08/09 West Ski Team Handbook
Welcome to the West High Ski Team. You are joining an organization with an outstanding history of excellence, spirited participation and fun. Understanding and following the guidelines in this handbook will assure a positive experience for everyone involved, help support each individual's efforts, and build a foundation for success in years to come. The basic expectations for ski team members are that you will:
• Give your best effort
• Show up
• Contribute to the team
• Respect others
Communication
Athletes and parents are encouraged to communicate questions and concerns with the head coach, through email. The team website http://westskiteam.com is your source of general information about races, booster club information and more. Up to date information concerning last minute changes in practice, races and other activities can be found on the hotline 277-WEST .
08/09 West COACHING STAFF
Head Coach: Mark Larsen larsen_mark@asdk12.org
Assistants: Mick Wendland wendland_michael@asdk12.org
Marcy Baker
Jane Sauer
Other assistants to be announced.
Booster Club
The ski team has an active booster club that serves many functions. The Parent link on the web site has contact information for the club's different functions.
Participation / Competition Requirements
The following must be completed on or before Nov. 3:
* Athletic/Activity Participation Form completed and returned to Activities Office
* Physical exam on file, valid through and returned to Activities Office
* $125 ASD Activity fee to Activities Office
* Signed Skier/Coach Contract returned to coaches on the first week of practice.
*In order to race, a ll ski team members must have successfully completed 10 practices .
*Skiers must maintain a 2.0 GPA, be enrolled in a minimum of 5 classes and follow all Alaska School Activities
Association, ASAA, rules.
Behavior
We expect skiers to:
Be safe
*Always ski with a buddy
*Ski within your limits
*Handle equipment safely
*Dress appropriately- Hat and gloves required at all outdoor workouts
Be Respectful
*Show respect to yourself and others
Be Positive
*Cheer for your team
*Pitch in to help whenever possible
Attendance
Skiers are expected to:
*Attend practices.
*Compete in all races
*Be on time.
*Have gear and clothing appropriate for the weather.
*Complete the planned workouts.
*Inform your coach in writing no less than two days before pre-planned absences.
Failure to do any of the above may lead to loss of privileges or expulsion from the team.
Letters
Any athlete who completes the season in good standing and earns at least 6 Points will receive a varsity letter. Athletes can earn points by:
1. (1 point) Turning in their paperwork and completing their tenth practice by the tenth day of practice.
2 (I point per meet) Finishing in the top 8 places on the West team in any race, or in the top 40 places in any meet, including relays.
3 (3 points) Competing in the state meet.
4 (4 points) Attending every practice and meet held in a season.
5 (1 point) Turning in their laundered team-issued gear before 2:30pm on the Monday following the state meet.
6 (4 points) Seniors who participate for at least three seasons on the West team.
The coaches may also award discretionary letters to skiers who are unable to finish the season due to circumstances beyond their control.
Participation Awards/ PE Waivers
In order to qualify for a Participation Award or a PE Waiver, skiers must attend 70% of all scheduled after-school practices, and race in 5 high school races.
Buses
Athletes are expected to travel with the team on the bus to and from all competitions and workouts that require travel. If the skier rides the bus to a meet, he/she must ride the bus back to school or ride home with a PARENT ONLY. (ASD policy) No Exceptions! You must notify a coach if you are riding home with a parent.
Waxing
The school and coaches will provide skiers with practice and race wax. Skiers will be taught how to wax his/her own skis. The coaches will also help wax before all races. We strongly recommend getting set up with a wax iron and bench at home, as waxing days at school are long and hectic.
Hazing/Harassment
Hazing, initiation and harassment of any kind is not acceptable behavior, and against school district policy. We are all members of the same team, and teammates do not hurt or humiliate one another.