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Ski Team Documents
November 17, 2008
Hello Skiers and Parents!
I am so excited to join the Essex Ski Team this year. I remember racing against Essex in my high school days, and I am thrilled to help continue the wonderful Essex tradition of excellent teamwork, great sportsmanship toward other teams, strong skiers, and a supportive community! I am looking forward to a season of accomplishing individual and team goals, strengthening individual ski technique and endurance, creating a supportive and friendly atmosphere, and having lots of fun.
In this letter, I will outline a number of things that are important for a having a fun and safe season. These items are in addition to the topics covered in the Athletic Digest that was read prior to signing the participation consent form. We will go over all these topics again along with other important items at the Meet the Coaches meeting on December 2, 6:30 pm in the cafeteria, followed by a Nordic skiing meeting in C-101. I hope to see you all there! Also attached to this letter, I have included the race schedule. The rest of the training schedule will be sent home soon, I just need to iron out a few more dates. Thank you for taking the time to read the following items, and I would much appreciate it if each skier and parent could fill out the form at the end of the letter and return it to me by Friday, November 21.
Academics
I have already heard great things about the Nordic Ski team’s academic reputation, and I am determined to help continue this tradition! Always remember that you are ‘STUDENT-athletes’ and academic commitments take priority over athletic ones. I am definitely willing to be flexible about altering training schedules when it comes to academic work. However, it is important to remember that being a student and an athlete requires efficient planning of time and an excellent work ethic. I expect all skiers to be at all ski functions and practices unless prior arrangements have been made.
Attendance
To reach our individual and team goals this year, attendance is extremely important. EHS ski team has the same attendance policy as all other EHS sports. I will be using the same policy that Sarah used last year: “Skiers who are late on a regular basis, or who miss a practice without my previous approval, will not be allowed to race Varsity for that week’s race. (This does not apply to skiers who are ill, have an unexpected emergency, or any other excused absence.) If unexcused absences are a pattern that persists, and a skier’s commitment to the team is called into question, then I will meet with the skier and his/her parents; if the problem continues, I may need to ask that person to leave the team. I do not expect this to happen, but would like to be sure that everyone understands the seriousness of attendance and the possible consequences. “ Communication will be essential for avoiding any attendance issues! If a skier talks to me about future conflicts with academics or other extra-curricular activities, I’m sure that we can work something out. On my part, I will try to get a season schedule to you as soon as possible and stick to that schedule as closely as possible.
Hazing
Just don’t do it. If you are thinking, ‘Is this hazing?’ then chances are it is, so don’t do it. Hazing is in direct contradiction with Essex athletic philosophy and our team values, and will not be tolerated. I will be doing a hazing workshop with the skiers next week to ensure that we are all on the same page about this topic.
Equipment
All skiers should have the following equipment for a successful season:
· Running shoes
· Classic skis (waxables)
· Classic poles
· Skate skis
· Skate poles
· Boots – combi boots or skate boots and classic boots
· Proper attire – polypro or wool layers preferably, running/ski pants, jacket (one that keeps you warm but allows you to move), hat, gloves, wool socks. Extra layers especially when we are on snow are essential.
Ideally, each skier will have this equipment for when the snow flies! I will be checking with the skiers about their equipment needs, if there is enough of a need we will set up a team equipment night at Ski Rack. If there are only a few skiers who need equipment, I can plan on meeting them at Ski Rack and we can do a more informal set up. I’ll let you know about that as soon as possible. Please call or email me with any equipment questions, I should definitely be able to track down equipment to borrow if needed!
Safety Precautions To achieve the goal of a fun and safe season, lets avoid injuries and stay healthy! The following guidelines should help us reach this important goal:
Nordic skiing demands teamwork, aerobic endurance, physical strength, mental strength, and efficient technique. The beauty of the sport is that there is always so much more to learn about all of these areas. I challenge each skier to push themselves in each of one of these aspects (to never feel like ‘that’s good enough’ or ‘I’ve already learned that’). With a successful season, each skier will become stronger in every aspect in the lifelong sport of Nordic skiing! Thank you again for taking the time to read this letter. This is the first of many communications from me as I get to know each skier and Essex High School! Things that were not addressed in this letter that will be discussed at the Meet the Coaches night – fundraising, possibility of a ski camp, community service team project, nutrition for Nordic skiers, and parent volunteers. Please email or call me at anytime with questions or suggestions – abharris_10@hotmail.com or 802-318-7232. I look forward to working with all of you!
Warm regards,
Abbie Harris
Hello Skiers and Parents!
I am so excited to join the Essex Ski Team this year. I remember racing against Essex in my high school days, and I am thrilled to help continue the wonderful Essex tradition of excellent teamwork, great sportsmanship toward other teams, strong skiers, and a supportive community! I am looking forward to a season of accomplishing individual and team goals, strengthening individual ski technique and endurance, creating a supportive and friendly atmosphere, and having lots of fun.
In this letter, I will outline a number of things that are important for a having a fun and safe season. These items are in addition to the topics covered in the Athletic Digest that was read prior to signing the participation consent form. We will go over all these topics again along with other important items at the Meet the Coaches meeting on December 2, 6:30 pm in the cafeteria, followed by a Nordic skiing meeting in C-101. I hope to see you all there! Also attached to this letter, I have included the race schedule. The rest of the training schedule will be sent home soon, I just need to iron out a few more dates. Thank you for taking the time to read the following items, and I would much appreciate it if each skier and parent could fill out the form at the end of the letter and return it to me by Friday, November 21.
Academics
I have already heard great things about the Nordic Ski team’s academic reputation, and I am determined to help continue this tradition! Always remember that you are ‘STUDENT-athletes’ and academic commitments take priority over athletic ones. I am definitely willing to be flexible about altering training schedules when it comes to academic work. However, it is important to remember that being a student and an athlete requires efficient planning of time and an excellent work ethic. I expect all skiers to be at all ski functions and practices unless prior arrangements have been made.
Attendance
To reach our individual and team goals this year, attendance is extremely important. EHS ski team has the same attendance policy as all other EHS sports. I will be using the same policy that Sarah used last year: “Skiers who are late on a regular basis, or who miss a practice without my previous approval, will not be allowed to race Varsity for that week’s race. (This does not apply to skiers who are ill, have an unexpected emergency, or any other excused absence.) If unexcused absences are a pattern that persists, and a skier’s commitment to the team is called into question, then I will meet with the skier and his/her parents; if the problem continues, I may need to ask that person to leave the team. I do not expect this to happen, but would like to be sure that everyone understands the seriousness of attendance and the possible consequences. “ Communication will be essential for avoiding any attendance issues! If a skier talks to me about future conflicts with academics or other extra-curricular activities, I’m sure that we can work something out. On my part, I will try to get a season schedule to you as soon as possible and stick to that schedule as closely as possible.
Hazing
Just don’t do it. If you are thinking, ‘Is this hazing?’ then chances are it is, so don’t do it. Hazing is in direct contradiction with Essex athletic philosophy and our team values, and will not be tolerated. I will be doing a hazing workshop with the skiers next week to ensure that we are all on the same page about this topic.
Equipment
All skiers should have the following equipment for a successful season:
· Running shoes
· Classic skis (waxables)
· Classic poles
· Skate skis
· Skate poles
· Boots – combi boots or skate boots and classic boots
· Proper attire – polypro or wool layers preferably, running/ski pants, jacket (one that keeps you warm but allows you to move), hat, gloves, wool socks. Extra layers especially when we are on snow are essential.
Ideally, each skier will have this equipment for when the snow flies! I will be checking with the skiers about their equipment needs, if there is enough of a need we will set up a team equipment night at Ski Rack. If there are only a few skiers who need equipment, I can plan on meeting them at Ski Rack and we can do a more informal set up. I’ll let you know about that as soon as possible. Please call or email me with any equipment questions, I should definitely be able to track down equipment to borrow if needed!
Safety Precautions To achieve the goal of a fun and safe season, lets avoid injuries and stay healthy! The following guidelines should help us reach this important goal:
- Come to practice and races well hydrated, and always eat lunch/breakfast before exercising. Bring water bottles/sports drinks and snacks to practices and races. (no sharing of waterbottles!)
- Always take time to stretch and warm-up before a workout, and always cool-down and stretch afterwards.
- Wear appropriate athletic clothing and footwear. Keep in mind warmth and visibility.
- Communicate with me when you are feeling sick or overtrained.
- Skiers are required to wear a well-fitted helmet and gloves while rollerskiing. Helmets are also required for biking.
- Always maintain a speed at which you feel comfortable and under control.
- Follow pedestrian rules. This means crossing only on crosswalks, and waiting until drivers have stopped. At intersections with lights, wait for the walk signal. Run on the right side of the road, on the shoulder, and use sidewalks and paths where provided. NO EXCEPTIONS!
- Follow the rules and directional signs provided by ski areas.
- Follow coaches’ instructions at all times.
- During hunting season, wear bright clothes (not white!) while in the woods or on dirt roads.
Nordic skiing demands teamwork, aerobic endurance, physical strength, mental strength, and efficient technique. The beauty of the sport is that there is always so much more to learn about all of these areas. I challenge each skier to push themselves in each of one of these aspects (to never feel like ‘that’s good enough’ or ‘I’ve already learned that’). With a successful season, each skier will become stronger in every aspect in the lifelong sport of Nordic skiing! Thank you again for taking the time to read this letter. This is the first of many communications from me as I get to know each skier and Essex High School! Things that were not addressed in this letter that will be discussed at the Meet the Coaches night – fundraising, possibility of a ski camp, community service team project, nutrition for Nordic skiers, and parent volunteers. Please email or call me at anytime with questions or suggestions – abharris_10@hotmail.com or 802-318-7232. I look forward to working with all of you!
Warm regards,
Abbie Harris
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