Intro To Ski Racing

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Why this talk?

• We all want our kids to do well.

• We want our kids to learn life-lessons from sports.

• We want kids to find/share a recreational activity for later in life

Many parents wonder how to best support their kids in our program. We hope this answers some of your questions.

We want this to be fun for your children

• A positive coach-parent relationship can improve your child’s experience– Frequent, open, bi-directional communication

• A positive team-parent relationship can improve your child’s experience– Parents: Be involved – volunteer– Club: Communicate philosophy, policies,

expectations, roles

Ski Racing should be fun.

If your kids like this sport and do well, we hope to provide them the opportunity to excel.

If your kids try their best, then they are excelling.

Our Philosophy

Yes, this may be a bit more intense than other sports experiences, but you’ve paid a bit more than most other sports experiences.

Still, no coach should forget our philosophy.

"A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are."       -Ara Parashegian

Training

• J5 Goals– Good athletic stance in between turns– Linked, carved parallel turns of the same

shape and speed. Weight mostly on outside ski.

– Hockey stops on both sides– Can ski all terrains– Pole plants at appropriate times

How we spend our time

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Training

• J3/J4 Goals– Balanced even in “bad” terrain– Re-centers in most conditions or situations– Calm upper body– Understands how to use the ankles– Pole plants in all turns, all conditions– Precise weight transfer– Basic understanding of SL & GS tactics

Equipment

• Yes, equipment makes a difference. It makes a BIG difference.

• TUNE YOUR CHILDREN’S SKIS. OFTEN.• No, one brand isn’t necessarily better than

another. Find a ski that supplies the US Ski Team. Go to one of our “team nights”

• GS – eyebrows to top of forehead• SL – mouth to nose • In CYSL, we DON’T abide by FIS regulations (at

the J3 level and below.)

What you can do

• Try to keep at least a 5:1 ratio of accurate praise to constructive criticism and avoid all criticism for at least an hour following races. (even better – let your kid start the discussion of what to do better.)

• Focus on praise and instances in which your children persevere, overcome adversity, or demonstrate discipline, courage, responsibility, camaraderie, and good sportsmanship.

"Winning isn't always finishing first. Sometimes winning is just finishing."       -Manuel Diotte

This sport is difficult

We had a parent-athlete race last year – we’ll try to do that again this year. It will give you a first-hand experience on what your child is doing.

Mom+Dad=Love

• Provide unconditional love, support, encouragement.

• Be the #1 role model.• Enable your child to

maintain perspective and balance.

YOUR JOB: Offer guidance, understanding, logistical & financial support

• Match your level of support with your child’s goals, level of enthusiasm, and level of commitment.

• Demonstrate a love for learning about the sport.

“Mom & Dad”

General needs by age

J5’s and J4’s

• Encourage your children not to suffer alone. Urge them to consult with trusted adults when they are in pain.

• Preserve for your children a balance between organized sports and free, unstructured play. (USSA recommends 50% free skiing.)

• Create positive post-race rituals, such as a trip to the local eatery, and avoid critical analysis.

• If your children are unhappy with their sport, provide a dignified exit strategy before things reach the meltdown stage.

General Needs by AgeJ3’s

• Coaches emphasize becoming stronger and independent.

• Don't expect them to think, perform, and behave as adults.

• Talented teen athletes do not always transition into talented young adult athletes. In fact, some uncoordinated or slow-developing teens can turn out to be the best athletes.

• A love of playing is the fuel for hard work and ongoing success needed to perform at the highest levels in sports or any other endeavor.

• Sometimes quitting isn't a “cop out”, but instead is a decision to pursue a more fitting activity.

General Needs by AgeJ1’s, J2’s

• Love and support your kids regardless of points. Have conversations about the pressure on them to perform and remind them that doing their best is enough.

• Teach children to accept disappointments and use them as opportunities to learn and improve.

• Keep your wants and needs separate from your children's performance.

• Emphasize factors your kids can control such as effort, focus, and attitude — all of which will build confidence.

Where to go to find out more• USSA CD “Successful Sports Parenting”• http://www.internationalsport.com• http://www.parentingathletes.com/• http://www.whosegameisitanyway.com• Sport Specialization in Youth: A Literature Review

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION,  Apr 2004  by Hecimovich, Mark

• PEDIATRICS Vol. 106 No. 1 July 2000, pp. 154-157 • Intensive Training and Sports Specialization in Young Athletes, Committee on Sports

Medicine and Fitness, PEDIATRICS Vol. 106 No. 1 July 2000, pp. 154-157 • Cardone, D. (1994). A.D. Roundtable: Has specialization in sport affected

participation in interscholastic programs? Scholastic Coach and Athletic Director, 64 (5), p. 4.

• Matheson, B. (1990). Specialization: A detriment to high school sports. Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association Bulletin, 14 (4), pp. 5-6

• Hill, G. M., & Hansen, G. F. (1988). Specialization in high school athletics: A new trend? Clearing House, 62 (1), pp. 40-41.

• Baker, J (2003). Early Specialization in Youth Sport: a requirement for adult expertise?, Routledge, 14 (1), pp. 85 - 94

"Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play."       -Mike Singletary

Notable Quotes

The only thing better than winning is losing knowing you gave your best."       -Michael Ip

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us."       -Ralph Waldo Emerson

"I always tell kids, you have two eyes and one mouth. Keep two open and one closed. You never learn anything if you're the one talking."       -Gordie Howe

“.. teach respect for the opposition, love of competition, the value of trying your best, and how to win and lose graciously."       -Brooks Clark

"The most important decision I ever made in my career was to live my life in sports as honestly and ethically as possible. Never having compromised my values allows me to look back on my life with no regrets and feel satisfaction in what I was able to accomplish."       -Greg LeMond