The U10 program is the first level of individual competition for boys and girls who have acquired basic skiing skills. Some youngsters will have been members of a Nancy Greene team; others may have no previous racing experience. Like Nancy Greene, the U10 program is an entry level program (AIM 2 WIN, “Learning to Train” phase) designed to introduce children to basic skiing and ski racing skills. Consistent with the emphasis on fundamentals, training prepares children for skiing all kinds of terrain and snow conditions (bumps, ice, and crud). Racing focuses on GS events. Physical conditioning and training focuses on the development of physical capacities such as agility, balance, co-ordination and speed (ABCs).
Eligibility
Age: 9 years and under as of December 31 of the current race season.
Membership: To be eligible to race in NCD-OSZ Series and Championship events, U10 racers from OSZ clubs must be registered with Ski Quebec Alpin and racers from NCD clubs must be registered for membership with Alpine Ontario (AOA).
Equipment Standards
Racers who are not properly equipped will not be permitted to start a race. Parents and racers are encouraged to discuss equipment selection with the racer’s coach to ensure that athlete has the appropriate items:
Skis: There are no restrictions regarding ski length and radius for NCD-OSZ events. The racer‟s physical development, ability and skills must be considered in selecting appropriate and safe equipment.
Helmets: At all events, competitors must wear full hard-shell helmets specifically designed and manufactured for the particular event.
Boots: Maximum boot height (distance between the ski boot sole and the base of the heel including all hard and soft parts): 43 mm
Bindings: Maximum standing height (the distance between the bottom of the ski‟s running surface and the ski boot sole): 50 mm.
Clothing: Regular ski suits are mandatory; competition suits are not permitted.
Race Format
U10 events in the regular OSZ-NCD Series consist of a two-run race followed by a skills development event. The details of the skills development events will be included in the race notice for the day.
Race Entries
All registered U10 racers are automatically entered in every OSZ-NCD Series race. The list of registered racers is published on the Outaouais Ski Zone Web site (www.skioutaouais.qc.ca) and updated, as necessary, beginning in early January.
Coaches and parents are encouraged to consult the published lists to verify that the entry list is complete and that the information for each racer is accurate. Any errors or omissions should be immediately reported to Jim Coflin ( jcoflin@ca.inter.net), or the club’s U10 coordinator.
Race Fee
The entry fee for each event is $30.00 per competitor payable to the host club the morning of the race. The entry fee covers the cost of the athlete‟s lift ticket.
Start Order
The start order for U10 races is determined as follows:
First run: The start order for the first run is determined by a random computer draw for girls and boys. Girls start first.
Second run: For Slalom and GS races, the start order for the second run of each race is a reversal of the first run start order.
Racers who did not finish (DNF) or were disqualified (DSQ) in the first run of a race will be permitted to participate in the second run of that race, recognizing that the overall series results and the selection criteria for provincial events are based on the racers results for every individual run.
Safety
The safety of competitors, officials, and spectators is of paramount importance. At each race, the Jury is charged with the responsibility of taking all reasonable steps to ensure that safety and, to that end, has the authority to cancel, postpone or annul a run or race if necessary.
Course Tear Down
All competitors and coaches are required to report to the start area after the last run of the day to assist with course tear down – failure to so may result in sanctions for both competitors and coaches.
Race Results
If two (2) racers tie in their combined times, the tie stands and medals are awarded as follows:
- a tie for first place – two gold medals and a bronze
- a tie the second position – a gold medal and two silver; and
- a tie for third place – one gold, one silver, and two bronze.
Reporting Results
A copy of the results for each U10 race will be posted on the Outaouais Ski Zone Web site within 48 hours of the race. The series points are used for the determining year-end awards for OSZ and NCD Series Results and the membership of delegations to provincial events.
NCD Series Results
Plaques are awarded for male and female U10 racers, based on combined Series points, using the best 50% of the race runs held during the OSZ-NCD Series. For example, if there are a total of 8 GS runs, the best 4 runs will be used. Awards will be given to athletes at the year-end banquet.
