USSA Mid-Atlantic Division

Junior XC Skiing Handbook

2012-2013

Contents

 

1. Division Information and Contacts

A. Mission Statement:
The Mid-Atlantic Division operates as a division of the United States Ski Association (USSA) with a focus on cross-country ski competition and development. The Mid-Atlantic Division is governed by the Mid-Atlantic Competition Committee (MACC) and its Sub-Committees, in conjunction with USSA and the New York State Ski Racing Association – Nordic, Inc (NYSSRA–Nordic, Inc.). The division's goals for the region are to implement on-going development programs which promote cross-country skiing and competition, provide pipelines to elite development programs, oversee Junior National qualifying events, policies and procedures, and to work closely with the New York State Ski Racing Association – Nordic, Inc (NYSSRA-Nordic, Inc).

B. Mid-Atlantic Competition Committee (MACC) and Sub-Committees:

 

At Large Representatives (not associated with a region)
Jason Hettenbaugh	Honeoye-Falls, NY	Jason@Rochesternordicracing.com
Bernie Gardner	773 Cheese Factory Road Honeoye Falls, NY 14772	bernie_gardner@hflcsd.org
Rob Hinsdill            (Points Scoring)	9160 Dean Rd. Boonville, NY 13309	(315) 942-5570 hinsdill@yahoo.com
Anna Gorbold	Pittsford, NY	anna_gorbold@pittsford.monroe.edu

 

 

C. Mid-Atlantic Junior Website:

The USSA Mid-Atlantic Division Handbook, race schedules, race results, current point standings, team information and Junior National Team selection criteria will be posted to the Mid-Atlantic Juniors link on the NYSSRA-Nordic, Inc. at www.midaxc.com

2. USSA Mid-Atlantic Division Junior National Team: Athlete Qualifying Procedures and Policies

A. Selection Criteria for the Mid-Atlantic Junior National Team:
The Mid-Atlantic (Mid-A) Division of the United States Ski Association (USSA) is committed to developing excellence in cross-country skiing. The Mid-Atlantic Division includes New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. The Mid-Atlantic Division will be selecting a team this season for competition in the 2013 USSA Junior Nationals in Fairbanks, AK March 11 – 16, 2013. The Mid-Atlantic Competition Committee (MACC) has developed a team selection process for naming the USSA Mid-Atlantic Junior National team as stated below.

 

B. Licensing requirements:

1) Athletes must have a current race season NYSSRA-Nordic membership prior to the first JNQ. It is the athlete's

    responsibility to have their NYSSRA-Nordic membership in place before the first Junior National qualifier. Sign-up online  

    through skireg.com

2) To compete in the USSA Junior Nationals, athletes must be a cross-country competition-licensed member of USSA.

    Contact USSA online at ussa.org, by mail at PO Box 100, 1 Victory Lane, Park City, UT 84060 or by phone at

                             (435) 647- 2666 regarding membership. The Eastern Division must be listed as the athlete’s home division in order to          

                              compete for Mid-Atlantic at the USSA Junior Nationals.

3) Any college skier who has not previously skied for Mid-Atlantic needs to submit a letter of intent to the Mid-Atlantic

Junior National Head Coach by January 1, 2013 stating that he or she wishes to compete for Mid-Atlantic at the 2013 USSA Junior Nationals. This can be sent via email.

                               

C. Qualifying standards for the 2013 USSA Mid-Atlantic Junior National (JN) Team:

1) Athletes who qualify through automatic USSA Qualifications (USSA rules 70.1.2 – 70.1.6). See the 2013 USSA Nordic Competition Guide for more details. These skiers can enter JN’s as part of the team above the quota from their home division.

2) Up to 15 J1/OJ male and 15 J1/OJ female skiers (with no more than 12 athletes in each age/sex category) can be chosen for the USSA Mid-A JN Team. Up to 6 J2 male and 6 J2 female skiers can be chosen for the USSA Mid-A JN Team.

3) Automatic qualification for any skier who finishes in the top 40 on the final junior ranking list from the 2013 US National (Cross Country) Championships (Midway, UT). These skiers count towards the team’s quota.

4) The final 2012-13 USSA Mid-Atlantic JN Team ranking list will be based on the following:

·   Athletes must complete a minimum of 2 Mid-Atlantic JNQ races.

·   A minimum of one freestyle and one classic points race will be used in the athlete’s point average.

·   Athletes will be allowed to substitute 1 out-of-region race points from either the 2013 US Nationals (Cross Country) Championships or from a current season NENSA JNQ, which occur prior to the final Mid-A JNQ.

·   Athletes are responsible for submitting out-of-region race points to the Mid-A Competition Committee for verification.

·   The USSA points calculation system will be used to score the Mid-A JNQ races.

·   If an athlete finishes in the top 5 in a Mid-A JNQ, the athlete’s USSA 2012 list 9 overall points will be used to score the Mid-A JNQ. If an athlete finishes in the top 5 in a Mid-A JNQ and does not carry USSA 2012 list 9 overall points, the athlete’s points from the 2011-12 Mid-A JO Team final ranking list will be used first and if those are not available, the athlete will be assigned 350.00 points for calculation purposes.

·   J1/OJ athletes will be scored and ranked together. J2 athletes will be scored and ranked separately.

·   An athlete’s point race average must be below 350.00 to qualify for the 2013 USSA Mid-Atlantic Junior National  Team.  

5) Results from Mid-A JNQ races will be posted to the website within 24 hours after finish. Results from Mid-A JNQ races are final 48 hours after finish. Points for the Mid-A JNQ will be posted to the website within 72 hours after the finish. Points for the Mid-A JNQ are final 96 hours after the finish. It is the athlete’s responsibility to verify that their Mid-A JNQ results and points are correct.

6) College skiers may qualify by any of the above listed methods for all skiers, or by one or more of the following methods:

a)  Automatic qualification for the top 5 juniors on the final NCAA East, NCAA West or NCAA Central ranking lists 

 (USSA rule 70.1.4). These skiers can enter JN’s as part of the team above the quota from their home division.

b)  Automatic qualification for any college skier who places in the top 20 overall at 2013 US National (Cross Country) Championships.

c)  Automatic qualification for any college skier who qualifies for NCAA championships.

d)  Have qualified for the USSA Mid-A Junior National Team previously and are racing on their college carnival team  

 with at least two carnival finishes in the top 50 in an EISA carnival.

7) There is a force majeure and Mid-Atlantic Competition Committee discretion to make exceptions to these qualifying standards.

D. Mid-Atlantic Junior National Team Selection Priority and Naming:

1)  The USSA Mid-Atlantic Junior National Team selection will be prioritized and named in the following order:
    a) Athletes who qualify through automatic USSA qualifications as stated in USSA rules 70.1.2 – 70.1.6.    

    See the 2013 USSA Nordic Competition Guide for more details.

b) Athletes who qualify through Mid-Atlantic qualification criteria, in order as stated above in part 2.C 1-7  

    (Qualifying standards for the 2013 USSA Mid-Atlantic Junior National (JN) Team).

c)  Any open spots may be filled by athletes based on the final 2012-13 USSA Mid-Atlantic JN Team ranking lists,   

first starting with J1/OJ athletes (up to 15), then J2 athletes (up to 6) at the discretion of the Mid-Atlantic  Competition Committee.

2)  Naming of the 2013 USSA Mid-Atlantic Junior National Team will be posted to the Mid-Atlantic Team website following  

     the final Mid-A JNQ.  

3)  Appeal Process to the USSA Mid-Atlantic JN Team Naming:

a) Pay the $50 check deposit to NYSSRA-Nordic, Inc. This deposit is refundable only if the appeal is upheld.

        b) The appeal must be in writing and turned within 24 hours of Mid-A JN Team naming to the Mid-A  

            Chairman, Mid-A Junior Sub-Committee Chairman and the Mid-A JN Team Head Coach.

    c) The appeal will be reviewed by the Mid-A Chairman, Mid-A Junior Sub-Committee Chairman and the Mid-A JO 

            Team Head Coach. A decision will be made within 24 hours of team naming. This can be sent via email.

 

E. Mid-Atlantic Team Rules and Guidelines:
All athletes who have qualified and will compete for the USSA Mid-Atlantic Division at the USSA Junior Nationals will be expected to follow the rules and regulations laid out by the Mid-Atlantic Competition Committee and follow the USSA Code of Conduct (see part 4 of USSA Mid-Atlantic Division handbook). This includes competing in all races (both classic and skating), traveling with the team and staying with the team at designated housing throughout the duration of the event.

F. Mid-Atlantic Sponsorship and Donation Distribution:
Athletes in need of financial support should refer to the NYSSRA Racer Support Grant Program on the NYSSRA-Nordic website. Grant applications are due by January 1, 2013 and can be filled out using the online form.

 

3. USSA Mid-Atlantic JNQ Competition Schedule (final as of) November 27, 2012

 

 

 

4. USSA Code of Conduct

Membership in the United States Ski and Snowboard Association is a privilege, not a right.  All USSA members (athletes, coaches, and officials) when participating in any USSA activity must agree to conduct themselves according to USSA’s core values of Team, Loyalty, Integrity, Respect, Perseverance, and Accountability and abide by the spirit and dictates of this Code of Conduct.  All members must agree to comport themselves in a sportsmanlike manner, and are responsible for their actions while attending or participating in all USSA activities (including but not limited to camps, competitions, and projects). 

Sportsmanlike conduct is defined as, but is not limited to:  respect for competition officials, resort employees, and the skiing and snowboarding public, respect for facilities, privileges and operating procedures, the use of courtesy and good manners, acting responsibly and maturely, refraining from the use of profane or abusive language, and abstinence from illegal or immoderate use of alcohol and use of illegal or banned drugs.

While participating in any USSA activity:

1. USSA members shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the International Ski Federation Statutes, the United States Olympic Committee Bylaws, the USSA Bylaws, and the USSA Code of Conduct.

2. USSA members shall conduct themselves at all times and in all places as befits worthy representatives of the United States of America, the United States Olympic Committee, USSA, their region, division, state or club and in accordance with the best traditions of national and international competition.

3. USSA members are responsible for knowledge of and adherence to competition rules and procedures. Members are also responsible for knowledge of and adherence to the rules and procedures of the USSA national teams, camps or other projects when participating in such.

4. USSA members shall maintain high standards of moral and ethical conduct, which includes self-control and responsible behavior, consideration for the physical and emotional well-being of others, and courtesy and good manners.

5. USSA members shall abide by USSA rules and procedures while traveling to and from and participating in official USSA activities.

6. USSA members shall abstain from illegal and/or immoderate consumption of alcohol. Absolutely no consumption of alcohol is permitted for those individuals under the age of 21. Members under 21 years of age shall not participate in gatherings involving consumption of alcohol unless it is an official USSA or event organizer function.

7. No USSA member shall violate the customs, travel or currency regulations of a country while traveling with a USSA group or on a USSA ticket.

8. No USSA member shall commit a criminal act.

9. No USSA member shall engage in any conduct that could be perceived as harassment based upon gender, age, race, religion or disability.

10. USSA members will avoid profane or abusive language and disruptive behavior.

11. USSA members agree to abide by anti-doping rules and procedures established by WADA, USADA, and/or FIS.

Failure to comply with any of the above provisions may lead to disciplinary action by the appropriate team or competition leader.  Disciplinary action may include:

    - Removal from the team trip or training camp.

    - Suspension from training and/or competition.

    - Elimination of coaching, travel, and other benefits.

    - Forfeiture of USSA membership.

USSA is committed to principles of fairness, due process and equal opportunity. Members are entitled to be treated fairly and in compliance with USSA’s Bylaws, policies and procedures. Members are entitled to notice and an opportunity for a hearing before being prevented from participating in protected competition as that term is defined by the USOC Bylaws.  Information on the processes for grievances, suspensions and appeals is available at www.ussa.org.

Nothing in this Code shall be deemed to restrict the individual freedom of a USSA member in matters not involving activities in which one could not be perceived as representing USSA.  In choices of appearance, lifestyle, behavior and speech while not representing USSA, competitors shall have complete freedom, provided their statements and actions do not adversely affect the name and reputation of the USSA.  However, in those events where one is representing or could be perceived as representing USSA, USSA demands that its members understand and agree to behave in a manner consistent with the best traditions of sportsmanship and USSA’s core values.

Last revised May 18, 2008

 

5. USSA Mid-Atlantic Elite Team

 

A. Selection Criteria:

1) J2 or older skiing for the USSA Mid-Atlantic Division.

2) Top 10 American in World Junior Trial or J1 Scandinavian Trip Trial results for any one race involved in the qualification process for those trips.

3) Top 10 American in their age group in any one individual race at the previous season USSA Junior Olympics (Nationals).

4) Collegiate skiers can be selected by qualifying for NCAA Nationals in their school’s home division.

5) U-23 skiers can be selected by finishing in the top 15 Americans on the U-23 result list in any race at US Nationals.

6) Seniors can be selected by finishing in the top 25 Americans in any race at US Nationals.

 

B. Naming and support benefits:

Athletes can qualify during the 2012-13 season and will be named to the Elite team at the 2013 Spring Mid-Atlantic meeting. Elite Team athletes will receive free entry to Mid-Atlantic JNQs the following season and financial subsidization (as available) to be used toward training camps and equipment.

 

6. Directory of governing bodies

US Ski Association
The Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) is the national governing body for Olympic skiing and snowboarding. Founded in 1904, the nearly century-old organization provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders who share an Olympic dream. As a company, USSA’s management and staff coordinate a nationwide program in seven distinctly different Olympic sports — alpine, cross country, adaptive, freestyle, ski jumping, Nordic combined, and snowboarding. The U.S. Ski Team has been based in Utah since in 1974, with the now U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association consolidating with the Team in Park City in 1988. Rule book, Code of Conduct and Athletes Rights and Responsibilities can all be found at the USSA website. http://www.ussa.org

New York State Ski Racing Association
NYSSRA-Nordic, Inc. is a membership organization, which works in conjunction with state and national governing bodies to support the development of the Nordic sports in New York State. NYSSRA-Nordic serves various disciplines of Nordic skiing, including biathlon, cross country skiing, ski orienteering, ski jumping, Nordic combined and telemark. Spring and fall meetings are held and are open to all members. http://www.nyssranordic.com

New England Nordic Ski Association
The New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) is the Olympic development organization for cross-country skiing in New England as well as the umbrella for most organized Nordic skiing events in the region. NENSA hosts over 50 events and more than 20 clinics for skiers and coaches at venues across the Northeast. Cross-country skiing, as practiced by our youth skiers and families, is a lifetime activity firmly rooted in New England tradition. Cross-country ski racing, as performed in the NENSA Eastern Cup series, and at our Championship Events, is a fast, explosive, and visually dynamic sport. It is the mission of the New England Nordic Ski Association to implement year-round educational, recreational, and competitive programs at all levels of cross-country ski racing. NENSA works to sustain a vital and active skiing community in New England, and to provide the support structure necessary to bring athletes to their highest potential at regional, national, and international events. http://www.nensa.net

6. Directory of governing bodies

US Ski Association
The Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) is the national governing body for Olympic skiing and snowboarding. Founded in 1904, the nearly century-old organization provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders who share an Olympic dream. As a company, USSA’s management and staff coordinate a nationwide program in seven distinctly different Olympic sports — alpine, cross country, adaptive, freestyle, ski jumping, Nordic combined, and snowboarding. The U.S. Ski Team has been based in Utah since in 1974, with the now U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association consolidating with the Team in Park City in 1988. Rule book, Code of Conduct and Athletes Rights and Responsibilities can all be found at the USSA website. http://www.ussa.org

New York State Ski Racing Association
NYSSRA-Nordic, Inc. is a membership organization, which works in conjunction with state and national governing bodies to support the development of the Nordic sports in New York State. NYSSRA-Nordic serves various disciplines of Nordic skiing, including biathlon, cross country skiing, ski orienteering, ski jumping, Nordic combined and telemark. Spring and fall meetings are held and are open to all members. http://www.nyssranordic.com

New England Nordic Ski Association
The New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) is the Olympic development organization for cross-country skiing in New England as well as the umbrella for most organized Nordic skiing events in the region. NENSA hosts over 50 events and more than 20 clinics for skiers and coaches at venues across the Northeast. Cross-country skiing, as practiced by our youth skiers and families, is a lifetime activity firmly rooted in New England tradition. Cross-country ski racing, as performed in the NENSA Eastern Cup series, and at our Championship Events, is a fast, explosive, and visually dynamic sport. It is the mission of the New England Nordic Ski Association to implement year-round educational, recreational, and competitive programs at all levels of cross-country ski racing. NENSA works to sustain a vital and active skiing community in New England, and to provide the support structure necessary to bring athletes to their highest potential at regional, national, and international events. http://www.nensa.net