CSRT Frequently Asked Questions

Q: "What is the Cooper Spur Race Team all about?"

A: The mission of Cooper Spur Race Team (CSRT) is to give an opportunity for our youth to become great skiers and pursue personal goals. CSRT promotes the development of good sportsmanship, healthy competitiveness, sound technical skills, and an appreciation for the spirit of skiing and of the mountains. CSRT strives to provide a pathway to success for motivated individuals from all walks of life.

Q: "Is the Cooper Spur Race Team part of the Cooper Spur Resort?"

A: No, CSRT is an independent, private non-profit (501c3) corporation. Having been in existence for more than 20 years, CSRT had over 70 racers last year and finished first in the 2003 USSA's Pacific Northwest Championships for the first time in our history!

Q: "What do we do as members?"

A: Members are the families of the youth enrolled in our programs. Except for Cooper Camp, payment of fees for seasonal programs grants each family membership in CSRT. They are eligible to participate in all aspects of the management and operation of the club, including the right to serve on the Board of Directors. Each adult member (each family member receives one vote at elections and special meetings) is invited to attend all functions and open meetings of the Board and special committees, and receives access to special promotions, as well as access to members only areas of the team's website.

Q: "What is required to join the Cooper Spur Race Team?"

Fees:

* USSA Membership $40
* Program Fees range from $350-$775. See the Program Fee Schedule

Time:

Running the ski team takes a lot of time and energy. We expect the families of ski team members to share this responsibility by giving time to the ski team. That commitment is guaranteed through the use of deposits:

* Season Volunteer Deposit $100
These deposits are secured by check. The checks are not cashed and are returned upon the completion of the volunteer requirements (Please see the Handbook)

Make all checks out to CSRT and send all payments to:
CSRT
PO Box 1246, Hood River, OR 97031

Paperwork:

• CSRT Release of Liability
• CSRT Membership Application
• CSMR (Cooper Spur Mountain Resort) Competition Liability Form
• Mt. Hood Meadows Competition Liability Form
• Mitey Mite Council Release
• Volunteer Deposit Agreement
• Athletes Code of Conduct
• Parents Code of Conduct
• USSA Membership Application for Red Team J5 & Older

Q: "Is my kid a J3, J4 or what?"

A: Age classes are calculated based on the athlete's age as of December 31 of the current racing season. Age classes are defined as follows:
J1 17 years old and over
J2 15 & 16 years old
J3 13 & 14 years old
J4 11 & 12 years old
J5 9 & 10 years old
J6 8 years old and younger
More information on age classes is available at the USSA web site.

TRAINING

Q: "How do I get my racer to all of these races and training?"

A: We encourage parents to drive their children to the races to not only provide support to the team but to also get a feel for the race scene. You might want to team up with another family to share driving duties. Alternatively, CSRT will try to provide transportation to most races for a limited number of Junior racers. There is an additional fee for that service. The exact amount depends on the distance to the race.

Q: "If we are late to training, what do we do?"

A: All programs typically break for lunch at approximately 11:30 for one hour for lunch. Your racer(s) should be able to find the team in the lodge at the designated lunch spot during those times. Barring that, the best bet is for the racers to "free-ski" the hill with their parent and you might find the team (look for the CSRT jackets!). This is easy to do at Cooper, but more difficult at Meadows.

Q: "My boy is 10, yet there are both 8 and 11 year-olds in his training group- how come?"

A: While we make every effort to group your child with his age-mates and friends, the coaches will attempt to arrange the groups based upon ability. This benefits all racers. Your child may find him/herself moved from one group to another more than one time in a season as he/she improves- they do try, however, not to move them often. If you have concerns or questions about why your child is grouped in the manner they are- be certain to talk to his/her coach or the head coach- that's why they're there!

Q: "Why did my son have only five kids in his group last weekend, but there are nine now?"

A: As you can imagine, there are many variables that we have no control over that can affect the number of racers who show up on any given day (illnesses, weather, etc). We must be fiscally responsible and try to operate within our budget and sometimes this means that our coaching staff may change in response to these factors. Usually these changes result in fewer kids per coach, but the reverse can also be true (coaches get sick too! - but we will always try to find replacements)

Q: "It is raining at the summit! Is training cancelled?"

A: It is unlikely - this, after all, the Pacific Northwest! Always try to send your child with rain gear, as well as cold weather clothing. On those wet days, a change of gloves is always a good idea.

Q: "Can parents shadow/accompany training? Can I train with my kids?"

A: The first day for the younger children is fine but it really is better just to let the coach do their job. Remember you child is not alone; he or she is surrounded by teammates. And no, our training is geared toward children (granted, they often ski and race better than us!)

Q: "Where and when do the kids meet? Are kids expected to ski by themselves while the coaches are setting courses?"

A: On Saturday and Sunday, the racers begin to gather at the foot of the chair lift at Cooper Spur at 8:30 a.m., ready to depart and train at 9:00 a.m. sharp. If we are training at Meadows, we meet outside at the "Glass Staircase" near the ticket booths (directly above the brown bag room). J5s and J4s will often be given some drills to work on while gates are being set. Mini Mite kids (Saturdays) will be skiing with their coaches.

Q: "What if training ends early due to weather or chair lift operations closing?"

A: At the beginning of the season your child's coach will establish a meeting area for lunch and end of day. This area will also be the meeting place in the case of resort or weather related closures.

Q: "How important is it that I check the ski phone or website in the morning before leaving home?

A: Very.

RACING

Q: "Does my racer need a USSA number?"

A: Yes. CSRT Mini and Mitey Mites need to obtain this for insurance purposes. Download and USSA Membership Application.

Q: "Must my child race?"

A: No. If your child can reach his or her goals without racing, then we are all winners. That being said, we are the Cooper Spur Race Team.

Q: "On race day, what time should I arrive?"

A: In general, you will need to have him/her there at 7:30 in the morning for race registration, bib pickup, and to ensure plenty of time to meet with the coach and be ready for course inspection when the course opens.

Q: "Can I slip the course with my child?"

A: For the younger racer, that is often needed. For the older or experienced racer, it should not be necessary. If you are late and miss course inspection with the team, then by all means inspect the course with your racer if you have time, but be certain to check with the race officials first. Parents cannot be inside the race course unless they are working as a volunteer for the day. No one besides the racers and coaches are allowed in the starting gate line. There are areas outside of this immediate starting gate area where parents can assist their child.

Q: "How does the race day format work?"

A: After course inspection, the course is closed in preparation for the race start. The first down the course are the "forerunners", a small group of non-official racers to test the course and the timing equipment. Followed afterwards by the groups of racers- starting with the youngest racers first- women generally run prior to men in each age group. One run is made. There is usually time for a quick lunch, and the racer returns to the course to once again inspect and prepare for their second and final run. Often, the youngest racers only make one run during the race. If the racer disqualifies (DQ) or Does Not Finish (DNF) during the first run, they are usually allowed and encouraged to run their 2nd run, however they will not receive a combined time for the day. After the final racer finishes their 2nd run, the awards ceremony will follow approximately one hour later at a previously designated area. We always try to attend this as a team.

Q: "What happens for "away" races?"

A: Most all away races (off of Mt. Hood) are optional and require a separate application and fee. These details will be provided to you by the Race Chairperson. Travel to and from the race are your responsibility, as are housing, food, and lift tickets. Usually coaching fees are included in your Program dues, but there is always a small additional fee to help offset the coach's expenses for travel, food and lodging. We always try to estimate this for you before your race application is due.

Q: "What are the Buddy Werner Championships?"

A: Buddy's is a ski racing competition comprised of the eight best girl and boy skiers from all clubs in the PNSA (Pacific Northwest ski Association). The CSRT team is made up of our top Mitey Mite racers and is selected based on best performances (times) in each run of several Mt. Hood races during the season. These races will be identified at the beginning of the year. The team members will be announced the week after the Ski Bowl 3-Way Race held in early February. The Buddy's race is usually held in early March, and its venue rotates each year between resorts in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. There are additional fees involved if your child qualifies for the team. CSRT requires that each team member be at least 9 years old. To know more about the Buddy Werner Championship you can either speak with the Head Coach, Dan Stelma or Program Director Karen McCadam.

OTHER QUESTIONS

Q: "I haven't a clue about which skis would be best for my child? Do they need two sets?

A: This can be simply answered by your coach or our technical director Dan Bubb. We have many members knowledgeable in this area, so please inquire- as the answer varies depending on the age and ability of the racer. They certainly do not need two sets of skis, though many older racers do have both a GS and SL pair.

Q: "What is minimally required for training and racing?"

A: Helmets! All racers are required to wear a helmet. If your child forgets theirs, the coach will not be bale to allow them to train or race that day. Face guards, shin guards, and hand guards are only required by J4 or older racers participating in slalom events. Poles are required, but slalom poles are not specifically needed.

Q: "I have no time to volunteer; can't I simply donate my deposit?"

A: We'd rather you not. If everyone did this, we'd be unable to host the races we are responsible for, as well as raise the funds needed to complete our budget. We simply cannot continue to offer the excellent program we are known for without your help. So please try to volunteer!

Q: "How many times must I volunteer during the year and what qualifies?"

A: Your deposit will be refunded to you when you complete 3 volunteer activities (2 for Mini Mite program members). If you have more than one racer at CSRT, you are only required to satisfy the 3 activities. Being a race official or otherwise volunteering to help at our 2 races in late January is the EASIEST way to satisfy 2 of these. There will be plenty of opportunities and jobs available for everyone. In addition, there are many team fund-raising events (not individual fee-reduction activities) throughout the year that you can assist in. There is also a multitude of committee and other positions that can help satisfy the requirement. The requirement can be satisfied from May1 through April 30th of the year of membership. The Ways & Means Director will tally and track your participation. These opportunities will generally be announced via email and/or the website.

Q: "I have both a Mini Mite and Junior racer, how many volunteer activities must I satisfy?"

A: The higher requirement - 3.

Q: "How important is internet access and reading my email regularly?"

A: To fully take advantage of all CSRT has to offer your child, it is indispensable.

Q: "I understand that a lot of my questions are addressed in the handbook. Where can I find it?"

A: Right here.