RACE RULES AND INFO DOWNLOAD HERE
updated 20-4-10
WELCOME
Chairman’s Chat –– December 2008
Well, as the Dry Slope season has faded into the distant past and the weather outside tells us that winter is already upon us, it's time to look forward to the snow season. Some snow has already arrived and as I write this there is limited skiing available at our Eastern resorts! Let's hope it continues and spreads and that we have a lengthy and prosperous season.
It would be remiss of me not to mention what a great success the Dry Slope races were once again this year. I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Bruce Fraser, our Dry Slope Race Convener, who engineered our race days and contributed so much to their success. You may have noticed that I referred to races – plural. Several years ago we took the decision to run both the Scottish Schools’ and the Scottish Minors’ Races on the same day increasing the workload of our Dry Slope Convener and doubling the stress and strain which goes with ensuring the smooth running of the day.
This year Bruce had also to mastermind and oversee the organisation of the British Schools’ Dry Slope Championship. My thanks go not just to Bruce, but to all who contributed to making these days an enormous success. It was pleasing to see such a large contingent from England and Wales, even if they did walk away with too many of the top slots. May I also thank Peak Leaders for their continued support of all these races. If you haven’t already done so, please take a minute or two to view the Results and pictures from all the races on our website www.sssa.me.uk .
Let's hope the Snow Races are as successful as the Dry Slope ones. Enclosed in this Newsletter is/are the information and the Entry Forms for these races. Please take careful note of, and adhere, to the entry dates. There is not much time between returning to school after the Christmas/New Year break and the closing date for entry to the Scottish
Minors’ (Monday 19/01/09). The following Monday (26/01/09) sees the closing date for entries to the Scottish. Please note that late entries cannot be accepted. The Committee has discussed the possibility of limiting the numbers competing as every year the entries approach the maximum number we are able to cope with in the time available. Please ensure your entries are in on time and afford Gavin Carruthers, our Snow Race Convener, the same courtesy shown to our Dry Slope Convener. I am sure, weather permitting, that our Snow Races will be as much a success as our Dry.
It only remains for me to say that if you are going skiing over the coming months, whether it is with your school, family or just with friends, may I wish you the best and hope you enjoy your time on the snow. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and an enjoyable break.
Andy Teiger.
Chair SSSA
December 2008
SCOTTISH SCHOOLS SKI ASSOCIATION
SKI LEADER REVALIDATION COURSES
Snowsport Scotland have declared that it is incumbent upon all ski leaders to revalidate their award every three years. So far, there has been little response from a large numbers of teachers who hold the award.
Clearly, for insurance reasons, if for no other, it is strongly advised that Ski Leaders hold a valid qualification. In the current climate, experience is not enough.
The aim of the revalidation course is to inform and update participants in the fields of leading and instructing skiers as well as offering an opportunity for personal skill development.
The course does not involve any assessment, but, rather, offers a chance to concentrate on teachers’ own skills rather than those of their charges. Personal performance, group leading skills and instructional methods are all included. In the evening there are mini-lectures on topics including ski awards, ski leading and safety.
Courses are offered by Snowsport Scotland, Glenmore Lodge as well as many other bodies. We would encourage teachers to make use of the course run by our own SSSA, as this course is specifically aimed at teachers. This means that less emphasis need be laid on teaching techniques than might otherwise be the case, resulting in more time being spent on skiing skills.
The SSSA revalidation courses on snow will be run at Cairngorm but may move depending on weather and snow conditions. There is the cheaper option of a 1 day refresher on the dry slope for those who can't get away at a weekend or require to revalidate before the Season starts.
CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING PAGES
DAVE CRAIG
DEREK TAIT
DREW MICHIE
