INTRODUCTION

The Bogastow Ski Team provides an opportunity for young skiers in grades K-12 to develop and improve their individual skiing and racing skills to the best of their ability in a safe and enjoyable recreational team setting. The Bogastow Ski Team is made up of approximately 80 skiers from Dover, Sherborn, Westwood, Wellesley, Weston, and other surrounding communities.

General Information

The Bogastow Ski Team competes in the Eastern Massachusetts Buddy Werner League (EMBWL), an entry-level league that is made up of five teams from the eastern Massachusetts area: Bogastow, Bradford, Nashoba, Prospect Hill and Ski Ward.

We are a race team and as such, skiers are expected to be able to ski all terrain at Nashoba competently.All racers must be able to safely get on and off the chair lift with other racers, including lowering and raising the safety bar.Parents of children under 8 years old or under 48” tall meeting ski ability requirements should be prepared to ski with their child to assist with loading and unloading the chairlift on both practice and race days.

The team practices on Wednesday nights from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford, MA.

EMBWL races are held on most Sunday mornings in January and February. There may also be one Saturday night race which will be announced prior to the start of the season. Skiers who compete in 3 or more races are eligible to compete in the Championship race at the end of the season.

Skiers race in age groups according to United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) rules.A skier’s age classification is determined by their age as of December 31^st 2018.

The Bogastow Ski Team is a parent-volunteer run organization.In order to make our team and race days run successfully, parents of all skiers are expected to volunteer for race day activities.
Contents

PRACTICES

As soon as snow conditions allow, on-snow practices will begin. The season generally runs from mid-December through the beginning of March.

Practices are held at Nashoba Valley Ski Area every Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.The focus is on improving skiing technique and learning race technique and tactics at others. It is strongly suggested that Bogastow members attend as many practices as possible.

Wachusett practices are also held on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING

Ski boots should be well-fitted, flexible, front-entry buckle boots (no rear entry boots except on very young, small children).

All racers should have one pair of skis. Skis should be safety checked and tuned by a reputable ski shop before the start of the season. Twin tip skis are not recommended. More experience racers may want to have a pair of Slalom skis and a pair of Giant Slalom skis (though not required).

All racers should use properly sized ski poles as soon as they are able. It is acknowledged that younger U8 racers may be too young to safely or properly use ski poles and will not be required to use them until they can safely do so.

Hard sided helmets with full ear protection are mandatory for all practices and races.

Goggles are strongly recommended for all practices and races. Clear lenses are recommended for evening practices for increased visibility at night.

Clothing should be weather appropriate. Please remember that temperatures on the chairlift and at the top of the hill are usually colder than your back yard. Layering works best. Layers can be added or remove das needed to stay warm, dry and comfortable.

EMBWL RACE INFORMATION

Racer Prerequisites

All racers must be able to ski the terrain at Nashoba Valley competently and safely get on and off the chair lift with other racers, including lowering and raising the safety bar, and. Parents are expected to ski with racers meeting ability requirements but are too small to manage the lifts safely.

At the coach’s discretion, a racer may be asked not to race on race day until they can ski the course safely.

With the exception of high school teams, racers who commit to a USSA ski league may not ski in EMBWL races.You can ski as an independent skier in Open USSA races and participate in some USSA team training.

EMBWL Race Events

Each member of the EMBWL team will race other teams at home and away. All EMBWL races are held on Sunday mornings. The ski areas for these races are Bradford, Ski Ward, Nashoba Valley, and Blue Hills.

Directions to each ski area are found at the end of this handbook

At each race there is a “host team”. The home team is most often, but not always the host team.The host team is responsible for setting the racecourse, providing bibs, timers, and any other required equipment. In addition, the host team provides the volunteers necessary for running the race. Descriptions of the volunteer positions are included in the Volunteer Positions section of this handbook. Parents are required to volunteer for at least one race.

On race day, registration starts at 8:00 AM for all racers. Each ski area has an area (usually in the lodge) designated for registration. Upon check-in, each racer is given a bib with a number that corresponds to their start order for the first run. In addition to registering for the race, skiers must purchase a lift ticket.Racing bibs will be collected at the end of the second run. Be sure your child turns in his/her bib.

Age Classifications

Children are placed into age classifications according to United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) rules. Your child’s age classification is determined by their age as of January 1^st 2018.

• All children who are 6 and 7 years old on 12/31/2018 are U8’s
• All children who are 8 and 9 years old on 12/31/2018 are U10’s.
• All children who are 10 and 11 years old on 12/31/2018 are U12’s.
• All children who are 12 and 13 years old on 12/31/2018 are U14’s
• All children who are 14 and 15 years old on 12/31/2018 are U16’s.
• All children who are 16 and 17 years old on 12/31/2018 are U18’s

U8’s will ski a separate course from the older racers. Their course is shorter and simpler, consisting of not more than ten gates. A practice run through the racecourse is given to each racer. The race then consists of two runs. On the first run, the girls go first in bib order, followed by the boys. On the second run, the girls again go first, but in reverse bib order (the girl with the highest bib number goes first and the girl with the lowest bib number goes last). The boys then follow, also in reverse bib order.

After their first run, the racers should go back to the top of the racecourse and check with the adults helping to run the race. They may be able to take one or more free runs, or may be asked to wait to take their second run.

Parents and others on the side of the U8 racecourse may assist a fallen U8 racer.Coaches and parent volunteers will assist these racers at the start and finish areas.

Racing Format – age 8 and up

The format for the older racers is slightly different. This format applies to all racers ages 8 and up. The racecourse will be set as a giant slalom (wider turns) or as a slalom course (tighter turns).The type of course will alternate through the season and may change according to the conditions. The first race of the season is usually a giant slalom (GS).Racers view the course in groups with their coaches prior to the race, usually around 8:30 to 8:45 AM.No practice runs are allowed through the main course. Skiing through the main course can result in disqualification under EMBWL rules.

All racers will ski two runs. The race begins with the U10 girls, followed by the U10 boys, U12 girls, U12 boys, U14 girls, U14 boys, U16 girls, U16 boys, U18 girls, U18 boys. On the first run, all racers ski in bib order. On the second run, racers ski in reverse bib order within their age/gender class. For example, the U10 girls all still ski first on the second run, but the U10 girl who with the highest bib number skis first and the U10 girl with the lowest bib number skis last.

On the racecourse for U10 and older racers, parents are not allowed to assist a fallen racer unless he/she is hurt. If a racer is hurt, offer comfort, but do not move the racer. Help is on the way. If the racer is not hurt and has not lost a ski in the fall, he/she may return to the course and finish their run. They must still pass through all gates in order to receive a time for the run.

Scoring

Every racer on the team has the opportunity to score points for the team regardless of their skiing ability. Boys and girls are ranked separately. The times of both runs are added together for each racer’s total time. The first 10 finishers in each age/gender class receive team points and award ribbons, with 10 points given for first place, 9 for second, and so on, with 1 point given for tenth place. The U8 racers who do not place in the top 10 receive participation ribbons. The U8 ribbons are usually given out after their race is completed and scored. The ribbons for the older racers are usually given out after all of the races are completed and scored. Racers are encouraged to stay for the awards to cheer on their teammates (and the racers from other teams) whether they placed individually or not.

Championship Race

The EMBWL holds a championship race at the end of the season. This race includes all the teams in the league. To qualify, a racer must ski in at least 3 regular season races. The top 10 finishers in each age group will receive awards, and all U8 racers receive participation ribbons. The Championship race is usually held the last Sunday in February or the first Sunday in March. A trophy for the team with the winning score for the day is awarded. This has nothing to do with how many points the team has accumulated over the season. A separate award is given based on season standings. A team barbeque is held during this fun event.

Kathy Bartolini Invitational (Trophy) Race

The Trophy Race will typically take place on the same weekend as the Piche Qualifier and is intended for all EMBWL racers not participating in the Piche Qualifier. This race is open to all age classes and counts towards the minimum number of races required in order to be eligible for the Championship Race.

ON RACE DAY

For the Racer

• Show up early, preferably by 8:00 AM.
• You and/or your parent(s) should go to the registration area, check in and get your bib.
• Purchase a lift ticket. Some areas offer discounted lift tickets for racers. Be sure to ask.
• Dress for the race. Take a couple of easy free runs to warm up.
• U10 and older racers - DO NOT ski through the racecourse before your first run. You will be disqualified!
• U8 racers should not ski through the racecourse until an adult tells you it is time for taking practice runs.
• Be on time for course inspection (or the practice run for U8’s).
• Course inspection and practice runs usually begin at 8:30 AM.
• Keep checking in at the top of your racecourse, so you are on time for your first and second runs.
• Check on your times and cheer on your teammates.
• Attend the awards ceremony that usually takes place about one half hour after the last racer finishes.

For the Parents

• Ensure your skier arrives for races on time (preferably by 8:00 AM).
• Make certain your skier has the necessary equipment and clothing.
• Help your skier register for the race and get onto the hill on time to meet coaches.
• If you are a volunteer this day, find out where you need to be and when.
• If you are not a volunteer this day, dress warmly and join the crowd at the finish line. Help cheer on your skier and all racers.

LEADERSHIP TEAM VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

We are a parent run program. Parental participation is vital to ensuring a successful experience for our racers and all parents are required to volunteer during the season. We have many opportunities for parents to get involved to make our program run smoothly on and off the hill. We understand that some parents may not feel comfortable or qualified to fill on-hill race day positions such as starter, gatekeeper, or finish line judge. Please consider an administrative role or join our Leadership Team. Know that these positions are not as hard as they may sound and will be clearly explained to you. A brief description of all opportunities to help is provided below:

ADMINISTRATIVE VOLUNTEER POSITIONS:

Secretary

• Attends all Leadership Team meetings (about 1 a month Oct-March)
• Records the minutes and presents them for approval at the following meeting

Event Manager

• Works with Leadership team and Volunteer coordinator to plan Championship BBQ, Fall orientation welcome party, March awards banquet

Apparel Manager

• Selects apparel ie. Jackets, sweatshirts, hats and other gear with Bogastow logo to be sold to team members
• Works with Treasurer to ensure funds are collected and bills to vendors are paid.

Communications Manager

• Sends emails to team on Mondays and Fridays with practice details and updates.
• May also work with other Leadership Team members to promote the team

Director of Coaching

• Coordinates with Nashoba’s race department for lane assignments and updates
• Communicates with coaches regarding practice format and addresses any concerns they many have.

Volunteer Coordinator

• Coordinates volunteers to fill positions on the mountain on race days.
• Works with Event Manager to arrange for volunteers for Championship BBQ, Orientation day, Awards banquet

RACE DAY VOLUNTEER POSITIONS (typically only required when we are hosting a race):

Registration and Ticket Sales

• (4 people required for each home race)
• Report at 7:45 A.M. to Hill we will be holding & hosting the race at.
• Responsibilities include checking racers off on Official Seed List and giving them their assigned bib. Registration ends at approximately 9:00 AM.

U10- U18 Race Positions

Starter

• (1 person required)
• Reports at 8:30 AM to gatekeeper’s meeting at bottom of racecourse.
• The Starter is posted at top of hill in the Start House.
• Responsibilities include: communicates with announcer at bottom of hill, via radio, and starts racer on the course when cleared to do so.

Gatekeeper

• (3-4 persons required)
• Reports at 8:30 AM to gatekeeper’s meeting at bottom of racecourse.
• Responsibilities include: observes racers as they proceed through assigned gates, records bib number of racers who fail to pass through assigned gates on the Gate Judge Card, helps with gate maintenance when necessary, notifies Chief of Course of DSQ’S and other problems.

Finish Line Judge

• (1 person required)
• Reports at 8:30 AM to gatekeeper’s meeting at bottom of racecourse.
• Responsibilities include: observes racers as they proceed through the last two gates and the finish line, records bib number of racers who fail to pass through assigned gates or finish line on the Gate Judge Card.

Announcer

• (1 person required)
• Reports at 8:30 AM to the announcing and recording race shack at the bottom of the racecourse.
• Responsibilities include: communicates with Starter at top of hill, announces racer on the course and finish times of racers.

Recorder

• (2 persons required)
• Reports at 8:30 AM to the announcing and recording race shack at the bottom of the racecourse.
• Responsibilities include manually record times of ski racers onto official seed list and cross check against the timing tape (generated by the timer) after each run. Second person enters times of ski racers into computer (which is used to compute individual and time results).

Bib Collection

• (2 persons required)
• Report at the conclusion of the first run to bottom of racecourse.
• Responsibilities include: collect bibs from Racers as they complete their second run. Sort and stack bibs into storage bins. Identify missing bib numbers and bibs that need to be cleaned or repaired.

Ribbon Preparation

• (2 persons required)
• Report at the end of the race to the main timing and recording shack.
• Responsibilities include:printing the top ten placers names for each age group on ribbons.

Ribbons and Awards Presentation

• Report at the end of the race to the Main Lodge.
• Responsibilities include announce the names of child printed on the back of the ribbons and present them to the winners.

U8 Positions

Starter

• (1 person required)
• Reports at 8:45 am to top of U8 race course.
• Responsibilities include: starts racer on the course when the course is clear.

Timer

• (1 person required)
• Reports at 8:45 AM to the U8 Finish Line.
• Responsibilities include: records times for individual U8 Racers (times generated by automatic timing system).

Recorder

• (1 person required)
• Reports at 8:45 AM to U8 Finish Line.
• Responsibilities include: record the individual times of each U8 Racer.

Calculations

• (1 person required)
• Reports at end of U8 race to main timing and recording shack.
• Responsibilities include: enter the individual times of the U8 Racers into the computer, which calculates the top 10 finishers and adds race results to compute overall team scores.

Bib Collection

• (2 persons required)
• Report at the conclusion of the first run to bottom of racecourse.
• Responsibilities include: collect bibs from Racers as they complete their second run.

Ribbon Preparation 8 & Under

• (2 persons required)
• Reports at end of U8 Race to main timing and recording shack.
• Responsibilities include: printing top ten placers and participants names on ribbons.

Ribbons and Awards Presentation

• (1 person required)
• Report at the end of the race to the Main Lodge.
• Responsibilities include:announce the names of child printed on the back of the ribbons and present it to the winners.

Team Seed Lists and Racer Ranking for Year-End Awards

Race Seed Lists

The seed list (start order) for racers within each group is alphabetical for the first race of the season.The seed list for subsequent races is determined by points earned in earlier races. Note that only the top 10 finishers in each group receive points. Racers who finish out of the top 10 will be seeded alphabetically within the alternating team order.

Bogastow Team Scoring for Bogastow Year-End Awards

Awards will be given to racers at the year-end banquet. Racers are ranked by the number of EMBWL points they have earned for the 1^st through 10^th place finishes in their best 5 of 6 regular season races.Racers also earn a fraction of one point for each regular season race they attend.The resulting ranking is a reflection of the amount of points they have earned for the team for top-10 finishes in their best 5 of 6 regular season races, as well as the number of races they participated in. Racers that do not finish in the top 10 will be ranked by the number of races they attended.

OTHER EVENTS

Dry Land Training/Season Kick-Off

In late Fall, the team meets to start off the season for introductions and team building exercises. Skiers are encouraged to bring friends who are interested in learning more about Bogastow.The event is followed by a team dinner (pizza/pasta/etc…)

Championship Race Barbeque

At our last race, the EMBWL Championships, each team puts on a barbeque for its members and their families. Parent volunteers help with planning and set-up.

Annual Banquet

Our annual banquet, held at the end of the season for racers and their families, is a wonderful time to celebrate our team. Each racer is recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to the team.We look for volunteers to help us coordinate this event.

TEAM CONTACTS

President Keith Abbett - keith.abbett@freemanco.com 617-794-1133

Race Chair

774-261-0685

Treasurer

Secretary 

Director of Coaching Jim Blondek jblondek@gmail.com

Volunteer Coordinator 

EMBWL Reps. Geoff Hadley, League VP

Event Coordinator

Marketing/Website Jim Blondek

Coaches:

Geoff Hadley

Jim Diefenbach jdief@msn.com

Eric Green ericgreen@gmail.com (Wed nights only)

Mich Dupre (Wed nights only)

Jim Blondek jblondek@gmail.com (Wed nights only)

DIRECTIONS TO SKI AREAS

Nashoba Valley

Powers Road

Westford, Massachusetts

• Take Rt. 2 West to Concord Circle, then West on Rt. 2A/119 about 6 miles
• Take a right on Powers Road – Nashoba Valley is on your left.

Wachusett Mountain

499 Mountain Road

Princeton, MA

• Take Rt. 2 West to Exit 25 for Westminster/Princeton.
• Take Rt. 140 South to a right onto Mile Hill Rd. and travel 1/2 mile to the Ski Area entrance on the right.

Ski Bradford

South Cross Road

Haverhill, Massachusetts

• Take Rt. 495 North to exit 48, Ward Hill/Bradford/Rt. 125.
• At the end of the connector bear left onto Rt. 125 North.
• Go approximately 2 miles; you will see Bradford College on the right.
• Just after the college you will see a town common; take a right at the end of the common, this is Salem Street.
• Go approximately 2 miles.
• You will see Carter's Ice Cream Stand on the left.
• Take the second right after the ice cream stand.
• This is South Cross Road.
• The entrance to the parking lot is 1/8 mile down on the left side.

Ski Ward

1000 Main Street

Shrewsbury, MA

• Mass Tpk. to route 495 north to route 20 west.
• Follow route 20 through Northborough center one mile.
• Just past St. Rose of Lima church bear right at light on to West Main Street.
• Travel 1.5 miles to Ski Ward on left.

Blue Hills Ski Area

4001 Washington St.

Canton, MA 02021

• Take Rt. 128/I95 South to I-93 North.
• Take Exit 2B / Milton onto MA-138 North / Washington St.
• Blue Hills Ski Area is approximately 1 mile on the right.