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Parents Corner

What is USSA? Where does Team Gilboa Fit?

USSA programs | Team Gilboa Ski Racing




What is the United States Ski & Snowboard Association (USSA)?

  • National governing body for snowboard, alpine and nordic competition
  • Sanctions events, provides event insurance, educates parents, coaches, racers
  • USSA has 3 Regions: Far West (which has 5 divisions), Rocky/Central (2 divisions), and East (1 division, many sub-regions)
  • Local governing arm of USSA is Region One (MN, WI, IA, SD, ND)

To learn more and register visit ussa.org.


What is the Typical USSA Race Day?

One of the first things you'll learn about USSA races is that the schedule is subject to change. The course crew does their absolute best to keep to the schedule, but with midwest winter weather, there are lots of things (snow, ice, warmth, rain) that can affect the schedule. The best thing you can do is to show up on time with a good attitude ready to ski race!

Here is an ideal race day schedule:

7:00am     Athletes arrive, volunteer sign-in at the race office
7:30am     Coach supervised on hill warm-up and gate training
8:15am     Racer's meeting
8:30am     Course Inspection
9:15am     Run 1 start
11:30am   Course set
12:00pm   Course inspection
12:45pm   Run 2 start
2:45-4pm Load the car and head home/lodging

How do I register for a USSA Race?

In a change from prior years, USSA Region I is now asking athletes to register for individual races a few days in advance of that race.  This is the standard practice across the nation, to which our Region now conforms.  With this transition, annual Region I dues were reduced, but each race now comes with a fee of $10 to $20. 
 
To register, you can go directly to the www.ussa.org and log into your account.  
 
For more information, you can begin with the Region I site, (www.skifast.org). Once there, click on "Registrationfor general information.  Then click onto this link for specific information.

Races will generally be posted and open for registration a week or two before the race itself.

If you have any further questions on USSA registration, please don't hesitate to ask your athlete's coaches.



What is the USSA Central Division?

  • USSA alpine ski racing programs offers a network of competitive opportunities for ski racers of all ages from coast to coast. The country is split into three geographic racing regions including West, Rocky/Central, and Eastern.
  • Part of Rocky/Central Region.
  • Comprised of four regions and 40 USSA clubs throughout the Midwest

To learn more and register visit http://alpine.usskiteam.com/alpine-programs/regions/rockycentral-region/central-division.

 


What is the Central Region 1?

  • Local sponsoring organization for USSA (United States Ski Association) alpine racing in Minnesota, Iowa, the Dakotas and LaCrosse, WI.
  • Part of the Rocky-Central Division of USSA, and USSA is the governing body in the United States.
  • All athletes in Region 1 must register with Region 1. When an athlete is registered, the athlete is automatically registered for the regional races in that region. Special events like the U14/16 Championships, Afton Championships and club fundraisers require a separate entry.

Learn more and register at skifast.com.


What is FIS - International Skiing Federation?

  • International governing body for alpine and nordic competition
  • U19 athletes and up

To learn more and register visit fis-ski.com.


Great Parent Information from USSA


Team Gilboa Junioe Race Programs

Photo by Jesse Lane Photography


10 Tips to Have a Great Race Day!

  1. Get a good night sleep.
  2. Pack snacks and a healthy lunch.
  3. Have your boot bag and equipment ready before you go to bed the night before.
  4. Always warm up on the trainer course.
  5. check the race order after warm-up.
  6. Know where and when to meet your coach for inspection.
  7. Free ski between races with a teammate to stay warmed up.
  8. Introduce yourself to the person ahead and behind you in line before you take your race run.
  9. Find the coach at the bottom of the hill right after you cross the finish line. Get their feedback, then go see mom and dad!
  10. Thank the volunteers!

Team Gilboa Ski Racing Programs

Managing Director, Scully | Photo by Jesse Lane Photography


USSA SafeSport Guidelines

The United States Ski Association (USSA) has recommended that all affiliated club teams share the USSA SafeSport Guidelines below with their communities. These guidelines are meant to safeguard young athletes and to promote sportsmanship and integrity within our sport. At Team Gilboa athlete protection is paramount and we follow all recommended USSA best practices in youth athletics. Please reach out to george@teamgilboa.com if you have any questions.