Wax Protocol

Eastern Collegiate Ski Conference (ECSC): Glide Wax Protocol for Regular Season

Effective Date: Immediately

1. Purpose

The purpose of this protocol is to foster fairness, consistency, and an equitable competitive environment in the Eastern Collegiate Ski Conference (ECSC) for all teams. The use of paraffin-based 'PS-level' Waxes exclusively for glide will help create a level playing field and support the overall growth of the conference. Compliance is based on the honor system, as the conference aims to promote integrity and unity.

2. Scope

This protocol applies to all teams competing in the Eastern Collegiate Ski Conference (ECSC) immediately, for the remainder of the regular season. This includes all events in both individual and team competitions.

3. Approved Glide Waxes

• Only paraffin-based waxes are allowed for glide applications.

  • Paraffin-based 'PS-level' Waxes are defined as any wax product manufactured and labeled as a brands 'base' glide wax, in solid (bar) form, including but not limited to Swix PS, Star NF, Rode R-Series, Toko Base Performance, Holmenkol Ultra/Alpha/BetaMix, Start SG, and Vauhti GW series. 

    • • Endurance/Marathon waxes: As this is ultimately a Balance-of Performance/Cost Equity measure - Rode Endurance will be allowed, though at this time Swix Marathon (in both paraffin and powder forms), will not. 

      • Graphite layers for cold/dirty snow are allowed as needed, as long as the additive used follows substantially similar restrictions as above.

    • Non-'PS-level' paraffin waxes (including but not limited to Swix HS/TS series, Star NEXT, Rode RX, VAUHTI Pure/Race, Toko High Performance, Holmenkol Syntec/WC) are not permitted for glide use.

    • Liquid, powdered, and block waxes: Liquid, powder, and block wax applications are strictly prohibited, except for the following provisions:
      - 'PS-level' cold powders such as Swix Polar/CH3, Rode Arctic Powder
      - Liquid paraffin versions of the above 'PS-Level' waxes WHEN USED AS THE PRIMARY (BASE) WAX LAYER.

• Teams can add structure to skis, as well as choose which brand of wax they want to run on any given race.
  
  
  

4. Definition of Glide

• "Glide" refers specifically to the application of wax to the ski base designed to optimize speed, reduce friction, and enhance performance on snow.

• Glide wax does not include grip waxes used for traction underfoot, which may still be used in classic skiing or other race formats.

5. Compliance and Honor System

• Honor System: Compliance with this protocol is based on the trust and integrity of all teams. The ECSC believes that all competitors will respect the spirit of fairness by adhering to the use of paraffin-based PS-level Waxes for glide.

• Team Responsibilities: Each team is responsible for ensuring that only paraffin-based 'PS-level' Waxes are used in their competition skis. Teams are encouraged to be transparent and honest in their adherence to this protocol.

6. Events In-Effect

• The events where this rule will be in effect will include any regular-season event with an ECSC-only race field. 'Open' events, such as any NENSA or NYSSRA events the conference may partner with, are not subject to this restriction, nor are the Divisional and Regional rounds of the ECSC season (generally the final two scheduled race weekends).

  • 'Guest' skiers in an ECSC event are also bound by this protocol, and are considered for this rule to be ECSC skiers.

7. Level Playing Field and Conference Growth

• This protocol aims to create a level playing field and encourage the growth of the ECSC by eliminating performance advantages tied to the use of non-standard wax products. By using 'PS-level' Waxes exclusively, all teams can focus on skill development and fair competition.

8. Implementation Timeline

• Effective immediately, all teams must use paraffin-based 'PS-level' Waxes for glide.

• Compliance with this protocol is expected now. Teams should ensure their equipment is fully compliant with this rule starting immediately.

9. Further Guidance

• Teams can contact ECSC technical support for clarification on the use of PS-level Waxes or glide wax application methods.