Weekend Prep and Season Updates

Greetings WSRC Parents and Athletes!  

We’re really excited for another great year. On behalf of the Board of Directors and our coaching staff, we want to send a warm welcome to all new and returning members. 

Given the current restrictions in our home province and abroad, we felt it would be appropriate to share some context, address some questions you may have, and set the stage for what we hope will be a great season for all.

We’ve included answers to frequently asked questions below - you can download the FAQ sheet here.  We will also be hosting Zoom calls for parents to address any questions you may have - more details will follow in the days ahead.

Read to the end of this newsletter and you’ll find details on a free ski tuning workshop!

FAQs Related to Training, Development & Competition

Q. What’s happening in NS?  Are we able to compete, train, train away, compete away, etc.? What discussions are happening at the Provincial Sport Organization and club levels to support our athletes?
A. At present, we are unable to host races or events in Nova Scotia. Discussions are underway with Public Health regarding the viability of safely hosting races/events in our province. As we learn more of this process and how it unfolds, we will share with you all.

Q. What’s happening in other provinces, and what challenges does this pose to us as members and as a club (e.g., we have no control over other provinces’ regulations)?  
A. At present, New Brunswick is unable to host organized sporting events or training. The SKINB had formally submitted an exemption request to Public Health, but even if approved, that proposal would not include the participation of Nova Scotia athletes for training or competing. As more information is available, we will share it with you all.

Q. What does this mean for us as members and as a club?
A. Discussions are underway at SKINS, the AAA, and at the club level about how we can control what we can control. We will do our best to provide appropriate training opportunities to our athletes wherever and whenever we can safely do so. As restrictions evolve, so will our approach. 

Q. Are Nova Scotian athletes able to compete outside of the province of Nova Scotia? 
A.  The direction we have been given is that our Sr. Team athletes (U14 and older) can participate in individual sport events outside of Nova Scotia, but they are subject to the public health restrictions of the hosting provinces. For example, while Nova Scotia rules say we can attend a race in New Brunswick, New Brunswick’s rules say that we cannot.

The following questions apply to U14/Senior Athletes specifically:

Q. Why are you supporting a speed camp at Mont Sainte Anne (MSA)?  
A. With the uncertainty in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, we are seeking opportunities to give WSRC athletes speed training experience.
We have athletes with goals and interest in attending speed races such as the Nationals, the Canada Games, etc. To be eligible to compete in SG qualifying events, there is a requirement to speed train. Additionally, speed training is a fun and important part of skier development. The current restrictions in place, combined with the limited number of locations available to host such a camp, are why we are supporting the MSA offering.

Q. Will there be other opportunities to speed train?  
A. We are hopeful that we will be able to provide other opportunities for this experience, e.g., Crabbe Speed Week (if permitted within public health restrictions). Additionally, we are exploring the viability of hosting a 3 day speed camp at Wentworth in advance of the Brunner, to ensure our athletes have a minimum of 3 days of speed training opportunity. A formal request has been made to host this event and we will advise members as we move through this process with key stakeholders.

Q. Does an athlete need to speed train to race SG? 
A. Yes. A minimum of 3 days of speed training is required to participate in any SG event/race.

Q. If an athlete’s intention is only to race SG at Brunner, do they need to do speed training other than what is provided at WSRC?  
A. We will always encourage training and practice. We will permit all athletes who have completed a minimum of 3 days of speed training to attend. WSRC is looking at other viable options at Wentworth to provide this training requirement.  As we move through this process, we will share with you all.

Q.  Is SG a requirement for Nationals / Easterns / Canada Games?
A. Yes. A minimum of 3 days of speed training is required to participate in any SG event/race such as those listed above.

Q. Has SKINS considered how selections will be made if we are unable to attend enough races?  
A.  Yes. While no definitive decisions have been made, discussions are ongoing. In the past, different approaches (such as derbies) have been utilized.

Q. What is the status of the Atlantic Cup and Brunner?  
A. We have a tentative date of Friday, March 4th for the Atlantic Cup. We remain hopeful that we can move forward with the Brunner race as scheduled on February 23rd - 27th.

Q.  If I have other questions, who can I ask?
A. We are planning a parent meeting in the next few weeks. Also, please feel free to reach out to Gregor Byrne, coaching@wentworthracing.com, or your U14+ parent rep, Sally Rollings, therollingsfamily@gmail.com.

Q. I see a conflict with the scheduled Ben Eoin SX event and the MSA speed event. Which one do I choose?  
A. WSRC is supporting both opportunities. We have diverse racers with different goals. We will have coach support at both events. We have not yet received any formal information pertaining to the Ben Eoin event, but we will share with you all as we know more. 

Q. Will there be other SX training opportunities?
A. Given current restrictions, the calendar is fluid and uncertain. One potential scenario is a SX module at Wentworth and a Canada Games test event in PEI in January 2023. Our goal is to provide our members with as many opportunities as possible to develop the skills and experiences they require.  We continue to monitor all opportunities developing in this area, we will share with you all as we know more.

 

On Hill Communication

Whatsapp - If you haven’t already asked to be added to the Whatsapp group for your athletes, connect with the Parent reps below. The app helps provide timely communication.We ask that you keep the messages to the important details to be respectful of all those on the thread. Check out our helpful Whatsapp guidelines. 

• U8 Parent Rep - Chantal Pelham-Edwards - Chantal@thirdsectorenhancement.com
• U10 Parent Rep - Cynthia Peters - cynthiabowie@hotmail.com
• U12 Parent Rep - Jillian Eisener - jlmbe6@gmail.com 
• Senior Team Parent Rep - Sally Rollings - therollingsfamily@gmail.com

Ski Tuning Workshop with SIDECUT - January 17th @ 7pm

Free 1 hour workshop focuses on parents and skiers that are beginner to intermediate tuners.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88024220522...

Meeting ID: 880 2422 0522
Passcode: 329885

The workshop information is supported by new videos & written documentation from SIDECUT. 

Attendees receive a discount of up to 20% on SIDECUT tools & waxes.

This is an exceptional opportunity to spend time with Chris Hillier or Pierre Ruel from SIDECUT and learn how to tune & wax using a 4 step uncomplicated method.