COACH’S PHILOSOPHY

I value commitment to team above self.  I believe a student learns important lessons about life by dedication to a team.  And that this dedication develops them as individuals, not just as individuals but as great individuals.  And this dedication to team does not compromise their ability to become a great athlete.

I value highly that the students should have fun in this program and that the friendships they develop are as high a value as the lessons they learn in developing the discipline to do the hard work it takes to be a cross country ski racer.

I value the Philosophy of the American Sports Education Program which places development of a winning athlete over an athlete winning.  I teach the principles of good sportsmanship, which include respect for others, compassion, humility, and fair play.

I value the OSAA and the OISRA mission statements to “provide equitable participation opportunities for students.” Each student will be treated fairly with neither prejudice nor favoritism shown toward any student.

I value the Bend LaPine School District guidelines that encourage students “to participate in a variety of school activities, including more than one sport per year.”

I value the student’s right to pursue their goals and their dreams and their pursuit of excellence.  I believe that each student will get out of this program what they put into it.

Eric Martin

MVHS NORDIC SKI TEAM

HANDBOOK

2007-2008

Mission Statement:  Provide an opportunity for students to enjoy cross-country skiing, where they improve their own fitness and skiing technique, measure their progress by racing,

represent their school, and share the camaraderie of the team.

Overview of Program: NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!  Even if you have never skied before, if you have some basic fitness and want to make a commitment to learning cross-country ski racing techniques, this is the place for you.  Anyone can join the team and we have a no-cut policy--all who train with the team can race in the league races. 

This ski racing program is governed by the Oregon Interscholastic Ski Racing Association (OISRA). The State Board of Education sanctions OISRA to be the governing body for ski racing (alpine and Nordic) in the state of Oregon.

The team operates in compliance with all OISRA rules. These rules follow Oregon Schools Activities Association (OSAA) guidelines and support any school district athletic policies that are not contradicted by OISRA rules. 

The MVHS Nordic team is “school sponsored,” but it is not funded by the school.  Private and donated funds support this program. 

It is organized under the direction of Rick Plants, the activities director. 

A summary of the OISRA Eligibility Rules and Bend/LaPine School District eligibility policies can be found in Appendix I.  You can view the OISRA rules in their entirety at the OISRA website: www.oisra.org

MVHS belongs to the Southern League of the OISRA Nordic Division.

Communication Advice:  

If situations arise where students or parents have concerns that need to be addressed, the first step in all cases is to express the concerns directly to the coach.  If the coach does not provide a satisfactory resolution, then the next step is to discern if the situation is addressed by OISRA rules. 

If the situation is addressed in the OISRA rules, the next step is to contact the OISRA organization. In cases of hardship eligibility appeals, you may appeal to the OISRA Nordic Executive Committee if you have the support of the school officials (principal, AD, or superintendent).  In cases of hardship eligibility appeals, you may make a final appeal to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

If the situation is not addressed in the OISRA rules, the next step is to contact the athletic director.

The MVHS Nordic Ski Team Website:  The MVHS ski team website is www.mvhsnordicteam.org.  Please check this site regularly throughout the season.  You will find this handbook, the season’s training and race schedule, photos, and up-to-date information about everything we do.

Training:  See Calendar in Appendix II.  Training will be both on snow and dryland.  When we are on snow we will concentrate on technique more than conditioning.  Dryland training will emphasize technique and conditioning and will include ski specific drills, running, weights, and games.  Occasionally we will use ski poles in dryland training.  Both dryland and on-snow practices will last approx. 1 ½ to 2 hours.

NOTE:  The Terrain Park at the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center will be “off-limits” when you are training or racing under the supervision of MVHS coaches. Violation of this rule means immediate dismissal from the team. 

Attendance: Attendance at training sessions and races is mandatory with the following exemptions:

1.  There will be some non-mandatory training sessions.

These optional events can not be used as make-ups for missed mandatory training sessions. Parents and/or guardians are not called if a student misses a non-mandatory training session.

2.  Excused absences from mandatory training and races

a.  Bereavement, illness or injury.

b.  If you are attending another school activity. The coaching staff supports the OSAA philosophy that students should be encouraged “to participate in a variety of school activities.” Therefore, attending another school activity will be considered an “excused absence.”

c. Olympic Development team activities.

3.  Unexcused absences from mandatory training and races.

The coaching staff understands that a student athlete may miss a mandatory practice or race for occasions that would not be considered an excused absence.  The consequences for “unexcused absences” are as follows:

a.  One unexcused absence = Reminder and warning

b.  Two unexcused absences = Can not ski on the varsity relay race for the next league race that follows the 2nd unexcused absence.

c.  Three-four unexcused absences = Can not ski on the varsity relay races at league races or the state meet

d.  Five unexcused absences = Dismissal from the team.

Varsity Letters:  Varsity letters are awarded to any student in good standing who satisfies one of the following criteria:

• Ranks in the top five individual finishes for the MVHS team at any OISRA race

• Ranks in the top ten individual finishes for the league at any OISRA race

• Ranks in the top ten individuals in the final individual league standings

• Is a senior

“In good standing” means no more than 2 unexcused absences.

Races: Five League Race events and the State Championships have been scheduled.  See Calendar in Appendix II.

·        Each League Race event is a one-day event and it includes a 5K individual race and a few will also include a 3 X 1K relay. 

·        The State Championships is a two-day event. The State Championships include two individual 5 K races and

a 3 person team skiing 1 Kilometer relay race.

·        Scoring: Each race will be scored by teams as in a cross country running race with points being given to the first 3 finishers.  If a relay race is included in the event, the results of the relay race are added to the results of the individual race to arrive at a total team score. 

·        Awards: Teams and individuals are ranked at each league race and cumulative scores determine the League Champions, who are recognized with team trophies.  The top ten cumulative individual results for boys and for girls are also recognized at the League level.  The State Championships results are determined by the scores at that 2-day event.  State awards are for teams and for individuals.

You qualify to go to the state meet if you meet the requirements as defined by League Allotments. The Southern League Allotments are first filled by the top 6 athletes of each gender at each school.  The remaining allotments are filled by other athletes, according to their cumulative individual rankings based on all the league races.

Transportation: For all on-snow activities, students must be transported by either registered parent volunteers, their own parent, or the coach.  STUDENTS CAN NOT DRIVE THEMSELVES OR OTHER STUDENTS TO OR FROM ANY ON SNOW EVENTS.  Violation of this rule means immediate dismissal from the team.  Bus transportation is provided for all races and some on-snow training. Volunteer drivers help transport students for other activities.

Volunteer Drivers: Parents and others who are volunteer drivers must fill out School District volunteer forms, which include a criminal check.  They must show proof of adequate private automobile liability insurance.  They must have a Sno-Park permit if needed for the training area.

Non-OISRA sanctioned events: When students attend citizen’s races, clinics or events that are not sanctioned by the OISRA, they are participating as members of the general public.  Their transportation and supervision are the responsibility of their family and they will not be representing their school. 

Fees:

ASB cards are required for any student to participate in extra-curricular activities in this school district.  The ABS stickers are available through the athletic office.  The cost is $25.00.

A participation fee of $130 covers the following expenses for this season: insurance fees, OISRA dues, trail passes for training and racing, race fees, bus transportation to all races, waxes and waxing equipment for the team, and clerical costs. 

Make your check payable to “MVHS Nordic Ski Team.”

There are team policies concerning partial or full waivers of participation fees. Check with the team secretary to get an “Application for Nordic Ski Team Financial Aid.”

Paperwork: The paperwork for registering each student must be turned in to either the team secretary or the athletic department. There are several types of paperwork:  1) school sports eligibility forms, 2) ski area release of liability forms, 3) School District student travel permission slips, 4) OISRA release of liability form.  The school sports eligibility form must be turned in and the student must have a current (within 2 years) physical on file with the school before he/she has permission to train with the team. All of the paperwork must be received by the final deadline of November 16, 2007 for the student to be eligible to enter the first OISRA race.

Cut-off date for joining the team is November 16, 2007.

Equipment: Some costs are inevitable, but this does not have to be an expensive sport.  We will do everything we can to ensure that equipment limitations do not prevent anyone from participating.  Each skier should have two pair of skis (one pair for the skating discipline and one for and the classic), boots that work for both disciplines, and 2 pair of poles.  Mt. View High School owns a fair amount of used equipment. This equipment can be rented for a small usage fee. ($2 poles, $4 boots, and $6 skis for the season)

·        We have a renting/leasing program for borrowing newer equipment.  Contact Eric Martin for information about this program.

·        Sunnyside Sports offers high school racers a discount on equipment and equipment rentals.

·        There is a secondhand store where you can find used equipment.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you are gathering your own equipment, be sure that boots and bindings are compatible.  There are several different styles and they are not all interchangeable.  We prefer to use SNS bindings to make our skis interchangeable.

Clothing: Appropriate clothing is very important because athletes will sweat a lot while training and their clothing must move that moisture away from the skin while keeping them warm.  COTTON JUST WON’T WORK.  Don’t try it unless you have no other choice.  Synthetics work best.  If you need suggestions on clothing, check with me or we can discuss it at the meeting if enough folks would like to.  Basics include a wicking layer next to the skin, an insulating layer, and an outer shell that can be removed.  Also needed: snow footwear, two hats, two pair of gloves, sunglasses, a water bottle and carrier, and a warm dry layer to put on after skiing.  Having a ski bag or duffel bag to put all this stuff in is a great idea.

Team Uniforms: A team hat, jacket, and tights will be assigned to each athlete at the beginning of the season.  The hat and tights must be returned to the school at the end of the season. The athlete has the option of returning the jacket or purchasing it.  Sponsors have donated the money to buy these uniforms. 

Parent Volunteers: Parent help is vital to the success of the team. I hope everyone can help in some way so nobody is overburdened.  Here is the type of help we need:

·        Be the MVHS parent rep—the person who communicates between the coach and the parents and coordinates other volunteer work for the team.

·        Transportation coordinator for MVHS team -  arranges bus transportation for race days and some training days and arranges volunteer transportation for other activities.

·        Treasurer for MVHS team – Keeps track of the team’s money by working with the school bookkeeper, who manages the student body account... 

·        Race Help – Parents run all the races.  MVHS hosts one race, and your help is needed at the other 4 races as well.

·        Host a waxing party for the MVHS team on a Friday evening before a league race.

·        Help with Awards Dinner at the end of the season.  Either chair the event or help the chairperson.

·        Fundraising

·        Caretaker for team uniforms

·        Photographer for MVHS team.  And other parents taking photos and videos that can be used for video presentation at Awards Dinner.

·        Learn how to wax skis and help the coaches and racers with waxing on race days

·        Come train or ski with us at practices.  We are a large team, and having more bodies is helpful.

·        Bring snacks to practices.

Team Captains: In the spring, the coaches select one of the co-captains for each team (boys and girls).  In the fall, the team members select the other co-captain for each team.  The team captains work as a communication link between the coach and the racers and take a leadership position, inspiring and motivating teammates and providing extra help and support to the coaches.  The Team Captains are expected to set a good example by following the coach’s lead at practices and to lead by example on the course by cheering ALL racers on ALL teams. 

Waxes: There are no OISRA restrictions on waxes. However, for all league races I will limit the types of waxes I use for the team to inexpensive waxes that the students will learn to apply to their own skis. I will not handle high fluoride waxes, nor teach students how to use them. These waxes will not be allowed at any waxing party for the team.  I believe parents and students have the responsibility to inform themselves of the ways to safely handle high fluoride waxes and they must assume the risks and responsibility and absorb the cost if the student wants to use these waxes during the league races. For the state meet, however, the coaches will apply the high fluoride waxes to each racer’s skis so that all racers have an equal competitive advantage at the state meet.

Procedures followed should your child be injured during participation:

• A coach will carry a team roster with the following information

  • Names of athletes

  • Parent name, address and phone number

  • Emergency contact number of other than parents

  • Insurance information and treatment release

• In the event of an injury, which requires medical attention, an adult will accompany the athlete to the medical facility.  If the athlete’s parents are not present, the accompanying adult will be chosen by the coach as circumstances dictate.

• The adult going with the injured athlete will stay until contact has been made with the parents.  When the parents are reached, they will be completely informed: who is with the athlete, where the athlete is, who the doctor is.

• If the parents cannot be reached, an adult will stay with the athlete until the parents are reached or until other arrangements can be made.

• At ski races, Ski Patrol or Emergency Medical Technicians are always available to manage the first aid.

Contact People:

Head Coach                             Eric Martin         (H)     312-2150

Asst. Coach                             Paul Parsons       (H)     617-3945

Asst. Coach                             Bill Martin          (H)     280-5289

Asst. Coach                             Robin Fallon       (H)     389-0733

                                                                          (W)    383-6395

Asst. Coach                             Nils Kristiansen (H)      388-4516

Asst. Coach                             Bill Hilton            (H)    312-4275

MVHS Activities Director         Rick Plants                   383-6391

MVHS Athletic Secretary         Becky Thompson         383-6393

MVHS Athletic Director           David Hood                 383-6467

MVHS Staff Advisor                Chris Morrison 383-6370

Nordic Ski Team Secretary

Nordic Ski Team Treasurer      Sarah Swaney              330-1953

Appendix I:  Summary of Eligibility Facts

·        Student must represent the school in which they are enrolled. (OISRA rule).

·        Student must participate in the school district individual school whose attendance boundaries include where you reside. If you are not in the Bend/LaPine School District or the Mountain View High School attendance area, please contact OISRA Southern League Secretary for hardship information. (OISRA rule).

·        Student must be enrolled in and passing no less than 3 full blocks—this includes the current nine weeks and the nine weeks prior. (OISRA rule)

·        Bend/LaPine School District requires a 2.0 G.P.A.  There is an appeal process for those who may fall below this requirement. 

·        In order to participate in practice or contests, the participant must be in school attendance the full day of such practice or contest. (Bend/LaPine School District rule)

·        Any student who reaches the age of 19 before August 15, 2007 is not eligible.  (OISRA rule)

·        Student must have turned in the High School Participation and Training Contract and the High School Athletic Eligibility Form before training with the team.  Also must have had a current physical (within 2 years) on file with the school prior to the sports season.  (Bend/LaPine School District rules).

·        Student must have submitted OISRA and any other registration and indemnity forms in time to meet the OISRA Southern League deadline for paperwork, which is Nov. 16, 2007 (OISRA rule)

·        No mandatory team practices or OISRA races shall be missed because of non-OISRA sanctioned skiing activities, unless they meet the specific exemptions permitted by the team’s written policies. (OISRA rule)

·         

·        Students may not drive themselves or others to or from any on-snow events. (OISRA Nordic Rule)

·        As an athlete at Mountain View, you are expected to display good sportsmanship both during your athletic event and while in attendance at any other activity. (MVHS policy).

·        Violations of school rules and or behavior issues may result in the temporary or permanent suspension from the athletic team.  (MVHS policy).

·        Students lose eligibility for one year if they accept any monetary compensation in recognition of athletic ability.  They may accept non-monetary compensation that does not exceed $300 in any association year. (OISRA rule)

Appendix II:  Calendar

Mountain View High School

Nordic Ski Team Calendar

2007 2008

NOVEMBER 2007

DECEMBER 2007

 JANUARY 2008

FEBRUARY 2008