FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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How much technical ability does my child need to have?
Not as much as you might think!  The CMR program is designed to introduce young skiers to competition in an organized, progressive manner.  If your child can manage his equipment and clothing, make it down Boomerang and ride the lifts, he can join the CMR program!  If you’re not sure about your child’s qualifications, feel free to talk with one of our coaches. 

How do I choose the right program group?
Athletes should join CMR at a program level consistent with their ability, previous competitive experience and commitment to training.  Buddy Werner League members train on Saturdays only, while Ability Group athletes commit every weekend and most school holidays throughout the season to both training and competition, as well as a significant number of school days for out-of-town competitions.  Please see the head coach or refer to the Program Handbook for additional information.

Where can I purchase equipment and clothing?
Local sporting goods stores, including our sponsor Mountain Sports, carry a wide variety of equipment and clothing as well as a limited supply of items needed for competition.  Items not in stock can usually be ordered.  There are a few mail order companies that specialize in such equipment, including Reliable Racing and RaceWerks.   Casper Mountain Racers hosts an annual Ski & Snowboard Swap, featuring new and used equipment and clothing at bargain prices.  Some athletes qualify for special pricing on equipment purchased directly from the manufacturer.  Please contact the head coach for further information. 

Are there discounts available for Hogadon season passes?
Season passes may be available at a reduced rate.  Please contact the City of Casper Recreation Center, 235-8383, or visit the Hogadon Ski Area web site for current information.  Special rates are usually available only through mid-November, so plan accordingly.

Where can I get a USSA membership and/or license application?
USSA is the United States Ski and Snowboard Association, the national governing body for skiing and snowboarding competition.  All racers competing in USSA scored events must become members of USSA.  To obtain a membership application, write or call:
USSA
P.O. Box 100/1500 Kearns Blvd., Bldg. F 
Park City, UT  84060 
Phone: (435) 647-2666 
Fax: (435) 647-2052 
E-mail: membership@ussa.org
The USSA web site includes a downloadable application which can be printed, completed and mailed (requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader).

What are the age classes this year?
For the 2006-2007 racing season, they are as follows:
 

Year of Birth	USSA Age Class	Local Age Class
1946 or earlier	A or Masters (21 & over)	Pioneer (60 & over)
1947-1956		Super Vet (50-59)
1957-1970		Veteran (36-49)
1971-1980		26-35
1981-1985		18-25
1986	A (20 & over)
1987-1988	J1 (17-19)
1989		15-17
1990-1991	J2 (15-16)
1992-1993	J3 (13-14)	13-14
1994-1995	J4 (11-12)	11-12
1996-1997	J5 (10 & under)	9-10
1998-1999		7-8
2000-2001		5-6

Where can I find more general information about ski racing?
For a comprehensive discussion of alpine ski racing, see Introduction to Ski Racing.  For a brief explanation of racing rules, see Ski Racing Rules.  Also see the official USSA Competition Guide.

What are the specific duties of each race volunteer position? 

Please note:  All volunteers at USSA sanctioned races must be licensed.  Please contact the Program Director or Race Chairman for further information.

Race Day Registration/Check-In
1.  Arrive at the team room at 7:45 am. 
2.  Locate and lay out the race bibs
3.  Locate the preliminary start list
4.  As racers arrive, confirm that their entries are complete:
     Name
     Age
     School (for the City Race)
     Release signed
     Entry fee paid
5.  Hand out bib and check off name
6.  Register new/late entries, and give entry forms to computer person

Gate Judges
1.  Arrive at the CMR team room at 9:00 am, dressed and ready to go out on the hill
2.  Pick up gatekeeper bib, board and pencil
3.  Watch the training video at approximately 9:15 am
4.  Meet the head gatekeeper at the race starting gate at 9:45 am for gate assignment
5.  Diagram and number your gates on the record sheet
6.  Record all faults with the racer’s bib number and a diagram explaining the fault
7.  When the last racer has passed, wait for the head gatekeeper to collect your record sheet before leaving

Starters/Timers
This position requires training.  If you wish to volunteer in this position, please contact the Race Chairman as early in the season as possible.

Recorder
1.  Arrive by 9:30 am
2.  Transcribe the racers’ bib numbers and names by class, in the order in which classes will run, onto the race results chart for the day.  Also add the race title, date and format on the top.
3.  Post the chart on the wall to the right of the stairs on the lower level of the main lodge.
4.  As results are available, get a computer printout from the CMR coaches’ room and transcribe them to the large chart in the lodge.  Mark racers who did not start as “DNS” and disqualified racers as “DQ.”