NORDIC SKI TEAM

HANDBOOK

1

NORDIC SKI TEAM

2009-2010

INDEX

Coach’s Philosophy ......................................................................... 2

Mission Statement ........................................................................... 3

Overview of Program ...................................................................... 3

Communication Advice................................................................... 3

MVHS Nordic Ski Team Website ................................................... 4

Training ........................................................................................... 4

Attendance for Training and Racing ............................................... 4

Varsity Letters ................................................................................. 5

Races ............................................................................................... 5

Transportation ................................................................................. 5

Volunteer Drivers ............................................................................ 5

Non-OISRA Sanctioned Events ...................................................... 5

Fees.................................................................................................. 6

Paperwork........................................................................................ 6

Cut-off Date..................................................................................... 6

Equipment ....................................................................................... 6

Clothing ........................................................................................... 7

Team Uniforms ............................................................................... 7

Parent Volunteers ............................................................................ 7

Team Captains ................................................................................. 7

Waxes .............................................................................................. 8

Procedures if injured during participation ....................................... 8

Contact People................................................................................. 8

Appendix I: Summary of Eligibility Facts ..................................... 9

Appendix II: Calendar ........................................................ 10 & 11

2

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.

By Eric Martin

3

MVHS NORDIC SKI TEAM

HANDBOOK

2009-2010

where they improve their own fitness and skiing technique, measure their progress by

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

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 the MVHS 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.

does not provide a satisfactory resolution, then the next step is to discern if the situation

is addressed by OISRA rules.

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.

athletic director.

4

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.

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.

exemptions:

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.

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.

a race.

•The coach keeps the records of excused and unexcused absences.

•The coach will notify parents and/or guardians by email or phone if a student is absent

from practice and she has not received prior notification.

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.

5

satisfies one of the following criteria:

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

Calendar in Appendix II.

few will also include a 3 X 1K relay.

individual 5 K races and a 3 person team skiing 1 Kilometer relay race.

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.

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.

gender at each school. The remaining allotments are filled by other athletes, according to

their cumulative individual rankings based on all the league races.

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.

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.

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.

6

ASB stickers are required for any student to participate in extra-curricular activities in

this school district. The ASB stickers are available through the athletic office. The cost

is $25.00.

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.

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.”

Because fees only cover approximately 50% of the team expenses, families are expected

to participate in the fundraising program of the team.

team secretary, coach or the athletic department. There are several types of paperwork:

1) school sports eligibility forms, 2) ski area release of liability forms, 3) 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

eligible to enter the first OISRA race.

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.

equipment can be rented for a usage fee. (Older equipment rents for $2 poles, $4

boots, and $6 skis for the season, newer equipment is $10 poles, $40 boots, $50 skis

with some prices in between). Periodically the team has new equipment that rents at

a higher rate.

equipment rentals. On October 22, 2009 from 6 – 8pm Eric Martin will be at

WebSkis to help team members who wish to purchase equipment in the selection

process. WebSkis prices on current season equipment that evening will be wholesale

plus 10%. This discount is also available at WebSkis on October 24, 2009 from 9am

to noon, but you must prearrange with Eric to be on the team list that day as he will

not be present.

7

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.

training and their clothing must move that moisture away from the skin while keeping

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.

the beginning of the season. The assigned jacket and tights must be returned to the

school at the end of the season. Sponsors have donated the money to buy these uniforms.

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.

•Secretary for the MVHS team – process team registrations, working with OISRA and

the athletic office.

•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 – requests for donations, thank you letters, poster distribution

•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.

(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

8

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.

limit the types of waxes I use for the team to inexpensive waxes that the students will

learn to apply to their own skis. 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.

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 parents. When the parents are reached, they will be completely informed:

who is with the athlete, where the athlete is, who the doctor is.

parents are reached or until other arrangements can be made.

to manage the first aid.

Head Coach Eric Martin (H) 312-2150

Asst. Coach Paul Parsons (H) 617-3945

Asst. Coach Bill Martin (H) 280-5289

Asst. Coach Nils Kristiansen (H) 388-4516

Asst. Coach Mike Condon (H) 388-6120 (W) 385-6989

MVHS Activities Director Mike Huff 383-6369

MVHS Athletic Secretary Connie Seems 383-6393

MVHS Athletic Director David Hood 383-6467

MVHS Staff Advisor Chris Morrison 383-6370

Nordic Ski Team Secretary Open Position

Nordic Ski Team Treasurer Sarah Swaney 330-1953

“All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to

develop our talents.” JFK

9

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).

the current nine weeks and the nine weeks prior. (OISRA rule)

those who may fall below this requirement.

attendance the full day of such practice or contest. (Bend/LaPine School District

rule)

(OISRA rule)

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).

forms in time to meet the OISRA Southern League deadline for paperwork, which

is Nov. 18, 2009 (OISRA rule)

OISRA sanctioned skiing activities, unless they meet the specific exemptions

permitted by the team’s written policies. (OISRA rule)

(OISRA Nordic Rule)

both during your athletic event and while in attendance at any other activity.

(MVHS policy).

permanent suspension from the athletic team. (MVHS policy).

recognition of athletic ability. They may accept non-monetary compensation that

does not exceed $300 in any association year. (OISRA rule)

10