The NENSA Elite Team exists as a program to support and facilitate the appropriate development of top athletes toward the goal of international excellence. In addition to recognition for accomplishments, this program provides incentives for athletes to seek high levels of competition, and to encourage athletes to think in terms of long-range development. In order to gain access to the Elite Team an athlete must achieve a certain level of success at national level competition.
Qualification Criteria
A pool of athletes will be identified based on results in national level competition, comprising individuals who meet the following criteria. From this pool of athletes the team will be named, as outlined below under “Team Selection.” Note: additional athletes may be added by ADC nomination.
- Eastern athletes in the top 15 OVERALL on the final U.S. Ski & Snowboard ranking list
- Top 3 Eastern athletes in age group (U18/U20/U23/Senior) on the final U.S. Ski & Snowboard ranking list (includes any skiers already in top 15 NRL)
- Eastern World Junior/U23 Jr/ U18 trip qualifiers (Alternates who compete potential discretion)
- Top 5 on Final combined EISA ranking list
- In addition, a skier with Elite Team status from the previous year may be eligible for discretionary addition to the Elite or Development teams.
- Out of Region / Foreign Athletes will not be named to the NENSA Elite or Development Teams, and they do displace US skiers.
NENSA Elite Team Requirements
- Active NENSA membership
- Must have Eastern designation on U.S. Ski & Snowboard License.
- To accept spot on team selected juniors must agree to attend an Elite Group Summer Camp: Eastern REG, NEG, or NTG.
- Must plan to continue to meet training goals.
- Team members are encouraged to give back to their local Nordic communities.
- Team members are encouraged to submit an article or summary about an event they compete in during the season. Younger athletes love hearing race stories from their idols!
Team Benefits
- Athletes on this list are eligible to receive free entry to NENSA Eastern Cup Series events.
- Invitation to Rollerski events.
- SKIDA Team Hat (for Junior athletes)
- Promotion opportunities on NENSA Website, FB and Instagram.
- Direct contact with the Competitive Program Director
The NENSA Competitive Program Director and the Athletic Development Committee (ADC) oversee this program. Questions? Contact [email protected]