across the gate line. II. III. IV. 10. Divisioning If a competitor loses a ski without committing a fault (not by straddling a slalom pole), then the tip of the remaining ski and both feet must have passed the gate line. The start and finish lines are the same as a gate line. In the event that a competitor removes a pole from its vertical position before both the competitors ski tips and both feet have passed the gate line, the ski tips and feet must pass the original gate line (marking in the snow). I. All coaches are reminded to review the sections in the Official Special Olympics Winter Sports Rules for clarifications of divisioning. II. III. IV. 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 there is time, divisioning time trials may be conducted for each event. In the first run of competition in each division, the fastest time starts first, the slowest last. If an athlete does not perform at the level they are registered for the games officials have the authority to move the athlete to their correct level. V. If an athlete performs in an unsafe manner they will be disqualified. 9
1. Slalom/Giant Slalom: Event Modifications I. Slalom and Giant Slalom races will consist of two timed runs. The combined times for each discipline will determine the results for awards. II. III. 2. Super-G: A course reset for the second run will be determined by the Jury. In Slalom and Giant Slalom events, the competitor s first run times shall determine his/her second run start order within the division. Slowest first run time will start first, fastest last. Disqualified racers may have a second run, but they will run at the end of their division. I. Competition organizers may vary the degree of difficulty of the Super-G courses dependent upon the ability levels of the competing racers. II. III. IV. One training run prior to the race run on the same course is required of all competitors. Race organizers may elect to have the training run timed. This will have no bearing on start orders for the race. The Super-G race will consist of one timed run. Unified Alpine Skiing Rules 1. Unified Alpine Ski events consist of Intermediate Slalom and Intermediate Giant Slalom. 2. Teams shall be made of one Unified Partner and one Athlete; 3. A coach may not serve as the Unified Partner. 4. The Unified Partner shall make his/her timed run first with the athlete making his/her timed run immediately after in order. 5. The Unified Partner shall wait for the athlete outside the end of the finish chute area. 6. For divisioning, each competitor shall make two runs on the specified course with the best of the two runs used to create divisions. 7. The final score for the team shall be the combined total of both runs for the Unified Partner and the Athlete following the competition. 8. The Unified Partner must complete the Application for Participation for Unified Partners. 10
Registering for a State Event 1. Each coach must submit a Seasonal Intent form 8 weeks prior to the State Culminating event. The form will be emailed out 12 weeks before the event date. 2. Each athlete, unified partner, coach, chaperone and guest must be registered in GMS by the registration deadline. I. All alternates must also be registered in GMS. For State Winter Games you are able to register 25% of your delegation as alternates. These can be athletes or Unified Partners, however athletes cannot replace Unified Partners and vice versa. II. Alternates must be activated from your areas pool of alternates and the active roster rider must be dropped in order for the alternate to compete. 3. Once turned in, the Area Director will receive notification of any athletes with missing requirements, including missing/expired physicals or missing scores. If the information is not received, the area will be notified that the athlete has been dropped. 4. For an area to be in compliance for State Games: I. All athletes must have a current physical on file at the State Office II. III. IV. All Unified Partners must have a Unified Partner form on file at the State Office All coaches and chaperones must have current Protective Behaviors, General Orientation, and a Volunteer form on file at the State Office All coaches must have a current sport certification and concussion training on file at the State Office. 11
Divisioning Process 1. The procedures for divisioning have been developed to assist competition managers in applying the principles of fair and equitable competition to athletes of all ability levels. An athlete's ability is the primary factor in divisioning. Factors in establishing competitive divisions are age, gender, and times. 2. Ideally, a sufficient number of athletes or teams will participate at every competition so that equitable divisions can be structured. Experience has shown that in some competitions, however, there will not be a sufficient number of athletes to structure ideal divisions. 3. All coaches are reminded to review the sections in the Official Special Olympics Winter Sports Rules for clarifications of divisioning and age groupings. 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. All questions concerning divisioning can be directed to Heather Burke at burke1hn@cmich.edu. 12
Training Requirements 1. In order for an individual or team to participate in competition, the athlete or team must be involved in an eight-week training program and receive training and competition opportunities. 2. A minimum 10 hours of training must occur before a culminating event. Training usually consists of 1-4 hours each week for eight weeks. 3. Although it is the desire to include every athlete that is training in all the games we offer, due to the many athletes we have competing in the state, it is not always possible. That is why we offer area, regional and a variety of state events to give all the athletes quality competition opportunities. 4. Coaches who are training athletes in a particular sport should follow the established SOMI sports seasons. The sports season is 8-12 weeks prior to the state competition for that sport. SOMI establishes sports seasons to provide maximum training time for the athletes and to coincide with competition opportunities. 13
Week One Practice One Eight Week Training Program 1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Check all equipment for safety and proper fit. 3. Team talk in preparation for the season. Week One Practice Two 1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Dry land practice, working on balance and stance. 3. Introduce athletes to the beginner hill, working on using the tow rope, starts and stops. 4. Cool down and team talk. Week Two Practice One 1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Dry land practice working in proper skiing technique and balance. 3. Skiing on beginner hill, working on using the tow rope, starts and stops. 4. Cool down and team talk. Week Two Practice Two 1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Skiing on beginner hill, working on turns and stops. 3. Begin teaching of parallel skiing techniques to novice and above skiers. 4. Cool down and team talk. Week Three Practice One 1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Dry land practice introducing concepts of race skiing including different races and gates. 3. Work on ski hills. Begin introducing novice and above skiers to the chairlift, proper riding techniques and navigating larger hills. Beginner skiers continue working on turns and stops. 4. Cool down and team talk. Week Three Practice Two 1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Dry land practice continuing to work on concepts of ski racing and gate differences between races. 3. Work on ski hills. Continue working on riding the chairlift with novice and above skiers and navigating down the hill. Beginners continue working on turning and stopping. 4. Cool down and team talk. 14
Week Four Practice One 1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Work on Ski hill. Begin introducing a small race course on the hill including gates. Choose one specific race (Slalom, Giant Slalom or Super-G) to focus on for the first week. 3. Cool down and team talk. Week Four Practice Two 1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Work on skill hill. Continue working on the same race course as the last practice for all levels of skiers. 3. Cool down and team talk. Week Five Practice One 1. Warm up and stretch 2. Conduct safety check and re-fit of all equipment (bindings, boots, helmet, etc.). 3. Dry land practice introducing a new race course for athletes to learn. 4. Work on skill hill. Set up the hill with the new race learned during dry land practice for all levels of skiers. 5. Cool down and team talk. Week Five Practice Two 1. Warm up and stretch 2. Continue working on race course training. Set up one race course for the initial runs for all levels of skiers, then switch to the second course learned. Practice both courses. 3. Cool down and team talk. Week Six Practice One 1. Warm up and stretch 2. Set up a time trial for all levels of skiers for both courses learned up to this point. Make sure to get accurate times for each skier for divisioning purposes when time trials at culminating events are not possible. 3. If time still exists continue working on race skills, starts, setting up turns into gates and stops. 4. Cool down and team talk. Week Six Practice Two Host/Attend a local or regional competition. 15
Week Seven Practice One 1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Dry land practice introducing the third and final race course for the athletes who will be competing in it. 3. Work on ski hills. Work on navigating the new race course while continuing to work on the previous two courses learned. 4. Cool down and team talk. Week Seven Practice Two 1. Warm up and Stretch 2. Work on skill hill. Continue working on all three race courses, making sure all athletes are prepared for starting procedures, looking for the next gate, setting up their turns and stopping at the bottom of the hill. 3. Cool down and team talk. Week Eight Practice One 1. Warm up and Stretch 2. Work on skill hill. Review all courses learned and practice each. 3. Hold a final time trial for on all three courses for all levels of skiers. Make sure to get accurate times for each skier for divisioning purposes when time trials at culminating events are not possible. 4. Final safety check and re-fit of all equipment (bindings, boots, helmet, etc.) 5. Cool down and team talk. Week Eight Practice Two Compete in the State Tournament 1. Travel; arrive; register athletes; review schedule. 2. Eat snack or meal an hour and a half before competing (or after competing when necessary). 3. Warm up and stretch 20 minutes before competing. 4. Compete. 5. Receive awards. 6. Cool down. 7. Return home. After the Eight Week Season 1. Invite athletes, parents, group home staff, facility host, sponsors, etc. 2. Have an end-of-the-season party to celebrate and recognize athletes achievements and assistant coaches help. 3. Thank the facility host. 4. Thanks assistant coaches. 5. Thank other volunteers. 6. Send a follow-up news story and photos to media. 7. Evaluate the season. 8. Develop the season plan for next year. 16
Coaches Certification 1. The head coach or assistant coach for each team must be certified (in that sport) in order for the team to attend the state-culminating event and obtain an award. 2. To become certified in a sport the coach must: I. Complete the on-line General Orientation and Protective Behavior quizzes at somi.org II. III. IV. Completion of a sport-specific training school or mentoring program. Complete and turn in a Volunteer A form and Application for Sports Training. Complete and turn in Heads Up certification. 3. ** Coaches cannot train athletes unless all certification requirements and athlete medical forms are up to date. 4. A coach s certification will expire after three (3) years. For a coach to become recertified they may: 5. View an online recertification video 6. Attend a training school or webinar Concussion Certification 1. Sports-related concussions can be serious or even life-threatening situations if not managed correctly. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have teamed up to provide information and resources to help educate coaches, officials, parents and students on the importance of proper concussion recognition and management. To take the concussion training course visit one of the following websites: http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/headsup/youth.html http://www.nfhslearn.com/electivedetail.aspx?courseid=38000 2. When you complete the training a box will pop up asking you to enter your name, please put your FIRST & LAST NAME. If you do not do that right away, you will have to take the whole training over again! 3. When you have completed your certification in Concussion Training, please print your certificate and either fax it to the SOMI state office or scan/email to Kellie Murphy at murph4kj@cmich.edu 17
Coaches Code of Conduct 1. Places athletes' health and safety first Coaches/chaperones shall place the health and safety of Special Olympics athletes above all else. When traveling to state competitions, coaches/chaperones are expected to provide for their athletes' physical and emotional needs 24 hours a day. Responsibility for the athletes does not stop after their competitions or after they have gone to bed in the evening. Coaches/chaperones must act at all times as the parent or guardian providing praise /commendation as well as discipline. 2. Knowledgeable in sports rules Coaches shall be knowledgeable of all existing Special Olympics (both SOMI and SOI) and National Governing Body competition rules and regulations and prepare their athletes prior to competition in accordance with those rules. 3. Willing to follow the rules and model good sportsmanship Coaches/chaperones shall abide by the letter and spirit of the rules and be responsible for conducting themselves with appropriate behavior and in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. Coaches who do not conduct themselves in this manner or who are offensive by action or language toward athletes, other coaches, volunteers, opponents, officials, and/or spectators may be prohibited from coaching. 4. Encourages athletes to put forth their best efforts Coaches/chaperones shall be honest and instruct athletes to compete with maximum effort in all preliminary trials and finals, or he/she may be prohibited from coaching by the Games and/or Sports Rules Committee at the specific competition. Coaches should review the Athlete Code of Conduct with athletes before or at the first practice. 5. Follows no recreational swimming rule It is the responsibility of the coach/chaperone to follow and adhere to the guideline of "no swimming" during all SOMI Culminating Events. The health and safety of athletes is allimportant. If a coach/chaperone takes athletes swimming at hotels without authorization, this will be considered a violation of the Code of Conduct, and the persons responsible will receive a letter of warning and may be separated from the program. 6. Follows the no alcohol/tobacco/or controlled substances policy The use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and/or controlled substances is not permitted at any training or competition venue per Section 4.09a of the SOI General Rules. 18
7. Carries all athletes' forms It is the responsibility of the coach/chaperone to carry a copy of each athlete's Application for Participation form at practices and competition. 8. Obey all laws I will obey all federal, state and local laws and facility, venue, and Special Olympics rules. 9. Responsibility While attending tournaments, I am fully aware that I am responsible 24/7 for my athletes. BBCIC & Universal Precautions The following guidelines have been established regarding blood-borne contagious infection carriers participating in the Special Olympics Michigan program: 1. When an athlete is a blood-borne contagious infection carrier, specific reference will be indicated on the Health Appraisal Form, which is required for each participating athlete. 2. All identified carriers will be assigned a personal chaperone unless behavior warrants a less restrictive ratio of up to 4:1 athlete-to-coach ratio. Regardless of ratio, the athlete's chaperone will: I. Monitor and restrict the athlete's interpersonal activities to those conducive to good hygiene. II. III. IV. Encourage good hygiene while the athlete is participating in team and individual sports. Supervise sleeping quarters and eat meals with the carrier athlete to encourage proper eating habits. Report immediately to the medical staff any incident observed by the chaperone where the carrier athlete breaks the skin of another person by scratching, biting, etc. 19
Athlete Medical Procedures 1. In order for an athlete to compete in any Special Olympics Michigan event they must send a complete physical form to the State Office. This form must be signed by a physician. The physical must be completed every three (3) years. All athlete physicals should be in the possession of the head coach at all practices, tournaments, team functions, etc. 2. In the event that an athlete suffers from a sports related concussion, bring to medical staff immediately. If the athlete is diagnosed, an incident report form must be filled out and returned to the SOMI state office. In order for the athlete to return to play, they must receive written consent from a health care provider, which also must be turned into the SOMI state office. 3. It is your responsibility as a coach to have an emergency action plan in place for all practices, travel, or local tournaments you attend. 20
FAQ Q: Can athletes compete at the state tournament without being on skis previously this year? A: No, all athletes who compete at State Winter Games need to be practicing on snow prior to competing. Q: How many events can my athletes compete in? A: Athletes competing in Alpine Skiing can compete in two events. They may not be registered for any other winter sports. Q: Are bike helmets acceptable for use on the ski hill. A: No, all athletes must have a proper ski helmet in order to compete. All helmets must meet US based standard ASTM F2040. Q: Are all gates on the course made of up two poles? A: No, a slalom course will have one single pole for the turning gate. Only the first and last gate of a Slalom course will have two poles. For both Giant Slalom and Super-G, gates will be made of up two poles with a panel between them. Super-G will have double poled, paneled gates on both the outside and inside. Giant Slalom can either have the same set up, or have a double poled, paneled gate on the inside (turn side) with a single pole to the outside. Q: What is the proper order of a Unified Team? A: For a Unified Team the Unified Partner will make the first competition run and the Athlete will make the second competition run. Their times will be added together to make up their final score. Q: What happens if an athlete misses a gate? A: The athlete will have one minute to correctly pass the gate. Q: Does an athlete need to finish the race with all of their equipment on them when they cross the finish line? A: No, a skier must finish the race with any combination of at least three pieces of equipment at the finish line. Example: Two skis and one pole. 21
Resources Heather Burke Sports & Training Director burke1hn@cmich.edu Divisions, Rules, Competition, Roster Information Sheets Nick Caudle Sports & Training Manager, Regional Programs caudl1n@cmich.edu SW Specific Training Schools, Coaches Education, SW Regional Tournaments Kellie Murphy Coordinator of Sports and Volunteers, State Office murph4kj@cmich.edu Training Schools, Coaches Education, Volunteers Rick Brady Sports & Training Coordinator, Regional Programs caudl1n@cmich.edu SE Specific Training Schools, Coaches Education, SE Regional Tournaments Janice Sager Senior Specialist Clerk janice.sager@cmich.edu Athlete Medical Forms, Registration Materials, GMS 22
Resources For the following SOI Resources please visit: http://www.somi.org/sports/sports.html Alpine Skiing Coaching Guide Rules, Protocol and Etiquette Planning a Training Session Quick Start Guide Teaching Skiing Skills And many more For the following SOMI Resources please visit: http://somi.org/sports/coaches.html Volunteer/ Guest Registration Form General Orientation Participation Guide, General Orientation Quiz, Protective Behaviors Training Head s Up: Concussion Training Application for Sports Training Certification Registration for Coaches Training Recertification Quizzes And many more 23
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Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. www.somi.org