raceinterest

My child wants to race! What do I need to know?

The J's are broken into 5 groups based on age. J1=17-19 yr, J2=15-16 yr, J3=13-14 yr, J4=11-12 yr, J5=9-10 yr.
J4 & J5 athletes attend races together as do J1 & J2 athletes, but they only compete against athletes in their own age group.

J4/5's race one weekend per month. Once an athlete reaches the J3 age group more races are added and points are used for ranking. Once an athlete reaches the J1/2 age group even more races are added along with the possibility to travel out of the division. Our division is called the Far West Division (CA & NV). Far West is 1 of 5 divisions that make up the Western Region.

There are 4 events in ski racing: Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G, and Downhill. J5's only compete in Slalom and Giant Slalom. J3-4's compete in Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super G. J1/2 (and some J3's who qualify) race in all 4 events. Slalom and Giant Slalom races (technical events) consist of 2 runs on different courses for a combined time, while Super G and Downhill (speed events) are 1 run.

In order to race, all athletes must be a member of United States Ski Association (USSA). The membership for athletes 12 and under is $55 and older than 12 years is $120. This membership form can be downloaded from http://www.usskiteam.com/membership/Alpine.pdf
The fees for races are: $25 per day for each race for J4/5 athletes; for J1-3 athletes it is $25 per day for Slalom and GS, and $35 for Super G and Downhill.
You are also responsible for lift tickets at the resort we are racing at, as well as lodging.
The resorts we visit are the North Lake Tahoe Ski Areas, Heavenly, & Mammoth.

Equipment needed for racing is different than the 'freeski' equipment. Each ski manufacturer makes junior race skis and junior race boots. This equipment is performance oriented while being designed for the junior athlete. Athletes are also required to wear helmets.
Athletes race in a speed suit. This is a tight one piece spandex suit that is meant for aerodynamics. Loose flapping clothes are much slower. This is something that can be bought with room to grow into for the young ones. On occasion we make the athletes train in their suits. Because they wear the suits under their clothes, they need to have a way to take off their pants at the race start...that is why side zip pants are very important!

We encourage any athlete who wants to race to race. We don't have tryouts. The athlete should be able to ski all runs at Kirkwood. They not only learn how to become better skiers, but how to take care of their equipment, become independent and self sufficient. For all athletes on the race team we have mid week training. Usually 1/2 days Wednesday and Thursday, full days Friday-Sunday, plus holidays. If you have more questions, please call or email.

Racer Parent Reminders

You want the best for your child, but don't try to re-live your athletic years through them. Let them perform the best they can.
It is important not to put pressure on your child. The 'big race' isn't the World Cup, let them race and have a great time. They usually perform better with that focus.
Control your emotions.
Don't force your child into something he/she is afraid of or doesn't want to do.
Praise all of the athletes on the team. Don't criticize others.
Avoid 'coaching' your child. That is the professional coaches job. Coaching your child will only confuse them as coaches work with progressions.
Respect the coaches and communicate with them. Don't criticize. Remember the coach is standing on the hill in the cold all day in ski boots so your little athlete can race and train.
Be supportive of your child, don't analyze their run based on their time or place.
Help your athlete to set goals, emphasize improvement and do the best they can.
Be realistic with your child's athletic ability. Remember that kids mature differently and at different times.
Go out and have some fun!

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