In the U12 program children continue to develop, adapt and refine their basic skiing skills and begin expanding their racing skills by training for and competing in Slalom as well as Giant Slalom. Physical training and conditioning focuses on agility, balance, co-ordination and speed skills (ABCs) with the introduction of some strength and endurance training.
Eligibility
Age: 10-11 years of age as of December 31 of the current race season.
Membership: To race in NCD-OSZ Series and Championship events, U12 racers from OSZ clubs must be registered for membership with Ski Québec Alpin and racers from NCD clubs must be registered for membership with Alpine Ontario Alpin.
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) – 43mm
Bindings: Maximum standing height (the distance between the bottom of the ski‟s running surface and the ski boot sole) – 50mm.
Clothing: Downhill and other suits designed for alpine racing are permitted.
Race Format
U12 events in the regular OSZ-NCD Series consist of one race of two runs.
Race Entries
All registered U12 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 U12 coordinator.
Race Fee
The entry fee for each race 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
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.
U12 female competitors race before male competitors in each 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
Medals are awarded for each race.
The results for each race are determined by the combined times for the first and second run. If a racer is disqualified (DSQ) or does not finish (DNF) one of the runs, his or her combined time is not calculated. Series points are calculated for each run and are used for provincial selection and series awards.
If two 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 U12 race will be posted on the Outaouais Ski Zone Web site within 48 hours of the race.
In addition, series points (see Section 4) will be calculated for each run and the results posted on the Zone Web site by Thursday following a race. The series points are used for the determining year-end awards for OSZ and NCD Series Results. They are the basis for selecting the athletes who will participate in provincial championship events.
NCD-OSZ Championships
A U12 championship series will be held at the end of the season. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded in each of GS and SL. Medals will also be awarded for the “Combined” event. The combined medals will be determined by adding the series points for each racer‟s best slalom run and best GS run. Note: For the combined medals, each age category will be scored independently and racers awarded series points according to finishes within their age group.
Twelve (12) sets of medals (six for girls and six for boys) will be awarded.
Ontario Provincial U12 Events
Each year AOA sanctions provincial-level events for 11 and 12 year old racers. The details about these events (dates, fees, quotas, etc) and the criteria that will be used for team selection can be obtained from the NCD club U12 coordinators.
