Stratton Mountain Winter Sports Club Parent Handbook 2012-2013 2013
Welcome! Welcome to the 2012-2013 season! I m excited to be a part of the Stratton Winter Sports Club as the new Program Director. I would like to thank the parents, SMWSC, the Stratton Corporation, and everyone involved for all their support of the program. I look forward to a great season and a new and exciting race season. We hope to offer a program that your kids can enjoy, grow and develop in. I am eager to get started with the fun part skiing with the kids! Each year we go into the ski season with expectations, excitement, and an abundance of enthusiasm. These are the things needed to have a successful year and we need to keep that energy going for the entire season. We will do our best as coaches to keep the energy level high, make training and skiing fun everyday, and help guide your kids to reach their goals. As the new Program Director of the Stratton Winter Sports Club, I hope I can make the 2012-13 ski season a special one. It s exciting for me and I hope I can make the year one that is exciting and for all of you. Sincerely, David A. Edry David A. Edry Program Director Stratton Winter Sports Club 2
Parent Handbook Index Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 SMWSC Mission Statement Program Overview Age Classes Athlete Progression Welcome to the team Winning and losing Program policies Concussion policies Communication What they need FAQ Daily Schedules SVC Race Calendar Camp Schedule Staff Contact Page 3
Stratton Mountain Winter Sports Club The newly named Stratton Mountain Winter Sports Club is supported by a group that oversees the direction and support for children s alpine ski racing and freestyle skiing. The WMWSC Oversight board helps to fund, support, and bring its programs to the forefront of skiing. David A. Edry and Andrew Sufian are the Program Directors for Alpine Racing and Freestyle, respectively. SMWSC WSC s Mission The mission of the Stratton Mountain Winter Sports Club is to provide all alpine and freestyle athletes the opportunity to reach their full athletic and competitive potential in a fun and supportive environment. Our mission will be achieved through and enhanced by: Coaching excellence; World class training and competition venues, grooming and snowmaking provided by Stratton Mountain Resort; Active family participation through volunteering; Sharing our passion for the lifelong sport of skiing while promoting sportsmanship, team spirit and camaraderie; Athletes and coaches being ambassadors for the Winter Sports Club and Stratton Mountain Resort; Being an integral part of the Stratton community and respecting all guests with whom we share the mountain with; Competition support from the Stratton Ski & Board Club, and; Understanding and respecting the environment and natural resources where we work and train. 4
Program Overview Program Ages: 6-18 (ages listed as of January 1, 2013) Program Start Date: Saturday, November 24 th, 2012 Program End Date: Saturday, March 30 th, 2013 Program Days: Weekends, Christmas Vacation, MLK Day (Jan 21 st ) February vacation week (Feb. 16 th -24 th ). Program Hours: 8:30am to 3:00pm (Lunch: 11:30am to 12:30pm) SMWSC follow the age classifications, rules, and racing structure outlined by the International Federation of Skiing (FIS), United States Ski Association (USSA), Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA), and the Southern Vermont Council (SVC). The age classes that are used to determine the athletes program and race calendar are set by USSA and FIS. Below is the 2012-13 season age class summary. USSA rules indicate that participants under the age of 7 are not allowed to participate in USSA, VARA, and SVC events. 2013 Age Classes U8 6-7 YOB 05-06 U10 8-9 YOB 03-04 U12 10-11 YOB 01-02 U14 12-13 YOB 99-00 U16 14-15 YOB 97-98 U18 16-17 YOB 95-96 U21 18-19-20 YOB 92-94 YOB-Year of Birth The athletes Progression Each age class is very specific. What the athletes are learning and when they learn is crucial in their development as athletes and will help their progress as ski racers. Fun, free skiing, technical free skiing, drill courses, and full training courses are all pieces used at various ages. Their development will then help to determine their path in the ski racing structure. Here s a simple outline of the various ages. Age Focus Race Structure/ladder U8 Play, games, motor skills, GS skills -Stratton World Cup Series U10 Play, games, motor skills, -Stratton World Cup Series SVC U10 series U12 Fun, balance, GS/SL skills -SVC U12 series VARA State Festival U14 Fun, balance, advanced GS/SL/SG skills -SVC U14 series VARA States Eastern Champs Can/Am s U16 Fun, skill acquisition, advanced GS/SL/SG -SVC U16 series VARA States Eastern Champs Am/Can s Vermont Cup Series VARA U18 States U18/21 Fun, advanced skills, advanced GS/SL/SG/DH skills -Vermont Cup Series VARA States FIS DEVO FIS NJR FIS Eastern Cups 5
Welcome to the Team am! By joining the SMWSC, you have joined a team of adults that are here to ensure that your child is safe, has fun, and learns the skills and values of ski racing. This team includes the parent, the coach, and the athlete. The parents are a critical piece of the team and are equal members along side the coaches and athletes. Everyone on the team has a role that helps to ensure that the child has a positive and meaningful experience. Job Descriptions Parent: Love and Support Coach: Teach and Push Athlete: Work and Play The relationships that exist among the team go a long way toward determining the quality of the experience that the child has in the program. Some parents do not realize this and at first are surprised to find out that their participation is just as important as the coaches. When this happens, they miss opportunities to help their children grow, and sometimes do things that interfere with their children s development without realizing it. The child/athlete has rights as a member of the team. They have the right to participate and the right not to participate. Although the parent might choose to encourage participation, the child should not be pressured into participation. If they feel forced, their chances of receiving the benefits of the program are decreased and many times leads to the child quitting at an early age. Congratulate your child if they win, congratulate them if they are 40 th, support them if they fall. You re supporting their effort.not their result. Winning and losing What s the priority? Where do the kids learn the most? Is losing important? In terms of the educational benefits of sports, kids learn from both winning and losing. But for this to occur, winning must be placed in a healthy perspective. The emphasis on enjoyment of sports and working hard for something increases their chances of having a positive experience. Winning isn t everything, nor is it the only thing. Young athletes can t possibly learn from winning and losing if they think that they have failed if they didn t win. Does this mean that children should not try to win? Definitely not! It would be naive and unrealistic to believe that winning is not an important goal in sports. But, winning it is not the most important objective at this age. Fundamental skill development is the priority. 6
Winning and losing Winning and losing-continued It is important that we not define success only as winning. Not every athlete can win each race or become the next Bode Miller. Yet, every athlete can experience the true success that comes from trying his or her best to win. The opportunity to strive for success is the right of every young athlete. Losing it isn t all bad! Valuable lessons can be learned from losing. Kids can learn to persist in the face of obstacles and to support each other even when they do not achieve victory. They can also learn that mistakes are not totally negative but are important stepping stones to achievement. Do kids learn the most from success.or failure? Success is not necessary winning. Success is feeling a new movement. Success is making your first arc. Success is finishing 25 th when your previous best result was 40 th. The winner isn t the only athlete that had success. The important idea is that success is related to effort. The only thing that athletes have complete control over is the amount of effort they give on every run and on every day. They have only limited control over the outcome that is achieved. Kids are never losers if they give maximum effort! The child comes first and winning is second. 7
Program Policies Start Times & locations: For our kids to get the most out of the day with the coaches, it is essential that the groups start each day on time. The AM session starts at 8:30am. Athletes should arrive ready to ski at 8:25am to meet their coaches. The groups will meet in front of the main base lodge unless announced otherwise. The PM session starts at 12:30pm. Athletes should arrive ready to ski at 12:25pm to meet their coaches. The groups will meet in front of the main base lodge unless announced otherwise. The day will end at 3:00pm. If you are arrive late to the meeting location and you miss the departure of your sons/daughters group, please check the SMWST Alpine blog or the board outside the Program Directors office for the location of their training group. The coaches will not be able to leave training to come and pick up your son/daughter, so they will have to locate the group on the hill. Watching Training: We want parent support and enthusiasm and watching your kids train is a lot of fun. We encourage the parents to come and watch if training is taking place on an open trail. If the trail is closed (rope across the top) we cannot have parents coming down the hill to watch. With the number of courses and kids on the training hills, it can be extremely dangerous and distracting for the kids. Please understand this is in place for everyone s safety yours included! Race Days: The SMWSC supports the SVC & VARA race day policy. We encourage parents to watch, support, and volunteer at the athletes at the races, but they must follow the policy as outlined. Parents may watch from the sidelines of the race hill if allowed by the race organizer and the Technical Delegate (TD), as it must be an approved safety zone. SVC & VARA s Race Day policy: In order to allow each racer some quiet time in the starting gate to mentally prepare for his or her run, to develop his/her own personal pre-race ritual, and to receive any last minute instructions from the coach, it is important that the start area be as least distracting to the racer as possible. For this reason, parents are not allowed in the start area. Parents, racers, and coaches are not allowed to enter timing buildings for any reason during a race. Only those individuals authorized by the host mountain are allowed in the timing-building. Terrain Parks: SMWSC encourages the use of the terrain parks as a learning tool when with the coaches. There are a variety of parks on Stratton Mountain, and the coaches are asked to use the parks that are appropriate to the age and ability of the group they are working with. The parks are an important learning tool for ski racers, but safety and proper park use is critical. In accordance with Stratton policy, all athletes must have completed the SES (Safety Education Session) course and have a SES pass to enter the terrain parks and skier-cross course. We will be using the skiercross course on occasion and ask that every member of the SMWSC take the SES course. You can also complete the course online. http://ses.stratton.com 8
Concussion Policies SMWSC requires that all athletes and coaches wear helmets while participating in the program. While helmets do protect the head from certain injuries, they do not protect against concussions. In ski racing, the goal is to go faster and push the boundaries of control. Therefore, crashes happen. SMWSC takes concussions very seriously as they can be common in our sport. SMWSC will follow USSA s and the CDC s Concussion guidelines in relation to any and all suspected head injuries. Parents should read the CDC s and USSA s online Concussion policies and protocols, as they are very specific. USSA s policies take the guess work out of the hands of coaches, programs, and parents and put the responsibility on the trained medical professionals to determine when an athlete is ready to return to skiing and racing. Parents will be notified in the event of an incident that could have resulted in a concussion. In accordance to USSA policy, SMWSC will file the appropriate paperwork with USSA following any suspected head injury. SMWSC will not be allowed to return any athlete to skiing and competition until they ve been cleared with USSA. http://ussa.org/global/concussion-information 9
Communication SMWSC will do its best to ensure that all parents and athletes know the training and racing plans well in advance. We have multiple avenues for you to use to find the information you need if for some reason you ve missed out on an email. SMWSC Web Pages The SMWSC has a website that has the program information, race schedules, policies, coaches bio s, etc. Use it to find out about the program. From the website, you can access the blog for the race program. The blog will be updated by Wednesday of each week and will contain the upcoming weekends schedule, training updates, etc. A special note to veteran of the program- The telephone updates will not be utilized starting this year due to the prevalence of computer and smart phone access to the web. The website will be your primary source of information regarding the day-to-day schedules, access to the blog, and informational updates. SMWSC Website: www.smwsc.org We will also be posting the training locations of all groups on the door outside the SMWSC office on the bottom floor of the Ski School building next to the American Express 6-pack lift. This will indicate where each group is skiing/training and what discipline (SL/GS/SG). If you miss the blog update and don t know what your kids are supposed to be doing.check the SMWSC door for the plan for your kids. Please note: We will never change what discipline your son/daughter is training. If the blog says the group is training slalom on Saturday morning, then we won t change from slalom. Locations do change due to snow conditions, mountain snowmaking plan, etc. So, we will likely inform the group as to where they are training each morning and post the locations outside the SMWSC office door. Video Training Sites: Sprongo: SMWSC is committed to offering more opportunity for our athletes to watch video and learn about their skiing. We will start with selected video uploads for the 2012-13 season, with hopes of moving more video online as the season progresses. Our video channel on Sprongo will be up and running this winter for you all to watch. www.sprongo.com/team/3935 DartfishTV: DartfishTV is a resource that is great for ski racers. It s basically a private YouTube site that sports organizations use to upload and analyze video. The U.S. Ski Team has a channel on DartfishTV that has incredible training videos, overlays, side-by-sides, dryland videos, interviews, etc. It s amazing. Visit Stratton Mountain Schools site as well. www.dartfish.tv Other references: www.ussa.org USSA s website has lots of information. You can learn about the structure of the system, look up your son/daughters rankings, results, and points, and learn the rules of the sport. www.vara.org Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA) has everything you need to know about Vermont ski racing. Schedules, rules, events, etc. It s the best ski racing site out there! www.ussaeast.com A reference for anything Eastern skiing related. www.youthskillsonline.com Awesome video of you athletes working on skills. Links for all these sites are included on the alpine pages of www.smwsc.org 10
What they need As the athletes move through the age classes, equipment needs change. It is not necessary to buy new equipment each season if what they have is still usable. Here is a simple guide to help ensure your son/daughter is properly prepared for the program. U8 Properly fitted boots, 1 pair of all mountain skis, 1 pair of poles, a properly fitted Helmet. GS race suits are not recommended or needed. U10 Properly fitted boots, 1 pair of all mountain skis or GS skis, 1 pair of poles, a properly fitted helmet. GS race suits are not recommended or needed. U12 Properly fitted race boots, 1 pair of GS skis, 1 pair of slalom skis, 1 pair of GS poles, 1 pair of slalom poles with guards, a properly fitted GS suit, a properly fitted race helmet with removable face bar, slalom shin guards U14 Properly fitted race boots, 1-2 pairs of GS skis, 1-2 pairs of slalom skis, 1 pair of SG skis (rented or borrowed for the season) 1 pair of GS poles, 1 pair of slalom poles with guards, a properly fitted GS suit, a properly fitted race helmet with removable face bar, slalom shin guards, a properly fitted back protector. U16 Properly fitted race boots, 1-2 pairs of GS skis, 1-2 pairs of slalom skis, 1 pair of SG skis (rented or borrowed for the season) 1 pair of GS poles, 1 pair of slalom poles with guards, a properly fitted GS suit, a properly fitted race helmet with removable face bar, slalom shin guards, a properly fitted back protector. U18 Properly fitted race boots, 1-2 pairs of GS skis, 1-2 pairs of slalom skis, 1 pair of SG skis (rented or borrowed for the season) 1 pair of GS poles, 1 pair of slalom poles with guards, a properly fitted GS suit, a properly fitted race helmet with removable face bar, slalom shin guards, a properly fitted back protector. Volunteering Volunteering is a very important part of participating in competition programs and is the only way we can host first-class events. The non-profit Stratton Ski & Board Club has a long history of supporting the alpine racing and freestyle programs, and remains as the central entity for providing volunteers for the SMWSC events. The Ski & Board Club has also taken on ownership and acquisition of equipment used by the SMWSC programs and owns the finish shack on Frank s Fall Line (North American) and the new alpine equipment storage building at mid-mountain. $50 of your program fee covers membership, at a Competition Level, at the Ski & Board Club. If you have not done so already, and are not already a full member of the Ski & Board Club, please visit www.strattonskiandboardclub.memberlodge.org to complete the process. This will allow you to receive communication on volunteer opportunities, as well as information on events for competition members. Let s work together to be the envy of the other programs! 11
Racing FAQ How do I register for races? The SVC races for U16 and under, the athletes are registered by their coaches and payment is made on the morning of the race. For U18 s and U16 s racing in scored USSA Vermont Cup events, you ll need to go online 2-3 weeks in advance to register the kids for the races the coaches have outlined. How much will the kids travel? When racing in SVC races (U16 and under), the athletes will stay within the SVC. Bromley, Magic, Mt Snow, Willard, and Stratton are the primary race venues. When they go to the State Championships, they ll need to make a trip somewhere else within the state. The U18 s and U16 s that are attending Vermont Cups, their races could be at any mountain in Vermont. Go to www.vara.org to check out the 2012-13 racing calendars. How does my kid get into FIS races? FIS racing is the next step of racing after Vermont Cup. When racing USSA scored races they drop their points to improve their National Ranking. In FIS races, the athletes drop their points to build a World Ranking. To get into FIS events, athletes must have success at the USSA Vermont Cup level. U16 s have changed a lot this coming year. What races can my son/daughter go to? The U16 age class blends the local SVC racing with the states Vermont Cup scored race series. They attend the SVC events to get ready for the Vermont State Championships in hopes to qualify to the Eastern Championships. When not at SVC events, they can race in the scored U18/16 races to start building their point profile and drop their national ranking. The coaches will outline which events the athletes will attend to help take away any confusion. Does my son/daughter need to be at training every weekend? Yes. But, we do understand that sometimes things come up at home or due to academic needs, and you are unable to be there. Being a part of alpine racing at the SMWSC is a commitment and in order for the kids to improve and be prepared for racing, they need to be at training. There is a direct relationship between the amount of skiing the athletes do and the progress they make. The more coach-directed focused skiing the kids can get, the more progress they can make. Do I need to go to all the races? That should be the goal. The coaches will build a plan for the groups. This is the race and training plan for the entire year. As with training, this is a commitment and we want to help the kids improve. If your son/daughter decides not to go to a scheduled race, there may not be training for them at Stratton. Racing is a big part of the program and we expect the athletes to attend the SVC and Vermont Cup events on the calendar. Can I come watch my son/daughter train and race? Yes! We want you to be a part of their experience, but from the sidelines. At the races, please come and watch from the finish or an area designated for spectators. The start area is restricted to coaches and athletes only (VARA and SVC Rules). This is the same with training, but parents are not allowed down closed trails. If there s a rope across the top of the trail, please don t duck it, it may not be safe. We encourage parents to come and watch from the sidelines, but let the coaches take care of the instruction and the coaching. I have a U8 and a U10 in the program. Do they need to join USSA and VARA? Yes. All members of the SMWSC must be members of USSA and VARA to participate in the program. Can I help at any races? Yes! We always need volunteers at races to help with various tasks. The more the parents get involved, the easier it is to put on quality races for the kids. We have a volunteer coordinator that will contact you as we get in to the season asking for help. Please help! 12
SMWSC Schedules Daily Schedule 8:25am Meet coaches in front of Ski School building next to Am/Ex 6-pack lift 8:30am Athletes/coaches head up for warm up-session 1 8:30-11:30am Session 1 11:30am Lunch 12:25pm Meet coaches in front of Ski School building next to Am/Ex 6-pack lift 12:30pm Athletes/coaches head up for warm up-session 2 12:30-3:00pm Session 2 3:00pm End of day for athletes. 8:25am Rain day Schedule: **Meet coaches in front of Ski School building next to Am/Ex 6-pack lift **We will ski in the rain! The training plan may change due to weather and snow conditions. All athletes should be prepared for all weather conditions. If the mountain does not open, then alternate plans may be discussed. 13
U18/U16 VERMONT CUP: TBA 2012-2013 2013 SVC & State Race Schedule U16 CALENDAR/SITE: Date Disc Site Notes Jan 13 th Sat SL Race Bromley Series #1 Feb 3 rd Sun GS Race Mt Snow Series #2 Feb 8 Fri SG Camp Stratton Feb 10 th Sun SG Race Stratton Series #3 Feb 14 Thu SG Men Stowe State Champs Feb 15 Fri SG Women Sugarbush State Champs Feb 23-24 Sat-Sun SL/GS Men Okemo State Champs Feb 23-24 Sat-Sun SL/GS Women Killington State Champs March 2-3 Sat-Sun SL/GS Men Stowe State Champs March 2-3 Sat-Sun SL/GS Women Sugarbush State Champs U14 CALENDAR/SITE: Date Disc Site Notes Jan 6 th Sun Dual GS Race Bromley Series #1 Jan 21 st Mon SL Race Willard (day race) Series #2 Jan 27 th Sun GS Race Stratton Series #3 Feb 3 rd Sun SL Race Magic Series #4 Feb 10 th Sun Skills Day Mt Snow Series #5 Feb 24 th Sun SG Camp Stratton Feb 25 th Mon SG Race Stratton Series #6 Mar 1 Fri SG Stratton State Champs Mar 9-10 Sat-Sun SL/GS Sugarbush State Champs U12 CALENDAR/SITE: Date Disc Site Notes Jan 13 th Sun Skills Assess. Stratton Series #1 Jan 20 th Sun Dual GS Magic Series #2 Feb 3 rd Sun Stubbie SL Bromley Series #3 Feb 24 th Sun GS Race Mt Snow Series #4 Mar 3 rd Sun SL Race Willard (day race) Series #5 Mar 16-17 Sat-Sun TBD TBD U12 Festival U10 CALENDAR/SITE Date Disc Site Notes Jan 21 st Mon GS Race Stratton Series #1 Feb 9 th Sat GS Race Mt Snow Series #2 Mar 2 nd Sat GS Race Willard (Day race) Series #3 Mar 10 th Sun GS Race Magic Series #4 Mar 16-17 Sat-Sun GS/SL Race Gunstock, NH. Piches Champs Mar 23 rd Sat Dual GS Bromley Series #5 THE WORLD CUP (U8 & U10 s) Jan 12 th Sat GS Race Stratton Adelboden Feb 24 th Sun GS Race Stratton Garmisch Mar 9 th Sat GS Race Stratton Kranjska Gora 14
SMWSC Camp Schedule SMWSC is committed to raising the bar and taking the program to the top. We want to give all the athletes an opportunity to ski more, train more, and keep adding new and exciting experiences. The SMWSC Alpine Program is working in conjunction with U.S. Elite Camps to give the kids these more training opportunities in the off season. The following is the 2013 SMWSC Summer and Fall Camp schedule for the SMWSC Alpine Program. SMWSC coaches will be a part of the camps that will be run by the Alpine Program Director. More Skiing = More Progress! Dates Location Ages July 12-21 Mount Hood, OR. U8-U14 July 12-25 Mount Hood, OR. U14-U18 Nov 23-30 Copper, CO. Thanksgiving Camp U8-U18 SMWSC Camp Details: www.uselitecamps.com 15
Staff Page Stratton Mountain Winter Sports Club Staff list Last First Group Notes Weigland chris U10/8 Bacon Bob U10/8 Bielak Nicole U10/8 Coltman Steve U10 Kerstein Jason U10 Waite Sam U10 Wooding Maxx U10 DeVerry Harriatt U10 Head Coach: U10/8 Crochiere Tom U12 DeVerry Ray U12 Devoe Art U12 Erthein Eric U12 Hall Britt U12 Mallia Emily U12 Mallia Katie U12 Head Coach: U12 Bibeau Paul U14 Edry David U14 Hardy Steve U14 McNamara Pat U14 Head Coach: U14 Nault Andrew U14 Smith Ken U14 Koski Kevin U16/18 Head Coach: U18/16 Mallia Joe U16/18 Nault John U16/18 Price Alex U16/18 Gibson Robbin M1/RA Race Administrator Whitley Heather M1 Crimmin Steve Masters Laserte John Masters Head Coach: Masters Parks Tom Masters Hardy Scott TBD 16