SKI TOURNAMENT

The principle objective of a SKI TOURNAMENT is to bring together children between the ages of 5-12 for a memorable and enjoyable day of cross-country ski competition and fun. Other objectives of this program include: 

(1) encouraging achievement through team effort, 
(2) encouraging good ski technique, and 
(3) encouraging participation from youngsters with a wide range of skill levels and ski experience 

What is a Ski Tournament?

A Ski Tournament is a one-day extravaganza of competitions and special activities fooo the FUNdamentals and L2T stages of athlete development.. As a minimum, the Tournament is expected to include an individual sprint race (Mad Dash), terrain park relay and several other activities. These additional activities might include a treasure hunt, three-legged race, monster skis race, on-snow orienteering contest, Beat the Field, opening and closing ceremonies, etc.

The Mad Dash (individual sprint race) for this age range begins with a draw to determine the start positions of the skiers. Following are the “elimination heats”, which should not have more than four skiers each. The two fastest skiers from each heat move forward to the next round. The remaining skiers in that heat may move to a consolation round at the discretion of the organizers.

A Ski Playground Relay has teams of three or four persons and follows the same basic rules that traditional relays do.  The first skiers from each team start at the same time, and then hand off to the next skier at the end of the first leg. This continues until each member of the team has completed the prescribed course.

For more information refer to pages 400 to 402 of your NCCP Community Coach Reference Material.

Participation Incentive:

 CCBC approved events will receive free incentives (a tuque and poster) for EACH participant. 

Registration Fees

Event organizers are encouraged to keep their entry fees as low as possible (or nil) to encourage participation. 

Tournament Format and Technique

Mad Dash: Individual Sprint; free technique; random draw. All skiers should be offered the opportunity to participate in a minimum of two heats. If participation numbers are small, categories can include skiers of different ages provided the recommended distances for those ages are the same. However, recognition awards should be provided for every year of birth and for both genders.

Mad Dash for children eight and under:  the competition should be held on a short obstacle course with obstacles to go around, jump, side step, go backward, etc.

Mad Dash for children nine to 12:  the sprint course should be well packed and fast so that the majority of the skiers can complete it in 20 seconds or less. The course should be on a slightly declining slope.

Terrain Park Relay:  classic technique; three or four person teams; mixed genders. A minimum of two age categories must be offered; more categories if participation numbers warrant it. Ideally the competition should be held in a ski playground setting with obstacles, uphills, downhills, jumps, hoops, etc., but a more traditional competition course will work as well with some adaptations.

Distances:

Mad Dash (m & f)

8 & under                    50-60 metres
9 -12                           100 metres

Terrain Park Relays (m & f)

8 & under                    4 x 0.5 km
9 -12                           4 x 1.0 km

Classic tracks must be set on the side of the course for free technique events as this is an entry level competition and some of the participants may not have the technique skills or the equipment for skating.

Race Support

Clubs will need manual stop-watches, clipboards/paper/pencils, numbered bibs for every race participant, course markers, and an adequate number of race volunteers/ officials to ensure the safety of the skiers.

Team Aggregate Award 

It is the responsibility of the host club to determine the team and participation structure that will lead to aggregate awards. The following is an example:

Each participating Team accumulates points towards the Team Aggregate Trophy.   Team points are earned by:                                                                                                

1.  No. of participants in an individual start race                  1 point per participant

2.  No. of official teams in a relay event                               6 points per team

3.  No. of participants in a sprint race                                  1 point per participant

4. Top 4 placings in an individual start race                         5, 4, 3, 2, points (in addition to points earned for participation)

5. Top 4 placings in a sprint race                                         5, 4, 3, 2, points (in addition to points earned for participation)

6. Top 4 Team placings in an individual start race               5, 4, 3, 2, points (based on total time of the best four times)

7. Top 4 Team placings in a relay event                              10, 8, 6, 4 points

8.  Top 4 placings in other activities.                                    5, 4, 3, 2 points

Points are calculated for official Teams only.  The Team with the most overall points wins a Team Aggregate Trophy (be creative – the trophy could be made of popcorn!)

How to Apply:  click here

Suggestions for Host Club

1)      To promote the Ski Tournament outside of the club membership, for example in the local community, neighbouring clubs, and neighbouring communities.

2)      To organize the tournament according to the technical requirements outlined above.  This would include the provision of a team aggregate award.