TEAM HANDBOOK This handbook will familiarize new athletes and their parents with the Forty-nine North Alpine Ski Team. All FAST members and families must read this handbook and follow the protocols and procedures that are contained within. Athletes must know the athlete code of conduct prior to participation. Parents must know and follow the parent code of conduct. All state holders must be familiar with the policies and procedures that this handbook lines out and must follow those policies and procedures. FORTY-NINE ALPINE SKI TEAM
TABLE OF CONTENTS KNOW THE CODE 3 ALPINE EVENTS 4 THE RACE COURSE 5 TRAINING DAY SCHEDULE 6 RACE DAY 7 PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT 8 POLICY AND PROCEDURES 9 TRAVEL POLICY 10 ACADEMIC POLICY 11 CONCUSSION 12 CONCUSSION POLICY 14 49 NORTH WINTER SPORTS FOUNDATION 15
F.A.S.T SAFETY FIRST KNOW THE CODE IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others. Always use devices to prevent run away equipment. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely. SKI RACING IS NO ACCIDENT INSPECT PLAN EXECUTE
ALPINE EVENTS DOWNHILL The Downhill event features the longest course and the highest speeds in alpine ski racing. Each skier makes a single run down a single course and the fastest time determines the winner. SUPER G Super G (for super giant slalom) combines the speed of downhill with the more precise turns of giant slalom. The course is shorter than downhill, but longer than a giant slalom course. Each skier makes one run down a single course and the fastest time determines the winner. GIANT SLALOM Giant Slalom is similar to the slalom, with fewer, but wider turns. Each skier makes two runs down two different courses on the same slope. Both runs take place on the same day, usually with the first run held in the morning and the second on the afternoon. The times are added together, and the fastest total time determines the winner. SLALOM The Slalom features the shortest course and quick turns. As in the giant slalom, each skier makes two runs down two different courses on the same slope. Both runs take place on the same day. The times are added together, and the fastest total time determines the winner. SUPER COMBINED The Super Combined event consists of one downhill followed by one slalom run, using a shorter course. The times are added together and the fastest total time determines the winner.
THE RACE COURSE Racing involves making fast turns around gates in an attempt to attain the fastest overall time down one or two runs of a race course by having the fastest line possible down the course. Regardless of discipline and speed, the racer is seeking to make fast turns while maintaining speed and minimize distance. In order to make fast turns, the more pressure an athlete can put on the ski in the fall-line and above, the better. If the athletes abilities and the nature of the turn is such that you cannot get that much pressure above the fall-line or it requires too long a line, the athlete should at least get as much as they can in the fall-line. Typically the slowest approach is to shift more pressure to the lower part of the turn. Below are some examples that will show gates used in different types of races, types of combinations, and single pole type courses.
TRAINING SCHEDULE On weekends our usual training schedule will be as follows. This will change for days when we have speed training, or a special event. 0800 am arrive at the mountain 0850 meet in your full gear ready to go in front of the FAST shack 0900 sharp! Load the lifts for morning training session 1130 Lunch break 1215 Start afternoon training session 1430 Meet back at FAST Shack for end of day meeting before dismissal. We will try to get information on the days training out in advance. Changing conditions can force us to change our training plans with little or no notice. So every day bring GS skis, SL skis, and a pair of skis to free ski. TEAM JACKETS CLOTHING EQUIPMENT Available to athletes and are included in the program fees. The jackets are for use only during the racing season and must be returned at the end of each season. The supply of jackets is limited. New members will be assigned available jackets based on sign-up dates. Dress in layers and always be prepared for inclement weather. It is recommended that all athletes own a backpack so they can bring foul weather gear to every training and racing session. Proper equipment is very important to the success of the athlete. Required items: Helmets, mouth guards, indemnifiable bindings, modern deep-side cut skis.
RACE DAY Night Before Ski are tuned, waxed, and scraped. Gear and clothing are packed and laid out. 0700 - You will want to get to the mountain at least a 1/2-hour early. 0730 - Pick up race packets and bib. 0815 - Athletes meet their Coaches outside lodge. 0830 - Racers and Coaches Load Chair. 0845 - Course Inspection. 0930 - Race 1st Run. 1100 - Lunch (Varies by age group and sex). 1130 - Course Inspection 1230 - Race 2nd Run 1400 - Race Ends 1500 - Awards IMPORTANT: These are approximate times to give you an idea of how the race day flows. Each race is slightly different, please be prepared to be flexible for any changes. Every event is different, don t assume the schedule you are given will be when things actually happen. Races take many volunteers to run smoothly, so please consider helping out any race you attend. Hosting clubs need volunteers of all types. Don t be afraid that you won t know what to do as most mountains have a short instructional class to prepare you for your selected duty.
Parents Code of Conduct The success of FAST athletes and the programs depends on positive involvement and support from the parents. Constructive feedback on program and/or staff is welcome and will help FAST further improve its programs. Please take the time to understand the following items: While in attendance at YSL races and events, parents are expected to abide by the USSA and FAST Athlete Code of Conduct. Parents shall not be permitted on the race course unless designated as a coach or specifically requested by a coach or race official to slip or otherwise maintain the course or act as an official or gatekeeper. During scheduled coaching session, no parent shall act as a coach without the expressed invitation of the FAST Program Director/Head Coach. Parents shall relate concerns to the FAST Program Director/Head Coach regarding any of the following: the FAST program, staff, their own athlete or other FAST athletes. When assisting FAST at away races, parents are agents of the traveling staff and agree to coordinate and get approval for all plans from the Traveling Coaches.
Policies & Procedures Fees & Refunds Fees are due before the first day of the athletes training. A pro-rated credit toward next year s program fees shall be given when serious illness or serious injury causes a racer to withdraw from the FAST program prior to the 2nd week of January. After that date the Board of Directors will review any refund requests. If an athlete wants to quit after the first day of Holiday Race Camp a prorated credit will be given but after the second day of Holiday Race Camp no credit will be possible. We offer early season discounts on program enrollment. Please refer to the application for this information. Those who wish to join FAST after Holiday Camp may join for a prorated price. Contact the Program Director/Head Coach for pricing information.
Travel Policy If you are not traveling with parents or a legal guardian, all athletes of FAST agree to the following: Athletes must commit to participation at an event at least 3 days prior to travel or within the time frame deemed appropriate by the coaches. Be sure all race entry fees are paid in advance. Be on time for all departures Assist in loading and unloading of team vehicle(s). Have your equipment race ready prior to departure. Respect all team vehicles and vehicles loaned to FAST, and assist in cleaning them after use. Failure to follow coaches instructions my lead to loss traveling privileges with FAST.
Academic Policy The Coaching Staff of FAST expect all competitive athletes to maintain an acceptable level of academics during the course of the season. We encourage our athletes and parents not to sacrifice scholastic achievement for the sport of racing. Please carefully read the Academic Policy. All competitive athletes must have a C or better in every class in order to miss scheduled school time to attend FAST events. This includes early dismissal for training, participation in local competitions and travel to our-of-town competitions. All FAST athletes will respect their teammates right to study in a quiet atmosphere. All athletes will abide by all study sessions and/or quiet times designated by the coaches at out-of-town competitions. Athletes will fulfill requirements outlined by their teachers for work missed due to races or training.
Concussion THE FACTS A concussion is a brain injury. All concussions are serious. Concussions can occur without loss of consciousness. Concussions can occur in any sport. Recognition and proper management of concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death. WHAT IS A CONCUSSION? A concussion is an injury that changes how the cells in the brain normally work. A concussion is caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move repidly inside the skull. Even a ding, getting your bell rung, or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. Concussions can result from a fall or from athletes coliding with each other or with obstacles, such as a gate on the race course. The potential for concussions is greatest in athletic enviroments where collisions are common. Concussions can occur, however, in any organized or unorganized sport or recreational activity. As many as 3.8 million sports and recreational related concussions occur in the United States each year.
It s better to miss one race than the whole season. RECOGNIZING A POSSIBLE CONCUSSION To help recongnize a concussion you should watch for the following two things amoung your athlete(s): 1. A forceful blow to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head. -and- 2. Any change in the athlete s behavior, thinking, or physical funtioning.
Concussion Policy Any FAST athlete under the age of 18 years suspected of having sustained a concussion/ traumatic brain injury must be removed immediately from participation in FAST or USSA sporting event (e.g. sanctioned training, practice, camps, competitions or tryouts), The minor athlete will be prohibited from further participation until evaluated and cleared in writing to resume participation in FAST/USSA sporting events by a qualified health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussive head injuries.
49 NORTH WINTER SPORTS FOUNDATION Established in 2005 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Established in 2005 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the 49 North Winter Sports Foundation is dedicated to the development and support of competitive alpine and recreational cross country skiing. The foundations guiding philosophy is to encourage academic achievements, and promote the positive values of sportsmanship, self discipline, character building, goal setting and healthy lifetime activities. The main objective of the Foundation is to assist athletes in acheiving their goals. Funding depends entirely upon fundraising activities and donations from our supporters and sponsors. All of our programs are organized following the guidlines established by USSA for skier development. Forty-nine Alpine Ski Team The Forty-nine Alpine Ski Team, known as FAST is comprised of Youth Ski League (YSL) racers and Junior Racers in United States Ski and Snow Board Association (USSA). It is a program that focuses on athlete development, providing a solid foundation of skiing skills and racing fundamentals. YSL and USSA racing is not the "endresult," but the foundation of a young athlete's development and progress t o w a r d h i g h e r l e v e l s o f competition. FAST is guided by three basic fundamentals, each one essential to the success of the next. Have Fun: Promote a joy for, and a love of, alpine skiing by providing an exciting, fun athletic experience for young people, while promoting an enjoyablle, healthy winter experience for the entire family. Learning to Ski: Develop sound skiing skills and fundamentals by providing ageappropriate instruction and exercises; create all-mountain skiers by challenging participants with with different types of terrain and snow conditions; and educate yound skiers in mountain etiquette, mountain safety, and respect for winter elements and conditions. L e a r n i n g t o R a c e : P r o v i d e a competitive training and race environment that encourages young ski racers to push their comfort zones and strive for higher levels of performance; educate young ski racers on appropriate race course tactics; encourage young skiers to set appropriate personal goals, and to celebrate all successes, both large and small; and finally, promote a sence of good sportsmanship, unselfish behavior and cooperation amoung teammates and peers. Cross Country The 49 North Nordic Center invites families to enjoy a variety of winter activities all at one location. There is a warm and cozy yurt located at the trail head of the Nordic Center. A spacious deck overlooks the teaching area and the beautiful front acres of the Nordic Trail System. The Nordic Trails roll off into the forest where hundred year-old trees tower above the expansive corridors. Nordic skiers can enjoy 25 kilometers of groomed trails with track and skate decks. Additional ungroomed snowshoe trails lace the Nordic Center. Sponsorship & Donations Funding depends entirely upon f u n d r a i s i n g a c t i v i t i e s a n d donations from our supporters and sponsors. Contact us about our various l e v e l s o f s p o n s o r s h i p opportunies or to make a donation to our foundation. Our Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization All sponsorships and donations are tax deductable TIN: 20-3996189 49 NORTH WINTER SPORTS FOUNDATION PO BOX 166 CHEWELAH, WA. 99109-0166 (509) 935-6649 x633