Suggestions to improve racer starts/membership – Discussion Outline

Category 2: Changes or return to previous procedures – scheduling of races

Issue/Suggestion:  Have 2-3 weekends where we schedule one extra race.  The extra race could be a “Euro GS” (a 1-run GS), or a redressed course, if little time to reset.

Background:  This was done in 2006 at the Heavenly slaloms, on a Sunday under excellent conditions.  Several other regions are doing this now (PNW and Eastern?).  Race departments who hold DHs frequently do this when weather is a factor.

Benefits: This should help increase the number of racer starts per weekend, as it increases the number of races available.  Ski area race departments may support this, since it is good business for them, their staff is already scheduled, and this would provide extra revenue. Racers may support it, as it gives them an extra race without having to travel.

Barriers: Some ski area race departments may be reluctant to institute this, as they may not have the staff or experience to be able to pull it off.  Some racers may not wish to race more than one race per day.

Possible solutions: 

1.  Check with capable race departments to see what they think of the idea      (WHO?)

2.  Try it out as a “pilot suggestion” with 2-3 willing race departments in 2006/7. 

3. If race conditions are not conducive to two races, cancel the 2^nd race.

4. If race conditions are not conducive, run second race as a “redress” only.

5. For SG’s, schedule 2 races, after training run.

Discussion/Recommendation:  Insititute now?  More information needed?  Who?

Which of these can be instituted easily?

What other information is needed? 

Who to take lead getting information or making contacts, if lead person is needed?