Team Handbook
Team Philosophy & Values - The primary goal of the Grand Rapids Nordic Ski Program is to provide an opportunity to learn and excel at cross country skiing. The Ski Program will promote the development and progress of each individual and the team as a whole. Skiers will take pride in themselves and their team, demonstrate sportsmanship, represent the team and our community positively, make friends, and have fun. All aspects related to ski technique, training principles, and goal setting will be addressed.
As an extra-curricular activity, the Grand Rapids Ski Team will promote values central to life skills and success. Academics are of primary importance. Values the GR Nordic Ski Program will foster are: integrity, self-discipline, commitment, teamwork, and selflessness.
An overarching goal of the Grand Rapids Nordic Ski Program is to produce proficient, lifelong nordic skiers who appreciate the benefits of participating in this great winter activity both in solitude and in fellowship with family and friends.
Team Rules and Requirements
Attendance
High School - ALL practices are mandatory. The workout program is designed as a 5-day-a-week program to be completed under the supervision of the coaching staff and amongst the team. Failure to participate in practice will seriously compromise the success of the program and the individual. ONLY athletes that attend practice on a consistent basis will compete at the varsity level and be eligible to earn a varsity letter. Athletes must inform their coach of their absence prior to the day of occurrence. Absences due to extreme circumstances i.e. funeral, considerable illness/injury, etc. will not count against the athlete. Homework is NOT a valid excuse to miss practice. Developing time management skills is a VERY IMPORTANT life skill. We wish to promote this skill AND promote academic success. We understand that athletes are "busy," but we want to promote the success of the individual and the team. Attending practice is the most important way of showing your dedication to the team.
Middle School - Middle school athletes may reduce the workout program with the consent of the coaching staff. The parents of the athlete should discuss the alternative workout schedule with coaching staff.
Participation
Athletes will complete each workout at 100% of the expected effort. Athletes who show effort will receive priority from the coaches. Note that this does not mean that the best skiers get all the attention, but that those who show desire, dedication, and effort at practice will be given the most time and energy.
Other ski related commitments
Participation in biathlon, Junior Olympic qualifying, and Nordic combined races will be discussed with and approved by the GRHS head coach. Participation in regional, national and international Nordic ski events are encouraged as the programs associated with these events promote the goals of the GRHS cross country ski team.
Eligibility
Team - A physical examination/health record must be on file with the athletic secretary before an athlete can compete. The athlete must also turn in an athletic packet prior to the first day of practice. Athletes WILL NOT PRACTICE if their forms are not in. Coaches will determine those skiers who race on the varsity and jr. varsity teams. Only those athletes who practice and show proficiency at classic and skate techniques will be eligible for the varsity and JV teams.
School - All athletes must maintain eligibility related to school behavior and academics to be eligible to participate in either practices or meets. It is the athlete’s responsibility to notify the coaching staff of school related issues which may affect the athletes eligibility status.
Rules - All rules and regulations outlined by the Minnesota High School League (MSHSL) as well as those observed by Grand Rapids Senior High will be followed and enforced. This includes policies on: Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, hazing, harassment, and discrimination.
Lettering
The Grand Rapids Varsity Letter award is earned when any of the following is achieved:
a skier who competes at the varsity level during the year, and places in the upper 50% of the field, may earn a varsity letter upon recommendation from the coaching staff.
A skier will also be awarded a Varsity Letter if they fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
1) The skier is a senior.
2) The skier shows proficiency at both classic and skate techniques.
3) The skier must have a good attendance record and has had a positive impact while on the team.
Section Team Selection
Section Teams are typically named the weekend before the section meet in February. To be eligible for selection to the Section Team, the athlete must satisfy all of the following criteria:
1) have skied 3 varsity events
2) have attended all practices on a regular basis (athletes who are competing at national or international events may be excused from practice during the event if they have talked to the coaching staff prior to the event regarding the events and training program associated with the events)
3) be academically eligible
4) be 7th grade or higher
Being a senior or a captain does not give an athlete an automatic ticket to the section team.
Up to seven members and two alternates are selected for the Section Team.
These athletes will be selected with the following method:
1. Qualify through season long performance measured through ski meets.
The following methodology will record and measure meet performances:
Races from throughout the season will used to measure performance although some races may be removed from consideration if conditions or race format are not in line with the Section Meet format. Pursuits will count as two races; each leg will be scored separately.
Two or three races will be dropped to account for illness or just a bad day.
Points for each performance will be based on the athlete’s time vs. the meet winner’s time (percent back). The aggregate score of each athlete’s 6 best performances will determine the athlete’s placement. The coaching staff will determine the meets to be used for section selection. Mesabi East and Two Harbors Korkki Invite will not be used unless special conditions warrant their use. Only athletes competing at the Varsity and Jr Varsity level will be considered for section team selection.
The coaching staff may make exceptions to those athletes competing at national or international biathlon or cross country programs. These exceptions will only be implemented with the concurrence of the team captains. It is the desire of the coaching staff to have an objective and fair evaluation to determine the best performing athletes for selection to the Section Team.
Transportation - Transportation to all meets and are provided via bus or van by GRHS. We do, however allow parents to transport their skier to and from meets but a release must be signed. Transportation to practices will be the responsibility of the athlete or parent. Practices are held primarily at Mt. Itasca.
Uniforms - GRHS team uniforms (race kits) will be checked out at the beginning of the season. Each team member is responsible for the care and washing of the uniform. It is to be used only for official MSHSL events. It is not to be used for practices or non-team events. The uniform will be turned in at the end of each season at the ski team banquet. Ski team members who do not turn in the suit at the end of the season, lose their suit or who have not cared for the garment in a responsible manner will be billed $150 for the cost of a new kit.
Team Jackets and warm up pants may be available for purchase by each individual through the Parents club.
Team Equipment
The Grand Rapids Parents Club has purchased equipment for use by new skiers. The equipment will be primarily used to provide new ski families a relatively low cost way to be introduced to the sport. The equipment will be made available to first year skiers as a priority. Equipment will then be provided to 2nd, 3rd year, and so on skiers. The equipment will be provided on a yearly rental basis. The rental cost will be $20 for each set of boots, $25 for each set of skis, $15 for poles. The money collected will be used for equipment replacement.
Practices
Notification - Notice of the location and content of practices will be provided through the team web page or by email.
Purpose - Each practice has a specific purpose. The main goals are to develop the athletes’ technique, endurance, strength, and knowledge of Nordic skiing. Skiers are expected to be prepared with the proper equipment and complete the entire workout.
Time - Practices are scheduled to begin at 3:30 unless otherwise specified. Wednesdays practices will begin at 3:00.
Pick up - Skiers should be picked up from practice at 5:15. If it is a night before a meet, allow more time after practice as we will be waxing your skier's skis in preparation for the next day. It may be as late at 6:00pm.
Locations - Most ski workouts will take place at Mt. Itasca. When conditions warrant, practices may be held at Legion Trails or other local trails. Notification on practice locations will be listed on the practice schedule.
Captains - Captain Selection
1. Any athlete interested in leading the team as a captain should submit a letter of interest (by email) to the appropriate coach
2. Interested skiers will complete an application provided by the coaches.
3. A team vote may be taken in order to help coaches make the final decision
4. A captain who violates team, MSHSL, or school (academic or co-curricular) rules or policies may be removed from her or his leadership (captain) role on the team. The coaching staff will reserve final discretion for removal of an athlete in the event of such a violation.
5. Only Juniors or Seniors who have previously been a team member will be considered.
Responsibilities:
1. Lead by example.
a. Set an example in the classroom.
b. During off season training (when not in other sports).
c. Lead on the trails/courses.
d. Be at ALL practices, required and optional…
e. Encourage others to be at all practices… make calls when needed.
f. Follow all MSHSL and GRHS training rules.
g. Plan on attending all meets (JV, Varsity, Middle School).
h. Be the last ones to leave from practice… encourage others until the end.
2. Lead team at meets
a. Get course map from coach, lead warm-up on the course.
b. Cheer for all races (know names)
c. Make sure team has cleaned bus after meets
d. Equipment
3. Lead team in practice
a. Help with team warm-up, workout, cool down, clean-up, etc.
4. Be a motivational leader
a. Recruit, recruit, recruit
b. Rain, snow, cold or wind…motivate others to do their best
c. Never complain about "hard" workouts. Look forward to these workouts and be excited about the mental and physical strength you will gain through them. Pick up the rest of the team.
5. Organize and help facilitate dinners throughout season.
a. Help parents/volunteers arrange and serve
b. Organize and assist with clean-up
c. Organize and assist with year-end banquet
6. Assist coaches and team with other duties throughout the season.