CLUB INTRODUCTION/GOALS 1
COACHING 2
CLUB FINANCES 2
ORGANIZATION 3
BENEFITS OF BECOMING AN OFFICER 5
JUNIOR RACING 5
COMMUNICATION 6
RACES 6
CLUBHOUSE AND GROUNDS 7
ATHLETES' CODE OF CONDUCT 8
COACHES' CODE OF CONDUCT 8
PARENTS' RESPONSIBILITIES 8
Welcome, or welcome back, to the Greek Ski Club!
This handbook is for your use as a member, if you are new to the club it can also serve as your introduction.
THIS IS A CLUB YOU HAVE JOINED, NOT A SERVICE YOU HAVE PURCHASED.
The Greek Peak Ski Club is a Not-For-Profit organization housed on the premises of the Greek Peak Resort. We are, however, a separate corporation. The club is governed by a Board of Directors selected from the membership. The Board elects a President, Vice-President, and Treasurer annually. They also appoint an Executive Secretary to carry out much of the day-to-day administrative activities of the club.
The club operates at a cost to the member below break even, and makes up the difference thru fund raisers. The most important fund raiser is our annual Swap Sale, and each parent is required to work the Swap.
Our philosophy for the children is simple; We want them to become better skiers while having FUN!
Our Goals are:To make skiing a life long sport
To develop the skiing abilities of our young athletes
To provide quality alpine race training and racing experiences.
To have FUN!
We meet those goals in part by hiring a quality Coaching staff. Organized by our Program Director/Head Coach, we usually have a coach for each age group. Those age groups are:
Developmental - under age 8 - training is held on Saturdays only for eight weeks.
Junior V's - age 8 to 10
Junior IV's - age 11 & 12
Junior III's - age 13 & 14
Junior II's - age 15 & 16
Junior I's - age 17 & 18
Saturday Developmental training is from 9-3.
Training on weekends, during Christmas Camp, and during President's Camp is from 9-3.
Program Goals and Objectives
Our coaching objectives at Greek Peak will be to provide a nurturing environment where serious and semi-serious athletes of all ages can develop and grow to their full potential as skiers and racers.
We will emphasize discipline in learning and executing the fundamentals of ski technique and athletic development. We use ski racing as a tool to develop mutual toughness and technical skills.
We will encourage success at every level so that our main by-product is fun.
Coaches' Code
Hard work begets success.
Success begets fun.
Those who put forth the effort and desire to learn and succeed generate effort and attention from their coaches and peers.
This is an individual sport, but working together as a team helps to raise everyone another notch.
All of our coaches have excellent backgrounds and a strong desire to meet our objectives. We will work as a team to develop and nurture each individual's talent and potential. We are all professionals and ask that you help us by allowing us to do our jobs. If you have concerns regarding your athlete, please address them to the Head Coach and Program Director.
The annual Ski Club budget is approximately $40,000. Of this, the major income producer is the Swap Sale, and the major expense is coaching salaries.
The Swap Sale. Swap Sale produces approximately 50-60% of our club income, while membership fees account for 25%. This is why it is so important for member families to understand that participation in the Swap is not an optional activity. Fees would have to be doubled or tripled to cover losses of Swap income. Members must work 2 days per parent. The Swap is always the same two weekends--the last one in October and the first weekend of November. Member families should keep these dates in mind when planning their fall activities.
1999 marked the 38th year we have held the Swap.
Billing. After the Swap Sale, the secretary prepares billings for the members. All income the members have earned at the Sale are credited to the member's bill. Lockers are also assigned, and the locker fee and family membership fee is also included on the bill. Members may also order keys to the buildings at this time. Fees are expected to be paid by Dec. 1st, please contact the secretary if other arrangements need to be made.
The Club also offers scholarships to athletes who wish to participate and have financial concerns. Contact the Club president or secretary to indicate your interest.
Skiathon. In addition to Club fees and the Swap, we also try to hold a skiathon fund-raiser each year. We feel it is an important way to allow the athletes to contribute to the Club's finances and try to earmark this money for something that directly benefits them--recently, we purchased our video camera with skiathon proceeds. Some of the skiathon monies also go to the support of the Central New York Council Gold Team.
Greek Peak's Contribution. Many members do not realize that the Greek Peak Ski area is also a major benefactor to us. Each year, they forgo the payment of the Christie Race lift ticket fees, which amounts to approximately a $3,000 donation to the Club. They also give us a number of ski passes each year for our coaches.
Expenses. Our major expense is coaches' salaries, which accounts for almost 75% of the Club's budget. We try to pay the coaches a competitive salary, and must in addition pay all applicable payroll taxes and insurance, just as any other business does. We also pay coaches' travel expenses, membership dues to NYSSRA and USSA, and try to reimburse for some coaching clinics they attend to improve their skills.
Other important expenses we have each year are the purchase and maintenance of equipment and improvements to and maintenance of the Clubhouses.
As stated earlier we are governed by the Board of Directors.
The board usually consists of 8 to 10 members. From this membership the officers are selected.
President
- Chair club meetings
- Overall policy and guidelines
- Day to day contact with the Program Director
- Overall oversight of club activities
- Representative of the club to Central NY council, NY State Ski Racing Association (NYSSRA), and US Skiing.
- Maintain good relations with the mountain
Vice President
- Assist the President, and assume those duties in the president's absence.
- Communications
Treasurer
- Custody of all club monies
- Prepares financial reports for the board, accountants, etc.
- Prepares tax returns
- Administers the payroll
Executive Secretary
- Club correspondence
- Communications with parents, outside media
- Insure races are organized by assigning jobs for races and supplying necessary materials for races
- Handles club membership
- Close cooperation with Program Director
- Keeps the bulletin board up-to-date
- Fees/dues billing
- Locker administration
- Organizes Skiathon
- Maintains Club Records
- Attends Quarterly NYSSRA Meetings
- Organizes Christmas and President's Camps
- Orders Trophies and Medals
- Assigns Clean-up Duties
- Organizes End-of-Year Banquet
Members of the board are usually selected by invitation, or election at our annual meeting. They elect the officers above and hire the Program Director.
The Program Director's duties are: ( a more detailed Job Description exists)
- Direct and oversee athlete training
- Hire the coaching staff
- Administer the club training program
- Develop/carry out a club promotion plan
- Maintain good relations with Greek Peak
- Oversee race preparations
- Maintain our equipment in good working order
- Coach the athletes
Ex Officio members of the board are the Veterans representative and the Program Director.
Swap Chairman
The Swap is run by the chairman, there is no committee. The chairman has the following duties:
- Work with the Peak for all arrangements.
- Order and store all materials.
- Maintain a mailing list & prepare and send out all mailings.
- Arrange for advertising/distribution.
- Contact/work with all ski shops (starting in early Sept.)
- Make up the work schedule for the Sale.
- Make arrangements for computer work.
- Supervise all five days of the Swap.
- During and after the sale, deal with the shops and public on all questions and complaints.
- Handle and account for all monies, prepare and mail all checks for the sale.
- Arrange for the removal and storage or disposal of all unclaimed sale articles.
This position requires the Chairman's involvement from late August until approximately the first of January.
If you are considering serving as an officer of the Club, or if you are asked to serve, be aware of the following:
The Executive Secretary of the Club is a paid position. The secretary receives a salary (Nov.1-Mar. 31).
The Club President, which is usually a two-year position, receives a pass for his family for the season(s) he or she serves.
The Club Treasurer has coaching fees waived for serving in this position.
The chairman of the Swap Sale receives a commission of the net income of the Swap.
Junior racing in New York State is divided by age group. The age groups are described in the Club Introduction, above. The requirements for participating vary depending on age group. But some requirements apply to all racers.
Organization Memberships. To train with the Club you must be a member of the United States Skiing Association and have a valid USSA number. This is necessary for insurance purposes. To race in any of the races the Club is involved with you will also need to be a member of NYSSRA, the New York State Ski Racing Association. For racers at the J-III and higher level, you must have a USSA Competitors' license. This simply means paying an additional fee to USSA each year.
Helmets. Helmets are required to train with the Club and to participate in Giant Slalom, Super G and Downhill events.
Vouchers. To enter any race you must send a voucher, with the race fee, to the contact person for that race. Each year USSA and NYSSRA send information books to their members. The NYSSRA Handbook contains the addresses of the clubs that run races. You can use it to obtain the address for mailing vouchers. J-I, J-II vouchers differ from NYSSRA vouchers. Vouchers should be available from the club secretary. Vouchers should be post-marked at least five days prior to race day.
In addition to these general requirements, the most important distinction is between Council Races, which are for J-IV, J-V racers, and races that operate at a broader geographical level.
J-IV, J-V Racing. New York State is divided into six local ski councils. GPSC is a member of the Central New York Council. The following clubs make up the Central Council: GPSC, Toggenburg, Labrador, Song, Cazenovia, and Skaneateles. Generally, each club in the Central New York Council sponsors one race each year, a total of six local races each year for J-IV and J-V racers. Four of the races usually serve as qualifiers for the state J-IV championships. The location of the championships changes each year. Information about qualifying and about the Central Council race schedule is contained in the Council Handbook (which should be distinguished from the NYSSRA Handbook) that is published each year.
Racing at the J-IV and J-V level is mostly at the Council level. J-IV and J-V racers compete in the same races but are ranked only against racers of their age group and sex.
J-IV, J-V racers compete in slalom, giant slalom, and other events. They do not compete in the speed events (super g and downhill).
J-III Racing. For this age group, New York State is divided into two Divisions, East and West. Racers from the Eastern and Western divisions compete against each other to qualify for the J-III State Championships. Usually there are four or five races that serve as qualifiers for the state championships. The qualification quotas and mechanisms for each division are published in the NYSSRA Handbook. The location of the championships changes each year. J-III racers begin to compete in speed events and the state championships include a super g race.
J-I, J-II Racing. J-I and J-II racers compete in a variety of events described in the NYSSRA Handbook. J-I, J-II racers compete in all events, including downhill.
One way to gain more knowledge of ski racing and to meet new friends is to volunteer as a gatekeeper at other hills. You get a ski pass and a good view of the racers. You also are doing for the other hills what we need them to do when we run races.
A newsletter is distributed once or twice a month during the season. In addition, a directory of members should be distributed each year to each member, together with a phone tree. Communication is largely the responsibility of the Club Secretary. Maybe most importantly, you should ask questions of "Old Timers." Ask lots of questions; we all started out wondering the same things.
Each year GPSC hosts two or three races. Work assignments for the races are made by the Club Secretary. Here are the jobs that must be staffed for each race.
Chief of Race-overall responsibility for race, coordinates with mountain
Chief of Course-overall responsibility for course, including course setting (done by a coach), maintenance, collection of gates after race, must assure safety of racers and spectators. With Course maintenance workers assures that turning pole is dyed and gates are numbered (coordinate with Head Gatekeeper), that proper fencing is put up at finish area and along course
Starter-in start shack, sends racers, in constant communication with finish, checks start wand and communication before the race
Start Referee-assures valid start
Assistant Starter-lines up racers for Starter; assures smooth flow of racers; for races on Odyssey must keep a corridor open for public have access to Olympian
Finish Referee-assures valid finish
Head Gatekeeper-recruits, organizes gatekeepers, distributes gatekeeper cards, collects them after each run and brings them to the finish
Electronic Timing-assures system works, tests the day or week before race, runs timing during the race
Course Maintenance-several people to maintain course, replace gates, reports to Chief of Course to assist with all course-related tasks
Registration-two or three people to register racers, distribute start orders
Bibs-distribute, get security for bibs, collect bibs at finish of race
Hospitality-several people post-race refreshments; sometimes soup for gatekeepers
Hand Timers-2 each, at start and finish, with stop watches; essential to be on time and in place
Document Time Cards-records times announced by person running electronic timer
Announcer-uses p.a. system to announce racers and times
Midway Station-for races on Odyssey, to report whether course is clear
Scoreboard-writes times on large sheet near finish
Secretary/Race Secretary-receives entries, prepares start order, assigns jobs, gets lift tickets for racers from the mountain, assures presence of Technical Delegate and, if needed, accommodations for T.D., brings race supplies, including materials for gatekeepers, bibs; communicates results to other clubs, NYSSRA, and USSA, as appropriate
For all races, the athlete/parent needs to be in communication with the coaches regarding times, meeting places, etc.
IF YOU MAKE A MESS - CLEAN IT UP!
Our club house is the center of club activity, socials, meetings, offices, and most anything else we do. As any facility it takes effort and money to keep it in good condition and repair. We expect all our members to treat the clubhouses properly. We don't have a janitorial person, we all share that responsibility.
Some specifics:
Keys
- every member is entitled to keys to the clubhouse, not to the offices. The office is the domain of the Program Director, Executive Secretary, and Officers.
- Please keep the keys secure, it is your equipment that is being protected.
Lockers
- assigned on first come - first serve basis, with priority going to racers. See the executive secretary to sign up. There is a fee.
Bathroom
- Again keep it clean and respect the next person. Occasionally the pipes freeze and the bathroom is out of commission. Please respect the sign, not to use it!
Parking
- The parking area up by the clubhouse is for Board members and coaches only. They leave the keys in the car in case it must be moved if blocking any other car. If you don't want to leave the keys, don't park at the clubhouse. Members may pull up the drive for pick/delivery of athletes only.
Cleanup/Work Days
- Every family is required to be responsible for at least one weekend every year to clean both clubhouses. The secretary will assign your weekend, it is up to you to negotiate changes. This cleanup includes cleaning all tables, vacuuming the rugs, cleaning the bath, and emptying the trash.
ATHLETES ARE REQUIRED TO HELP!
In addition there will be other days during the year where you will be asked to help with course or clubhouse maintenance chores.
o Obey all National, State, and Local laws including the
skiers responsibility code.
o Obey lift use regulations and directions of attendants.
o Obey mountain management/employee requests.
o Obey ski patrol and help them if so instructed.
o Treat others as you would like to be treated.
o Follow coach's requests; however, we encourage discussion to help the learning process.
o Be prepared! Dress warmly, Be on time, ½ hour before training and 2 hours before a race.
o Maintain yourself, your equipment, and never purposely damage another's stuff or your own. Tune your own skis.
o No foul language.
o No alcohol or drugs allowed.
o Support your team, help the coaches/volunteers, expect to work at training.
o This is an opportunity for you that most people never have. Take advantage of the skiing, training, coaching, and advice.
o If you want it, you must work for it!
o USSA and this club require helmet use while gate training and racing. All level III, IV, and V competitors must have a helmet to race.
o Be on time.
o Be prepared.
o Be dressed properly, and well groomed. No loose clothing or earrings (safety reasons).
o Treat athletes with equal respect.
o Communicate with athletes, parents, public, mountain management/employees. If asked "What's up," tell someone.
o Encourage, Encourage, Encourage. BE POSITIVE!
o Be positive, encourage the athletes.
o Support the club rules.
o Support the coaches.
o Work the SWAP!!! (Last weekend in October, first weekend in November)
o Work all home races - even if your child is racing at another hill. We expect at least one parent to work the home race.
o Keep the clubhouse clean & picked up. Do your cleanup weekend CHEERFULLY.
o HAVE FUN! Ask a coach to help your skiing technique.