Notes from Parent Meeting

January 5th Parent Wrap-up

• Saturday 1/5/13 wrapped up with a parent meeting in the cramped quarters of the Westside basement.  If you missed the meeting the subjects covered included;
• Program times run 8:30-11:30 and again from Noon until 2:30.  If you are running late simply join your group when they cycle around on the main chair.  Be sure to send along a healthy snack for your young athlete to enjoy on a chair ride.  Staying well hydrated is also a good idea.
• Equipment – If your athlete has just one pair of skis make it a longer length Slalom ski.  Twin tips unfortunately don’t work well for ski racing.  Choose a softer flexing 3-5 buckle boot over a stiff one. Poles that are the correct size are a must.  To check turn pole upside down and grip under the basket.  Your arm should make a 90 degree angle at the elbow for a correct sizing.  Too long is better than too short.
• Slalom Safety equipment – Courtney’s younger crew will not need pole guards or basher bar protection on the athletes helmet.  Shin guards are helpful but not required.  All other age groups should have shin guards, pole guards and a basher bar for their helmet.  If your athlete has a soft ear helmet and you cannot affix a basher bar they should be wearing a bite guard.
• Clothing – Please make sure that your athlete has plenty of warm clothes to wear.  A cold athlete is not getting much out of the session.  Extra socks, gloves/mittens, neck warmer, extra layers of clothing are all good ideas.
• Training vs. Free Skiing – Whenever it snows we will free ski.  Free ski time is also available during warm-up runs, at lunch and at 2:30 after the program is over for the day.  The coaches have a plan for each week to help our athletes improve their skills.  Please encourage your athlete to actively participate in these learning opportunities.
• Race opportunities for U10, U12 and U14 – Gould Academy Competition Program “Carnival” race on Sunday 1/20 beginning at 8:30 at Sunday River.  If your young athlete would like to compete in this fun event please contact Coach Reis at 1reisj@gmail.com.  Also “Open” (don’t need to be a USSA member) race for U8 thru U16 at Lost Valley on Monday 1/21.  Again let Coach Reis know if you have an interest.
• USSA membership – opportunities for additional racing outside of our intramural program exist.  Join at http://my.ussa.org/ or see Coach Reis for more information.