Hemel Ski Race Club - Welcome to Hemel Ski Race Club

1. HEMEL SKI RACE CLUB WELCOME TO HEMEL SKI RACE CLUB SKI RACINGIntroduction to HSRC for First Time Racers (and parents) HSRC general aims are to have fun, promote skilful and safe skiing, to train, develop and help established racers and to introduce novices to the sport of ski racing. Members are grouped loosely into groups depending on age and skiing ability. We are a race club and as such members will be expected to compete at their various skill levels in local, national or international events either at home or abroad. WE DO NOT TEACH BEGINNERS OR PEOPLE TO SKI

2. Hemel Ski Race ClubClub Organisation • The club was formed over 20 years ago and has over 300+ members, male and female, most of which are below the age of 21. Not all members are racing members but have joined to give their support the club. We will accept members of 7 years and older. • The club is recognised as being one of the foremost clubs within the country. • The club is run by a committee of volunteers, the current chairperson being Andrea Grant. • The committee meets about once a month to discuss various topics and the way forward including finances and costs. • All our finances are controlled by committee, our current treasurer is Sheila Driscol. The training fees and membership fees paid are used to insure all members with Snowsport England, purchase “Snow Centre” membership, purchase various items of training equipment including electronic timing and general administration costs. • We are completely independent from the snow centre although we have a very good working relationship with them. We are as they say, “HSC’s” own race club. • The Clubs AGM takes place in November and we are always on the lookout for “New Blood”, if interested please see a committee member.

3. Hemel Ski Race ClubTraining Organisation • TRAINERS/TRAINING: All ages and group standards are catered for by our excellent group of coaches, trainers and instructors led by our Chief Coach, John Reidy. Scott Pleva is our head Junior Coach. All trainers work to a prescribed programme. • All of our Race Trainers, Coaches and Instructors and many of the race club committee are “CRB” checked under the regulations of the “Child Protection Policy” and hold first aid qualifications. All our trainers including casual trainers hold current professional qualifications. • We have many qualified “Race Officials” who are registered with SSE (Governing body). •  We do follow the Snowsport England initiative for the “Long Term Athlete Development”. We do not teach people to ski or cater for beginners; we teach skiers how to race and the race techniques required. It is anticipated and expected that trainees will want to put the skills learned into practice at local and national or even international races of the appropriate level. The ages of the athletes that race varying in range from 5 to 70+. The majority though are below the age of 21. • Hemel Ski Race Club members compete in all levels of ski racing from fun club events, regional summer league events, national events and to representing their country in International races at home on artificial slopes and abroad on snow. • We have and have had many Regional and National Champions, we also have a number of members in the British Children's Team, the English and British National squads.

4. Hemel Ski Race Club • Training • Monday evening 6.00 – 8.00pm (Full Club Training open to all) • Monday evening 8.00 – 10.00pm (winter months, aimed at the more serious/competent racer, there is also a session at this time aimed at the older, the not so serious racers or those that might like to improve their performance incorporated with race techniques.) • Online booking system with payment by “PayPal”. http://hsrc.info • Sessions do become full. The online system is closed on the Sunday evening and no more training members will be accepted. It is possible however to email to check availability. There is no guarantee these emails will be received or answered. Sessions may close early or numbers restricted should particular sessions be undersubscribed or full. Sessions will close normally the Sunday before at 2000h. • All sessions are booked on a “first come” basis and

5. Hemel Ski Race Club • Costs and Fees • Membership runs from 1st November until 31st October annually to fall in line with SSE. • Annual membership fee – currently £30.00 for Adults , £25.00 for Students, and £20.00 for Juniors. • Associate membership - £25.00 (adult or Junior) does not include HSC membership. Various restrictions and availability to this type of membership. • £17.00 per training session (continually under review,) £20.00 for Associate Members. • Full membership currently Includes HSC Snow Centre membership valid until 31st October annually, this is regardless of date of joining HSRC – more details to follow. • Continued membership is subject to commitment to the club and racing. • Websites & Communications • emails from HSRC – hemelskiraceclub@ntlworld.com – most communications are conducted via email but members of the committee and training staff are always around at the training sessions and willing answer any of your queries or questions you may have. • Booking portal – http://hsrc.info • HSRC’s own website - www.hemelskiracelcub.co.uk

6. HSC Membership Benefits. • The club membership fees for 2012/13 will again include the “Snow Centre” membership and all the benefits and concessions associated with said membership. Our thanks go to the Snow Centre for the use of this concession for HSRC members and families. HSC membership is valid until 31st October annually from about 1 month after joining HSRC. • These concessions are available to ALL full HSRC members on payment of renewal or new membership fees for 2012/13. Some classes of membership do not include “Snow Centre” membership and if individuals wish to take these benefits they must become full HSRC members. • To qualify as a full HSRC member if registering or currently registered with a HNGB as a performer (racer) the first named club must be notified as HEM, otherwise full membership of HSRC or discounted membership of HSC is not available. If no second club then we also suggest that you assign HEM as your second club.

7. HSC Membership Benefits. • INTERNAL BENIFITS • Recreational Skiing - 30% discount. • Lessons - 30% discount.  • Priority Booking - Recreational and Lessons. - Up to 1 hour before session. • Free Internet - Free WI-Fi Internet access. • Early Snow Sessions - early morning, reserved. - Max 50 places/ 0800 - 0900 • Birthday Snow - 1 hour recreational skiing free on birthday. - Able to take 1 friend at member’s rates. • Free members coaching. - Sunday evenings. • Advanced notice of events. - receive information about events and bookings. • Special Events. - Priority Ticket Offers. National and International Events • Other concessions always being added.

8. HSC Membership Benefits. • EXTERNAL BENIFITS • Hotel Room Discounts - Premier Inn - Weekend rates for Members • Esporta Membership Discount. - Special Package • Snow & Rock - Special Preview Evenings – Cheese and Wine, members only. • Holiday Discounts - Thompson TUI • Massage and other treatments - Synergy – Berkhampstead. - 20% discounts on all products • Ski Club Great Britain - 15 months membership for price of 12 months. (Exclusive to Snow Centre Members.) • Warner Leisure Hotels - Discount on Brochure Prices • Butlin’s Leisure Breaks - Discount on Brochure Prices • Other concessions being added continually.

9. Racing and Competition • The big question: AM I, IS MY CHILD READY TO RACE, ARE THEY GOOD ENOUGH. • if accepted to join HSRC and train with the club all accepted members are of a suitable standard and ability to compete at a number of races, either on indoor snow or the outdoor surface. • As a club we are continually told that XXX is not yet good/old enough, as we point out if accepted into HSRC then there are various events of a suitable standard throughout the UK/Europe for all members regardless of age, experience or ability. Everyone needs to start somewhere. The real problem arises after their first event is trying to stop them. FAMILY WARNING - Family Summers become a thing of the past.

10. Racing and Competition HSRC is a “Race Club” and as such members will be expected to compete. There are a number of different types of competition for all standards of racer: • Club Races SUITABLE FOR ALL HSRC MEMBERS • Hemel Championships Held in September – open and suitable for all members. • School Races SUITABLE FOR ALL HSRC MEMBERS (subject to ESSkiA membership) • Regional Races (ERSA)SUITABLE FOR ALL HSRC MEMBERS • SSE Club Nationals Introduction to National Racing • GBR Series EXPERIENCED RACERS (next step from CN’s) • Championships ADVANCED AND EXPERIENCED RACERS • Alpine Races Depending on the event open to all members • British Indoor Series SUITABLE FOR ALL HSRC MEMBERS

11. Club Races(Snow+Rock sponsorship)SUITABLE FOR ALL MEMBERS • HSRC have a dedicated club championship event held in September which is open to all Hemel members, it is normally run over 2 courses. Details will be passed to all members leading up to the event. Suitable for all members. Ideal first race as its at a venue known and competing with known people. The event can vary but normally takes the form of a slalom through 2 different courses with both runs aggregated to find the Hemel Age Group Champions. • Sponsorship is provided by Snow+Rock for the girl and boy winner of U16 and below. The sponsorship lasts for 1 year until the following championship race. • This bursary takes the form of 2 pairs of Skis, Ski Poles, Boots and protection equipment to the value of £200.00. It will also include free servicing of skis for the sponsorship period. There are stipulations with this award. • Fun races, depending on the Snowcentre availability and cost, suitable for all. • Fun events with timing at occasional dates throughout the year normally during training sessions. • Dual Slalom (head to head) held at various training sessions throughout the year

12. ESSkiA Races (Schools Races)Open to members of schools provided school is registered with ESSkiA. • ESSkiA (English Schools Ski Association) are schools races, your school needs to join ESSkiA and then you are entitled to race at one of the 6 regional qualifiers held in September. Schools can enter teams of 4 racers in various categories with 2 runs on the same course. The 3 fastest times on each run count. It is a team event, not individual. • The teams are normally run by parents with the backing of the school. • The teams that win each age group within each region then qualify for the English Finals in October. • The top 10 teams from the English finals then qualify for the British Schools Finals in November. • Racers who ski well and show potential may be invited to a training week in either Austria or Norway depending on age. Other dry slope and/or indoor snow training is arranged. • Once every 2 years the best from each Country are selected to race at the World Schools Championships. (World Schools Competition) • ESSkiA is an good introduction to racing although is limited to the school wishing to take part, individuals are not accepted…. It is a way to get involved in International schools racing and representing your country at an early age. SUITABLE FOR ALL MEMBERS

13. Regional Races • ERSA – Eastern Region Snowsports Association • Hemel is a member of this region • Other members are Norfolk, Brentwood, Tallington, Welwyn Garden City, Bassingbourn, Hemel Hempstead, Milton Keynes and Bassingbourn, Surbiton, Gravity, Evolution, Impulse and Ambition. • An excellent introduction to racing and we encourage full attendance • The emphasis is on fun and “learning”, developing confidence and techniques, they are also very good social events with time to catch up with friends from other clubs. • Entry criteria – member of one of the above mentioned clubs • Costs - £10 outdoor races £17indoor races, family discounts given on outdoor races. • How to enter – with Race Manager or online, HSRC 2012/13 RM – Lisa Barder. • What happens? • 3 runs down the same course best two to count • Awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in various age group, overall awards at the end of the season. • Team events in the afternoon, including the “Stampede” event • Indoor snow – 3 runs, best 2 to count. (under review) SUITABLE FOR ALL MEMBERS

14. Regional Race Dates • Welwyn Garden City • Ski Milton Keynes (Indoor Snow) • Norfolk (Norwich) • Hemel Hempstead (Indoor Snow) • Tallington • Suffolk Vikings (Ipswich) • Bassingbourn • Brentwood • ERSA Champs October Hemel – 2nd October • ERSA Tri Regional Event Welwyn – 15th October • See http://ersa.co.uk for full calendar.

15. Club National • Next step up from the regional events, run on behalf of SnowSport England by the clubs and is the introductory level to national racing • Take place during the summer around the country, around 10 – 15 races • Up to £21 per race and £26 indoor snow race • Calendar http://www.britski.org • What happens? • 3 runs down the same course, best of two times 3rd run MUST count and either of the first two • Indoor Snow – 2 runs to count as individual races, both added together for awards. • Open to racers registered with SnowSport England, Wales or Scotland • Non Registered racers may take part, ask for information. • Enter online https://www.freestyleweb.co.uk/compentry/index.asp • If non registered by post to race secretary • How different from ERSA? • No team events, rules are enforced to a greater extent. • You must get your third run in to count – varies at indoor snow races. • These races are suitable for the majority of club members after having completed in a few ERSA regional races. Ask if unsure.

16. Club National Events • Bromley • Hemel (Indoor) • Welwyn • Norfolk • Stoke • Midlands • Pendle • Ipswich • Southampton • Telford (at Manchester indoor) • Gloucester • Sunderland • Southampton • Calendar http://www.britski.org

17. British Indoor Series • Often referred to as the “Graham Beck” races, an alternative set of indoor races held throughout the country, not organised by any governing body. • No official points gained from them, they have their own points system • It is a series with prizes at the end based on points gained from each race • Costs £23.00 (2012) • Enter online http://www.britishindoorgrandprixseries.org.uk/race_entry.php • Open to all racers • Well run races but not sanctioned by SSE (at present) • All Hemel members are suitable to enter these races.

18. What Else Available • For novice Hemel members the focus is initially the ERSA race series and introduction to some of the Club Nationals held at various locations and the “GB” series. • More advanced races are available as the athlete progresses to a higher standard.

19. GBR Race Series • A race series run around the country next step up from Club Nationals, 6 indoor and 6 outdoor races in 2012. The races are run by the HNGB (England, Wales and Scotland). To compete you must be “registered”. • It is a series of events with overall results at the end based on points gained from each race, however each race is also an individual event • Costs 2012 - £20 per outdoor race and £25 indoor snow race • Sponsored for 2012 by Atomic and Ski Bartlett's. • Enter online https://www.freestyleweb.co.uk/compentry/index.asp • What happens? • 2 runs down different courses, both times to count • The courses set can be difficult and complicated to test the more advanced racer. • Open to racers registered with SnowSport England , Wales or Scotland How different from ERSA? • No team events, rules are strictly followed according to international events and format. • You must complete both runs to feature in the results.

20. Championships • During the year various championships take place throughout the country • Costs £20 per race and £25 indoor snow race • Calendar http://www.britski.org • Enter online https://www.freestyleweb.co.uk/compentry/index.asp • What happens? • 2 runs down different courses • Both times to count • Open to racers registered with SnowSport England , Wales or Scotland and BARTS points less than 250 (see later for more information on points) • How different from ERSA? • No team events • You must complete both runs to feature in the results • Harder courses, suitable only for the more experienced racers

21. Calendar • ERSA regional Calendar published here http://www.ersa.co.uk • National results and calendar officially published here http://www.britski.org/ • British Indoor series published here http://www.britishindoorgrandprixseries.org.uk

22. Points • Each time a race is completed a set of points are calculated. They start high and as you improve drop closer to 0. • Points exist for the following; • ERSA points for the regional races • BARTS points awarded for Club National, Grand Prix, Championships, Celtic Cup • BASS points for snow races • BISS points for the Graham Beck series • FIS for international points WHY SEEDING • Competition Entry: To ensure a fair means of determining qualification form entry to competitions of national significance. • 3.2. Start Order: To aid preparation of start lists in competitions of national significance in accordance with ICR 621 - Group Draw and Start Order – as amended by the relevant British and/or MG Competition Rules. • For more information on the points system just ask.

23. Race Organisation • Each race is run by volunteers with expect guidance and advice from “Technical Delegates” assigned by Sport GB. • It takes a lot of work before, during and after the races. Whilst the actual race is taking place many more helpers are needed to assist so that tasks can be shared. • Various courses are run to enable parents to more fully understand the rules and regulations connected with ski racing, these rules are the same for a fun club race to the Olympic Games, the interpretation and implementation of the rules changes according to the standard of event. • There are lots of different jobs to be done at races, they are on the whole straightforward, it is easy and no where near as difficult as some people believe. • Help is needed at all races so if approached please consider to give a hand if able, it is understood that it can be difficult if you have young children racing but the sooner they learn to “fend” for themselves the more confident they will become.

24. HEMEL SKI RACE CLUB FINALLY • We are a race club. Remember if you have been accepted and train with the club then you are of a suitable standard to enter an ERSA or Club race. If you take part in an ERSA race, the next step to a Club National is very small, it’s the enforcement of the rules that change. • If in any doubt about your suitability please talk to your coach or a committee member. • Annual membership will be considered on commitment to the club and to racing.

25. Hemel Ski Race Club Thank you for attending. Any Questions ?

26. HEMEL SKI RACE CLUB SKIING AND SKI RACING IS ALL ABOUT HAVING FUN AND ENJOYMENT BUT SKIING AND SKI RACING IS INHERENTLY A DANGEROUS AND EXTREME SPORT, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE FUN BUT BE SAFE OUR AIMS and GOALS SAFETY – FUN – LEARNING & DEVELOPEMENT We continually monitor training sessions and club members whether it be club activities or not, the club will sanction any member behaving in an inappropriate or unacceptable manner. We are in constant view from the public and Hemel Ski Centre staff and as such members are expected to be good ambassadors of the club, the centre and ski racing in general regardless if training or racing with the club, individually or another organisation.