SWATLET'S GET READY FOR SKIING & PRACTICE!!
One important post here: It is NOT the responsibility of the SWATeam Coaches and staff to check your athlete's equipment, nor can any of our coaches adjust bindings settings due to liability concerns and as they all are not certified to do so [during any given season we may have a coach that is certified in bindings settings, but it may be only one manufacturer's brand]. Equipment settings need to be done by a qualified ski shop technicians trained in this area. Ask the ski shop technicians to explain to you how to re-set your athlete's bindings, etc. when you pick up their equipment. If needed, our coaches can show you where the adjustments are, but cannot make the adjustment.
Our SWATeam Coaches are VERY WILLING and available though to assist and help guide parents/guardians/athletes on equipment choices. Please feel free to discuss equipment with your child's coach before a new purchase, re-sale purchases, etc.
DID YOUR CHILD GET NEW BOOTS FOR THE NEW SEASON? MAKE SURE THEY FIT THE BINDINGS.
EQUIPMENT CHECK LIST
|
SKI BOOTS Should be well fitted, flexible, front entry buckle boots.
NO REAR ENTRY BOOTS.
Your athlete should ONLY BE WEARING ONE PAIR OF SOCKS inside their ski boots.
We recommend each athlete carry a second pair of socks with them in their backpacks to change into mid-day incase they get wet due to perspiration. |
|
SKIS with BINDINGS Athletes should be on skis that will enhance their performance in a race course. As they progress in their understaning of the tactics of racing ... their equuipment should be up graded to help them.
Purchase bindings that can be properly set to your athlete's age, weight and ability. Make sure installation & testing is done by a reputable ski shop technicians. SWAT recommends annual/pre-season testing by ski shop technicians.
ALWAYS CHECK their equipment BEFORE the 1st on-the-hill practice. It can be frustrating for an athlete to come to practice and then be held back due to equipment malfunctions ... :) |
|
HELMETS - ARE MANDATORY!
They must be worn for practice and on race day.
SWATeam Racing, Inc. will follow the guidelines established in the USSA ALPINE COMPETITION REGULATIONS, Chapter 8 regarding the regulation of Helmet designs. Copied from the regulations:
Helmets designed and manufactured for the particular discipline of ski racing being contested are required for all competitiors and forerunners in all USSA events and official training. Helmets must bear a CE mark and conform to recognized and appropriate standards such as CEH.Din 1077, ASTM F2040, SNELL S98 or RS98.
Helmets MUST COVER THE HEAD AND EARS. Helmets with "spoilers or edges" that stick out ARE NOT PERMITTED. Protective features integral to the dicipline being contested, such as chin guards on slalom helmets are permitted.
USSA [along with SWATeam Racing, Inc.] does not specify nor recommend nor make any warranties as to the fitness for use of any particular ski helmet design or brand name. USSA [along with SWATeam Racing, Inc.] undertakes no responsibility, liability or duties to any competitor in connection with the requirement that helmets be utilized. It tis the sole responsibility of the competitor [and/or SWATeam parents or guardians] to select an appropriate helmet for accident protection in ski racing.
CAUTION: Age and use affect the protective qualities of all safety helmets. Some older helmets and any helmets that have been damaged eigher in a racing fall or from other impact may no longer provide sufficent protection - even if there are no visible indications of damage. |
|
GOGGLES!
Mandatory for practice & races.
Unbreakable to protect the eyes.
Make sure the goggles FIT inside the frame of your athlete's helmet!!! Small children should be wearing goggles designed for their smaller faces; not goggles designed for adults.
We suggest:
Clear lenses for evening practices.
Tinted lenses for sunny days.
Possibly purchase a 2nd pair? |
|
CLOTHING!
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER!! IT'S WINTER TIME!!
Athletes [espeically those] in Class 1-4, should not be complaining to their coach that they are cold at practices or races. IF you are, you are not making good decisions on how you are preparing for the weather and temperatures. BE SMART!
REMEMBER that the temperatures on the chair lift and the ski hill are possibly colder than in your backyard. Layering works best! If you don't’ wear it there, bring it along for warmth later. |
|
COACHES RECOMMENDATIONS
SWAT Coaches recommend all athletes have a backpack with the following items in it or in their boot bags: This includes the 10 and under group as they will come in for snack/warm-up breaks and they won't have to look for mom or dad to help them find their items, snacks or drinks.
In the athlete's backpack or boot bag bring:
* Extra layers of clothing * A 2nd pr of gloves/mittens
* A 2nd pr of ski socks
* Extra goggles or lenses
* Water bottle, juice or sport drink for hydration
* Neck gaiter
* Snacks
* Hand & foot warmers.
ALWAYS For CLASS 1-4 racers [11-18yrs]:
Shin guards, pole guards, scrapers, clean-er or other tuning equipment . . .
|
|
BE READY & PREPARED! You’re a SWAT RACER! :) |