SOUTHERN OREGON SKI EDUCATION

Foundation Handbook

Version 2025.10

Forward

This handbook is intended to help answer questions that coaches, racers, and parents may have about the policies, race rules, and the operation of the Southern Oregon Ski Education Foundation (SOSEF). In many cases, this handbook summarizes a standard rule or procedure defined through the United States Ski Association (USSA) Alpine Competition Guide. Additional information can often be obtained from your team’s head coach or the SOSEF Board of Directors. Additional sources of information are the USSA Alpine Competition Guide and the International Ski Federation (FIS) ICR Book IV. See Sec. VII Appendix for references to these documents.

This handbook is updated annually in the Fall. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the race rules and operational procedures described herein may be superseded based on decisions made by the Board of Directors (head coaches) during the race season. Each Board coach member will make their athletes aware of these changes.

Southern Oregon Ski Education Foundation (SOSEF)

SOSEF is a voluntary body formed to administer interscholastic high school racing. SOSEF is composed of member high school athletes, their coaches, parents, and volunteer helpers who organize alpine ski racing events. SOSEF holds up to eight alpine ski races (slalom and giant slalom) for high school students during the academic winter quarter (typically January and February), culminating in the OISRA Oregon Interscholastic Ski Racing Association, a three-day competition in early March.

Mission and Goals of SOSEF

  • Creating a positive learning experience for skiers of all abilities.
    “Reach for your potential as a skier, if not a great racer.”

  • Providing a fun, competitive environment where athletes form positive bonds through their shared experiences.

  • Delivering a quality ski racing structure focused on a positive experience for the athletes.

  • Building a community of support around the athletes through parents, volunteers, alumni, and community members.

  • Maintaining the SOSEF structure to be simple, transparent, and athlete-focused.

I. SOSEF GOVERNING BODY – HEAD COACHES

A. Board of Directors

  1. The Board will consist of not less than five (5) and not more than fifteen (15) directors.

  2. The Board shall make an effort to elect one Director nominated by any of the following interests:

    • Each participating high school program

    • Southern Oregon participating high schools (public and private) in Curry, Douglas, Josephine, Jackson, Klamath, and Lake counties

    • Southern Oregon ski community representatives

B. Head Coaches

  1. Represent all schools and individual racers to SOSEF.

  2. Must be appropriately registered with SOSEF and meet the specific requirements for the schools for which they are coaching.

  3. Responsible for submitting all required team and athlete registration forms and fees to SOSEF in a timely manner. Current forms can be found at sosefskier.com.

  4. Responsible for appropriate SOSEF-specified conduct of their respective racers.

  5. Responsible for setting the standard of safety for their respective racers.

  6. Must possess current and completed SOSEF Athletic/Medical Release forms for each team member whenever the team is training on snow and at all SOSEF races.

  7. Collectively bear ultimate responsibility for the safety and well-being of each athlete and hold veto power on race day regarding safety or what is in the best interest of the racers, the race, or the organization.

  8. Team Rosters: Coaches must notify SOSEF of any roster reductions by Wednesday before the first scheduled race. After this deadline, the roster becomes official.

C. Coaches Standard of Conduct

  • Coaches must behave in a sportsmanlike manner, respecting athletes, race volunteers, officials, parents, fellow coaches, and resort guests not involved in the competition.

  • Coaches must respect host resort employees, facilities, and operating procedures.

  • Coaches may be disciplined by the race jury or SOSEF Board of Directors for improper or unsportsmanlike conduct.

II. COMPETITOR STUDENT/ATHLETES

A. Eligibility

  1. SOSEF athletes must conform to Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) Rule 8 – Individual Eligibility, as published in the OSAA Handbook (www.osaa.org), and the General Eligibility policies described in Appendix B.

  2. OSSA athletes must compete for the school they attend. Home-schooled athletes and those attending charter schools without alpine programs may compete for the public school in their designated residential attendance area. Exceptions require OSSA Board approval before the season.

  3. Athletes must submit all required OSSA forms and fees to their coach.

  4. Athletes must comply with team, school, and school district academic, participation, and behavioral policies.

B. Standards of Conduct

  • Competitors must behave in a sportsmanlike manner, respecting fellow athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, parents, and host resort staff.

  • Competitors must respect facilities, privileges, operating procedures, and citizen skiers not involved in the competition.

  • Competitors may be disciplined by the race jury for improper or unsportsmanlike conduct.

C. Academic & Behavioral Standards

  • All student-athletes must comply with their team, school, and/or district academic and behavioral policies.

D. Participation Expectations

  • SOSEF maintains the integrity and credibility of interscholastic sports and team athletics.

E. Participation Forms and Fees

  1. Forms: Current forms are available at sosefskier.com.

  2. Fees:

    • SOSEF Fees: Payable at registration or before on-mountain training; set annually by SOSEF Board.

    • OISRA Fees: Payable before training and paid directly to OISRA; set annually by SOSEF Board.

    • Lift Tickets: Normally a season pass for Mt. Ashland Ski Area.

F. Equipment

  1. Selection is the responsibility of the athlete and, for minors, their parents/guardians. Equipment must be maintained and used according to manufacturer instructions.

  2. SOSEF follows USSA regulations for skis, boots, and bindings, with exceptions: no restrictions on size/shape of skis or binding stack height. All skis must have functioning brakes. Safety checks are encouraged.

  3. Helmets:

    • Hard-eared helmets required for GS; “FIS RH 2013” compliant.

    • Soft ear helmets allowed only for non-gate racing.

    • Chin guards permitted for slalom, not GS.

    • Helmet cameras or mounts are prohibited.

    • Selecting an appropriate helmet is the responsibility of the competitor or their guardians.

G. Other Information

  1. Practice Schedule:

    • Dry-land: November–mid-December, two sessions/week, alternating Medford/Ashland locations.

    • Mountain: Thursdays 4:30–8:00 pm, Saturdays & Sundays 8:30 am–3:00 pm; all practices mandatory.

  2. Races:

    • Typically 4 SL and 4 GS races.

    • Season opens as snow permits, usually first/second Friday of January, running every other Friday/Saturday through February.

    • State Championship: OISRA hosts first Wednesday–Friday of March; most fees are the athlete’s responsibility.

  3. Transportation:

    • SOSEF does not provide transportation. Parents are encouraged to form carpools.

    • Members must follow School District Club Sports Driving Guidelines.

  4. Clothing/Food/Hydration:

    • Athletes must wear layers and have extra clothing for changing conditions.

    • Bring snacks, lunch, and water to each practice.

III. RACE OFFICIALS – ORGANIZATION AND DUTIES

A. Race Director:

  • SOSEF Board of Directors serves as Race Director.

  • Organizes volunteer efforts, race logistics, scheduling, equipment, and awards.

B. Jury:

  • Voting Members: Technical Delegate (TD, Chair), Chief of Race, Referee

  • Non-voting Members: Assistant Referee, Chief of Course, Start Referee, Finish Referee

C. Technical Delegate (TD):

  • Checks course safety, layout, crowd control

  • Supervises technical and organizational conduct

  • Ensures rules are enforced

  • Assists Referee with DQ report

  • Chairperson and voting member

D. Chief of Race:

  • Directs course preparation

  • Supervises technical area

  • Summons meetings for technical questions

  • Leads Head Coaches meeting after consulting TD

  • Voting member

E. Referee:

  • Represents racers at jury meetings

  • Checks course safety and appropriateness

  • Observes race procedures

  • Reviews gate judge cards

  • Posts provisional and official DQ lists

  • Voting member

F. Assistant Referee:

  • Usually the host school head coach

  • Represents coaches at meetings

  • Observes procedures

  • Non-voting member; votes only on safety/operations

G. Head of Timing:

  • Creates start order and bib assignments

  • Tabulates and posts race results on OSSA website

  • Records season scoring

H. Other Officials (USSA Guide): Chief of Course, Chief Gate Judge, Start Referee, Starter, Finish Referee, Gate Judges

I. Course Setters:

  • Determined by Race Jury; may include current coaches or supervised staff/athletes

J. Forerunners:

  • Test timing and course ski-ability

K. Race Volunteers:

  • Approximately 25–35 volunteers needed for a safe event: officials, gate judges, crossing guards, course maintenance, scoreboard, etc.

V. RACE ORGANIZATION

A. Definitions

  • SL: Slalom

  • GS: Giant Slalom

  • DNS: Did Not Start

  • DNF: Did Not Finish

  • DQ: Disqualified

  • NO TIME: Time not available for the racer

  • NOT RUN: Run was cancelled

  • Re-run: Repeat, timed run through the same course

  • Provisional: Allowed run not official until approved by the race jury

B. Competitor Classifications

SOSEF has four competitor/team classifications:

  1. Boys Varsity

  2. Girls Varsity

  3. Boys Non-Varsity

  4. Girls Non-Varsity

  • Varsity competitors consist of the top 6 seeds (6 boys, 6 girls) for each school.

  • All other racers are Junior Varsity.

  • Provisional athletes participate in training and races but are not tabulated in results.

C. Race Entry and Bib Assignments

  1. Start/Seeding orders must be submitted to the Race Statistician by 8 p.m. Thursday before the race. Late submissions use the previous week’s order.

  2. Schools with fewer than 3 racers per gender are considered individual racers and placed in a separate seed pool.

  3. Changes to submitted start/seed orders are not allowed after the Thursday deadline.

  4. Starting order is determined by coaches and prior race results:

    • #1 seed from each draw, then #2 seeds in reverse order, #3 seeds in order, etc.

  5. Coaches collect bibs at race headquarters on race day morning.

  6. Bibs must be worn visibly in racer fashion at all times when boots are clicked in.

  7. Lost bibs must be reported to the Start Referee; a substitute will usually be provided.

  8. Only assigned bibs may be worn; using another racer’s bib results in disqualification.

  9. Racers must race in bib order. Missed starts may be granted a provisional run at the discretion of the Start Referee and Race Jury.

  10. Provisional runs are generally at the end of the racer’s classification and remain provisional until reviewed by the Race Jury.

  11. Bibs must be returned at the finish area after the 2nd run unless instructed otherwise.

D. Normal Race Day Schedule (Subject to Change)

  • 7:30 a.m.: Racer check-in and bib pickup (ALL BIBS MUST BE WORN OUTSIDE CLOTHING)

  • 8:00 a.m.: Course and timing setup

  • 9:00 a.m.: Course opens for inspection

  • 9:40 a.m.: Racers at the top; may not leave without coach approval

  • 9:50 a.m.: 1st run begins

  • 11:15 a.m.: Finish of 1st run; lunch break

  • 12:00 p.m.: Course opens for inspection

  • 12:50 p.m.: 2nd run begins

  • 2:15 p.m.: Conclusion of 2nd run

  • 2:45 p.m.: Course teardown and final DQs (no athlete leaves early)

Race Order:

  • Girls Varsity → Girls Jr. Varsity → Provisional Girls → Boys Varsity → Boys Jr. Varsity → Provisional Boys

  • Jury and coaches may adjust this order as necessary.

V. RACE RULES

  • SOSEF follows USSA Alpine Competition Guide rules with the following exceptions:

A. Race Formats

  • Single Pole Slalom and Single Pole Giant Slalom

B. Gate Rules

  • Refer to the SOSEF Gate Keeper Training Guide on the SOSEF website for details.

C. Times

  • If electronic timing fails, hand times may be used.

  • If no timing is available, a re-run may be authorized by Chief of Race, Technical Delegate, or Referee.

  • Automatic re-runs do not require a protest.

D. One Run Race

  • Official if all racers complete at least one run.

  • One-run races may be declared due to time, weather, or force majeure.

  • Efforts should always be made to complete two runs.

E. Course Slipping

  • Race Jury may require competitors to slip the course before each run.

  • Boys slip while girls race, girls slip while boys race.

  • Competitors check in with Chief of Course or designated official.

F. Posting of Disqualifications

  • Provisional DQs posted within 30 minutes at race headquarters.

G. Disqualification and Protests

  1. Protests usually relate to DQs or errors in calculations, competitor admittance, or race irregularities.

  2. Only designated coaches or race officials may submit a protest.

  3. Protests must be submitted within 15 minutes of DQ posting (jury may extend).

  4. Jury considers protests immediately if possible.

H. Jury Procedures

  • Jury convenes 15–20 minutes after provisional DQs.

  • TD chairs; all voting members must hear testimony and vote.

  • Members with conflicts of interest must abstain.

  • Racer and coach may attend testimony.

  • Evidence includes video, photos, or other documentation.

  • DQs upheld only if infraction occurs beyond reasonable doubt.

  • Only voting members present for the vote; majority required for decision.

  • Jury decisions must be made public immediately.

  • Appeals can be filed to SOSEF Board within 3 days of race.

VI. RACE AND SEASON SCORING

A. Race Scoring and Placement

1. Team Race Results

  • Varsity team members only (seeds 1–6).

  • Fastest 3 individual varsity times from each run are combined for total team time.

  • Team must record 3 varsity times per run to qualify.

  • No post-race awards for team results.

2. Individual Race Results

  • Total time from both runs (or single run) determines placement.

  • Awards: Girls & Boys 1st–10th places.

B. Season Scoring and Placement

1. Team Season Scoring

  • Points for fastest 3 varsity times per run; combined for team results.

  • Race points: 1st = 20 pts, 2nd = 18 pts, 3rd = 16 pts, etc.

  • Season team results combine all race points.

  • Season awards: Girls & Boys Varsity Teams 1st–3rd, combined teams 1st–3rd.

  • Tie-breaker: lowest sum of times; only races with times for all tied teams count.

2. Individual Season Scoring

  • Points based on time for each completed run.

  • Points from all runs combined for season results.

  • Awards:

    • Girls & Boys SL 1st–15th

    • Girls & Boys GS 1st–15th

    • Girls & Boys Combined 1st–15th

  • Tie-breaker: lowest sum of times for all races in that discipline.

C. Season Awards Summary

  • End-of-season awards banquet to recognize athletes and teams.

VII. APPENDIX A – REFERENCES

  1. OSSA website: http://www.oregonschoolskiassociation.com

  2. OSAA Handbook: http://www.osaa.org/governance/handbooks/osaa

  3. USSA Alpine Competition Guide: http://ussa.org/alpine-programs/athletes/rules

  4. FIS International Ski Competition Rules, Book IV: http://www.fis-ski.com/inside-fis/document-library/alpine-skiing/index.html#deeplink=rules