(Thank you to Cami Thompson-Graves for this synopsis – Cami is the USSA XC Sport Committee Chair)
We just returned from Utah where we had some productive meetings at the U.S. Ski & Snowboard annual congress. I have highlighted some of the major take-aways here.
- There was much discussion around the Super Tour. The schedule for 2017-18 was approved and is close to final now. The staff still need to confirm the start date of U.S. National Championship and the Al Qual races, which should happen soon. The final calendar will be posted at http://my.ussa.org/joinnordic. Please note that the local organizing committees will no longer be required to provide complimentary housing for the top athletes. A committee was also appointed to look at the future of the Super Tour, Bryan Fish is spearheading that group.
- Exciting things are happening with U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s education programming. Be on the lookout for updated online learning opportunities in the not too distant future. Along with the regional L100 and L200 clinics, there will also be a symposium in Park City on October 27-29in Park City. There is more information, and you can register here: http://ussa.org/cross-country-programs/coaches/clinics.
- The issue generating the most heated discussion this year is the Junior National Championships. There has been much discussion over the last few years regarding the cost of the event. The Cross Country Sport committee voted to shorten the event by one day, the particulars of what the means and how it will be accomplished are still being discussed by junior representatives from all the divisions. Adam St. Pierre is heading that effort, along with a representative from each division.
- Selection criteria for the Olympic team as well as the U18, WJC and U23 teams were approved with only minor changes from last season. Those will be posted soon as well.
- There were some rule changes which will be updated in the 2018 Comp guide. USSAcoaches/official’s members will receive those in late summer.
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