We will be moving into Summer mode, which means HVRC News will be published every 5-6 weeks.  Thanks to all who have supported the club for this year.  We look forward to continued support next year.  For those that have aspiring young racers, we would welcome them to join the club next season.  Those with questions can contact Ralph Manson at any time.  In the meantime, we recommend spending some time going through your ski equipment.

1. Wax your skis with a warm weather wax, but do not scrape off the excess wax; especially on the metal edges.  Edges will rust which will cause you to work hard or pay someone to restore the edges.
2. Write down the din settings for both front and rear bindings.  Reduce the setting to the minimum.  This should help to keep the bindings in good working order.  In the fall, the binding settings should be re-evaluated for the skiers current weight and height.
3. Store the skis in a dry location.  I’ve found under a bed to be ideal.  Interior closets work well also.  Note:  The garage is NOT dry!  Humidity in this region is enough to put a nice coating of rust on your edges.
4. Evaluate your equipment and clothing.  Make a list of what you need and what you could sell.  This is usually a good reference to use when relatives ask what one wants for birthday or Christmas.  Ski Swaps occur in the fall and are a great way to get rid of excess ski stuff.  Check the ski shops for end of year bargains; the HV Ski Shop is running some very nice discounts at this moment.  Labor Day Sales have become a big opportunity to save some bucks.  For U18/U21 racers, Willi’s has a pro sale in November and the HV Ski Shop is also willing to help.  In both cases a valid USSA card for the racer is required.  This is important because U18/U21 are required to race on equipment that meets USSA/FIS specifications.  Most ski shops do not carry skis that meet USSA/FIS specs.  For U10 thru U16, there are no specifications.  It’s more important to fit U10 – U16 racers according to their weight and height.
5. Spray some silicon on your ski boots; especially the buckles.  Do not store boots in the garage.  I’ve found that a ski boot makes a very elegant home for mice!  Unfortunately, their means of redecoration tends to cause problems with fit and comfort of your foot.

It will be some time before things start for next season.  If you were a USSA member this season, in Late June/Early July you can expect renewal info from USSA.  We’ll publish something as soon as it is available to help you decide the competitor level for your racer.  2014/2015 race schedules won’t be released until mid-October.  Typically, there will be USSA races at 7 Springs on the Saturday between Christmas & New Years and each of the 1st two weekends in January.  We usually try to avoid commitments during race season, but especially for these races.  There are usually 5-6 regional races at 7 Springs and 1-2 at Wisp.  State Derby invites for U12 – U16 are dependent on completing 50% of the available runs.  These three weekends represent 4 races; 2 runs each, which usually fulfills the requirement.

If you are joining the club, your racer must obtain a USSA card.  Please remember that HVRC membership requires USSA membership.  HVRC club is a USSA club and so we are covered from a liability standpoint.  Part of your USSA dues helps pay for this coverage.  Part of the renewal requires medical insurance that you carry.  The membership application will not be processed without medical coverage.  Renewing members must complete their renewal by October 15^th.  If your racer is a first time USSA member and has not signed up, this can be done anytime between now and January.  Note that the late fee for registering after Oct 15 is waived for first time members only.  There are several membership levels depending on what your racer will be doing.  For HVRC, there are only two levels that matter; Competitor and Youth Competitor.  Competitor is for racers that are age 12 and older prior to the cutoff date.  This would includeU21, U18, U16, and U14.    Youth Competitor (U12 and U10) is for racers under age 12 prior to the cutoff date.  The cutoff date for age groups is December 31 regardless of birthdate.  For example, if you turned age 13 on February 8^th, 2014, you are considered age 13 (U14) for the entire 2014-2015 race season even though you will turn 14 in the middle of the season.

HVRC is recommending that all racers go through concussion baseline testing prior to the race season.  Baseline testing is quickly becoming a requirement for sports activity and in the event of a potential concussion event, makes diagnosis and clearance to return a much more accurate process.  Consult your primary physician or look online for facilities that handle baseline testing.  The cost is supposed to be quite reasonable.  One that we have been advised of is  http://www.impacttest.com/pdf/First_Provide_Baseline_Recreational.pdf.   When you submit for USSA membership, part of the process is to read and sign off on the USSA Concussion Policy.   You should also be aware that as coaches, we are responsible for ensuring the policy is followed to the letter.  What this means is that if we witness or hear of a racer exhibiting concussion symptoms, we are required to remove the racer from practice/race activities until a qualified physician has examined and released the racer for physical activity.  We are also required to report the event to USSA and submit a copy of the physician’s release when it is issued before the racer can participate in USSA/HVRC activities.  Many of our racers are quite active on the slopes after practice and falls do occur.  If you notice concussion symptoms at home, we encourage a proactive stance that has the racer evaluated as soon as possible.

Please be reminded that per the USSA rules, a helmet with hard sides covering the ears is required for USSA races. It is also HVRC policy for the racers to use helmets during all practices.  It is best if the helmet has a removable chin guard.  USSA rules forbid a Slalom chin guard to be used for GS races due to safety issues.