Team Manual
Gus Kenworthy, Joss Christensen, Nick Goepper Š Getty Images
Published: September, 2014
table of contents 2015-2018 team manual
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Team Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Welcome from USSA President and CEO Tiger Shaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 How to Use The Team Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Chapter 2: National Team Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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USSA Vision, Mission, Goals, Values, Key Principles and Organizational Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 National Team Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Code of Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 USSA Safe Sport Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 USSA National Team Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Chapter 3: Introduction to the USSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Introduction to the USSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Sport Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 USSA Business Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 USSA Planning Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Chapter 4: USSA Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Welcome from USSA Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Four Cornerstones of Athletic Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 USSA Sport Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 USSA Sports Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Athlete Medical Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Concussion Management_ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Anti-Doping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Training Center Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 USSA Sport Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 USSA Competition Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Chapter 5: Athlete Services and Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Athlete Services and Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 USOC Athlete Support Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 U.S. Ski Team Official Competition Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Athlete Logo and Photography Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Athlete Support of USSA Revenue-Producing Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Media and Public Appearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Athlete Membership Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Athlete Contract Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 On the Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Vehicle Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Ski and Snowboarding Area Access for Athletes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
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Chapter 6: USSA Department Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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USSA Organizational Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 USSA Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 USSA Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 USSA Human Resources / Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 USSA Purchasing, Shipping and Receiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 USSA Legal Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 USSA Business Enterprise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Information Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Sales and Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Merchandising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 USSA Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 USSA Member Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Content and Creative Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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U.S. Ski Team Competition Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Exhibit A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
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Jessie Diggins Š Sarah Brunson/U.S. Ski Team
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WELCOME FROM USSA PRESIDENT AND CEO TIGER SHAW the best ways to take advantage of your achievement as a national team member. It’s also an important source of information for you to understand the benefits of national team membership as well as expectations and responsibilities. The support of the American public is directly tied to the success that you demonstrate every day of the year. The U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing are brands recognized and respected throughout the world. As a national team member, you are an integral part of these brands. You are an ambassador and role model for your sport. Your actions both on and off the snow will have a Photo: Sarah Brunson/USSA
direct impact on how stakeholders perceive the USSA as an international organization.
Congratulations on your nomination to the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding or U.S. Freeskiing. This is a great achievement—one of the highest in your sport. The work you’ve put in and the support of your USSA family has brought you to the next stage, giving you the opportunity and challenge to become Best in the World. The vision of the USSA is to make the United States of America the Best in the World in Olympic skiing and snowboarding. To that
You undoubtedly remember the athletes who motivated you as a child. You are now that role model. You have past coaches, parents and fellow athletes who helped you reach this point and want to see you succeed. As you travel the world representing the USA, you have an amazing opportunity to influence young people and fans of our sport and continue our tradition of being Best in the World. Welcome to the national team!
end, our goal is to provide you with the highest possible level of year-round athletic service so that you can achieve your athletic goals and Olympic dreams. The USSA’s Team Manual provides you with a roadmap that will guide you through
Tiger Shaw President and CEO U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association
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HOW TO USE THE TEAM MANUAL The Team Manual is a valuable educational resource for national team athletes. It provides an overview of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) as a world-class sports organization, outlines important athletic program information, details benefits for you as a national team athlete and also lists important responsibilities you have as a team member. The USSA is your organization! The U.S. Ski Team,
• Have you wondered if school and education
U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing brands
can enhance your athletic performance?
are highly respected by the American public,
Check out the athlete career and education
donors and sponsors. These valuable brands are
benefits offered to national team athletes.
responsible for creating the funding that supports you as a national team athlete.
• As a national team athlete, you are the public face of your sport and your team.
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out
Learn how you can help increase the value
of the Team Manual:
of your team’s brand by how you position
• Learn about the Vision, Mission, Goals and Values of the organization and why they are important to you as a national team athlete. Your respect for these principles will give you even greater value and lead you to more opportunities. • Learn more about the USSA as a worldclass professional sports organization and how it operates to raise money for athletic
yourself with the media, sponsors and the public. You create the public value that comes back to help fund you as a national team athlete. • Get to know the USSA’s partners. They’re your partners, too! Did you know that the USSA has one of the most loyal and longstanding sponsor bases of any Olympic sport? • Learn more about what the U.S. Ski
programs. The USSA is one of the most fiscally
and Snowboard Team Foundation has
sound Olympic governing bodies in America,
accomplished to help fund athletic programs.
providing stability and growth in athletic funding year-to-year.
• You’ve earned the privilege of being a national team member, but it also comes
• The current operational model of the USSA
with responsibilities. It’s your responsibility as a
has been very successful. Learn about how
professional athlete to know and understand
the USSA is structured and how it plans
the team’s policies and abide by them. Read
systematically for the future. Did you know
the manual thoroughly so you know your
that the USSA provides programming for over
responsibilities.
a dozen athletic programs? • Learn more about the depth of services in
There’s a lot of valuable information in the team Manual. Take the time to read it on the plane to
the USSA’s Athletic Department, from team
your next camp or event and carry it with you as
support to sport science and more.
a resource. Use it to learn how you can get the
• You have many benefits as a national team athlete. Do you know all the details of your insurance coverage, including your responsibilities?
most out of your experience as a team member.
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Alex Diebold Š Sarah Brunson/U.S. Snowboarding photo credit
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David Wise Š Getty Images
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USSA VISION, MISSION, GOALS, VALUES, KEY PRINCIPLES AND ORGANIZATIONAL MESSAGES The USSA is a world-class, professional sports organization with a well-defined Vision, Mission, Goals and Values. These elements are critically important to the sponsors and donors who financially support USSA athletic programs. USSA VISION
USSA GOALS
The Vision of the USSA is to make the United
The USSA’s Goals are the targets by which
States of America the best in the world in
the USSA manages its organizational business.
Olympic skiing and snowboarding.
They are an aid in planning and day-to-day
USSA MISSION The Mission of the USSA is to provide strong leadership that establishes and supports athletic excellence, in accordance with USSA Core Values.
execution of the USSA’s business plan. • Athletic excellence • Financial strength • Organizational growth • Positive organizational image • Strong partnerships
Kikkan Randall © Getty Images
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USSA CORE VALUES
USSA ORGANIZATIONAL MESSAGES
The USSA Core Values represent the way the
The USSA is an Olympic sports organization
organization conducts its business and the way
dedicated to fielding and developing the best
its staff and athletes conduct themselves at all
skiing and snowboarding teams in the world.
times. The organizational strength of the USSA and
The USSA represents a wide range of sports and
the support it provides to elite athletes is directly
disciplines, as well as ages and lifestyles. There
related to how those elite athletes conduct
is a common athletic vision of being best in the
their professional careers and personal lives in
world by winning more Olympic medals in skiing
accordance to these organizational principles.
and snowboarding than any other nation.
Team – Constituent groups within the USSA
Best in the World Goal
working in partnership to be the best in the world Loyalty – Steadfast allegiance to the USSA’s Vision, Mission, Goals and Values Integrity – Steadfast, incorruptible adherence to truth and USSA Core Values
The USSA is dedicated to the ideal of helping American athletes win more Olympic medals than any other nation. The goal is about athletic excellence and winning performance. In that quest, the USSA raises funds, provides high-level training, makes available educational resources
Respect – Willing demonstration of care
and unites fans, families, coaches, clubs, donors
and concern toward others and an open-
and partners to achieve the vision of the USSA.
mindedness toward others’ ideas Accountability – Responsibility of every individual to conduct themselves in accordance with USSA values and expectations
Core Values The USSA is a world class organization based on standards of conduct which define excellence in both the staff and the athletes. The USSA is
Perseverance – Unwavering commitment
committed to the core values of team, loyalty,
to the core values in pursuit of the USSA’s Vision
integrity, respect, accountability, perseverance
and Mission
and courage each day.
Courage - The quality of mind or spirit that
Action Sports
enables a person to face difficulty, danger or pain without fear to achieve a goal
The USSA’s athletic programs and events are action sports, representing exciting elements including speed, danger, acrobatics, head-to-
USSA KEY PRINCIPLES
head competition, endurance and more.
• Physical conditioning is the cornerstone of a
Development for Future
successful athletic program • The USSA is educationally based and athletically focused • Continuity and consistency of leadership and programs
The USSA is always looking to the future, providing support and direction to young athletes through its development programs.
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NATIONAL TEAM Congratulations on your nomination to the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding or U.S. Freeskiing, the highest level of skiing and snowboarding in the country. Nomination to the USSA’s national teams is a great honor. The USSA has a deliberate process for team selection, nomination and formal naming of teams designed to select athletes with a high potential for Olympic success and to name those athletes who accept the responsibilities of team membership. TEAM SELECTION PROCESS Team Selection Criteria
the benefits afforded by team membership. The USSA follows International Olympic Committee (IOC), United States Olympic Committee (USOC)
Each fall, the USSA generates the criteria utilized
and International Ski Federation (FIS) rules and
to determine which athletes will be nominated
procedures regarding an athlete’s right to
to the elite teams for the following year’s
compete in protected competitions for which
competition season. Once approved, these
they have qualified.
criteria are available for each elite team at www.ussa.org. Nomination
Team Announcement The USSA will make a formal team announcement for each national team,
At the USSA Athletic Summit in April, sport
strategically timed to gain the most exposure for
directors and coaching staff assess each
each respective team.
athlete’s past performance relative to the selection criteria to determine nominations. Each sport’s nomination list is reviewed and approved by the USSA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Vice President (EVP), Athletics, after which athletes are notified.
ATHLETE BENEFITS AND RESPONSIBILITIES With team membership comes the support of a professional sports organization whose ultimate goal is to provide you the leadership and resources needed to succeed. Team members receive benefits to varying degrees depending
Naming to the Team
upon their status and sport. These benefits may
The USSA names an athlete to the national team
differ from year to year.
after he or she agrees to accept the benefits
Contact your sport director or Team Manager
and responsibilities of team membership by
with questions or concerns.
signing the Team Membership Agreement. Athletes are not required to accept national team nominations. If an athlete declines to accept the responsibilities that come with team membership, that athlete is free to train and compete as an individual but not entitled to
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CODE OF CONDUCT Every USSA athlete and staff member should become familiar with the USSA Code of Conduct. It is a document that covers a broad scope of responsibilities shared by each and every athlete and staff member. In addition to the USSA Code of Conduct, there may be additional policies implemented by the USSA. Those policies will be communicated to national team athletes through the Team Manual, Athlete Agreement or by other means. USSA CODE OF CONDUCT
While participating in any USSA activity:
Membership in the USSA is a privilege, not a
1. USSA members shall be subject to the
right. When participating in any USSA activity,
jurisdiction of the FIS statutes, the USOC
all USSA members (athletes, coaches, officials)
bylaws, the USSA bylaws and the USSA
must agree to conduct themselves according
Code of Conduct.
to USSA’s Core Values of team, loyalty, integrity, respect, perseverance, accountability and courage, and abide by the spirit and dictates of this Code of Conduct. All members must agree to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner and are responsible for their actions while attending or participating in all USSA activities (including but not limited to camps, competitions and projects). Sportsmanlike conduct is defined as but not limited to: respect for competition officials, resort employees and the skiing and snowboarding public; respect for facilities, privileges and operating procedures; the use of courtesy and good manners; acting responsibly and maturely, refraining from the use of profane or
2. USSA members shall conduct themselves at all times and in all places as befits worthy representatives of the United States of America, the USOC, USSA, their region, division, state or club and in accordance with the best traditions of national and international competition. 3. USSA members are responsible for knowledge of and adherence to competition rules and procedures. Members are also responsible for knowledge of and adherence to the rules and procedures of USSA national teams, camps or other projects when participating in such. 4. USSA members shall maintain high
abusive language and abstinence from illegal
standards of moral and ethical conduct,
or immoderate use of alcohol and use of illegal
which includes self-control and responsible
or banned substances.
behavior, consideration for the physical and emotional well-being of others, courtesy and good manners. 5. USSA members shall abide by USSA rules and procedures while traveling to and from and participating in official USSA activities. 6. USSA members shall abstain from illegal and/ or immoderate consumption of alcohol.
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Absolutely no consumption of alcohol is
Failure to comply with any of the above
permitted for those individuals under the
provisions may lead to disciplinary action by
age of 21. Members under 21 years of age
the appropriate team or competition leader.
shall not participate in gatherings involving
Disciplinary action may include:
consumption of alcohol unless it is an official USSA or event organizer function. 7. No USSA member shall violate the customs, travel or currency regulations of a country while traveling with a USSA group or on a USSA ticket.
• Removal from the team trip or training camp • Suspension from training and/or competition • Elimination of coaching, travel and other benefits • Forfeiture of USSA membership
8. No USSA member shall commit a criminal act.
The USSA is committed to principles of fairness,
9. No USSA member shall engage in any
due process and equal opportunity. Members
conduct that could be perceived as
are entitled to be treated fairly and in
harassment based upon gender, age, race,
compliance with USSA’s bylaws, policies and
religion or disability.
procedures. Members are entitled to notice
10. USSA members will avoid profane or abusive language and disruptive behavior. 11. Any USSA member who uses any substance
and an opportunity for a hearing before being prevented from participating in protected competition as that term is defined by the USOC bylaws. Information on the processes
or material, by whatsoever route introduced
for grievances, suspensions and appeals is
into the body, which has been determined
available at www.ussa.org.
by the FIS to be banned or prohibited is, by definition, engaging in doping and shall be subject to immediate suspension procedures. Action with intent to violate this section of the Code of Conduct, whether successful or not, shall be sufficient to warrant suspension. 12. Any USSA member who participates in
Nothing in this code shall be deemed to restrict the individual freedom of a USSA member in matters not involving activities in which one could not be perceived as representing the USSA. In choices of appearance, lifestyle, behavior and speech while not representing the USSA, competitors shall have complete freedom, provided their statements and
the violation of the rule in the preceding
actions do not adversely affect the name
section 11, by encouragement or consent,
and reputation of the USSA. However, in those
or by furnishing prohibited materials or
events where one is representing or could be
substances, is, by definition, engaging in
perceived as representing the USSA, the USSA
doping and shall be subject to suspension.
demands that its members understand and agree to behave in a manner consistent with the best traditions of sportsmanship and USSA’s Core Values. photo credit
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USSA SAFE SPORT GUIDELINES PURPOSE OF THE GUIDELINES
POSITIONS OF TRUST
As National Governing Body (NGB) and
Good Practice
steward of our sport, USSA has published this document to assist its members in recognizing unacceptable behavior and acting to prevent
• The welfare of the child is the primary concern. • Be aware that the closeness of the coach/
or correct it. These guidelines are not intended
athlete relationship may encourage feelings
to serve as legal advice or to supplant legal
that are not directly related to the sport.
definitions of abuse and harassment that may depending on jurisdiction. Instead these guidelines are designed to raise awareness of areas of concern. If these guidelines raise concerns about behavior you have witnessed, you are advised to notify the child’s parents and seek appropriate counsel. Definition of a Child These guidelines are drafted first and foremost for the protection of children. A child is defined as anyone under the age of 18 years but many of the behaviors described herein are also detrimental to athletes over the age of majority. While protection of children is of paramount importance, it may also be advisable to ensure similar conduct is not being perpetrated on
• Set out and maintain appropriate boundaries. • Promote fairness. • Prevent and correct bullying. • Treat all children equally, with dignity and respect. • Give enthusiastic and constructive advice rather than criticism. Unacceptable Behavior • NEVER enter into a sexual relationship with a child under your care/supervision. • NEVER use your influence over a child for your own interests. PHYSICAL CONTACT
those whose ages exceed 18 years.
Good Practice
Statement
• Physical contact is recommended only in
• The welfare of the minor child is paramount • Children must be protected from harm, abuse, and degrading treatments • Parents must be involved in any action taken to intervene in behalf of their child
support of the following purposes: • To develop or demonstrate sports skills. • To diagnose or treat an injury. • To give appropriate sport massage. • These actions should only be carried out by appropriately qualified staff. • Physical contact may be appropriate in other circumstances, as in congratulating a child or consoling a child who is upset. However, always ensure that physical contact is carried out in the open, or in the
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chapter 1 introduction to the team manual
presence of another supervising adult. • Remember that interpretations of touching will be affected by factors such as cultural differences, religious implications, relative age, sexual orientation. • If a child is uncomfortable with physical contact, stop. GENERAL SUPERVISION Good Practice • A supervising adult should never be alone with a child in potentially compromising situations, i.e. in a hotel room, bathroom, changing room, locker rooms, etc. • Mixed gender teams must always be accompanied by male and female responsible adults. Unacceptable Behavior • Do not spend time alone with a child behind closed doors. • Do not take a child alone on a trip unless in an emergency and with written parental permission. • Do not enter the room of a child without another responsible adult present. • Never share a room with a child. • Discourage sexually provocative jokes or inappropriate touching or conversation. CONFIDENTIALITY Good Practice • Where you are close to a child, you may gather very personal information about a child. • Try to make the child aware of the
importance and implications of the information he is sharing. Unacceptable Behavior • You should never encourage confidences, or intrude into the private life of the child. • Maintain appropriate boundaries. INTEGRITY Good Practice • Discourage children from talking offensively about others, but be aware that the child may be trying to describe an instance of abuse. • Never talk offensively about others yourself. • Encourage children to obey the rules of the sport, and compete in good faith, and treat officials and other competitors with respect. • Emphasize fair play! Unacceptable Behavior • Never advocate measures to gain an unfair advantage or cheat in any way. • Never allow children in your care to do this. PERSONAL STANDARDS Good Practice • Always display high personal standards. • Respect USSA’s Core Values and live them. • Respect USSA’s Code of Conduct. • Always project a favorable image of the sport, the Olympic movement, USSA, and FIS. • Always project an image of health, cleanliness and efficiency. Unacceptable Behavior
chapter 1 introduction to the team manual
• Do not smoke, or drink alcohol to excess, when in the company of children. • Never use profane, insulting or otherwise offensive language. • Never use any form of sexually charged verbal intimacy or innuendoes. If You Are Unsure • Always err on the side of protecting the child. Take action. • If you are unsure of what is appropriate or necessary in the particular circumstance, you should consult local counsel, medical professionals, or contact USSA’s EVP and General Counsel for guidance by emailing anatt@ussa.org. • Always involve the child’s parents in any action involving their child. DEFINING ABUSE • Physical • Emotional • Neglect • Sexual • Bullying Physical Abuse • Physical injury of all types when such injury is intentional or results from neglect. • Giving a child alcohol or inappropriate medications or drugs. • In a sports situation, this may also occur when the nature and intensity of training disregard the capacity of the child’s immature and growing body.
17
Emotional Abuse • May involve telling a child that he/she is useless, devaluing them. • Constant criticism and negative feedback. • Shouting threats or taunts. • Unrealistic expectation of performance at levels above a child’s capability. Neglect • Failure to provide adequate food or shelter. • Prolonged unnecessary exposure to cold or heat. • Unnecessary risk of injury Sexual Abuse • In sport, activities which might involve physical contact with children may create situations where sexual abuse may go unnoticed. • The power of the coach over the athlete could, if misused, lead to abusive situations developing. Bullying • May be physical, verbal or emotional. • Is usually repeated over a period of time. • May involve staff, other athletes, or parents. • Signs may include a drop in performance, behavioral changes, mood swings, reluctance to train/compete, frequent loss of possessions, physical injuries (bruising, scratches, etc.), poor sleep, loss of appetite/ weight.
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chapter 1 introduction to the team manual
Be Vigilant • Ensure coaches and those in positions of trust are screened pursuant to USSA’s criminal background screening policy. • Watch for signs of abuse and bullying. • Note changes in behavior. • Drop in performance. • Physical symptoms and signs. Action • It is NOT your responsibility to decide if abuse is taking place. • However, if you suspect abuse, you
In the event you have any questions about these guidelines or with to discuss or report any suspected violation of these guidelines, please contact USSA’s EVP and General Counsel, Alex Natt at anatt@ussa.org. Hotline This no-cost, confidential service helps athletes manage crisis situations and other misconductrelated issues that they may face. The hotline is staffed by professionals who will listen to concerns and quickly connect callers with resources in the community. Any USSA athlete may call the hotline at any time, which is staffed 24/7.
should take action. Report your concerns
The hotline services are currently available:
to parents, or if necessary, local child
Call: 855.665.5473
protection or law enforcement authorities.
TDD: 800.697.0353
• Seek counsel from qualified individuals to assist your club in addressing objectionable behaviors. Remember • The effects of abuse may have very longlasting consequences for the child.
Safe Sport Training Additional training is available at training. safesport.org and USSA members can access at no cost using the code SAFESPORTUSA. All Coaches, Officials, and the parents of minor competitors and youth members are strongly encouraged to take this course. Please take
• The welfare of the child is paramount.
note of this website and code so you can
• Children must be protected from harm,
complete the training after finalizing your
discrimination and degrading treatments. DOCUMENTS These guidelines are intended to complement: • The USSA Code of Conduct • The USSA Policy on Sexual Abuse and Harassment • The USSA Criminal Background Screening Policy FIS and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Anti-Doping Policies • FIS and WADA Anti-Doping Policies
membership. The code is intended for use by USSA members and their parents only, and is not intended for re-distribution.
chapter 2 national team membership
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USSA NATIONAL TEAM POLICIES The USSA takes a disciplined approach to how
Uniform and Equipment Policy
its staff and athletes operate using its Core
Athletes, staff and others providing services under
Values acting as the guiding principles. This
USSA management and control shall abide by
Team Manual outlines many of the procedures
uniform and equipment policies and procedures
and policies the USSA has implemented to
for all USSA Foundation, Team, Marketing, media,
ensure successful management of its
competition and training activities.
athletic programs.
Team Housing Policy
National Team POLICIES
Athletes, staff and others providing services
Athlete Fundraising
under USSA management and control will stay in
In order to provide performance services to
USSA-authorized housing during official training
elite athletes, the USSA engages in fundraising
and competition, unless specifically authorized
activities based around its trademarked
by the Head Coach.
brands, including the USSA, U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing. While national team athletes are free to raise additional funds for their own individual support, the USSA reserves the exclusive right to use of the name, marks and images of its brand, as well as contact lists. Alcohol Policy The use of alcohol on the USSA premises and during USSA team activities is prohibited, except when the CEO authorizes such use for certain social activities or social events. Team activities include, but are not limited to, USSA Foundation, sponsor and media events and functions (e.g., Ski and Snowboard Balls, sponsor/donor dinners, VIP tents, event-related activities, etc.), team meetings, team meals/dinners, video review, ski/wax rooms and work- or athleticrelated activities. The consumption of alcohol by staff and others providing services under USSA management and control with or in the presence of athletes and vice versa is prohibited during USSA projects or activities. When alcohol consumption has been deemed appropriate, it shall be in strict moderation.
Event Participation Policy Athletes will participate in elite-level USSA events hosted in the United States for which they qualify, provided that exceptions for medical restrictions or other unique circumstances can be made with prior approval by the respective sport director and EVP, Athletics. Unfunded Athlete Participation In the event an athlete is not fully funded for USSA activities (usually based on team classification, i.e., A, B, C, and D team), such athlete will be responsible for and must pay the appropriate amount for the applicable activity prior to commencing that activity. If the exact amount of the activity cannot be determined in advance, the USSA will determine a reasonable estimate that the athlete will pay in advance. Any difference between the estimate and the actual cost of the activity must promptly be paid by the athlete or reimbursed to the athlete as the case may be.
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POLICY ACCOUNTABILITY In order to achieve organizational excellence and individual athletic success, the USSA has established policies and procedures that will help ensure a consistent, professional environment that optimizes opportunities for all partners (athletes, parents, staff, donors, clubs, etc.). The USSA expects all of its partners to abide by these policies and procedures. The purpose of enforcement procedures is to work in partnership with those involved in educating to the values and policies of the organization and to change behavior where deemed appropriate. Failure to abide by policies and procedures may lead to disciplinary action, including but not limited to education, fines, suspension and termination of rights.
Patrick Deneen Š Getty Images
2 3
chapter
Mikaela Schiffrin Š Getty Images
national team introduction to membership the ussa
chapter 3 introduction to the ussa
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INTRODUCTION TO THE USSA The USSA is the NGB of Olympic skiing and snowboarding. Developed to facilitate participation in national and international competition, the Olympic sports organization provides structure for competitive skiing and snowboarding. From grassroots programs to governance of sport, management of rules, competitions and athletic rankings, the USSA oversees athletic pipelines for development in the sports. With a vision to make the USA the best in the world in Olympic skiing and snowboarding, the USSA provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders who share an Olympic dream while maintaining a strong adherence to core values. The USSA, established in 1905, operates out of the national training and education facility, the Center of Excellence, in Park City, Utah. The USSA’s national team programs showcase best in the world athletes to the public. The USSA manages three distinctly different brands including the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing. USSA QUICK FACTS • The USSA is comprised of over 30,000 athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers. More than 100,000 parents, supporters and devotees to the sport provide a backbone of athlete support. • The USSA is the most diverse of any Olympic sports organization with numerous different athletic sport programs. • The USSA manages more than 15 different men’s and women’s national programs. • The USSA’s sports account for nearly 50 percent of the Olympic Winter Games events. • The USSA is managed through a staff of more than 150 coaches, managers, field staff and other athletic personnel. • Nearly 425 USSA member clubs nationwide provide entry-level programs for athletes and implementation of competition programs. • Around 4,000 registered USSA coaches provide nationwide athlete training and program support through USSA clubs. • More than 6,000 volunteer officials and judges provide support for USSA competition programs. • USSA athletes broke records in 2014 when they
• Unlike its competitor nations worldwide, the USSA does not receive any federal funding. USSA athletes and programs are funded solely through the generosity of the public with a mix of private contributions (34%), corporate sponsorship (35%), membership fees (11%), Olympic Committee grants (9%) and endowment grants (11%). • The USSA represents more sports than any other Olympic sports organization, accounting for nearly 50% of the events in the Olympic Winter Games. • The USSA supports more than 30,000 members including 22,000 athletes (more than 50% are under 13) in more than 425 local USSA clubs, with athletes taking part in more than 5,000 U.S. competitions annually. • The USSA provides nationwide education for clubs, coaches, parents and officials as well as structure and management rules, races and rankings. • The USSA invests annually in development programming for thousands of athletes. Coaches, trainers and staff are also supported at the national team level every year (not just in Olympic years). • The USSA invests between $50,000 to $150,000 annually to support each athlete in his/her journey to become Best in the World. This is done
won eight gold medals at the Olympic Winter
through years of training and coaching as well as
Games in Sochi.
covering costs.
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chapter 3 introduction to the ussa
SPORT GOVERNANCE In many ways sport governance is a herd of
is very active in the global management of
acronyms that may or may not mean much
competitive skiing and snowboarding. As the
to you – e.g. FIS, IOC, USOC, etc. But sport
national governing body for the United States,
governance is very important as it defines both
the USSA is responsible for development of
the competition rules in your sport and the
Olympic selection criteria for approval by the
eligibility rules that allow you to take part.
USOC. The USSA and the USOC are subject to
U.S. SKI AND SNOWBOARD ASSOCIATION The USSA manages a wide range of unique sport programs in skiing and snowboarding. The USSA
the dictates of the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act of 1998. INTERNATIONAL SKI FEDERATION
is governed by an elected board of directors
The FIS is the recognized international federation
including an athlete and sport leader from each
(IF) for competitive skiing and snowboarding.
of the USSA’s sports, Foundation representatives,
More than 100 national associations, including
the USSA CEO, one at-large member and the
the USSA, are members of the FIS. The FIS
USSA Board of Directors chairman.
headquarters is located in Oberhofen,
As a function of its long term strategic plan, the USSA manages development and elite athletic programs under a variable sport management
Switzerland. The FIS is responsible for several extremely important areas: • Development and enforcement of all
program adapted to the strategic direction
competition rules in competitive skiing
of each respective sport. The USSA also
and snowboarding, including all FIS and
manages elite team programs under three
Olympic events
separate athletic brands: the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing. The USSA Board of Directors is chaired by Dexter Paine, a longtime trustee and avid skier. The staff and management of the USSA are led by President and CEO Tiger Shaw, who also sits on the USSA Board. The Board is responsible for providing direction for the organization, with the
• Development and enforcement of all eligibility rules for participation in FIS and Olympic events • Scheduling of all FIS skiing and snowboarding events, including FIS and Olympic events • Producing FIS World Championships in skiing and snowboarding
staff and management team responsible for
It is extremely important as an athlete that you
day-to-day operations and leadership.
are familiar with FIS rules, including both the
The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation
competition rules for your specific sport and the
has a separate board of trustees who provide
general eligibility rules. It is your responsibility to
expertise, financial support, fundraising
be aware of these rules. You risk disqualification
assistance and leadership. The USSA is a national association of the FIS and
or sanctions for violation of rules. You also risk eligibility to participate in Olympic events if you violate rules.
chapter 3 introduction to the ussa
24
You can find copies of FIS rules at www.fis-ski.com
years, and executive board members for terms
or in the various sport sections of www.ussa.org.
of four years.
The FIS is led by President Gian-Franco Kasper
The Olympic movement receives most of its
and is managed on a day-to-day basis
funding from the broadcast rights bought by
by Secretary General Sarah Lewis. Primary
networks around the world. However, it also
rulemaking is the responsibility of the FIS
benefits from The Olympic Partners’ (TOP)
Congress, a meeting held every even-numbered
worldwide sponsorship program comprising
year and attended by representatives from
multinational companies. By retaining all
all FIS national associations. In the interim,
rights relating to the organization, marketing,
regular governance is provided by the elected
broadcasting and reproduction of the Olympics,
17-member FIS Council. Dexter Paine is a vice
the IOC ensures the continuity of a unique and
president of the FIS Council. In addition, more
universal event.
than 30 U.S. sport leaders sit in positions on various FIS committees. INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE The USOC is a non-profit organization that serves as the national Olympic committee (NOC) for
The IOC is an international non-governmental,
the United States as recognized by the IOC. As
non-profit organization and the creator of the
a NOC, the USOC supports American athletes
Olympic movement. It was founded in 1894 by
in general and Olympic athletes in particular.
the French educator Baron Pierre de Coubertin
Athletes who participate in the Olympics are
who was inspired to revive the Olympic Games
approved and entered by the USOC.
of Greek antiquity.
The USSA, as the recognized NGB for Olympic
The IOC serves as the umbrella organization
skiing and snowboarding, works closely with the
of the Olympic movement. It owns all rights to
USOC on many fronts including athlete services,
the Olympic symbols, flag, motto, anthem and
Olympic selection, team support and other
Olympic Games. Its primary responsibility is to
business areas.
supervise the organization of the summer and winter Olympics.
The USOC has established a number of training centers throughout the USA. The USSA interfaces
Its role is to promote top-level sport as well as
with the USOC to manage access to those
sport for all in accordance with the Olympic
centers for its athletes and programs.
charter. It ensures the regular celebration of the Olympics and strongly encourages, by appropriate means, the promotion of women in sport, sport ethics and the protection of athletes. The IOC is composed of a maximum of 115 elected members who meet at least once a year. The IOC session elects a president for a term of eight years, renewable once for four
The USOC also manages selection among American cities wishing to host future Olympics. The winner selected by the USOC will be allowed to submit a bid to the IOC, which is in charge of selecting the eventual host city.
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chapter 3 introduction to the ussa
Todd Lodwick © Getty Images
USSA BUSINESS MODEL The USSA business model has one preeminent purpose: to maximize the available funding for athletic programs. All activities conducted (or
• Rules, competitions and rankings • Education and pipeline programming
being considered) by the USSA are evaluated
• Sport administration
under two basic premises:
The USSA is continually looking to maximize and
1. Does it have a direct athletic program
grow net revenue from all possible revenue
benefit that would assist in improving
sources to fund athletics. Primary revenue
athletic performance?
sources include corporate partnerships including
2. Can it deliver additional net revenue that could then be used to support additional athletic programs?
event and team sponsorships, licensing, television rights and commercial unit sales, public donation programs through the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation, membership
The USSA’s athletic responsibilities are far-
dues and fees, an annual grant from the USSA’s
reaching across each of our different sports and
endowment and annual performance grants
include the following activities:
from the USOC.
• Elite team management (training, coaching, competition, sport science and medical programs)
chapter 3 introduction to the ussa
26
USSA PLANNING PROCESS The USSA has a planning cycle that produces
World Cup goals and down the competition
a comprehensive, rolling five-year strategic
ladder. Once all departments have submitted
plan annually. It serves as a road map to
their plans, including the priority listing of
achieve organizational goals. Its primary focus
unfunded initiatives, the chief financial officer
is the realization of skiing and snowboarding
(CFO) in consultation with the CEO and the EVP,
athletic excellence. It also is a business plan that
Athletics, arranges the department initiatives
acknowledges the need for fiscal prudence
in a company priority listing. Upon completion
and responsibility. The plan represents the
of the review, the CEO releases any additional
culmination of detailed examination of all areas
funds to cover the top company initiatives.
of responsibility by each department head.
This detailed plan will be compiled, refined,
In order to achieve the five mutually-
approved and published as the USSA Five-Year
reinforcing goals, the plan begins with a brief
Strategic Plan with Addendum A in mid-May
but sharply-focused vision, mission and core
and distributed to the USOC, the USSA Board
values statement. Using these statements
of Directors and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard
and the current fiscal year as the baseline
Team Foundation Board of Trustees. The detailed
departure point, goals are established within
athletic department sport plans for the next five
each functional area. These goals are specific
years of the five-year plan are developed and
in nature, achievable and, most importantly,
presented to the USSA CEO, EVP, Athletics and
measurable.
CFO in July and published in August of each
In athletics, all goals begin with Olympic Winter Games followed by World Championship goals,
year as Addendum B to the USSA Five-Year Strategic Plan.
Stacey Cook Š Getty Images
chapter
ussa athletics
4
Greg Bretz Š Sarah Brunson/U.S. Snowboarding
chapter 4 ussa athletics
28
WELCOME FROM USSA ATHLETICS our success and have helped lift us as a team. Your successes have been historic and this team will have a lasting and positive impact on the sport. Preparation, the strength of your plan and athletic vision and your accountability to the process of performance determines who you are as an athlete. Your integrity, your ability to respect those around you and your willingness to accept your position as a teammate and role model for youth defines who we are as a team. As a member of this team, you can expect that everyone involved will be totally invested in your success and in the success of our team. With that come expectations of you as an individual. Photo: Sarah Brunson/USSA
As an athlete, you have certain responsibilities to the team to help us function and perform at the highest possible levels over the long term. These
Together as members of the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing, you have created one of the greatest teams in our 105year history. With its record-setting performance at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games, this team has demonstrated the ability to produce extraordinary, inspiring athletic performances. These performances are a product of your
responsibilities are purposely designed to allow us to effectively execute our plan for success and to maximize your abilities as a champion athlete. This manual is intended to help you understand and adhere to those responsibilities, and to help you identify and realize maximum benefit from the resources we have developed for you, to help us succeed.
commitment to excellence every day, strong
Athletes are the USSA’s most important
core values and your ability to create a team
stakeholders, and I am proud of your
culture that has reached throughout our entire
performances both on the snow and off.
organization. That team culture has enabled us to marshal all of our resources around you and
Sincerely,
plan for success. That team spirit, your personalities, your performances and your ability to invest others in
Luke Bodensteiner
our success has inspired an army of volunteers
Executive Vice President, Athletics
and donors, supporters and sponsors, fans and
U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association
advocates. They have committed themselves to
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chapter 4 ussa athletics
FOUR CORNERSTONES OF ATHLETIC SUCCESS USSA Athletics is focused on providing strong
National Development Systems (NDS)
leadership that establishes and supports athletic
Development recognizes the importance of
excellence at every level of competition with
collaboration and cooperation between USSA
the ultimate goal of becoming best in the
coaches, clubs, divisions, regions, parents,
world in Olympic skiing and snowboarding and
judges, officials and other partners throughout
sustaining this excellence into the future. In order to achieve this focus, it is clear that all levels of each sport pipeline must be properly organized and coordinated to best assist athletes and their coaches in reaching their full potential. USSA Athletics has established four areas that form the foundation for USSA’s strategy to be the best in the world. These are often referred to as USSA’s Four Cornerstones. FOUR CORNERSTONES OF ATHLETIC SUCCESS • Elite athlete programs • Sport science and medicine • National development systems • Coaches education
the pipeline of each sport. The USSA’s Competition Services Department is responsible for rules, rankings and competition calendars in all sports. A NDS philosophy is established in each sport based on analysis to determine the resources needed to support you while competing in clubs and local programs. The NDS also helps bridge the transition between your home program and the national team. Sport Education Through the USSA Sport Education Department, the USSA educates and certifies member coaches, judges, officials and general membership. The Sport Education Department encompasses a wide variety of coaching
Elite Athlete Programs
competencies serviced by a number of
The elite athlete program philosophy is to
educational mediums. The goal of coaches’
provide resources and programming that are
education is to ensure that all coaches have
as good as or better than the competition
an opportunity to improve their coaching skills
internationally and are intended to provide
across a broad educational curriculum.
you with the tools you need to be successful internationally. Winning inspires and encourages athletes at all levels to achieve their highest personal potential.
Each USSA sport has developed a national training system for their sport, supported by a comprehensive curriculum for coaches. To date, Sport Education has developed a number of
Sport Science and Medicine
joint courses and educational resources that
The USSA’s High Performance Department
are applicable for all USSA sports. For example,
provides education and services to USSA elite
nutrition, strength and conditioning, sport
athletes and coaches outside of their technical
psychology and successful sports parenting are
sport knowledge. In addition, sport science has
common topics that all coaches must master
been used to establish a methodical approach
to be successful. Education for our members
to improve sport performance through
is critical to the continuity and consistency of
systematic evaluation and measurement of
programming up and down the developmental
sport performance components.
USSA pipeline.
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USSA ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT STRUCTURE USSA Athletics is organized to provide leadership over each sport pipeline from entry-level club programs to elite teams by employing a sport director and the appropriate administrative staff to support management and coordination of each sport’s activities. In addition, each sport director is responsible for assembling the appropriate coaching and support staff to run the elite team program. Directors and staff also are assigned to lead and manage Sport Science, Sports Medicine, Professional Athlete Development, Sport Education and Competition Services – service departments that support the efforts of each sport. Finally, the EVP, Athletics leads and manages across all sports and athletic department activities.
Ashley Caldwell © Getty Images
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chapter 4 ussa athletics
USSA SPORT SCIENCE
DISCIPLINE COORDINATORS
USSA Sport Science Department provides
Sports Technology and Biomechanics
current, applied and comprehensive sport
Dr. Troy Flanagan, High Performance Director
science support to USSA athletes and coaches.
435.602.9506
A major goal of the department is to provide to
tflanagan@ussa.org
every athlete the information, skills and support necessary to fully prepare for the demands of elite competition.
Physiology Dr. Jim Stray-Gundersen, Sport Science Consultant
Sport Science manages the USSA’s training
435.714.2938
and testing facility and is structured into the
jstraygundersen@ussa.org
following disciplines: physiology, strength and conditioning, sports dietetics, video and technology and sports psychology. In all of these specialized areas, testing, program design, program support and education are available. In addition to these fundamental
Strength and Conditioning Mike Bahn, Strength and Conditioning Coordinator 435.714.8311 mbahn@ussa.org
services, specialized competition-based analysis
Sports Dietetics
and support also are available to certain team
Allen Tran, Dietitian
athletes. These competition services include:
435.714.8466
physiological analysis and tracking, food service,
atran@ussa.org
nutritional support, fatigue analysis, video analysis, biomechanical analysis, mental skills training and technological support. The Center of Excellence in Park City serves as the principal training site and testing facility for USSA elite and development teams. The training center staff provides state-of-the-art training, medical and testing services to all USSA athletic programs. The center itself serves as the main satellite site from which many educational endeavors are performed, developed and distributed to coaches and athletes around the country. The training center is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. A coach must be present to use this facility outside of these hours.
Performance Psychology Dr. Lester Keller, Sport Psychology Coordinator 435.640.8503 lkeller@ussa.org
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USSA SPORTS MEDICINE USSA MEDICAL Injury prevention and management is one of the most important focuses of the USSA with its national teams. The USSA’s medical program is a division within the High Performance Department with its main focus to provide effective athlete medical management including health, injury prevention, acute injury management/treatment and return from injury. The division also works towards improving safety in event organization and equipment recommendations and maintains a level field of play through anti-doping policy – critical components to achieving the goal of best in the world. The division is managed by USSA Medical
to ensure the best possible medical care.
Director, Kyle Wilkens MSPAS, PA-C, L-ATC with
Volunteers are integrated within the medical
support and direction from USSA Chief Physician
program through the USSA Medical Committee,
Dr. Richard Steadman and the USSA Medical
physician pool, regional medical sponsors and
Committee. The division directs overall policy
the PT/ATC pool. Members of the physician and
and procedures governing the medical care
PT/ATC pools also provide medical coverage to
and management of USSA athletes, including
teams on the road.
management of all support systems. Medical services are provided to athletes in all national team programs. Each sport is allocated a team physical therapist (PT) and/or athletic trainer (ATC) to medically manage athletes under the guidance of the team physician and
Contact Kyle Wilkens MSPAS, PA-C, L-ATC Director of Medical Services 435.714.2058 kwilkens@ussa.org
Medical Director. They also utilize additional
USSA MEDICAL COMMITTEE
therapists and/or trainers, medical regional
The USSA Medical Committee’s primary
sponsors and volunteer physicians from the USSA
function is to provide resources, direction and
Medical Pool. The head Team PT and/or ATC
guidance through recommendations regarding
travels on a consistent basis, primarily with A and
overall policy and procedure governing
B teams, in addition to coordinating coverage
medical care of team athletes. Committee
for various squads of the teams as they separate
members also provide networking resources for
in camps or competition. Although additional
expertise in medical care sought for athletes
PTs and/or ATCs provide daily medical care and
based on specific situations. The committee is
treatment for the squad they are covering, it is
comprised of team physicians closely involved
still the responsibility of the head Team PT and/
in medical management of athletes in addition
or ATC to be aware of all athletes’ participation
to specialists who provide guidance and
status at all times.
recommendations.
This program is dependent on the commitment
Medical Committee
of dedicated volunteers and sponsors who
Chairman
provide the additional resources necessary
Dr. Richard Steadman, Steadman Clinic, Vail, CO
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chapter 4 ussa athletics
Men’s Alpine Dr. Terrence Orr, Barton Healthcare
USSA Physician Pool Program The USSA Physician Pool is comprised of more
Women’s Alpine
than 200 licensed medical providers of various
Dr. William Sterett, Vail Summit Orthopedics,
specialties who volunteer their time and
Vail, CO
financial resources to provide medical services
Freestyle Dr. David Goltz, Mt. Tam Orthopedics, Larkspur, CA
to the team. Requirements include screening by the USSA Medical Committee and regular participation in USSA training courses. Once established as pool members, medical providers
Snowboarding
are scheduled annually to travel with a team
Dr. Tom Hackett, Steadman Clinic, Vail, CO
to provide medical care and assistance to you
Freeskiing
and USSA staff.
Dr. Andrew Cooper, Comprehensive
Team Physical Therapist/Athletic Trainer
Orthopedics, Salt Lake City, UT
The ongoing management of daily athlete
Nordic
care is accomplished though head team
Dr. Larry Gaul, Avanti Cardiology, Vail, CO
therapists or trainers who travel with the teams
Alpine Development Dr. Vern Cooley, Rosenberg Cooley Clinic, Park City, UT
on a full time basis. Their job is to make certain all parties interfacing with athletes have a clear understanding of athletes’ participation status and any ongoing issues that are being
Neurology Consultant
addressed medically. The job of the Team PT/
Dr. Jeffery Kutcher, University of Michigan/
ATC is to supervise the overall management
Neurosport, Ann Arbor, MI
and coordination of athlete medical care with
Team Physicians
respect to all medically related issues. They utilize the team physicians to provide expertise
Team physicians are responsible for keeping
and guidance in accomplishing their job as well
abreast of the medical issues involved with
as the support of USSA Physician Pool members
athletes they oversee. They serve as the primary
and PT/ATC rotational pool members for daily
resource for the head coach, therapist/trainer,
medical coverage of camps and competitions.
medical director or coordinator regarding medical issues relating to an athlete’s ability to train or compete. They also provide recommendations regarding further evaluation, diagnostic procedures and treatment plans and maintain up-to-date information on the medical and participation status of all athletes.
Physical Therapist and/or Athletic Trainer Rotational Pool The USSA has established a rotational pool of volunteer PTs and ATCs from clinics around the country to provide daily medical management at camps and competitions. They are responsible for acute care while with the team as well as communicating ongoing medical
chapter 4 ussa athletics
issue management strategies to the Team PT and/or ATC, medical director or coordinator to ensure continuity of care. The rotational pool is completely voluntary or sponsored by USSA regional medical sponsors. These voluntary PTs and ATCs take time away from their established employment to provide medical care to teams. The Team PT and/or ATC are responsible for scheduling these volunteers, which is determined by resource allocation from teams
UTPhysical Therapy Clinics Olympic Physical Therapy, Seattle, WA; Glendale, AZ Rebound Physical Therapy, Bend, OR Saco Bay Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, Portland, ME Yampa Valley Medical Center, Steamboat Springs, CO McKay Dee/Stewart Rehab, Ogden, UT
to cover travel expenses.
Dental
USSA MEDICAL REGIONAL SPONSORS
Advanced Dentistry, Park City, UT
The USSA has developed a regional medical
Aesthetics Dentistry, Vail, CO
sponsorship program to formalize the many
Imaging
established relationships with medical service providers across the country. This includes
34
Salt Lake MRI, South Jordan, UT
hospitals, physical therapy clinics and medical
This coordinated system of medical care support
clinics. These sponsorships currently supply
ensures coverage of more than 140 camps and
extensive physical therapy/athletic trainer
events annually. The time and commitment
support to the rotational pool, sports medicine
of these individuals is critical to medical
supplies, expedited medical services and
management of you, an elite-level athlete, and
athlete injury rehabilitation. Most of all they
your quest for success.
provide seamless continuity of care for you, which optimizes proper medical management as well as helping the USSA manage expenses associated with medical services. Hospitals Barton Memorial Hospital, South Lake Tahoe, CA Mammoth Hospital, Mammoth Lakes, CA Vail Valley Medical Center, Vail, CO Park City Medical Center, Park City, UT Orthopedic Clinics Desert Orthopedics, Bend, OR Mt. Tam Orthopedics, Larkspur, CA Rosenberg-Cooley Clinic, Park City, UT Steadman Hawkins Clinic, Vail, CO Calton/Harrison Clinic, Ogden, UT Washington Orthopedic Clinic, Centralia, WA Vail Valley Medical Center Clinics, Vail, CO Comprehensive Orthopedics, Salt Lake City,
The USSA provides a wide range of medical services for athletes. But ultimately it is the athlete’s responsibility to professionally integrate within the medical program to best utilize these services. The USSA provides you with a well-funded athletic program and has an investment in you, as a national team athlete. Your understanding and compliance with USSA’s medical requirements is your responsibility as a team member.
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chapter 4 ussa athletics
Gus Kenworthy © Getty Images
Women’s U.S. Alpine Ski Team © Getty Images
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36
ATHLETE MEDICAL MANAGEMENT Basic healthcare is simple in concept, but it
Exercise recommendations may also be given to
can become a limiting factor in performance
you based on the results from functional screens.
if not managed correctly. It is absolutely
The physical exam process is coordinated
critical in patient care to have a complete
through the Medical Department by the team’s
medical record to ensure efficient quality care.
head PT and/or ATC and team physician.
A complete picture allows for better overall
Ideally, it is completed annually before your
management of medical conditions that could
team’s first camp. The process includes:
impact the athlete’s ability to train and perform. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT – STRUCTURE AND PROCEDURES Medical Information Management – Team Medical Notebooks Ongoing management of individual performance-related medical issues can be problematic with many different medical providers integrating to provide support. This is especially challenging with the diversity of the USSA’s teams. USSA Medical utilizes web based medical history and electronic medical record keeping to help manage medical history, emergency contact information and other ongoing issues for athletes. These sites include any required reference to clearance for participation
• Medical release, medical history and emergency contact information • Review of immunization status with education regarding current trends • Review of medications and completion of anti-doping restrictive substance forms • General medical exam and orthopedic screening • Identification of any critical issues to be addressed • Annual hip screen • Concussion baseline screening that include ImPACT neurocognitive screen • Y-Balance screen
and at what level. All ongoing treatment or
• Complete Notice of Privacy release forms
management changes are recorded in these
Medical Coverage of Camps and Events
sites to ensure continuity of care.
The benefits of professional medical coverage
Annual Physical Exam Screening Process
includes expert medical care in an emergency
All team athletes must undergo a periodic
as well as providing a resource to the coaching
sports physical exam with orthopedic screening.
staff to make good athlete management
Activation of your athlete insurance requires
decisions. Good management decisions
this exam and must certify that you are cleared
minimize time lost by an athlete to injury as
to train and compete in team conditioning,
well as reducing risk of further injury. Providing
training camps and competitions. The USSA
adequate care for both ongoing overuse or
retains the right to require further medical
injury management, as well as acute triage
examination based upon your medical findings.
care in more significant injuries, is accomplished
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chapter 4 ussa athletics
through several tiers of medical support for elite team coverage: team therapist/trainer, team physician and support rotation from the PT/ATC pool and physician pool. Emergent Action Plans Emergent Action Plans (EAP) detail the various responsibilities of staff members should an emergency occur. Team medical staff is responsible for establishing and discussing this plan with team personnel as well as completing a location-specific EAP for each event or training venue. These plans provide
4. Complete initial injury report to USSA Medical within 24 hours. 5. Make sure insurance forms are completed. Serious Injury Procedure 1. Should a more serious injury occur requiring more definitive care, the process will involve: initial site triage/stabilization followed by transport to designated facility as per established EAP. Either physician, PT and/or ATC or team staff should accompany the athlete to the hospital to act on their behalf.
staff and volunteers with an understanding and
2. Contact USSA Medical as soon as medically
accountability for the management of medical
stable to relay current status information,
emergency situations.
immediate plan and possible further transport
ACUTE INJURY PROCEDURES When an athlete is injured while competing or training, it is essential to properly manage the injury to minimize time away from training
requirements. USSA Medical or team personnel will inform athlete emergency contact and USSA Executive staff. 3. Once the extent of injury is determined and
and competition. Depending on the extent
initial stabilization of life/limb threatening
and nature of the injury, there are several
situations is accomplished, further treatment
steps involved in returning an athlete to full
options will be discussed between the
training loads and competition. No matter
athlete and/or family, USSA on-site medical
what the injury is, the information needs to be
staff and USSA Medical regarding the best
incorporated into the overall management
plan for the athlete based on injury, current
scheme of that athlete.
status limitations and recommended options.
General Injury Process 1. Communicate injury status with PT and/ or ATC and head coach to facilitate rapid care and appropriate medical assistance. 2. If the athlete requires further immediate care or diagnostics, as per team EAP, physician/trainer or coach accompanies athlete to hospital or clinic (take insurance information). 3. Notify USSA Medical as soon as possible
4. USSA Medical enlists the expertise of the chief physician and other committee members as per injury to provide the athlete and/or parents with recommendations regarding best options for treatment based on injury and situation. 5. The athlete and/or family reserves the right to make the final decision with regard to further treatment options based on recommendations. Once the decision is determined from the athlete and/or
(ASAP) as to injury extent, current status and
family regarding the immediate plan for
immediate plan.
the athlete, a USSA Team Manager and/
chapter 4 ussa athletics
or USSA executive will complete travel arrangements. 6. Medical Director will contact physician of
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Process for Further Care and Communication Once initial evaluation and diagnosis have been made on-site and it is determined that the
choice that athlete will travel to and make
athlete requires further evaluation or diagnostic
necessary appointment arrangements.
testing, the athlete will return home or to the
7. Insurance company alerted by USSA Medical and on-site coach, PT/ATC or physician. Fax insurance forms to USSA. Minor Injury Procedure In situations where the injury incurred is minor in nature and can be managed without returning home, the following adjustments in procedures and communication flow can be made: 1. Triage at site, extent of injury determined by on-site personnel or local services. 2. Attending physician, PT and/or ATC,
chosen physician. Communication procedures for physicians evaluating a USSA athlete at home are as follows: 1. USSA Medical will contact the receiving physician to arrange appointment and initiate communication process. 2. Once the athlete is evaluated and a diagnosis determined, the physician will notify USSA Medical as soon as possible with the final diagnosis and recommended treatment course. 3. USSA Medical will communicate the
coach and athlete determine the best
definitive diagnosis to the team – PT/ATC or
management plan to return the athlete to
coach, team physician, Team Manager and
training and competition.
USSA Executive staff.
3. Team PT and/or ATC notifies USSA Medical
4. If the athlete desires a second opinion, USSA
and team staff of injury, athlete status
Medical will work to facilitate that decision
and plan.
and arrange appointments necessary.
4. USSA Medical informs USSA Executive staff. Injuries That Occur When NOT with the Team As a national team athlete, it is your responsibility to report all injuries and illnesses to USSA Medical on the same day they occur. Notify your team’s head PT and/or ATC. If unavailable, inform the medical director immediately. They will assist in coordinating your care which may include further evaluation or referral to a USSA pool physician or a local medical center. If you seek outside medical care, it is critical that you coordinate that activity with your team’s head PT and/or ATC. You also are required to clear a medical evaluation conducted by the Medical Department prior to participating in USSA athletic activities.
5. A copy of all physician chart notes and diagnostic test results should be faxed to USSA Medical to be included in athlete file.
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SURGICAL PROCEDURES AND COMMUNICATION
facilities, estimated time off from injury and time
WITH THE USSA
of year, school attendance, age of athlete
The USSA invests a significant amount of
and home support. The goal is to create the
money annually to provide the best training
best overall arrangement for you to rehabilitate
and support services necessary for you to
efficiently and effectively in a supportive
perform at the highest possible level. While it
environment.
is recognized that any athlete has the right to choose a physician or therapy situation in
Communication throughout Rehabilitation
which they have confidence, the USSA also
All USSA physical therapists or partner facilities
is committed to providing the best possible
are responsible for weekly communication to
resources for the most optimal outcome if
USSA Medical regarding athletes’ rehabilitation
surgery is needed. USSA Medical will work to
progress including progress notes and detailed
provide you and your family with the foremost
exercise reports. This information is forwarded to
non-biased information regarding all options
the Team PT/ATC and coaches. USSA Medical
available. Recommendations will be based
will stay in contact with you, your home therapist
on solid research and experience in order to
and physician throughout the initial phase
make the best decision regarding your injury,
of rehabilitation to ensure communication
possible surgery, recommended treatment
between all individuals.
and rehabilitative process. If you choose to go
Once a solid rehabilitation program is
outside the recommendations of the USSA or the
established, administrative communication
sponsored resources, you must recognize the
is not as frequent and the Team PT and/
responsibility for increased cost over and above
or ATC will periodically check in with you to
what insurance will reimburse. This increased
assure all is going well with the rehab process.
expense is your responsibility and includes
Sport Science interaction is encouraged as
both surgical interventions as well as physical
soon as is reasonable, and communication is
rehabilitation.
facilitated between your home therapist and
Rehabilitation Process
Sport Science. At the end of the competitive
Ideally, injured athletes are most efficiently and effectively rehabilitated through a process monitored directly by USSA staff or its partner individuals/facilities that have a complete understanding of stresses encountered through your sport. USSA Medical will work to arrange the best possible rehabilitative situation based on the injury sustained, physician evaluation and diagnosis with a recommended plan. Other factors in creating optimal conditions for rehabilitation include: home location and
season and beginning of new training year, the Team PT/ATC will increase communication with you and your home therapist to begin the reconditioning transition, utilizing all parties involved to design your plan. When appropriate, you will transition to the reconditioning phase, which will be managed in a coordinated effort between the Team PT/ATC, team physiologist, conditioning coach and home rehabilitation therapist. Reconditioning Phase
chapter 4 ussa athletics
When returning from injury, there is a transitional phase in which the athlete is beyond formal rehabilitation but is clearly not ready for the full training loads of conditioning, let alone on-snow training. This phase has become identified as the “reconditioning phase�. This phase is a gradual transition from formal therapy to a program designed specifically for the demands of your sport. This is probably the most
40
2. Functional clearance from the therapist and/or trainer working with the athlete. 3. USSA Medical approval of the functional clearance evaluation when conducted outside USSA Medical staff. 4. Development of a Return to Snow program for reintegration into team camp situation. Written clearance faxed to USSA Medical
important phase in returning an athlete to full
(435.940.2798) will be required from both the
performance capability.
physician and therapist, clearing the athlete
The home rehabilitation therapist, Team PT and/
to participate in normal training and/or
or ATC, team physiologist and coach initially will
competition and including any recommended
manage this phase. As the athlete progresses
restrictions.
to more standard conditioning, the Team PT
Following official clearance, the athlete will
and/or ATC becomes primarily responsible for
progress through an established RTS program
management of this phase and will give the
developed by the Team PT and/or ATC with
physiologist direction in appropriate changes to
support from coaches and Sport Science.
accommodate transition and progression to onsnow training. Communication and coordination in this phase is absolutely critical in creating a successful outcome. It also is desirable to have the athlete come to the USSA training center frequently to ensure the best integration of care and program design.
USSA MEDICAL FACILITIES The USSA Physical Therapy and Athletic Training room is located in the USSA Center of Excellence in Park City and is open for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of USSA national team athletes. An ATC or licensed PT administers medical care and treatment. All treatments are
Medical Clearance for Athletes Returning
performed until the medical staff determines
from Injury
they are no longer required. Treatments outside
Because most athletes are highly motivated
of training room hours are by appointment only.
to return to full activity and training as soon as
Please be respectful of USSA Medical staff and
possible, it is sometimes difficult to assess their
be on time for your appointments!
readiness for the spectrum of training activities both on and off snow. To assist in this evaluation,
Contact
the USSA has established a more formalized
Jenn Kimball, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, Senior
process to define what the athlete is ready to
Rehabilitation Specialist
do. This process includes the following steps: 1. Official medical clearance from the treating physician and USSA approved team physician.
435.647.2062 jkimball@ussa.org
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chapter 4 ussa athletics
MEDICAL EVACUATION The USSA is committed to ensuring that team
Medical. Med Ex or Global Rescue can be used
athletes receive the best injury care available.
if a situation warrants medical evacuation.
To this end, the USSA maintains relationships with
Athletes who require evacuation will be
two companies that are capable of providing
airlifted to the most suitable medical facility for
medical evacuation from any location in
immediate care and then taken to a U.S. facility
the world to a facility requested by the USSA
for further medical evaluation.
CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Concussion is a brain injury and is defined as a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by biomechanical forces. Several common features that incorporate clinical, pathologic and biomechanical injury constructs that may be utilized in defining the nature of a concussive head injury include: 1. Concussion may be caused either by a
Immediate symptoms include headache
direct blow to the head, face, neck or
or head pressure, dizziness, vertigo, lack of
elsewhere on the body with an ‘‘impulsive’
awareness, nausea, vomiting, loss of balance,
force transmitted to the head.
feeling dazed and foggy, blurred/double vision
2. Concussion typically results in the rapid onset of short-lived impairment of neurological function that resolves spontaneously. However, in some cases, symptoms and signs may evolve over a number of minutes to hours. 3. Concussion may result in neuropathological changes, but the acute clinical symptoms
and photosensitivity. Physical signs may include loss of consciousness, seizure, delayed verbal responses, slurred speech, memory deficits and poor balance. Other symptoms in an unresolved concussion can include feeling sleepy, poor attention and concentration, irritability, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance. TREATMENT AND LONG TERM EFFECTS
largely reflect a functional disturbance
Unless there is a brain lesion, most concussions
rather than a structural injury and, as
can be treated and resolved with careful
such, no abnormality is seen on standard
monitoring, treatment and rest. However,
structural neuroimaging studies.
repeated concussions can cause major health
4. Concussion results in a graded set of clinical symptoms that may or may not involve loss of consciousness. Resolution of the clinical and cognitive symptoms typically follows a sequential course. However, it is important to note that in some cases symptoms may be prolonged.
problems, particularly in athletes under the age of 21. A second blow within days or weeks after a prior concussion is called Second Impact Syndrome and it often leads to death. This is the main reason why we restrict your return to sport following a concussion. It is for your safety and protection. Post-Concussive Syndrome is where symptoms may not resolve for weeks, months
chapter 4 ussa athletics
or years after a concussion. It is possible that you may be more susceptible to concussion if you have this syndrome and you must not have any of these symptoms before you return or you risk permanent damage. A severe long-term effect of multiple concussions can be Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), sometimes known as punch drunk syndrome. It is a form of dementia and can result in permanent symptoms including Parkinsonism, speech and memory problems, slowed mental processing and tremor. It shares features with Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment after a concussion typically includes prescribed rest, plenty of sleep, sometimes medication and a gradual and closely monitored return to sport program in close collaboration with your medical team trainer and concussion management team. In summary, concussion can have serious long term and fatal effects and you are required to report any suspected concussion to your sports
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RETURNING TO SPORT Return-to-sport protocols are complex and follow formal progression protocol. Complaints of symptoms to your teammates, family, the press or to your coaches may also be considered in the return-to-sport evaluation process. The final decision for return to competition is the responsibility of your head coach after return to sport clearance from your concussion management team (your Team PT/ATC, team doctor, medical director and traveling doctor). If, for some reason you do not comply with the above treatment protocol, you will be restricted from returning to training or competition. As mentioned, concussions are a serious condition and without professional assessment, treatment and careful return-to-sport management, you may suffer a permanent medical condition. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
medicine staff or head coach immediately and
As per the Protection of Athletes with Head
follow their recommendations and advice.
Injuries Act passed in the 2011 General Session in
IF YOU SUFFER A HEAD INJURY
the State of Utah, the USSA is required to adopt and enforce a concussion and head injury
If you suffer a head injury, you will be pulled
policy. This act requires us to have a concussion
from training or competition and not allowed to
and head injury policy and restricts any athlete
return until a thorough medical evaluation can
under 18 years old that has a head injury from
take place and a return to sport progression
competition until a diagnosis of concussion is
is completed. As a requirement of your team
made. It also requires us to educate you and
Agreement, all athletes will undergo periodic
your coaches on the signs and symptoms of
baseline (ImPACT, Scat2 and BESS) evaluations
concussion and head injury. Consequently,
every three years.
you and your coaches will undergo regular education about concussion and head injury. It is our policy, and good practice, to adhere to these procedures for all USSA athletes.
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chapter 4 1 ussa introduction athleticsto the team manual
Head Injury
Concussion Injury Protocol Flow Chart Team Trainer/on call MD on-hill assessment Initial Triage/Evaluation
Concussion On site medical eval/SCAT2 by Team PT/ATC and traveling MD (NO LOC, Symptoms resolve quickly) adult athletes 18 yo maybe cleared same day
Observation with guidelines (PT care instructions for home) Emphasis on Physical/Cognitive Rest
TBI Transport to Medical Facility (LOC, ++ symptoms, deterioration)
Hospital Evaluation (Clinical Evaluation, CT, Observation) * If Brain Lesion/Blood is found on Neuroimaging RTS will be on case to case basis
Symptoms Improve / Clear Normal Neuro eval / balance assessment By Team PT/ATC and MD PCSS back to baseline / Asymptomatic
ImPACT post injury assessment Returned to Baseline (Evaluated by Dr. Mark Lovell/Melinda Roalstad)
Cleared Clinically > Observation (PT care instructions for home)
Prolonged Resolution Symptoms ( 3 weeks)
Medical Treatment Supervised Training Progression Return to general activity Special Balance retraining Sport Specific conditioning Progression into competition Supervised by USSA Medical
Asymptomatic
OR with training progression
Think Head First or appropriate consult - If abnormal delay in recovery - Psychological issues identified - Cognitive problems ongoing - Further imaging studies - Full neurocognitive evaluation - Consider use of medications as appropriate
Symptoms Return abnormal prolonged recovery
Final Clearance or Release 1. Normal Medical/Neuro/Balance Evaluations evaluated by USSA Medical or appropriate health care provider 2. Normal ImPACT/SCAT2 - back to baseline/within normal limits 3. Full exertion in sport with no return of any symptoms 4. Medical Clearance to be provided by Concussion Management Team (USSA Medical Director, Head Team Physician, Mark Lovell PhD and/or Melinda Roalstad PAC)
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ANTI-DOPING The USSA, as the NGB for Olympic skiing and snowboarding, is required by the IOC, USOC and FIS to comply with the anti-doping rules and regulations established internationally by the WADA in its code for eligibility in these sports. Ultimate responsibility for compliance rests with each athlete. YOUR ANTI-DOPING RESPONSIBILITY
forms and submission for approval lies with the
Your understanding and management of anti-
athlete. USSA Medical will educate athletes
doping rules and procedures is critical in each
regarding these restrictions and the process.
of the following areas. It is your responsibility to both know the rules and manage yourself within them. Anti-doping management can be a challenge, but it is a responsibility that comes with participation in sport.
Out-of-Competition Testing Pools Elite athletes at or above a specific national or international ranking are required to participate in testing for prohibited substances outside of competitions. The FIS establishes the criteria for
WADA CODE AND FIS ANTI-DOPING RULES
the International Out-of-Competition (OOC) Test
USSA Medical facilitates educational
Pool and USADA establishes the criteria for the
opportunities for athletes, staff, and volunteers
National OOC Test Pool. The USSA must provide
to obtain an understanding of all rules/
a list of athletes who fit the criteria and facilitates
requirements outlined in the WADA code and FIS
communication of compliance requirements to
anti-doping rules. This includes the requirements
the athletes. Those identified athletes establish
of United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
the OOC test pools for USADA (national) and
The following websites are essential for you to
FIS (international). It is possible that an athlete
understand your responsibilities as an elite-level
identified for the national pool would not be
athlete with regard to anti-doping:
included in the international pool. However, if
WADA: www.wada-ama.org USADA: www.usantidoping.org
an athlete is identified for the international pool, they also will be included in the national pool. As a national team athlete, you are responsible
FIS: http://www.fis-ski.com/inside-fis/medical-
for communication of your location information
antidoping/anti-doping/
within the program deadlines. USSA Medical will
All responsibility and requirements including
facilitate communication with athletes in regard
those required by USADA, WADA and/or
to missed test allegations by FIS or USADA.
FIS solely relies with the athlete. The USSA is
It is your responsibility to be compliant with
a resource only and is not responsible for
the requirements of both FIS and USADA
completing forms.
OOC test pools. USSA Medical will assist you in
Therapeutic Use Exemptions
understanding the requirements for compliance
Certain medications utilized to treat normal
as well as your rights to provide explanation
medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes
should you encounter a missed test due to
are listed on the banned substances list and
inadequate location information, no location
require a special exemptions process for legal
information or not being present at the
use. Responsibility for completing all necessary
location listed.
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chapter 4 ussa athletics
Bryan Fletcher Š Getty Images
Continuing Education USSA Medical provides ongoing education for athletes, coaches, PT/ATCs and physicians on banned medications, current rules and regulations as well as policy and procedures for conducting in and out-of-competition doping controls. USADA provides online information on the status of pharmaceuticals and some over the counter medications at http://www.globaldro.org/. In addition, USADA publishes an annual Guide to Prohibited Substances and Methods of Doping that is available either on the USADA website or as a hard copy publication at no cost to the athlete. USSA Liaisons to Anti-Doping Agencies USSA Medical also provides a liaison to the national and international anti-doping organizations to work towards more effective and efficient anti-doping controls at events.
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RETIREMENT For USADA purposes, any athlete who retires
to participate on any team organized or
must promptly inform USADA and his/her
nominated by the USOC, or any International
respective NGB, in writing through fax, courier,
Event. To re-enroll in the USADA RTP, an athlete
or e-mail. If an athlete sends the retirement
must send a return from retirement statement
statement via e-mail, the retirement statement
through courier, fax, or e-mail to USADA. If
must come from an e-mail address that is on file
an athlete sends the return from retirement
with USADA.
statement via e-mail, the statement must come
It is very important for the athlete to check with
from an e-mail address that is on file with USADA.
his/her respective IF for its policy on retirement.
Pursuant to the USOC National Anti-Doping
Under the USOC National Anti-Doping Policies,
Policies, all Athletes or other Persons who are
any athlete who has not provided advance
candidates for membership on the U.S. Olympic
written notice of retirement to USADA and then
or Paralympic teams must be enrolled in the
refuses to participate in a USADA OOC test
USADA RTP for a period up to twelve (12) months
claiming retirement will be subject to an anti-
before the commencement of the competition.
doping
Additionally, an athlete should confirm whether
rules violation.
his/her particular IF has additional requirements
If an athlete retires, he/she is immediately removed from the USADA Registered Testing
in order for him/her to regain eligibility after retirement.
Pool (RTP) and will no longer have to comply
All athletes returning from retirement will be
with certain athlete requirements such as
treated as a new athlete to the USADA RTP and
providing whereabouts information. To confirm
will be notified by USADA in accordance with
retirement, an athlete will receive a retirement
the USOC National Anti-Doping Policies.
letter from USADA stating the date of retirement, withdrawal from retirement information and return from retirement options should an athlete wish to return to competition at a later date. Return from Retirement In accordance with the USOC National AntiDoping Policies, if an athlete wants to come out of retirement and return to eligible status, he/she must enroll in the USADA RTP for at least six (6) months in advance of any participating in any Competition or Event sanctioned or organized by the USOC, any national or regional championship sanctioned by an NGB or any other member of the USOC or who wishes
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TRAINING CENTER ACCESS The USSA’s Center of Excellence is a state-of-
2. U.S. Ski Team/U.S. Snowboarding/U.S.
the-art facility designed to bring USSA athletes
Freeskiing Coaches, Sport Directors, Sport
to the highest levels of performance. The level
Science, Medicine and Education staff are
of concentration and focus of USSA athletes is
allowed any time when performing duties
critical to the execution of their training in the
to assist athletes. The USSA Executive staff
Center and must not be subject to distraction
are allowed anytime when overseeing
from other sources. The Training Center staff
operations. The Building Superintendent
and USSA coaches are the only individuals who
is allowed anytime when performing
should interact with athletes during training
official functions.
at the Center of Excellence. To facilitate the exclusive training atmosphere for our athletes, all individuals will follow the following policy regarding access to the Training Center. 1. USSA elite team athletes (including athletes in non-team programs who receive individual support from the USSA) are allowed any time under the supervision of their national team coach or a USSA staff member. This includes non-team athletes who were a part of a World Cup or World
3. U.S. Ski Team/U.S. Snowboarding Alumni are allowed to work out or visit the strength/ cardio and locker room facility with prior arrangements from the Center of Excellence Facility Manager between the hours of 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. 4. USSA staff are allowed to work out in the facility before 8 a.m., from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and after 5 p.m. weekdays. 5. USSA Trustees and USSA board members are
Championship squad during the previous or
allowed to tour the facility with an escort
current seasons (except for nation’s group
from a USSA Executive, Communications,
skiers/riders), X Games finalists, and top-30
Sport Director or the Sport Science or Sport
(Men)/top-15 (Women) AFP ranked athletes
Medicine staff.
– these athletes are not entitled to medical
6. Visitors, Guests and Athlete Parents are not
or sport science services, but are allowed
allowed unless prior permission from the
to train. Before a non-team athlete will be
Executive department has been obtained
added to the Center of Excellence access
and a USSA Executive, Sport Director, Sport
list, the respective Sport Director must
Science or Sport Medicine staff member
schedule an orientation with the athlete to
escorts them.
review all policies and procedures of the Training Area. This orientation must include one sport, one medical and one Sport Science staff. From time to time, non-team athletes may be granted access to medical or sport science services, if capacity allows. Any such services provided to non-team
7. The press is not allowed unless prior permission from the Executive department has been obtained and a USSA Executive, Sport Director, or Sport Science or Sport Medicine staff member escorts them. 8. Additional operational policies guiding
athletes must be approved in advance by
behavior within the training area may be
the EVP Athletics and may be discontinued
established by the Center of Excellence
at any time by the EVP Athletics.
Facility Manager.
chapter 4 ussa athletics
9. Training in the Center of Excellence facility for USSA athletes is strongly encouraged, but not limited to, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., M-Sa to ensure maximal supervision by USSA Sport Science staff. The hours of 2-5 p.m. are reserved for daily administration by Sport Science staff, so session supervision is not guaranteed during these hours. 10. Athletes using the trampoline area must have direct supervision by their designated U.S. Ski Team/U.S. Snowboarding/U.S. Freeskiing coach. 11. The entire ramp/tramp area may only be used by one team at a time. Training
48
when bouncing. Bouncing in bare feet is not allowed. c. Always do a stop bounce when you get out of the center or out of control. d. Step off (don’t bounce) when getting off the trampoline. e. Do not sit on pads around the trampoline while you are waiting your turn. f. Do not use trampoline without USSA coach present 14. Non-national team USSA athletes and athletes belonging to other NGB national teams may be granted access to specific
times are coordinated through Center
training areas (weight room, cardio center,
of Excellence training center manager.
gymnasium, locker room and, for ski/
U.S. Ski Team/U.S. Snowboarding/U.S.
snowboard athletes only, the ramps/tramps)
Freeskiing coaches are also able to book
by the Training Center Manager under the
training times during the 2-4:30 p.m. period.
following conditions:
All booked training times require direct coach supervision. During times when no teams have scheduled training, U.S. Snowboarding/U.S. Freeskiing athletes will have open access to the ramps area,
a. All participants must be current USSA members, or current national team members of another sport. b. Athletes are supervised by an NGB
however it is suggested that they check
certified coach, who has passed the
availability in advance. Trampolines are
National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI)
off-limits without coach supervision, and solo
background screening process within the
skating during unscheduled training times is
last three years (maximum 10 athletes
not allowed – skating with a teammate or
per coach).
with a supervising coach is mandatory. 12. Helmets are required for all users of the
c. Athletes and coaches schedule a tour of the training area with the Center of
ramps area. Sport Directors and coaches
Excellence Facility Manager to receive an
may require their athletes to wear additional
overview of the training area equipment
protection while using the ramps area.
and a review of all applicable USSA policies
13. Trampoline Safety Rules a. Only one person at a time on the trampoline. b. Wear clean socks or trampoline slippers
and procedures. d. Athletes have signed and submitted the relevant USSA waivers and forms. A USSA Center of Excellence assumption of risk and release of liability and indemnity agreement
49
chapter 4 ussa athletics
must be completed by each athlete who
Center of Excellence Facility Manager with
is not already a USSA member. These forms
proof of liability insurance that complies with
are to be stored in a locked filing cabinet in
the USOC minimum requirements for general
the Center of Excellence by the Center of
liability insurance and must name USSA
Excellence Facility Manager.
as an additional insured and certificate
e. Training times have been pre-arranged and pre-approved by the Center of Excellence Facility Manager. Non-national team USSA athletes may only be granted access to the training area between 2 p.m.
holder. Proof of athlete participant accident insurance and workers compensation insurance must be furnished. USSA clubs participating in the USSA Club Insurance program are exempt from this requirement.
and 4:30 p.m. M-F unless specifically invited
*Minimum requirements for General Liability
by a U.S. Ski Team/U.S. Snowboarding coach
Insurance:
or director for a specific camp or special project (based on approval of the Center
Each occurrence $1,000,000
of Excellence Facility Manager). National
Damage to rented premises $50,000
team athletes from other NGBs may also
Medical expenses (per person) $5,000
be granted access by the Training Center Manager 8 a.m.-2 p.m. M-F or 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F based on availability and demand. During the months of December through March, access can be granted 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. f. Applicable fees are paid in advance (see Center of Excellence Rate Card) – NO EXCEPTIONS. Fees should be collected by the Center of Excellence Facility Manager before training times are approved. g. Non-U.S. Ski Team/U.S. Snowboarding Team athletes must enter the training area through the main entrance to the Center of Excellence and check-in with the front desk before training. The Center of Excellence Facility Manager will provide the front desk with a list of athletes who have completed the waiver forms training sessions and responsible coaches for the day. h. A non-USSA athletes’ NGB or a nonnational team USSA athlete must furnish the
Personal and advanced injury $1,000,000 General aggregate $5,000,000 Products $1,000,000 i. Testing will not be available for non-U.S. Ski Team/U.S. Snowboarding athletes, unless specifically negotiated and for a fee, and only in rare cases. Fees will be determined by type of testing, timing of testing and manpower and consumable requirements. 15. Athletes from other skiing/snowboarding national teams may only be permitted access (for no fee) if mutually recommended by the Center of Excellence Facility Manager and the sport’s Head Coach, and approved by the EVP, Athletics and the CEO of USSA. In principle, foreign athletes are only invited to train at the Center of Excellence for strategic reasons (i.e. we want to watch them train to see how they manage their training, we want to assess their physical characteristics for
chapter ussa athletics chapter 1 introduction to the4team manual application to our own athletes, etc.) and on a one-off basis. 16. If an accident occurs resulting in injury to a USSA athlete, non-USSA athlete, USSA staff member or non-USSA staff member, fill out a First Report of Accident Form. 17. Prior to any athlete undergoing an exhaustive physical test in the Center of Excellence training or testing areas, a pretest questionnaire must be completed
Contact Dr. Troy Flanagan, High Performance Director 435.602.9506 tflanagan@ussa.org Mike Bahn, Strength and Conditioning Coordinator 435.714.8311 mbahn@ussa.org Luke Bodensteiner, Executive Vice President, Athletics
All national team athletes should contact one
435.647.2055
of the following staff members to receive prior
lbodensteiner@ussa.org
approval for parents and/or guests to visit the USSA Training Center. For any media requests, please contact. Requests must be made no later than 24 hours in advance. We appreciate your adherence to this policy.
50 50
(Media Requests Only) Tom Kelly, Vice President, Communications 435.647.2010 tkelly@ussa.org
Billy Demong Š Sarah Brunson/U.S. Ski Team
chapter 4 ussa athletics
51
USSA SPORT EDUCATION USSA Sport Education develops educational
athletes you work with can understand and
resources and provides clinics for coaches,
make positive change. national team athletes
clubs, athletes and parents. Resources and
need to go through the certification system
training cover topics within sport science,
starting at the first level. The USSA supports its
sports management and sport-specific
retiring athletes by waiving the on-snow clinic
technique and tactics so that USSA coaches
fees for current national team athletes and for
have the opportunity to receive
athletes within the first year of retirement from
a comprehensive education. We encourage you as a national team athlete to pursue coaching after you retire from the team. Your sport experiences, sport knowledge and athleticism are tremendously valuable to clubs. Being able to share your knowledge can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you take on a regular coaching position with a USSA club or simply offer your help on a drop-in basis for camps or projects, you can help the U.S. continue its tradition of success. In most cases, the job market is very good for coaches with the athletic experience you possess. Some of these club jobs are posted on the USSA website. There is a club job postings page at www.ussa.org.
the team. After this, alumni athletes receive a 50 percent discount on regular clinic fees. For more information, or to sign up for clinics, contact Coaches Education at education@ussa.org, or call 435.647.2050. ATHLETE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES USSA Sport Education has built a reputation for developing some of the best coaching educational materials in the country. One key to the success of the program and the quality of its materials has been the great support and cooperation from national team athletes and coaches. In all of its CDs/DVDs, USSA athletes and coaches are featured in pictures, video interviews, competition highlights and skill/drill
If you’re interested in a regular coaching
demonstrations. This helps to ensure the quality
position, we encourage you to start your
of material presented is first class and helps to
education as a coach during or immediately
establish credibility with target audiences. USSA
after your time on the team. Retiring athletes
Sport Education, or your coaches, may ask
generally have incredible knowledge of their
you to participate in video demonstrations or
sport at the elite levels but find it difficult to relay
interviews to be used as part of this content from
their knowledge in the most effective way with
time-to-time. We appreciate your willingness to
younger athletes. It can be a difficult transition
take part and ask that you come prepared in
from the individual focus you have as an athlete
appropriate team clothing to represent you and
to being able to manage the varied needs of
the team in the best way possible.
multiple athletes who have a very different skill set than you as an elite athlete. This is where coaching education comes in – you will learn how to teach the skills you know in a way
52
chapter 4 ussa athletics
Maddie Bowman Š Sarah Brunson/U.S. Freeskiing
USSA COMPETITION SERVICES The USSA manages more than 4,000 sanctioned competitions across all sports through USSA Competition Services. Athletic competitions are the reason why athletes participate in USSA programs. Competition Services is responsible for rules, rankings, calendars and coordinating the education of USSA members through interaction with the FIS, USSA sport committees and USSA clubs and manages the Junior Championship program and the Alpine Masters program.
chapter 4 ussa athletics RULES Each sport is responsible for annually updating, producing and distributing the rules governing USSA competitions, as well as interfacing with the FIS on international rules. The USSA’s Competition Services staff annually edits and produces the USSA Competition Guides. The USSA and FIS rules are available under each sport at www.ussa.org. RACE CALENDAR Each sport develops athletic calendars in cooperation with the USSA sport committees and the FIS. Calendar planning by the USSA is critical to developing successful athletic programs. Competition Services manages the USA FIS calendar and the USA domestic calendar with the various sports and our site partners. Calendars are available under each sport at www.ussa.org. RESULTS Competition Services staff manages the collection of results from organizers, including crosschecks on the conduct of the event according to the rules, financial control (head tax) and collection of accident reports. Results are processed to the USSA Athlete Points System and posted at www.ussa.org. RANKINGS
53
event quality through training, certification, management and recognition of competition officials. PUBLICATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS The USSA has a network of 425 clubs with 30,000 athletes, officials and coaches. Competition Services is responsible for communications including production of sport-specific competition guides and officials’ manuals. Periodic newsletters, www.ussa.org and e-communications are used to communicate with members. USSA MEMBER CLUB PROGRAM Clubs are where our team members come from! As a national team member, it is important to recognize the clubs and coaches that helped you along the way. Be sure that the club affiliation represented in your athlete bio accurately reflects the club or clubs that were integral to your development. This information is sometimes used when USSA does club recognition and tracking. We are encouraging clubs more and more to take a long-term approach to athlete development, so if a club or coach made a significant contribution when you were younger, you should talk about it and recognize those people. Through the new USSA Club Development program, the USSA is enhancing the resources
The USSA has been a world leader in
and recognition provided to clubs that will
development and management of ranking
help them develop even more elite athletes
systems for alpine, cross country, freestyle and
and increase the enjoyment in sport leading
snowboarding. Competition Services manages
to better athlete recruitment and retention.
integration into both USSA and FIS ranking
Club Development supports all aspects of club
systems and is involved in regular review of
operations and programming.
ranking systems to ensure they are managed with integrity and updated to fit the athletic direction.
By being available to your club when possible for ski/ride days with the athletes and coaches,
OFFICIALS EDUCATION
helping present award, participating in a
The proper conduct of USSA and FIS events is
fundraiser, or other activities, you can make an
critical to the success of the sport. Competition
incredible impact. Be proud of where you
Services strives for the highest standards of
came from!
2 5
chapter
nationalservices athlete team membership and responsibilities
Hannah Kearney Š Getty Images
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
55
ATHLETE SERVICES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The USSA’s primary responsibility is delivery of world-class athletic programs to its athletes, and those athletic programs always take priority. Just like any world-class professional sports organization, there are many non-athletic services and programs that need management. Many of these programs bring specific benefits to USSA athletes and many programs require coordination with athletes to help support important organizational fundraising activities.
ATHLETE CAREER AND EDUCATION The USSA is as concerned about your personal
ATHLETE EDUCATION AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS
and professional development as it is with
TEAM ACADEMY
your athletic accomplishments. We are aware
The USSA TEAM Academy offers a Total
of the challenges that today’s athletes face
Educational and Athletic Model (TEAM) to high
when dealing with the demands placed
school-aged elite student athletes. Based at
upon them as a member of the U.S. Ski
the USSA’s Center of Excellence in Park City,
Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing.
Utah, the school utilizes a blended model of
Expectations are high and at times it may
live teaching and virtual learning to provide
seem overwhelming to balance your training
an educational solution. The educational
and competition schedule with your desire to
model of the USSA TEAM Academy provides an
earn a degree, research career opportunities
individualized and customizable program to best
or develop an action plan for your retirement.
meet the needs of each elite student athlete.
Opportunities are numerous and adequate resources may not be so easily recognized. The Athlete Career and Education Department is here to assist you on and off the snow. The services include: career and education guidance, transition, mental health counseling and sport psychology consulting. Contact Jory Macomber, Head of School and VP, Athlete Career and Education gmacomber@ussa.org
USSA TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The USSA’s tuition assistance program provides partial tuition reimbursement for U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing athletes attending an accredited college or university through the Borgen-Swartz Education Endowment. UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESIDENT TUITION PROGRAM The University of Utah has extended resident tuition to athletes who move to Utah primarily for athletic purposes. The University’s general policy
Dr. Lauren Loberg, LCMHC, CC-AASP, Director of
for granting residency is two years, which will
Athlete Career and Education
be waived under the USSA program. This allows
435.647.2085
athletes the in-state tuition rate beginning in his/
lloberg@ussa.org
her first semester of study.
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chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY PROGRAM Utah State University has extended resident tuition to athletes who move to Utah primarily for athletic purposes. The University’s general policy for granting residency is two years, which will be waived under the USSA program. This allows athletes the in-state tuition rate beginning in his/ her first semester of study. Utah State University will also provide academic courses via broadcasting centers within the
degrees in Nursing (MSFNP, MSNED, and MSNA) are not eligible for the grant program. Westminster is dedicated to working with athletes and coordinating a class schedule that will offer flexibility to accommodate your training and competition schedule. Visit www.westminstercollege.edu/ussa for more information. Contact Deb Vickery, Director START Center
Center of Excellence. The school’s capabilities
801.832.2284
to provide courses online and at satellite
dvickery@westminstercollege.edu
locations compliment the athletic lifestyle. If you are interested in pursuing an online degree or
USSA MENTORING PROGRAM
a hybrid degree, apply to Utah State University.
Conversations create insight; hence there are
Visit distance.usu.edu for more information.
a number of reasons that a mentoring program
Contact
can be beneficial. The mentoring process is enriching and fulfilling for both the mentee and
Laura Zemp, Lead Advisor, USU Salt Lake Center
mentor. The dialogue between you and your
385.646.7751
mentor will enhance both your questioning
laura.zemp@usu.edu
skills and thinking processes. The characteristics
WESTMINSTER COLLEGE – TUITION GRANT PROGRAM The USSA and Westminster College, a four-
gained from this opportunity will help you with your decision-making and problem-solving on and off snow. Matching will be determined by the Director of Athlete Career and Education
year liberal arts college in Salt Lake City, have
based on interests, personality and location.
partnered to provide a unique program for
For more information, contact the Director of
elite athletes to help you fulfill your educational
Athlete Career and Education.
aspirations while continuing to train and compete. Westminster College has become an Official Partner of Higher Education to the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing. Qualifying USSA athletes will receive full tuition scholarships to attend Westminster College, at either the undergraduate or graduate level, with some exceptions in the MBA, MAT, and MS in Mental Health Counseling. Masters
ROOKIE CAMP Each year, during the month of June, the USSA will invite newly named national team athletes to Park City for rookie camp. This camp will help define what being a national team member is about. Workshops will be conducted on USSA as an organization, sponsors, educational advancement, team building, media training, transition, etc.
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities TRANSITION CAMP Each year following the Olympics, during the month of July, the USSA will invite veteran athletes who have made the decision to retire to Park City for transition camp. This camp will help define what to expect as an athlete transition from a competitive career and lifestyle into life post-athletics. Workshops will be conducted on resumes, networking, interviewing, educational advancement,
57
participating USOC Sponsor-Employer in the Team USA ACP. Meeting the athletic eligibility criteria established by the USOC does not guarantee a position within the Team USA Career Program. Hiring decisions will be made independently by the Team USA ACP Employer with information provided by the USOC and Adecco, the USOC’s Official Career Transition Management Sponsor and Administrator of the Team USA ACP.
nutrition, mental health, etc.
Visit www.teamusa.com for more information.
USOC ATHLETE CAREER PROGRAM
USOC DEVRY UNIVERSITY
In response to the growing need for career-
Since November of 2011, DeVry University
related programs and services among
has been an official education provider of
America’s elite athletes, the USOC and its
the United States Olympic Committee. With
official career management service supplier, the
the help from their Keller Graduate School of
Adecco Group, have created the Team USA
Management, DeVry University provides higher
Athlete Career Program (ACP).
education opportunities for U.S. Olympic and
The USOC and the Adecco Group understand that elite athlete’s priority is to focus on their sport career. However, we also know that there comes a point in life when an individual needs to make decisions about their post-athletic careers and their future. Through utilizing the ACP, U.S. Olympians and Olympic hopefuls can accomplish two main objectives: 1. Alleviate career or job-related concerns, outside of the field of play, which will allow them to perform better while training and competing. 2. Better prepare them for the inevitable transition from sport, thus allowing them to be more focused on their sport while they are an active competitor.
Paralympic athletes at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Visit usoc.keller.devry.edu for more information. USOC TUITION GRANTS USOC tuition grants are intended to encourage athletes to further their formal education in preparation for lifelong career goals and to defray a portion of tuition costs. Award Amount The total dollars available for tuition grants is limited, and the reward process is highly competitive. Along with an athlete’s performance standards, financial need also is considered when determining an award. Traditionally, the highest priority for awards is given to those applicants who have a current
By meeting the eligibility criteria, athletes are
top-10 World Championships placement or
qualified for consideration for an employment
world ranking. However, compelling cases will
opportunity with Powerade or any other
be reviewed and given consideration.
58
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
Generally (based on budget availability) the
after the submission deadline. Incomplete or
following payment schedule will be applied:
late applications will be returned to the NGB
International Rank /
Tuition Award Range
Placement 1st–3rd
$4,001–$5,000
4th–6th
$2,501–$4,000
7th–8th
$1,001–$2,500
9th–10th
$1,000 or less
Retired Olympic or Pan American team members may apply for one-time only tuition assistance within five years of their last Olympic or Pan American Games competition. • Retired athletes applying for these funds must be endorsed by their NGB. Grant amounts will consist of up to $2,000 for undergraduate study and up to $1,000 for graduate study. Tuition monies are restricted to tuition and mandatory fees only. Books, parking fees and room-and-board charges are not covered. • Any grant money awarded but not disbursed by the end of the grant year (Dec. 31 for summer sports, June 30 for winter sports) is deemed forfeited. Application Athletes who meet the eligibility criteria may obtain applications from their NGB or USOC Sport Partnership Team. Applications will be reviewed quarterly. Applications must be received by the USOC Sport Partnership Team on or before the following deadlines: May 1, August 1 and November 1. Applicants will be notified no later than a month
and the athlete will be notified if ineligible for the current quarterly review.
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
59
USOC ATHLETE CAREER PROGRAM The general purpose of USOC athlete support programs is to provide financial support and health insurance to Olympic-caliber athletes, enabling the USA to maximize medals in the Olympic Games. These programs are offered to you based on each program’s criteria and include USSA elite team membership as a prerequisite. The programs offered by the USOC include: USOC Direct Athlete Support, Elite Athlete Health Insurance (EAHI), Team USA Career Program, Operation Gold, Olympic Training Centers (OTCs) and tuition assistance programs. USOC DIRECT ATHLETE SUPPORT
ELITE ATHLETE HEALTH INSURANCE
USOC Direct Athlete Support is a program
The USOC EAHI program provides a level of base
generally designed to do the following:
support by offering a program of health and
• Offset living expenses so elite athletes can train and compete • Meet the demands of trying to make an Olympic team and win medals • Recognize top performances at the highest international level • Recognize pursuit of athletic excellence as a career
major medical insurance for designated elite athletes in order to minimize the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by insured athletes for costs of medical care. USOC provides EAHI only to a select range of athletes. For detailed qualification criteria, eligibility and enrollment information see the insurance section located in this chapter or contact your Team Manager.
Direct Athlete Support Qualification Criteria
OPERATION GOLD
Athletes are selected to receive USOC Direct
Operation Gold awards athletes for top-
Athlete Support based on criteria generated
place finishes in a sport’s most competitive
from collaboration between the USOC and the
international competition of the year. The award
USSA. This criterion may change from time to
amount varies from $2,000 to $25,000 depending
time on an annual basis; however, the intent is to
on the year, the athlete’s place and/or finish at
have consistent criteria throughout the Olympic
the Operation Gold competition and whether
quadrennial. Once finalized, the criteria will be
the athlete competes in a sport/discipline/event
communicated to the appropriate athletes
on the Olympic program. Team sports (defined
selected to receive direct athlete support.
as three or more athletes) receive funding for
Direct Athlete Support Grant Year
first through sixth-place finishes in non-Olympic years, while individual sports (defined as
The funding cycle for winter sports is July 1–
one or two athletes) receive funding for first
June 30.
through eighth-place finishes in non-Olympic
Direct Athlete Support Disbursement of Funds
years. Final awards, in non-Olympic years, are adjusted based on the number of top countries
Grants awarded to athletes by the USOC shall
competing. Additionally, in non-Olympic years,
be paid directly to athletes.
athletes who qualify for more than one award automatically receive the higher award. At the Olympic Games, athletes will be paid Operation
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chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
Gold for multiple medal performances. Operation Gold Winter Payment Schedule
or Team Manager who will fill out the proper paperwork. You are not allowed to train at a center on your
Place
Off Year Olympic Year
1st
$6,000
$25,000
2nd
$5,000
$15,000
3rd
$4,000
$10,000
4th
$3,500
Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center,
5th
$3000
Colorado Springs, CO
6th
$3000
Lake Placid Olympic Training Center, Lake
7th
$2,000
8th
$2,000
OLYMPIC TRAINING CENTERS The OTCs facilitate sustained competitive excellence by providing services and facilities in support of NGBs and their athlete development pipelines. The OTCs serve as national centers of inspiration providing opportunities to strive for Olympic ideals through sport. The OTCs were
own; a responsible coach must be with you. Olympic Training Centers Chula Vista Olympic Training Center, Chula Vista, CA
Placid, NY U.S. Olympic Education Center, North Michigan University, Marquette, MI USOC TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS USOC, as well as the USSA, has a variety of college tuition assistance programs. Detailed information is available in the Education and Scholarship Programs section earlier in this chapter of the Team Manual.
started to help athletes develop into world-class
USOC PROGRAM SUPPORTIVE INFORMATION
athletes and win Olympic and Pan Am medals.
School or College Eligibility
USSA Team athletes and their coaches are
It’s important for athletes who have or
eligible for OTC services. Requests for usage
anticipate having school or college athletics
of the OTCs must be submitted through the
eligibility to understand that receipt of USOC
USSA for athlete, coaching, officiating or
grants may jeopardize that eligibility. Check
administrative programs. Those athletes who
with your school or college athletics personnel
qualify for USOC/OTC funding may utilize an
or the appropriate school or college governing
OTC at no cost to the USSA or the athlete.
association if you have questions.
Those athletes or programs not eligible for funding may still access the OTCs with USSA
Terms and Conditions
recommendations, but the USSA or the athlete
Athletes, who receive USOC support, including
will be charged the current member daily rate
EAHI, must comply with certain requirements
for services.
and standards including performance
You should not contact the OTCs directly, but you must make a request through your coach
standards, commitment to training goals and doping-free sport participation. USOC also requires athletes to sign an Athlete Support
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
Designee Form that includes certain terms and conditions. All athletes must be compliant with the USADA in order to receive athlete support or EAHI.
61
Tax Matters All USOC grant funds, with the exception of tuition grants, will be reported to the IRS and generally are subject to federal and state income tax.
If you fail to meet any of the terms and
Since no taxes are withheld by the USOC, you
conditions of the program, the grant may be
may have a tax liability at the time you file your
terminated and any unexpended funds must
tax returns. If you anticipate such liability, you
be returned to the USOC. Athlete terms and
should consider setting aside some funds for this
conditions will be reviewed periodically (but at a
purpose. USOC does not provide tax advice
minimum once a quad) by the Athletes Advisory
and you are advised to retain your own tax
Council, USOC staff and Board of Directors.
professional to advise you about tax treatment of
If you have questions concerning the terms and conditions that are not answered by the USOC Sport Partnership Team, you may contact the USOC athlete ombudsman at 1-888-ATHLETE. Contact
the receipt of USOC funding and benefits. Documentation The USOC reserves the right to request additional documentation (e.g., tax returns, proof of citizenship, NOC release, etc) of any grantee.
Keith Bryant, Director, Communications Divisions United States Olympic Committee 719.866.2238 keith.bryant@usoc.org
Lindsey Van Š Getty Images
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chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
INSURANCE Insurance is a major area of focus for the USSA, both as an organization and on your behalf as a named national athlete. The USSA invests more than $1 million each year for insurance and also partners with the USOC and other agencies to provide the best possible coverage. The USSA maintains excess sport accident insurance for all named national team athletes
Qualifications To be covered under this policy, named national team members must maintain their current USSA competition membership. If you do not have a current USSA membership (expires on June 30 annually) you may not be covered. What is covered?
to help cover expenses for accidents over and
Skiing or snowboarding accidents that occur
above what the athlete’s primary insurance
during USSA-supervised practice, training or
will cover. Athletes must provide their own
competition. Policy considers costs not covered
primary insurance to cover for sport accidents.
by all other available insurance policies and
This requirement can be satisfied either by
deductibles and co-pays apply.
USOC’s EAHI program or coverage from a
Deductible per policy year
private insurance carrier. It is strongly suggested that policies cover accidents, illnesses, health conditions, chronic or repetitive use injuries and conditions. Athletes are responsible for reporting outside medical services to USSA Medical or Team Physicians. USSA INSURANCE PROGRAMS National A, B and C Team Members Insurance All named national team members of Olympic
$500 per person per policy year. Co-pay per accident The first $6,250 of eligible expenses are payable at 80% of the usual and customary charge. Thereafter, benefits will be paid at 100 percent of the allowable payment until the total payments reach $25,000. Maximum co-pay per accident
skiing and snowboarding disciplines will be
$1,250 (This is calculated on 80 percent of
provided Secondary Sport Accident coverage,
$6,250, which equals $5,000 of paid medical
Excess Catastrophic Medical coverage and
expenses). Athletes are personally responsible
Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage.
for per-policy-year deductible and per-accident
Secondary Sport Accident Insurance cards are
co-pay.
issued to named team members each year. This card should be carried along with EAHI or
Maximum benefit per covered accident
personal health insurance cards at all times.
$25,000
Excess Participant Accident Policy Information
Benefit period
Contact
24 months from date of accident.
Laurie Hamble, Insurance and HR Administration
Exclusions/Limitations
Manager
• Pre-existing conditions
Phone: 435.647.2019 Fax: 435.940-2759 lhamble@ussa.org
• Illness • Chronic/overuse injuries
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
• Treatment by non-licensed or non-certified providers • Treatment by licensed or certified family
Contact (USSA MCS referrals) American Specialty Insurance Services Abby Allison
members that would not normally charge for
PO Box 459
their services
Roanoke, IN 46783
• Non-prescription medication and supplements • Acupuncture (benefit limit $25.00 per injury) • Chiropractic treatment (benefit limit $1,000 per injury)
800.566.7941 ext 243 Fax: 260.673.1189 What if I do not use a preferred provider? If you use a provider that is not on the USSA MCS list, call American Specialty and provide the name of the provider you are using. Any
USSA MANAGED CARE SYSTEM (USSA MCS)
provider with whom American Specialty
The USSA has developed a managed care
cannot negotiate a discounted rate, either
system to provide the following services:
through the USSA Managed Care System or
• Easy access to medical providers. Your USSA participant accident insurance card is all you need to identify you as a member of the system. • Quality care providers. Medical providers specializing in skiing and snowboarding-
63
a re-pricing agent, will be paid at 80 percent of the usual and customary charge of the provider’s location. The provider can bill you for the difference in the billed rate and the amount paid by insurance. CATASTROPHIC MEDICAL COVERAGE
related injuries have been invited to
USSA’s catastrophic medical coverage through
participate in this plan. A list of the preferred
Mutual of Omaha pays the excess of a $25,000
providers is available from the USSA.
deductible per accident and excess of other
HOW TO UTILIZE THE USSA MCS • Select a medical provider from the USSA MCS Preferred Provider List. • Provide your USSA Named national team Insurance Card to the provider. • Have the medical provider submit all claims to American Specialty Insurance Services on a secondary basis. • American Specialty will notify you if you are responsible for any deductible or co-pays.
valid and collectible insurance including your own personal insurance or USOC’s EAHI. There is a maximum benefit per person of $5 million. Benefits are considered under the contract until date of recovery. Contact Mutual of Omaha for details, 800.524.2324. Filing a Claim If you, as a named national team member, are involved in a covered accident, contact must be made with the coach, trainer or Team Manager of your sport immediately. Claims must first be submitted to EAHI or your personal insurance. Any remaining balance can be submitted with the corresponding explanation of benefits to American Specialty and Mutual of Omaha (if applicable).
64
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
Coaching staff and trainers have been provided the necessary claim forms. The coach or trainer must also notify the USSA immediately via phone or email. The message must include: name of athlete, date of injury, injured body part and location of injury. This will allow for immediate verification of medical services. The First Report
Contact (claims assistance) American Specialty Insurance Services, Claims Department 142 North Main Street PO Box 459 Roanoke, IN 46783
of Injury form needs to be completed and
Gina Hiner
signed by the coach or trainer and faxed to the
Toll Free: 800.566.7941 ext. 109
USSA as soon as possible. The athlete will also be
Fax: 260.673.1189
furnished a Proof of Loss form that will need to
ghiner@amerspec.com
be completed before any insurance payments
USSA Claim Filing Assistance
can be made. This form must be completed in full and returned to American Specialty as soon as possible. Please be sure that all questions are answered and that the form is signed and dated, otherwise it will be returned and payment delayed. MEDICAL EVACUATION BENEFIT Medical evacuation means emergency transportation from an event or training site to a medical facility when standard transportation is not adequate for the insured person who, as a result of life-threatening injury, requires immediate medical treatment. Medical evacuation must be coordinated through the USSA Medical staff and is coordinated through Global Rescue. In the event of a serious injury, the USSA should be notified immediately.
Laurie Hamble, Insurance and HR Administration Manager Phone: 435.647.2019 Fax: 435.940.2759 lhamble@ussa.org USOC ELITE ATHLETE HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM The USOC offers EAHI to eligible athletes and their dependents with Highmark BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) as the insurance carrier. This plan provides select national team athletes with major medical and illness coverage. The plan has a $25,000 sport injury deductible. A sport injury is an onset that occurs during official training or while competing at a USOC or USSA sanctioned event. This deductible must be met before any sport injury claims are paid by Highmark BCBS. If
Contact (USSA serious injury)
you are injured during training or competition
Luke Bodensteiner, Executive Vice
sanctioned by the USOC or USSA, you must
President, Athletics
report your injury to the USSA immediately in
Office: 435.647.2055
order for claims to be processed.
Cell: 435.640.8541
USOC provides EAHI only to a select range
Home: 435.625.0101
of athletes. Contact your Team Manager for more information. USOC will email or mail EAHI information directly to eligible athletes as directed by the USSA. Coverage will not be
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
effective until the first of the month following the
network provider, athlete will continue to be
date USOC receives the completed Enrollment
responsible for the difference between the
and W-9 Forms. Enrolled athletes will receive an
plan’s allowable amount and the provider’s
insurance card within two weeks after receipt
actual charge.
of forms. General Description of Benefits (Refer to your Highmark BCBS policy for specific coverage details)
Out-of-Pocket Maximums In-network care: $1,000/individual or $3,000/family Out-of-network care:
Deductible
$3,000/individual or $9,000/family
In-network care: Athletes and their participating
Expenses not included towards the out-of-
dependents are not subject to a calendar
pocket maximums are co-pays, office visits,
year deductible.
deductibles, mental health/substance abuse
Out-of network care: Athletes and their dependents are subject to a calendar year deductible of $1,000 per individual, or $3,000
65
expenses, prescription drug expenses or amounts over the allowable Highmark BCBS charge.
per family.
Prescription Drugs
Co-insurance
Co-payments are $7 for generic, $15 for brand
In-network care: Office visits are $15/visit plus 10 percent co-insurance. There is a $250 co-pay plus 10 percent co-insurance for inpatient or outpatient procedures. Identification of innetwork providers can be obtained by calling 1.800.810.BLUE (2583). Out-of network care: Following payment of deductible, the plan will pay 70 percent of
formulary and $30 for brand non-formulary medications. Must use Premier Pharmacy Network – no coverage outside network. Life Insurance A $10,000 life insurance benefit is provided under this program for each covered athlete. Dental/Vision
allowable amount. Athlete is responsible for 30
There is no dental or vision coverage as part
percent co-insurance plus any amounts above
of this plan but the USOC Sports Medicine
the plan’s allowable amount. There is a $250 co-
Department coordinates a volunteer dental
pay plus 30 percent co-insurance for inpatient or
network in some areas for free routine dental
outpatient procedures. After out-of-pocket maximums have been met, and with the exception of calendar year
care and a free contact lens program. Contact the USOC’s Sports Medicine department for details at 800.638.1604.
maximums, the plan will pay at 100 percent
Contact Lens Program
for the remainder of the calendar year. Please
The USOC Sports Medicine Department in
note, when seeking services from an out-of-
Colorado Springs currently runs a vision program
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chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
for all athletes eligible for EAHI. This program
who sustain injuries during training and/or USOC-
allows eligible athletes to receive up to a year
sponsored/sanctioned competitions at an
supply of Johnson & Johnson or Bausch and
Olympic Training Center. Please contact Cory
Lomb contacts free of charge. To participate
Warner, National Medical Network Director, at
in this program, athletes must complete the
719.866.2035 or cory.warner@usoc.org.
following: • Obtain a current prescription (within the past six months) for a Johnson & Johnson or Bausch and Lomb contact lens. • Fax, email, or mail the prescription to: USOC Sports Medicine Department Attn: Vision Program
Pre-authorization Whenever inpatient hospital care including mental health or substance abuse care is needed, you must call to pre-certify this care to be certain it is covered. Contact
1 Olympic Plaza
Pre-authorization (inpatient hospital care,
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
mental health, substance abuse, Durable
Fax: (719)-632-9282
Medical Equipment, orthotics)
sportsmedicinenetwork@usoc.org
Highmark BlueCross BlueShield
• Please include the athlete’s name, date of birth, sport and a mailing address where the contacts should be sent. Athletes can receive contacts once a year for
PO Box 1210 Pittsburgh, PA 15230 800.909.6120 Fax: 412.544.5247
as long as they remain eligible for EAHI. Please
EAHI Administrator:
contact 1.800.638.1604 and reference vision
Viola Cruz
program or email sportsmedicinenetwork@usoc.
800-933-4473
org with any questions.
eahi@usoc.org
USOC National Medical Network
Filing a Claim
If you’re a Team USA athlete looking for
Athletes should have in-network providers file
accessible medical care at little or no cost,
their claim directly through the local BlueCross
the USOC’s National Medical Network (NMN)
BlueShield (BCBS) plan. If using an out-of-network
provides services ranging from orthopedic care
provider, obtain an itemized bill, including name
to neurosurgery.
and address of the service provider, patient’s
Created in 2012, the NMN provides medical care to athletes through partnerships with top-tier medical providers across the country. Services are available to athletes who are enrolled in or eligible for the EAHI and athletes
name, date of service, description of service, amount charged and the diagnosis code. Obtain and complete a claim form and mail both items to Highmark BCBS.
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
67
Continuance Plan The Continuance Plan will provide up to 12 months of continued medical coverage to elite athletes and their dependents that enrolled in EAHI and no longer qualify for the program. The athlete will be responsible for the monthly premium. Contact Viola Cruz, USOC Administrator, for details. Tax Matters Premiums paid by the USOC on behalf of athletes enrolled in EAHI are considered taxable by the IRS and are subject to reporting and taxation. Enrolled athletes will receive a 1099 at the end of January following the year EAHI has been utilized.
Sarah Hendrickson Š Sarah Brunson/U.S. Ski Team
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chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
U.S. SKI TEAM OFFICIAL COMPETITION SUPPLIERS The U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing’s competition suppliers are critically important to its athletic programs, providing financial resources and access to high-level competition equipment and service. Competition suppliers promote their products through affiliation with the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing. Many suppliers also utilize these relationships as resources for research and development to improve their products Suppliers gain promotional value by affiliating their brands with the team brands. The brand signifies a world-class sports organization. You provide additional promotional value by achieving success while utilizing their supplier products on the world stage. An enormous amount of resources and effort are utilized to build USSA brands and the athletic programs necessary to achieve success. The USSA’s philosophy is that those who wish to benefit from affiliating with the brand and/or the athletes must contribute to this effort. Official suppliers are required to pay fees based on product category and athlete rosters and may
General Athlete Guidance You should nurture your relationship with suppliers. It’s important to understand the supplier’s goals and expectations relating to your relationship and to do everything you can to fulfill those expectations. Don’t take your relationship for granted. Your future in the sport will depend upon your ability to develop and maintain these relationships. Communication is critical to establishing and maintaining effective relationships. You need to take responsibility for working through issues in a professional, businesslike manner. If equipment or contract issues arise, communicate effectively and document your interaction for future reference, either for yourself or if the issue escalates to become a legal matter. Anticipate all aspects of your relationship with
additionally contribute value-in-kind product
your suppliers when establishing the terms to
and/or services to the USSA. The process is
your contractual relationships. Suppliers will
consistent within each product category.
expect you to adhere to the terms of your
Suppliers also may promote their name and
agreements and their policies and procedures.
logos with individual athletes. Athletes are
You should understand those terms, policies and
responsible for managing their own individual
procedures before signing.
contracts and billing with suppliers/sponsors they
The Appendix of the Team Manual contains a list
choose to work with.
of suppliers.
Supplier contributions to athletic success
Contact
are critical. The USSA maintains policies and procedures to maximize the benefit that suppliers receive. In order for these partnerships to continue to grow and support future athletic success as well as to ensure compliance with the rules of the FIS, IOC and USOC, you must follow these policies and procedures.
Meghan Leaver, Senior Account Executive 435.647.2043 mleaver@ussa.org
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities ATHLETE UNIFORMING AND UNIFORM RULES Uniforming plays a key role in athletic performance and brand exposure. In an organization where the majority of funding for athletic programs comes from sponsors, it’s a critical component of commercial exposure. USSA Athletics and Sales and Marketing work closely together to ensure the best athletic performance while providing valuable sponsors with the exposure they need in return. COMPETITION AND ELIGIBILITY RULES Uniforming falls under two areas of FIS rules – competition and eligibility. FIS competition rules address issues of safety and fairness in competition. You should become familiar with the specific FIS rules in your sport governing uniforming to avoid potential disqualification. FIS eligibility rules specifically address size limitations and placement of commercial marks. This includes every visible item from warm-up jackets to competition suits to gloves
69
on headgear. This space is, in turn, is provided by the USSA to athletes to allow you to sell that commercial space. The specific rules are detailed in section 2.5 of the FIS rulebook: Specifications for Competition Equipment and Commercial Markings. It is your responsibility to ensure that your personal headgear sponsor is properly placed on your headgear. Here are a few key points: • The national association logo (U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding or U.S. Freeskiing) must appear on the front and must be at least 9 cm2. • Rules apply to any headgear worn in competition or competition area (prize-giving, media interviews, press conferences, etc.). • Advertisers must be approved in advance, must conform with FIS rules and not be in conflict with the USSA’s protected categories. • The hat, cap or helmet must be from
to turtlenecks and more. The USSA works with
an official provider for your team. The
suppliers to provide uniforming that is within FIS
manufacturer’s marking must only be on the
rules. If you modify clothing you may be subject
side (not front or back) with each marking up
to disqualification from competitions or face
to 15 cm2.
other penalties. Additional, stricter rules on markings apply at the Olympic Winter Games.
• The athlete’s commercial marking may only appear on the front and must always appear
FIS competition and eligibility rules are available
above or adjacent to (never below) the
under your sport at www.ussa.org or at www.
national team mark, as required by FIS rules,
fisski.com, specifically in the FIS rulebook under
with at least 1 cm separation.
Specifications for Competition Equipment and Commercial Markings. Athlete Headgear Sponsorship on headgear is an important revenue source for athletes and an exposure opportunity for the U.S. Ski Team, U.S.
• The commercial marking may be up to 50 cm2 in total. It may be split into two equal parts. The marking may not be for a ski or snowboard hardware or soft goods company. • In the case of headbands, the national
Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing brands. FIS
team mark may be to the side of the
rules provide the USSA rights for advertising
main headgear sponsor, but must still be
70
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
on the front. In no case can there be any
equipment (uniform/suit, skis/board, boots,
advertising on the chin-straps of helmets.
poles, hat/helmet, goggles, ski straps) also is
Other Sponsors • Snowboards: The base bottom of
allowed. Athletes are allowed a maximum of two ski straps per pair of skis and only hardware (skis, ski boots, bindings, ski pole) and wax
snowboards may only carry the recognized
suppliers are permitted to have advertising on
commercial markings of the effective
ski straps. Other non-competition equipment
producer. The top of the snowboards may
(drink bottles, fanny packs, fluid packs, mobile
carry the commercial markings of the
phones, etc.) is not permitted. These ceremonies
effective producer and up to five other
are the proper place for the exposure of those
sponsors within a total size of 250 cm2 • Aerials and ski jumping skis: The base bottom
companies who are specifically supporting the event and the actual competition equipment
of skis may only carry the recognized
of athletes.
commercial markings of the effective
The industry also has requested that equipment
producer. The top of the skis may carry
be worn as it is intended. As examples, the
the commercial markings of the effective
industry has requested that boots be worn on
producer and up to five other sponsors within
the feet (not strapped across shoulder), and
a total size of 250 cm2 • No website addresses are permitted on any advertising.
that proper headgear be worn, not carried or placed on tips of skis or boards. PROVIDED UNIFORMING
For approval on commercial markings, it is
The USSA will provide all national team athletes
strongly recommended to send a copy of all
with appropriate uniforming for athletic
commercial marketing in their original size, form
competition and training. The specific items will
and color by October 1st or earlier for approval
vary somewhat from team to team based on
by your sport director.
need and suppliers. At the time of uniforming
• Not allowed in advertising with athletes:
in the fall, each athlete will receive a specific
• Any kind of advertising with alcohol, tobacco and drugs • The use of names, illustrations and titles of skiers for product names or product designs • Any direct statement of active product presentation • Any religious or racial discrimination Equipment in Ceremonies FIS rules state that starting bibs are required to be worn to provide exposure to the event sponsors and organizers and actual competition
listing of uniform items and their appropriate use. Uniforming is provided to athletes from USSA supplier partners. It is provided for your athletic use. It is provided for both your athletic benefit and the exposure value to the partner financially supporting the team. You may be asked to return it to the USSA at any time. You may not trade, sell or barter any uniforming item. You may not modify any uniforming. Clothing is provided for very specific usage. You will be advised of specific usage of each piece at the time of uniforming. It is your responsibility to
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
71
use the proper uniforming for the proper situation.
these cases, logos may be specifically placed
This is important to the companies who have
for those situations and must be worn. You may
specifically invested in certain logo placement
not, under any circumstance, cover up the
on uniforms. It is your responsibility to have the
commercial markings of USSA sponsors, with
proper uniforming for the proper circumstances.
the exception of USSA official requests (e.g.
That includes ensuring that you have a proper
competition bibs).
change of clothing in the finish area when appropriate. Here are some examples:
Press conferences: Similarly, some uniforming pieces may be created to wear specifically
Competition Suit: In many cases, competition
in press conferences. If such uniforming is not
suits are specific to a given event (in alpine:
specified, you are required to wear clothing and
slalom, giant slalom, downhill, etc.). For
headgear of your choice that properly displays
example, wearing a GS suit in a slalom
the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding or U.S.
competition with shin guards covering a
Freeskiing brand.
sponsor’s logo on the knee is not permitted.
All specifications also apply for officials,
Finish area and podium: Some uniforming pieces
coaches, technicians, support personnel
may be specifically created to wear for finish
and forerunners.
area interviews and on the victory podium. In
Ted Ligety Š Getty Images
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chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
ATHLETE LOGO AND PHOTOGRAPHY USAGE The USSA’s brand logos for the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing are extremely valuable. Like any major corporation or professional sports organization with a valuable trademarked brand, the USSA takes steps to manage the use of its marks. The use of these trademarks is monitored closely for both the nature and quality of usage. The USSA Creative Services department is responsible for development and management of the company’s graphic image, including the protection of the use of its marks and photography. Any major corporation or professional sports organization is very restrictive on use of its logo. As an example, you would never see a professional sports team allow its logo to be used in non-standard colors, or used adjacent to a company that was not a commercial sponsor. The USSA has established value for its logos through years of marketing and protection of those marks. No other Olympic sport in America has the kind of value in its mark that the U.S. Ski
Here are some basic guidelines: • Any usage must be approved in advance. You can initiate the approval through your Team Manager. • The team brand identity can only be used together with other commercial logos when the team itself has a contractual relationship with that partner. • Any usage must strictly follow the USSA’s
Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing
brand identity usage policy, including size,
enjoys. The value of those marks is what attracts
shape, color, etc.
corporate sponsors and licensees to pay
Logos and standards are available only in
thousands of dollars each year to support your
the media center, located at the bottom of
athletic programs.
every page on every USSA website.
ATHLETE LOGO USAGE
• If you will be using the brand identity on
The USSA also carefully determines how and
a licensable product (clothing, etc.), you
when its logos, or brand identity, are used,
must use USSA’s licensee for that product
whether that usage is for an internal printed
category. For example, if you want to create
piece or an advertisement by a sponsor or a
a T-shirt with the team logo, you must use the
supplier or a national team athlete. Everyone,
team’s licensee, HUGE Sportswear.
from a USSA staff person to the largest sponsor
As a national team athlete, you have a big
of the team, follows exactly the same
stake in the value of the USSA’s marks. You have
approval procedure.
a responsibility to help protect the value of
As a team member, there are instances where
those marks that also impact your image. Part
you are permitted to use the team’s brand
of that protection is how you properly display
identity. Examples may include your personal
and utilize those marks. But a bigger part is
website, a personal promotional kit, etc. But in
how you personally convey a positive image
each and every case, you must obtain approval
for yourself, your sport and all the USSA sports
in advance, just as any USSA staff person or
by how you conduct yourself on and off the
sponsor would do.
competition venue.
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities Brand Identity Access Look for further information at www.ussa.org in
Photography Access ussa.smugmug.com
the media center.
Contact
PHOTOGRAPHY USAGE
Sarah Brunson, Photography Manager
The USSA manages photography, ranging from headshots of athletes to action shots from major events. The USSA maintains relationships with a variety of photographers and agencies including the world’s largest photography agency, Getty Images.
73
Office: 435.647.2012 SBrunson@ussa.org VIDEO USAGE The USSA oversees production of content development including: TV shows, webcasts, competition news releases and athlete lifestyle
Athletes and partners can access photography
pieces. The USSA manages relationships with
at the link listed in this section. Athletes are
production that provide footage through rights
free to use photography from those sites for
agreements. The USSA also produces a limited
their own non-commercial use. This includes
amount of non-competition video in-house
personal websites, personal presentation kits,
as well.
etc. Commercial or editorial use must be cleared in advance through the USSA Content and Creative Services department. Additional photography is available through Getty Images and the USSA’s pool of freelance photographers, with fees to be determined by usage.
There is a complex set of domestic and international rights agreements that are fulfilled as part of the USSA’s content development. Within the boundaries of these rights/license agreements, there is a capability for athletes to access select video to be used solely for
The USSA has a limited budget for photography,
personal promotion on their name-sake websites
working with individual photographers and
or appropriate sponsor presentations.
agencies to obtain access and preferred rates. But it is not possible to always have the latest images of more than 150 national team athletes. The USSA greatly welcomes any images athletes, coaches, friends or parents can provide for use in USSA publications, on the web and shared with media. Similarly, if your sponsors or suppliers have current action or lifestyle photography that
Video content development is a key resource of the USSA to provide images that tell the story of what it takes to succeed and associated athletic excellence. Athlete participation in this process makes the process more relevant and authentic to the growth of the sports. Contact
can be shared with the USSA, it helps to keep
Kyle Kilcomons, Director of Creative Services
USSA’s archives more current.
Office: 435.647.2087
This is especially important when you change
KKilcomons@ussa.org
competition equipment or headgear sponsors. If you and your sponsors want to have updated photography used by the USSA, it is important to provide it to the USSA.
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chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
ATHLETE SUPPORT OF USSA REVENUE-PRODUCING PROGRAMS The USSA raises money for athletic programs through its corporate sponsorship programs, private fundraising and major events. The success of these programs, and the direct impact on athletic funding, is tied to the active and positive participation of athletes into those organizational activities. The USSA’s athletes and teams compete on a global playing field against teams that are supported directly or indirectly through their respective governments and often in marketplaces where skiing and snowboarding are dominant sports. Unlike most nations the USSA does not receive any federal funding for its
when representing the USSA. • Stay away from personal endorsement deals that conflict with major USSA sponsors. • Proudly represent the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing brands. • Cooperate and have a positive attitude
athletic programs. The USA is a geographically
when involved with USSA TV and other
huge country with a diverse population and
media projects.
an extremely advanced professional sports marketplace. It’s a challenging environment to fundraise for any Olympic sport. Despite those challenges, the USSA has continued to expand its athletic funding dramatically over the past decade and has shown that it can be competitive against the best in the world through careful planning and maximization of funds.
• Be available and positive about USSA sponsor appearances and events. • Be familiar and positive about USSA sponsors, suppliers and licensees. TEAM FUNDRAISING EVENTS The USSA Foundation’s fundraising events are a major contributor to athletic program funding. They are enjoyable social events that
The following sections address what’s expected
give donating guests an opportunity to meet
of athletes when included in the USSA’s
world-class athletes and to learn more about
revenue-producing programs.
how they can support the team. The success of
SPONSORS AND OTHER PARTNERS
these events is dependent on your participation. Athletes bring excitement and authenticity to
The USSA’s corporate partners including
the events and are the reason guests attend
sponsors, licensees and suppliers are critically
and support these fundraisers.
important to the organization’s success and your success as a team athlete. Those partners bring incredible value to the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing brands.
The Foundation staff makes every effort possible to make attendance at a fundraising event memorable for both the athlete and the donor. It is also a working activity where athletes and
The value of the USSA’s Team brands is directly
staff are responsible for entertaining, educating
impacted by how you manage yourself as
and engaging guests. Once committed to an
a Team athlete. As the value of that brand
appearance on behalf of the team, you are
increases, so does the value back to you – both
expected to:
in athletic funding and increased commercial opportunities. • Always wear appropriate team uniforms
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
• Read and follow the detailed itinerary provided, with special attention to meeting times and places. • Attend an athlete briefing to prepare for the event. • Meet and mingle with guests and represent the team professionally. • Adhere to the expectations outlined in
75
Respect Respectful interaction between USSA representatives and event organizers is critical at all domestic and international events. Respect should be shown toward all event partners including broadcasters, media, sponsors, officials, volunteers, fans, etc. Being a premier winter sport, USSA athletes and staff are regularly in the spotlight and need to be cognoscente
the national team policies with regard to
that on and off the field of play they are
consumption of alcohol, uniforming, etc.
representing the USSA and their country. Should
• Participate in any associated media appearances. USSA MAJOR EVENTS The success of USSA’s domestic elite events is
issues arise at an event, it is best to resolve these through communication with USSA leadership rather than with the organizer directly. This communication should be channeled through your coach, program director or USSA Events
dependent on the support and balance of all
staff. USSA Events encourages your feedback to
aspects of the organization including athletic,
help improve USSA’s events and the venues on
operational and financial divisions. Your support
which you compete.
of the following will help ensure the success of USSA events: Participation
Communication USSA Events require unique involvement of team athletes. It is particularly important for you to
As a member of U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding
participate in daily team meetings with your
or U.S. Freeskiing, your participation in these
coach and program director during these events
events is critical. Sponsor, donor and site funding
to receive information and provide feedback.
is committed with the expectation that each qualified U.S. athlete will participate. Therefore, it is your responsibility to participate in elite-level USSA events hosted in the USA for which you qualify, provided that exceptions for medical restrictions or other unique circumstances can be made with the prior approval of the respective sport director and EVP, Athletics. Your involvement in the competitions as well as in limited sponsor or promotional functions ensures the stability of our events.
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chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
MEDIA AND PUBLIC APPEARANCES PUBLIC APPEARANCES AND MEDIA
phone interviews, press conferences and more.
MANAGEMENT
While during the competitive season these may
Telling the story of our sports, our organization, our team and our athletes is everyone’s responsibility. Sport today is entertainment and the success of any sport is directly related to how the participants – the organizers, the coaches, the athletes – take a proactive role in telling that story. Public excitement is built not just on the story of athletic success, but on getting behind the scenes and seeing a sport from the perspective of the athlete. Every athlete and every coach plays a key role in building that public excitement. That excitement is built on the public’s desire to get inside the sport as much as possible. Listening in on radio calls, seeing on-course point-of-view action, being in the start house and finish line, hearing from athletes before, during and after a competition are all critical elements of telling the story of our sport. The public has to be inside the sport in any way possible!
seem like distractions, it is important to plan on making the investment and helping to provide information about yourself in a focused venue that has an attentive audience. Media play an important role in sport. Learning to work with them to your advantage is key. Your sport will only grow if you positively interact with the public and the media. The USSA’s approach to a positive and proactive integration with media is outlined below. In every case, this will be done strategically to enhance positive awareness of the athlete and the team. Special circumstances will be taken into consideration where a public appearance may not be in the best strategic interest of the athlete or team. Media Prioritization Prioritization of media is important to maximizing an athlete’s time and benefit to the athlete and team. In general, the most beneficial media are
The news media, television, web and other
U.S.-based – that’s where the USSA has the most
channels are critical to the success of our sports.
potential to grow awareness to increase athletic
Those channels provide an opportunity for every
funding. International media also are important
athlete and coach to help tell the story of our
in being a good partner in a global sport. Below
sport and to bring that excitement to the public. ATHLETES AND NEWS MEDIA The USSA is the most proactive of any U.S. Olympic sport in its use of the media as a tool to create awareness and a positive public image of its athletes, events and sports. The USSA conducts active public relations programs to tell your story, the team story, the story of the people behind the scenes and to help record the history of competitive winter sports. There are a variety of tactics to do this including
is a general prioritization, with U.S.-based and larger circulation/distribution being key: • Wire services like the Associated Press (world’s largest news service; best way to reach majority of U.S. media) • U.S. TV • Rights holder TV • Major U.S. media, especially those that regularly follow your sport (Ski Racing, USA Today, New York Times, Denver Post, etc.)
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
• Major web media (yahoo.com, ESPN.com, USAToday.com, etc.) • Hometown media • U.S. national radio
showcase the sport to the public. USSA Communications works closely with Athletics to integrate the need for media interaction within the athletic schedule at events. Team members are expected to actively
• U.S. lifestyle media (print, broadcast, web)
participate in scheduled interviews.
• U.S. newspapers and other media
Press Conferences
• Other online sites (blogs, etc.)
At times, the USSA will schedule press
Media Interviews (Outside of Competition)
conferences. These may be traditional with
With various immediate deadlines and long leads for both newspapers and magazines, the USSA will arrange media interviews with national team athletes throughout the year. The USSA strives to work in partnership with athletes and their professional representatives to create media opportunities that are beneficial for the athlete and the team. Those opportunities should take into account the athletes’ schedules and athletic commitments and be properly prioritized so as to create a positive experience.
77
athletes sitting in front of media answering questions or can be conducted in more personal formats such as athlete stations where media can speak directly and personally with athletes. Press conferences are a good way to economize time, especially at events and camps. The USSA will take athletes’ schedules into consideration and work with the coaching staff on timing of these media appearances. It is the responsibility of team athletes to attend and participate in a positive manner when asked, including both USSA-scheduled and pre-event/
It is everyone’s responsibility (athletes, agents,
post-event press conferences. In all cases, the
sponsors, USSA) to work productively with each
USSA will moderate or have a presence at these
other to mutually seek opportunities to benefit
press conferences and work with athletes in
both the athlete and the team.
advance on key message points.
Media Interviews (Team Camps and
Finish Area Mixed Zone
Competitions)
Post-event interview opportunities in any sport
At any team camp or competition, athletic
are challenging for both athletes and media,
preparation, training and competition comes
but it is an essential way for media to get athlete
first. Camps and competitions also represent
reaction – win or otherwise – after a competition
opportunities to showcase the sport and
as fans are interested in the experience and
athletes. It’s important for the long-term growth
relating to it.
of the sport to recognize that active interaction with the public and news media is essential for growth in public awareness. The growth in public popularity of any major sport today, from traditional American professional sports to NASCAR and more, are all due in part to active interaction during competition to better
Skiing and snowboarding are sports that need to make media feel welcome. Coverage, especially from U.S. media, is challenging in your sport. If journalists have spent the time and money to cover a ski or snowboarding event, you, as a national team athlete, should reciprocate that respect and interest by taking
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chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
the time to talk about your experience. It’s easy to talk about winning. It’s harder to talk about losing or when things go awry. But the athlete who can keep his or her chin up and speak from the heart about a great disappointment will be the athlete who will garner the lion’s share of positive coverage every time!
Devin Logan © Getty Images
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities MEDIA TRAINING 101 – KNOW THE BASICS Media relations is one of the most important aspects in the life of an elite athlete. It is to your benefit to work proactively with the media so that you help inform and guide the media as they tell your story and help shape your image. When used effectively, the media can be an extremely valuable tool. You should view media coverage as an opportunity to promote your
79
Make it pleasant for all involved. The media will be conveying your message to the public, and it’s beneficial to you if your message is delivered from a friendly perspective. Be on time. Reporters have deadlines (and bosses!) that require them to adhere to a schedule. The story.
sport, your team, your sponsors and – of course –
The media are interested in the inside story. Give
yourself. It’s free advertising – capitalize!
them insight as to who you are (tell your story!)
To take full advantage of your access to the
but be extremely cautious before you criticize
sports media, you have to exercise your power
teammates, coaches, officials, opponents,
to control and manage your media interactions
teammates, family, etc. Always give credit
while working with USSA Communications staff
where credit is due, but be careful not to
to maximize every opportunity.
overstep the bounds of privacy and disclose
Three keys to controlling your interview: 1. Have a clear, simple, consistent message that is interesting to the public. 2. Package your message into media-friendly sound bytes. 3. Get comfortable presenting your message confidently. COMMON COURTESIES COUNT As a member of the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding or U.S. Freeskiing, you represent the United States, the Olympic movement, team
private information about others. The media will always have the last word. Do everything you can to ensure that they view you favorably. COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING The USSA works with several outside vendors to develop a communications training program that focuses on developing messages, how an image is built, working with the media and tips on public speaking. Each year, the USSA will continue to implement such education programs with the teams.
partners (venues, organizers, sponsors, suppliers,
The USSA has worked with national public
donors, etc.), your sport, your sponsors and
relations agency Fleishman-Hillard. Counselors
yourself every time you interact with the media.
Dan Barber and J.J. Carter can offer additional
Always be professional and courteous. Try to remember names, greet media members personally when possible and be friendly. Remember, the media are doing their job and you are an important part of their work day.
advanced services including: • Individual and team coaching sessions for athletes and coaches • Message development consultation for individual athletes and teams
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chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
• On-camera media consultation to improve presentation and delivery • Crisis and issues consultation to help manage conflict and controversy • Media monitoring and analysis
Be honest and accurate. Make sure you are always honest and accurate when posting information or news, and if you make a mistake, correct it quickly. Be open about any previous posts you have altered. Remember that the internet archives almost
If athletes and/or agents are interested in
everything and even deleted information can
investing in a more expanded program,
sometimes be found. Never post any information
they may contact USSA Vice President of
or rumors that you know to be false about
Communications Tom Kelly (tkelly@ussa.org or
the USSA, fellow athletes, coaches, officials or
435.647.2010) to discuss options available and
competitors.
how best to coordinate them. SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES
FIVE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. How can I update my team bio?
Social media can be a fun and rewarding way
Make it a point to review your team bio
to share your life and athletic accomplishments
at the beginning of each season and
with fans, friends and family all over the world.
periodically throughout the year. It is
Because social media can communicate
designed to provide the media and fans
information very quickly, it’s wise to use
interesting and informative background
social media responsibly. Your conduct on
information on you, so we welcome
social media can impact your sponsorships,
your input on what you would like us to
relationships and reputation. Here are a few
include. Please contact Communications
simple things to keep in mind when posting on
(communications@ussa.org) with any
social media sites.
changes.
Be respectful.
2. At times, why do writers ask such dumb
Always be fair and courteous to fellow athletes,
questions?
coaches, officials, event staff and others
Many journalists are new to our sport and
who are working on behalf of the USSA or FIS.
haven’t yet mastered it. Consider each such
Problems are generally easier to resolve by
interview an opportunity to reach a whole
speaking directly to a person rather than airing
new audience. While your sport is global,
grievances in a public forum such as Facebook
ball sports tend to dominate the American
or Twitter. Nevertheless, if you decide to post
sports media. They may not always know
complaints or criticism, avoid using statements,
what to ask or use the correct terminology.
photographs or video or audio that could
You can help them immensely by taking the
reasonably be viewed as malicious, obscene,
time to explain the basics of your sport in
threatening or intimidating. Examples of such
detail so they can better understand it. With
conduct might include offensive posts meant to
your assistance (and patience), journalists
intentionally harm someone’s reputation.
who are new to the sport can help expand your fanbase beyond the knowledgeable ski or snowboard fan.
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
81
Julia Mancuso © Getty Images
3. I didn’t do so well today. Why do I have to
them), and that they can contact the
spend time after the event with media?
USSA if they need assistance or any
It is easy to talk to media when you win; it’s
additional information.
tougher when you don’t. One of the keys to getting good media coverage for you and your sport is consistency. If the media have insight about you, what you do, how your run was, they can tell a better story. Plus, don’t let them presume – explain. 4. What can I do to get more coverage in my
5. I want to start getting more coverage for myself. The USSA’s Communications department is here to help. Let them know what you’re interested in, and they will help you maximize your media exposure. If you would like to take the initiative to generate
local newspaper?
more news coverage for yourself, make
Make it a point to know and regularly
that known! We can provide you with some
communicate with your local media. The
specific direction, social media guidance
USSA regularly distributes news via email to
and best practices, thoughts on developing
media – international, national and local
informational materials and keep you in
– and talks to reporters daily. Let your local
mind for future media opportunities.
reporters and editors know that you are accessible to them (and eager to work with
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chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
ATHLETE MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS National team athletes are entitled to a number of outstanding benefits, including the ability to participate in USSA and FIS competitions. However, just as a valid driver’s license is required to operate a motor vehicle, you must renew and maintain your USSA and FIS memberships to enjoy these benefits: • Opportunity to compete in domestic and international events • Accident insurance coverage during participation in sanctioned events
FIS Registration Every sport has a procedure for registration with FIS. FIS also requires members to hold a current membership in their home national association (USSA). Each sport has a separate schedule of fees and deadlines. Alpine athletes need to register by June 1 to meet the early FIS list deadline. Registration after any deadline may involve additional late fees. If your FIS registration is not current, you risk your ability to participate in FIS events and losing your FIS points. In addition, you must hold a current USSA
• Ranking on the USSA points list
competitor membership to register for FIS.
• Ranking on international points lists
The most efficient way to register for both USSA
Both the USSA as an organization and you
and FIS is using the USSA’s online registration tool
as an individual athlete may be at risk if
available at my.ussa.org. Please contact USSA
your membership and registrations are not
Member Services at membership@ussa.org or
completed in a timely manner. You may
435.647.2666 for assistance. In addition USSA and
risk your insurance coverage, participation
FIS applications are available online at www.
in sanctioned events and your domestic or
ussa.org. Click here to access forms.
international ranking.
Contact
REQUIRED MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION
USSA Member Services
USSA Membership
435.647.2666
You are required to hold a current USSA competition membership. The USSA’s membership year begins on July 1. If your membership is not current on July 1, you risk being able to participate in USSA activities including camps and competitions; and will not be covered by USSA’s secondary participant accident insurance. You also risk losing your points. Although national team athletes should be renewed by July 1, any athletes not registered by October 15 will pay a $25 USSA late fee. Other division or state late fees may also apply.
membership@ussa.org
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
83 ATHLETE CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION One of the most important areas of management for you as a national team athlete is protecting your eligibility. Skiing and snowboarding are among the most open sports in terms of allowing athletes to be compensated for endorsements. But there are still rules that must be followed in order to maintain your eligibility to compete in USSA, FIS or Olympic competitions. While the USSA does not manage National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) activities, those rules are even more restrictive. It is your responsibility to know and understand these rules. ENDORSEMENT AGREEMENT RULES AND
responsibility to seek advice from your agent,
PROCEDURES
accountant and/or attorney to ensure that
Athletes may enter into endorsement agreements for headgear, equipment, appearances and other purposes subject to USSA and FIS rules and policies. For the most current information on permitted categories and procedures please refer to your Team Membership Agreement.
your rights are protected. The USSA can provide names of individuals who can help you in this regard if you need a referral. Please contact the USSA Athletics Manager (Kate Anderson) requires that athlete and sponsor execute USSA’s Athlete Endorsement Consent and Joinder agreement, which serves to protect athlete eligibility and becomes part of the
The FIS has established rules governing contract
endorsement agreement. The Consent and
administration. In turn, the USSA provides to
Joinder document cannot be altered in any
its elite team members a system for contract
way other than to add the detailed references
administration that complies with FIS rules in an
from the endorsement agreement (e.g., name
effort to ensure that you maintain competition
of parties, date, signatures, etc.).
eligibility. FIS rules governing endorsements and athlete eligibility are available at: www.fis-ski.com
USSA CONTRACT MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES The USSA manages hundreds of agreements, as required by FIS rules, every year. It’s important
Particular attention should be paid to Sections
that you take the responsibility of following the
204 and 206, which require, among other
established procedure to ensure your contracts
things, that the USSA be a party to any athlete
are processed properly and your eligibility is
endorsement. FIS rules dictate that any athlete
not impacted.
who refuses to comply with these rules will not be issued a FIS license.
• Each athlete endorsement agreement together with the Consent and Joinder,
LICENSE BY THE USSA
when fully executed, should be forwarded to
The endorsement agreement sets forth in detail
the USSA Athletics Manager for processing.
the legal relationship between the athlete and sponsor and is negotiated between the two parties. The USSA does not negotiate endorsement agreements for athletes. It is your
• Upon receipt, the USSA will sign the
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chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
Consent and Joinder, and distribute to the
earmarked for a single individual does not
appropriate party. Athlete endorsement
qualify for a charitable deduction. An athlete is
agreements that are submitted without fully
not a charitable organization.
executed Consent and Joinders will not be processed. Your Contract Management Responsibility It is ultimately your responsibility to manage the relationship with your sponsors or suppliers. NCAA amateur rule and eligibility: As a national team athlete, you need to be aware of the NCAA bylaw that relates to amateurism and how it may affect your eligibility to compete at the college level. NCAA amateur status may be lost as a result of activities prior to enrollment in college. It is your responsibility to contact the compliance office at the university or college
The USSA cannot provide a charitable deduction acknowledgment to such a donor as the organization would risk tax penalty and possible forfeiture of its not-for-profit tax status. It is possible that some gifts may not be taxable income to the athlete. But athletes should consult with a professional tax advisor for specific direction. Contact Jody Nicol, USSA Accounting 435.647.2009 jnicol@ussa.org
you are interested in attending to determine your eligibility status. NCAA amateurism rules apply to current student-athletes attending college and any individual who has not yet enrolled. Your eligibility can be affected by several factors including receiving excessive or improper expenses, awards and benefits, entering into an agreement with a sport agent, turning 21 years of age, or enrolling full-time at a college or university. It is imperative that you are aware of your actions and how they may impact your eligibility for intercollegiate competition. For more information: http://eligibilitycenter.org/ ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.html CHARITABLE DONATIONS AND GIFTS Individuals often ask if they can make a donation specifically earmarked for the benefit of an individual athlete. IRS regulations specifically indicate that any donation
Emily Cook Š Kirk Paulsen
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
85
ON THE ROAD USSA teams are required to travel around the world in order to experience the best training and competition opportunities. Much of the day-to-day business of the organization takes place outside of Park City. Travel is a major component of USSA operations and accounts for a significant portion of its annual budget. It is vitally important that the USSA is diligent in planning and executing its travel. TRAVEL PARTNERSHIPS
• 24/7 service support
The USSA has established a partnership with
• Assistance in making ticket changes for
WorldTek Travel in order to centralize travel activities and establish consistent, effective and efficient procedures. WorldTek is a major national agency specializing in sport team and
personal, event, USSA or other reasons • Exclusive access to USSA-contracted discounts with Delta
group travel programs.
Team Travel Arrangements
The USSA also has established a sponsor
Team Managers and coaches are responsible
partnership with Delta Airlines, which helps
for preparing general travel plans that are then
mitigate the cost of travel through value-in-
communicated to team athletes, coaches and
kind ticketing and other benefits. It is important
support staff. All airline travel arrangements
for USSA staff and athletes to respect Delta
must be made well in advance of departure
personnel worldwide and to be gracious in your
and must be coordinated through the Team
travel relationships. Your respectful treatment of
Manager or coach. Check with your Team
Delta helps maintain a great relationship and
Manager or coach for specific procedures in
the continuation of the benefits that come with
your sport.
that relationship.
After you’ve communicated your specific travel
USSA TRAVEL PROCEDURES
needs based on the established travel plans,
The following information applies across all sports; however, each individual team may have more specific procedures that vary
the Team Manager or coach will coordinate with WorldTek to research and book the most effective travel arrangements.
slightly from the general process outlined
When you’ve been ticketed for a trip, double-
below. You are expected to follow your team’s
check your flight itinerary as soon as you get it to
travel procedures. WorldTek Travel Benefits WorldTek Travel provides the following: • Full-time staff experienced at dealing with the complexities of U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing travel schedules • Attention to finding the most effective ticket routing for the most reasonable cost
make sure it is correct. Let your coach or Team Manager know immediately if your ticket is in error. Always call the airline prior to departure to reconfirm your flight times in case there has been a flight or schedule change. If you have any questions regarding travel, contact your coach or Team Manager. Electronic tickets are used whenever possible as they are the safest and easiest to manage. If you don’t receive a copy of your electronic ticket itinerary within four working days prior to
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chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
travel, please contact your Team Manager. All
Check with the airline, as there are always
tickets are non-refundable to you. All unused
exceptions.
tickets need to be reported to Team Managers or WorldTek prior to your scheduled departure
Contact
or you could be responsible for the cost of the
WorldTek Travel
ticket. Your ticket needs to be canceled prior
1.800.TEAM.SKI
to the original scheduled departure date or the
Additional resources:
value of your ticket will be lost completely. For domestic travel, you need to check in at least one to two hours before flight departure. If traveling internationally you need to arrive
International Association of Medical Assistance to Travelers 716.754.4883 The Centers for Disease Control 404.332.4565
at least two to three hours before departure.
National Passport Information Center
Take into consideration additional baggage,
888.362.8668
number of people checking in and any current security alerts. Excess, Oversized and Overweight Baggage All airlines charge for baggage that is over the limited number, overweight or oversized. Size and weight limitations, as well as fees, are set by each airline and may vary. Baggage restrictions
Office of American Citizens Services 202.647.5225 Universal Currency Converter http://www.xe.com/ucc/ Time and date.com http://www.timeanddate.com/
often change suddenly due to security or
Country Calling Codes
business concerns. You are encouraged to
http://www.countrycallingcodes.com/
call or check the website of the airline you are traveling. For current policies regarding excess baggage, contact your Team Manager. Ticket Changes The USSA manages travel for hundreds of athletes. Changes cost money and staff time, which impacts athletic funding. You will not be allowed to make individual itinerary changes for personal reasons unless you have them approved in advance by the Team Manager. You are responsible for payment of all fees. Generally a ticket change requires a minimum fee of $100 for domestic travel and $200 for international travel plus any additional costs due to change of routing, dates and/or class or service. Most airlines are now only allowing standby for flights on the original travel date.
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
87
VEHICLE PROCEDURES Generally, USSA staff manages the use of USSA vehicles or car rentals. It is important for each athlete to acknowledge and abide by the policies and procedures outlined below in conducting those activities in order to maintain a safe environment and safeguard the assets of the USSA. The procedures in this section apply to the use of
whatsoever; the vehicle shall be driven in
any USSA-owned, -leased or -rented vehicle.
a safe and prudent manner by licensed
AUTHORIZED USE OF USSA VEHICLES
drivers, 21 years of age or older; the drivers will comply with the Driver Conduct
Athletes are not permitted to drive USSA Audis
Requirements set forth below; the assigned
unless specifically authorized by Audi. Team,
driver will be responsible for all fines,
staff and athletes must be over the age of 21
forfeitures and penalties incurred by reason
to drive USSA vehicles, which may be used
of the use of the vehicle.
for official USSA business only. All drivers must submit a copy of their valid driver’s license and complete a MVR Request and Authorization to Release Motor Vehicle Report form with USSA’s Shauna Vanderlinden and complete vehicle check out paperwork with Lenea McManus. If your name isn’t on the check out form you are not authorized to drive the vehicle.
• Drivers should obtain warranty service as necessary and provided for under the new vehicle limited warranty, a printed copy of which is furnished with the vehicle. Ordinary operating maintenance such as gas, oil, grease, tire repair and other incidentals are the responsibility of the assigned driver as necessary. Coordinate any repairs or
Contact
maintenance with Lenea McManus at
Shauna Vanderlinden, Director of
435.647.2008.
Human Resources
• The assigned driver is responsible for
435.647.2003
returning the vehicle in the same condition
svanderlinden@ussa.org
as delivered, with reasonable wear and
Lenea McManus, Accounting Accounts
tear accepted. All repairs necessary to
Payable Manager
restore the vehicle to such condition shall be
435.647.2008
performed at the expense of the assigned
lmcmanus@ussa.org Vehicle Care and Maintenance in USA USSA vehicles are a great expense to the company. They should be used in the proper manner and with respect for the investment the USSA makes in providing access to transportation. • USSA vehicles will not be utilized illegally,
driver. The vehicle should also be returned clean, inside and out with a full tank of gas. All accidents involving serious Injuries please refer to the critical Incident communication procedure. Call Luke Bodensteiner at mobile 435.640.8541; home 435.625.0101 or office 435.647.2055 or In his absence, Kyle Wilkens, mobile 435.901.1941; office 435.647.2058; home 435.649.9499 or Tom Kelly, mobile 435.602.9799;
improperly, for hire, as a public conveyance
office : 435.647.2010. For accidents involving
or in any manner for any political purpose
damage to USSA vehicles and/or when USSA
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chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
auto insurance coverage is involved contact Shauna Vanderlinden. Driver Conduct Requirements • The driver must possess a valid operator’s license.
• Use of the vehicle by other parties, including family members is prohibited. When renting vehicles for USSA business make sure you are familiar with USSA’s Rental Auto Insurance policies. If you aren’t sure if USSA has insurance coverage for the type of rental
• The driver must be over the age of 21.
or the country you are renting a vehicle; and
• Absolutely no driving while impaired by
are unable to reach your Team Manager or
alcohol, drugs, medication, illness, fatigue
USSA to discuss, purchase the rental companies
or injury.
coverage and name USSA along with all drivers
• Ensure the proper use of safety belts and child safety restraints for all occupants. • Obey all applicable motor vehicle laws, codes and regulations. • Drive in a defensive manner, anticipating situations where incidents are likely to occur. • Refrain, at all times, from using radar/laser detection devices. • Plan trips by selecting the safest route, depart early enough to observe posted speed and traffic regulations and be mindful of current and forecasted weather conditions. • Use of cellular telephones while driving USSA vehicles is not permitted.
on the rental agreement. In General, USSA does not have Auto Insurance in foreign Countries. If you have a personal credit card that has rental auto insurance that applies you can choose to opt out of purchasing the rental car companies coverage but if there is an damage etc to the vehicle it would be your responsibility to submit the claim with your credit card company. Do not rent 10-15 passenger vehicles.
chapter 5 athlete services and responsibilities
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SKI AND SNOWBOARDING AREA ACCESS FOR ATHLETES U.S. ski and snowboard resort areas are the
contacts below can change year to year.
USSA’s most important partners. Those resorts
Check with the Athletics Manager or your Team
provide millions of dollars in tangible, direct
Manager each season.
athletic support each year with programs like the Gold Pass, hosting more than 3,000 local competitions annually, providing support for 425
Athletes and Coaches Vail- Vouchers have been issued. Go to any
USSA clubs and investing heavily in the USSA’s
season pass office for a Vail resort, except
major events. Every athlete should have the
Arapahoe Basin and Northstar (they can be
utmost respect for resort operators.
used at those two resorts, just not picked up
In addition to hosting domestic and elite-level USSA events each year, many resorts provide national team athletes with lift access at no
there). Tell them you are with the U.S. Team and show ID. Deer Valley- Go to the ticket desk at Snow Park
cost. They do so because of the image that you,
Lodge area to pick up. Athletes under 18 need
as a team athlete, can bring to their resort and
a waiver signed by parents. Team Managers
the relationships that you and the USSA have
have the form.
established over the years.
Park City- Local athletes can pick up a season
The resorts listed below typically provide elite
pass in the pass office. Non-local athletes can
athletes with lift access at no cost. There are
pick up a day pass in the pass office. If you are
no formal agreements that provide this benefit.
a non-local who will be here for more than a
USSA Athletics confirms these arrangements
few days please let Kate Anderson know your
with each resort prior to the season opening.
dates via email (kanderson@ussa.org) so something
Generally, resorts welcome the opportunity
can be set up for you.
to provide this benefit and will continue to do
Squaw Valley- Day passes are available.
so provided that athletes are gracious and
Contact Todd Kelly 48 hours in advance so he
respectful in dealing with resort staff.
can set up a pass for you.
Athletes seeking lift access for resorts not
Todd Kelly
listed below should either utilize their personal
Alpine Meadows Ski Team
relationships at the resort or contact the
Squaw Valley Ski Team
Athletics Coordinator for help in contacting the
Program Director
appropriate person at the resort on your behalf.
tk@squaw.com
Generally, a picture ID (driver’s license) and
Office: 530.452.4182
team ID is required in order to obtain lift access
Cell: 530.563.6222
from these resorts. Procedures with each of
Mt. Bachelor- Day passes available. Please
these resorts may change from year to year
contact Kate Anderson one week in advance at
so please make contact with the resort or the
nrahn@ussa.org or 435.647.2016 so that she can
USSA prior to arriving. The procedures or resort
contact Mt. Bachelor.
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chapter 5 1 athlete introduction services to the and team responsibilities manual
Athletes Only Steamboat- Athletes on the A-C teams can pick up day passes at the main ticket office.
Snowbird- We generally receive 25 to 50 day passes for athlete use during the season. It is first come, first serve with a limit of two per athlete (over two visits). Take your ID to the ticket
Killington- Check with your Team Manager on
window. There are black-out dates around
who our contact person will be. You will need
holidays.
to contact them 48 hours in advance. You will need to bring a photo ID to the season pass office once you have notified them.
Š Getty Images
6
chapter
ussa department structure
Sage Kotsenburg Š Getty Images
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USSA ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE USSA ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE The USSA serves as the NGB recognized by the
manages the legal health of the organization
USOC and FIS for skiing and snowboarding in the
and provides guidance to the president and
USA. The USSA is incorporated under the laws of
CEO, the management team, and others
the State of Utah as a not-for-profit corporation
within the organization upon request. He is the
and is organized so as to qualify as a non-profit,
organization’s point person for issues involving
charitable, tax-exempt organization under
SafeSport, as well as all other matters involving
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
potential legal claims.
The USSA’s Board of Directors leads the USSA
Executive Vice President and Chief
with clear oversight in the pursuit of the
Development Officer is responsible for the
realization of its vision and the fulfillment of its
development of private giving programs to
mission and core values. A long-term strategic
increase revenue to support athletic programs.
plan, adopted by the Board in 2010, provides the USSA with a roadmap for its support of elite athletes across a wide range of different sports.
Chief Marketing Officer is responsible for organizational revenue production through the USSA’s partners, including sponsorships
USSA MANAGEMENT TEAM
and suppliers.
President and Chief Executive Officer is the
Vice President, Athlete Career and Education
senior officer of the corporation and serves as
oversees athlete education and career
the leader of the organization. The position
opportunities programs, also serving as Head of
provides leadership and vision, as well as policy
School for the USSA TEAM Academy.
direction to the management team and all departments. The CEO reports to the USSA Board of Directors for matters of governance and policy. Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer manages the financial health and stability of the organization. The CFO provides leadership and vision to make meaningful financial projections and to provide fiscal management for the operation of the organization. Executive Vice President, Athletics oversees the entire athletic operation of the organization, from grassroots programs through elite teams. The athletic leader provides leadership in high performance, sports medicine and education as well as operations of a diverse and largescale athletic department. Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Vice President, Communications is responsible for internal and external communications, communications education and providing positive messaging to enhance the public image of athletes and the organization. Vice President, Events is responsible for managing a wide range of athletic and events to not only provide athletic competition but to enhance revenue production to support athletic programs as well as development of experiential marketing.
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USSA ATHLETICS USSA Athletics fulfills the USSA’s vision of being
and provide a current situational snapshot
the Best in the World in Olympic skiing and
of performance levels, ongoing monitoring
snowboarding, by enabling the various teams
and evaluation of programs as part of the
within the athletic department to provide strong
resource allocation process, warehousing
leadership that establishes and supports athletic
of sport information for evaluation and
excellence, in accordance with the USSA’s
collaborative purposes.
core values. • Establishing and maintaining a sport culture for athletes, coaches, staff, parents, volunteers and partners focused on achieving athletic success through personal dedication, commitment and discipline centered on the mission, vision, goals and core values of the USSA. • Directing the activities of the coaches,
Athletic Department Operations USSA Athletics provides leadership to its sports and departments for program design and implementation, ensures that the overall operation of the Athletic Department is effective and efficient in achieving its goals, and is made up of five sports (alpine, snowboarding, freeskiing, freestyle, nordic), a High Performance department (encompassing Sport Science,
athletes, staff, volunteers and partners
Sports Medicine and Sport Education), an
toward building reliable, quality programs
Athlete Career and Education Department,
that focus on the four cornerstones for
the USSA TEAM Academy and the Competition
athletics success - Elite athlete programs,
Services department. The athletic department
sport science and medicine, national
operates in athlete recruitment, competition
development systems and sport education.
administration, athlete development, and
• Developing a close working relationship with the athletes, parents, clubs, resorts, industry, coaches, judges and officials focused on sport development. • Creating successful programs at all levels of the pipeline through education, coaching, and program leadership. • Manage short- and long-term athletic
elite performance. The High Performance and Competition Services departments operate in a supporting role to the sports. The Athletic department provides high performance, educational and rules/ ranking management services to the sports/ teams, establishes priorities within the athletic department, establishes the management structure of the athletic department, reviews
performance through; a four-year based
the actualization of the annual operational
planning cycle designed to support
plans within each sport and high performance
the implementation of effective high-
department and coordinates programs that
performance programs, podium objectives
cross sport/teams, including USOC programs, FIS
that clearly define the purpose of funding
programs, and internal multi-sport programs.
provided to teams/programs, benchmarks designed to monitor performance against desired goals, tools to evaluate performance
USSA Core Values are emphasized through clear expectations of conduct, behavior and professionalism. Values are a common thread
chapter 6 ussa department structure
94
throughout all programs and are presented and
and safeguard of other organization assets. The
reinforced visually. Values-based decision-making
division also manages all building operations for
is a common thread throughout all programs.
the USSA Center of Excellence.
Policies and standards of training and conduct are reinforced through Champions and Athletics
Contact
Plus newsletters, Rookie Camp, team briefings
Mark Lampe, Executive Vice President/Chief
and a high-quality, impactful Team Manual.
Financial Officer
Contact Luke Bodensteiner, Executive Vice President, Athletics Cell phone: 435.640.8541 Office phone: 435.647.2055 lbodensteiner@ussa.org Kate Anderson, Athletics Manager Office phone: 435.647.2016 kateanderson@ussa.org
435.647.2002 mlampe@ussa.org Chris Sampson, Controller 435.647.2007 csampson@ussa.org Jody Nicol, Accounts Receivable 435.647.2009 jnicol@ussa.org Lenea McManus, Accounting Accts Payable Manager
USSA FINANCE
435.647.2008
USSA Finance provides financial and business
lmcmanus@ussa.org
analysis to maximize the available funds for performance of past and current projects to
USSA HUMAN RESOURCES / INSURANCE
optimize the performance of projects and/or
USSA Human Resources/Insurance
eliminate non-performing projects. In this regard,
Department functions under the direction
the department functions as a business advisor
of the CEO. The department provides human
to each division, department and athletic team
resource services to employees of the USSA
within the organization to assist each in meeting
through payroll coordination, health insurance,
its critical objectives within the overall
workers’ compensation insurance and other
company plan.
employee benefits.
Division responsibilities also include the
The department also administers insurance
accounting and reporting functions for
services for the company including USSA general
the organization. Accounting includes
liability insurance, USSA- club liability insurance
processing and recording financial activities
program, property insurance, auto insurance
of all departments, cash flow management,
and participant accident/catastrophic medical
payroll processing and all related filings with
insurance for team athletes. All insurance
local, state and federal agencies; annual
certificates and claims are processed or
athletic programs. That includes analyzing
financial statement audits, annual federal
coordinated by this department. In this capacity
and state income tax filings, monthly financial
the department offers help to team members
reporting and budget forecasting, revenue
in coordinating payments to medical providers
risk assessments, management of vehicle pool
from the participant accident policy, EAHI policy
95
chapter 6 ussa department structure
and the catastrophic medical policy. Contact
property, serving as a contact person for USSA members with questions about their rights under the USSA bylaws, counseling members
Shauna Vanderlinden, Human Resource
on disciplinary actions and issues regarding
Director/ Administration
athletes’ rights and serving as point person for
Direct Line: 435.647.2003
legal issues surrounding anti-doping.
Fax: 435.940.2743 svanderlinden@ussa.org Laurie Hamble, Insurance /Human Resource Administration Manager Direct Line: 435.647.2019 Fax; 435.940.2759
Contact Alex Natt, USSA Executive Vice President and General Counsel 435 647 2004 anatt@ussa.org.
lhamble@ussa.org
USSA BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
USSA PURCHASING, SHIPPING AND RECEIVING
The USSA Business Enterprise division manages
USSA Purchasing, Shipping and Receiving provides daily mailing and shipping support as well as purchasing services to the company. The department processes and routes incoming shipments to correct departments and individuals. The department also processes outgoing shipments to events, camps, etc., that
business operations to provide all financial support to athletic programs and the underlying departments to support those operations. It is a vital area of operation which helps fund athletic programs through a coordination of multi-faceted revenue programs and growing the scale of the USSA’s business through creative marketing programs and strategic partnerships.
are not handled by coaching staff. It processes
The VP/CMO works closely with the heads
and routes athlete mail to team program
of each business enterprise and operations
managers daily.
of the corporation including corporate
The department is also charged with purchasing normal offices supplies for all USSA departments.
sponsorship revenue production and supporting departments. The VP/CMO oversees specific areas of Sales and Marketing, and coordinates
Contact
directly with fundraising, membership,
Tim Panter, USSA COE Operations Manager,
content and creative services, events and
Materials Manager
communications and information technology.
435.647.2024 tpanter@ussa.org
USSA LEGAL OFFICE The USSA Executive Vice President and General Counsel is the primary source for providing legal advice to the USSA. Counsel’s most important duties include reviewing agreements, providing guidance on protection of USSA’s intellectual
chapter 6 ussa department structure
96
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY USSA Information Technology Department (IT) is
requested must be completed before the
responsible for providing technology support and
technical support agent can process your
services necessary to achieve the USSA’s Vision,
request.
Mission, Goals and Core Values. Information Technology Responsibilities The IT department manages a wide range of responsibilities across a very diverse company, with day-to-day business taking place on a global scale. • Support – provides technical service and support for staff. Distribute and maintain workstation hardware and software. • Operations – provide systems support for all technical operational systems. Build and maintain services such as
With the online service request system, you can: • Submit service requests quickly and easily 24/7*. • Provide detailed information about your issue either during or after submission. • Receive e-mail notifications when your request has been received and updated. • Keep track of all correspondence regarding your requests. • Improve your communication with USSA Service and Support teams. • Once your request is submitted, one of our
telecommunications, networks, databases,
technical support agents will contact you to
e-mail, websites, audio/video and security
quickly address your needs.
systems. • Development – provide business value, through collaboration and participation with internal and external stakeholders, by leveraging the right technology to enable timely, cost-effective and high quality delivery of services. Technical Support Request Procedure All technical support requests are logged into
Please complete the following two-step process: • Step 1 - Log in to the Service Desk o URL = http://helpdesk.ussa.org o Username = first initial + last name (Example: jlarson) o Password = “workstation password” • Step 2 - Submit an incident
the USSA Service Desk system, an electronic
o Category - Classify your request
database and management system used to
o Title - Enter a title
track customer requests. For urgent issues or emergencies, call 435.647.2011 (Monday - Friday
o Description - Describe your request
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM MST).
o Urgency - Classify your request
By taking the time to follow the simple, two-step
o Main Asset (Optional) - Select the asset
process, you can be assured that your request will be routed to the most appropriate support team in the most effective manner possible. It is important to know that the information
associated with your request o Attachment (Optional) - Add attachments and screenshots o Submit - Review and submit your request
chapter 1 introduction to the team manual
97
Technical Contact Information Computer Technician
Software Developer
435.647.2011
435.647.2060
comptech@ussa.org
softdev@ussa.org
Network Administrator
Information Technology Director
435.647.2073
435.647.2029
netadmin@ussa.org
itdirector@ussa.org
Web Developer 435.647.2026 webdev@ussa.org
Nate Holland Š Getty Images
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chapter 6 ussa department structure
SALES AND MARKETING USSA Sales and Marketing identifies, develops
In addition to official sponsors, the USSA works
and generates marketing revenue programs to
with several other companies on an annual basis,
provide the maximum amount of funds possible
who support individual and/or a series of events.
to make the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing, the best skiing and snowboarding athletes in the world. The department focuses its efforts on five major areas: intellectual property rights and event sponsorship, media (TV, digital) sales, supplier and consumer products agreements, content distribution (television and other media) and brand and athlete marketing. Every USSA partner feels a special connection to the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing athletes and brands. They are a big part of the team’s success and it’s incredibly important that you, as an elite athlete, have a positive and personal affinity with these partner companies. SALES AND MARKETING PROGRAMS Rights and Event Sponsorship
Protected Categories The USSA’s biggest contributing sponsors (Visa, Sprint, Audi, Nature Valley, Putnam Investments, Charles Schwab and High Sierra) receive patch space on the various U.S. Ski Team uniforms or are major sponsors and contributors to USSA. These sponsors put a significant value against this exposure, making it extremely important for you to wear your uniforms whenever representing the team. The USSA reserves the categories represented by the uniform sponsors exclusively so that team members do not contract with a company that conflicts with a uniform sponsor. Exclusivity is a critical component of the benefits sponsors receive from the USSA. Obviously then, it sends a confusing message to consumers and fans when two competing companies in the same category are represented on team uniforms
The USSA has official sponsors (see Exhibit A).
or at events. In addition to the team uniform
These partners are designated as official and
sponsors, USSA also has major sponsorship deals
exclusive sponsors in their respective categories
with P&G, Kellogg’s and Delta Airlines and each
– meaning that no other companies can have
activate at all or most of the USSA events. Similar
a relationship with the USSA within these areas
category exclusivity and issues exist for these
of sponsorship. Official sponsors have the rights
partners as well.
to the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and/or U.S. Freeskiing brand identity for advertising and
TV Sales
promotional purposes. They also receive group-
In addition to the official sponsors, Sales
licensing rights, which gives partners the ability
and Marketing is responsible for selling the
to use three or more team athletes together
commercial time in the eleven-plus NBC
in any single promotion or advertisement or
programs the USSA broadcasts on an annual
collage of images (photo or video) as long
basis. For the most part, this inventory is
as they are not identifying the athletes as
attached to sponsorship deals but in some cases
individuals.
the inventory is sold separately.
chapter 6 ussa department structure Suppliers and Licensees
99
Television
The USSA’s official suppliers provide product and
Skiing and snowboarding television ratings are
cash to the U.S. Ski Team, and in some cases,
not impressive outside of the Olympic Games.
U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing, in return
Unlike the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and NASCAR, the
for exclusive rights in their respective category.
major broadcast networks do not pay rights fees
As team members, you are required to wear
to broadcast USSA events. In fact, the USSA has
or use specific products from companies in
to purchase time from the networks (NBC) to get
the Supplier Pool when representing and/or
its major events on the air. The USSA broadcasts
competing for the team.
in excess of 50 hours of programming a year
The USSA official licensees are allowed to sell product that includes the U.S. Ski Team, U.S.
(11+ hours on NBC and 24+ on Versus with additional airings on Universal Sports and UHD).
Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing logos. In return
Television is critically important to help sell
for these logo rights, the USSA receives upfront
sponsorships and keeps USSA’s sports and
fees and royalty payments on all licensed
athletes visible, but it is not a moneymaker. The
product sold.
USSA invests more than $4 million each year to
CONTENT DISTRIBUTION
be on television, with a varying net loss each season. Please keep this in mind when you are
An important part of building the image
asked to participate in USSA TV projects. Your
and popularity of USSA sports and athletes is
positive participation and attitude go a long
maximizing their visibility to the American public.
way in creating the best possible TV property
USSA Sales and Marketing uses television, print
driving interest with the viewing public.
and digital media to get the message out and increase the value of its sponsorship packages. USSA TV Model Expenses Project
Expense
NBC time buy for 11 hours
$ 2,100,000
TV production for 35+ hours of programming
$ 2,141,000
Total expenses
$ 4,241,000
Revenue Project
Revenue
Versus rights fee for 40 hours of programming
$
215,000
Universal Sports Network
$
120,000
Rights fee for worldwide distribution of events
$ 1,400,000
Unit sales for NBC programming
$ 2,100,000
Total revenue
$ 3,835,000
Net Profit (loss)
(-$ 406,000)
100 chapter 6 ussa department structure Print Publications Sales and Marketing works with Freeskier and Snowboarder Magazines to produce event promotional advertising. These advertisements are on newsstands in late November/early December and put team athletes center stage to kick off the season. Sales and Marketing works with each of these print vehicles in a revenue-
or U.S. Freeskiing brand identity in commercials, promotions and on any packaging. This helps tremendously in building USSA brands and interest in competitive skiing and snowboarding and USSA athletes. In addition, national branding campaigns also help USSA athletes gain valuable exposure and viewership that in turn helps their own individual sponsors.
share model where pages are sold to sponsors
The USSA develops brand lines and
to support the sections.
corresponding promotional activities to help
Internet The internet has become an increasingly popular medium for content distribution. The USSA creates broadcast partnerships to bring live or delayed coverage of World Cup and elite events to USSA fans in almost every sport. Webcasts can be accessed through USSA’s own websites at www.usskiteam.com and www.ussnowboarding. com. Additionally, USSA launched two key digital initiatives with Snow Globe, a weekly internetonly highlight and athlete lifestyle show, and the USSA Network, the USSA’s own YouTube channel. There are thousands of videos uploaded to the Channel each season and these projects go a long ways in promoting USSA athletes, our sports and our brands. BRAND MARKETING The USSA puts a premium on delivering the maximum amount of financial resources possible for athletic programs. Thus, the USSA cannot spend a significant amount of money on building the brands through advertising or other promotional vehicles. Instead, the USSA looks to its partners and athletes to help promote USSA events, our sports and the athletes themselves. Currently, 60 percent of USSA sponsors have an individual athlete agreement with at least one team athlete. USSA sponsors use athletes and the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and/
the public positively associate with USSA brands and athletes. This is an important component of maximizing revenue through marketing efforts. USSA launched the brand Believe in U.S. this past winter at the one-year out mark of the Sochi Games. Believe in U.S. is our Olympic rallying cry and is being used internally to drive brand awareness to USSA athletes, promote our fundraising efforts and drive awareness and exposure for all things Olympics. We encourage USSA athletes and staff to support the branding effort through their own personal websites and social media channels and tweet the hashtag #believeinus wherever appropriate. Contact Michael Jaquet, Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer 435.647.2046 mjaquet@ussa.org
chapter 6 ussa department structure 101 MERCHANDISING The USSA sells merchandise for the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding, and U.S. Freeskiing as a resource for all skiing and snowboarding elite athletes, members and fans. Check out shop. usskiteam.com and/or shop.ussnowboarding. com, the best place to go for U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing high-
FOUNDATION PROGRAMS The Foundation manages a variety of successful fundraising programs, each of which contributes net revenue to fund athletic programs. Athlete participation is critical to the success of many of these programs. Please notify the Vice President of Foundation if you are interested in involving yourself in these activities.
end apparel, authentic logo-wear, books,
Gold Pass Program
educational materials and more. Featured
The Ultimate Lift Ticket! Valid at more than 250 ski
manufacturers include Spyder, Neve, High Sierra,
resorts across the country, the fully transferable
The North Face, Huge Sportswear and Smartwool.
Gold Pass is one of the Foundation’s largest
Email promotions throughout the year highlight
annual programs. There are 400 passes minted
special offers and featured products.
each year and each pass is available for a
In addition to offering great products, the
$10,000 donation to the team ($8,500 of this
online shop showcases USSA brands and elite
amount is tax deductible). The program nets on
athletes. Profits from the shop directly support
average over $3 million.
USSA athletes.
Special Events
Athlete Discount
The Foundation hosts major gala-style events
As a USSA elite athlete, you receive a 20
across the country in cities like New York,
percent discount from the U.S. Ski Team, U.S.
Chicago, Boston, Denver, San Francisco and
Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing online shop.
more. Foundation events range from backyard
Discount codes will be provided by Vicky
get-togethers to on-snow days to large sit down
Gaylord, vgaylord@ussa.org
dinners with live music. Special events net over $1.4 million annually and athlete attendance is
USSA FOUNDATION The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation is the non-profit, fundraising arm of the U.S. Ski
critical to an event’s success. On-Snow Clinics The Foundation offers donors VIP on-snow
Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing.
experiences with Olympic athletes. Powder Girls
The Foundation raises money to support
and Ice Men are three-day skiing adventures for
year-round athlete training, development,
men and women of all levels. For a contribution,
competition and educational needs. The
a select group of supporters are given the
primary sources for this revenue are Gold Pass,
opportunity to enhance their skiing skills and
major gifts, special events, direct marketing and
spend time on and off the hill with some of the
the Team PyeongChang Olympic hospitality
best skiers in the sport.
program. These programs raise over $6 million a year to support the Athletic Team.
Major Gifts
102 chapter 6 ussa department structure Individual gifts of more than $1,000 make up the Foundation’s major gifts program. Regional managers across the country cultivate prospects and donors to solicit major gift donations. This program is the largest area of growth and opportunity in the Foundation. Chapter Receptions Small receptions are hosted across the country
Contact Trisha Worthington, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer tworthington@ussa.org Jessica Miller, Special Events Director Office: 435.647. 2095 jmiller@ussa.org
by major gift managers to raise both awareness
COMMUNICATIONS
and funds.
USSA Communications is responsible for telling
Olympic Hospitality
the USSA’s story, providing communications leadership through guidance and support to
Team PyeongChang allows donors to make
athletes, sports and departments resulting in an
a multi-year commitment totaling $300,000
increasing awareness of the organization’s role,
to attend the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in
image and brands.
PyeongChang, Korea with the Foundation and athletes of the USSA Olympic Team. Legacy Campaign The Legacy Campaign is a $60 million campaign to build the Center of Excellence, a training center located in Park City, and an endowment for the team. The campaign achieved its goal in January, 2011. The endowment continues to grow each year through sound investment and also provides over $1.5 million annual directly to athletic programs with that amount anticipated to grow to around $2 million annually by 2014.
The department conducts programs in both internal and external communications. Its function is to provide support to athletes, sports and departments through leadership, content management and education and to create revenue-supporting public relations programs. Media Outreach USSA Communications maintains close contact with key national and international media, as well as sport, lifestyle and resort community journalists. Work in this area is designed to increase public visibility of USSA and its athletes,
Alumni Relations
programs and events.
The Foundation works to keep a lifelong
Stakeholder Communications and Advocacy
community of team alumni connected to USSA through meaningful engagement. This is done through seasonal updates and communications, recognition events and a variety of other activities to increase alumni participation.
The USSA’s stakeholders including sponsors, suppliers, donors, trustees and board members, resorts and other supporters are vital to helping fund athletic programs. USSA Communications manages programs to keep stakeholders informed and to build advocacy to grow their support. As athletes, you play a key role in communicating to those stakeholders through the USSA’s advocacy outreach.
103 Athlete Services USSA Communications provides service to athletes at key events managing interaction with news media and other services to help and support athletes in the competition environment. Communications Education USSA Communications develops and implements programs to provide communication training to athletes at all levels through grassroots programs for team and individual training for interested athletes. Community/Industry Relations
If you want to receive news feeds directly, simply go to the team’s websites and click on RSS Feeds. Advocacy Building supporters of the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing helps strengthen relationships with fans and USSA partners. When people make an investment in the USSA, they will promote the organization to others and further build the chain of advocates. Athletes are a main link to build this support. Throughout the season, you might be called upon to reach out to important sponsors and
Positive advocacy of the ski and snowboarding
event executives who have major decision-
industry, including suppliers and resorts, along
making power in making USSA competitions
with the team’s Center of Excellence home in
happen. This communication can be as simple
Utah is important to athletic program support.
as an email thanking the contact for their
The department manages programs to create a
support and investment in the USSA. Athlete
positive relationship, with team athletes playing
communication is the ultimate thank you. You
a critical role in that communications.
are the face of the sport. A thank you coming
Communications
from you is much more powerful than a note
The USSA maintains a 24/7 year-round news
coming from USSA staff.
bureau providing the latest news to media
Please take these opportunities to make a
outlets worldwide and fans of the sport. From
lasting impression on the USSA’s influential
China to Austria to Canada, almost every
contacts. Your program director, press officer or
elite-level competition in which team athletes
USSA Communications might ask you to make
participate is covered by international wire news
this contact throughout the season. The impact
services, providing every newspaper, TV, radio
you can make is enormous.
and web news outlet with U.S. Ski Team, U.S.
Contact
Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing coverage.
Tom Kelly, Vice President, Communications
If you or your family are not seeing the coverage
435.602 .9799
you expect from your local media, please
tkelly@ussa.org
contact them directly to alert them of the community’s interest. Every media outlet has access to team news from wire services like the Associated Press (AP) and the USSA News Bureau can easily provide content to them directly if it isn’t already.
104 chapter 6 ussa department structure EVENTS USSA Events is responsible for the organization
must commit financial support to the
of elite-level ski and snowboarding events in the
events, which equates to approximately
U.S. elite events include World Championships,
$3 million annually.
World Cups, the U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix, U.S. Championships and any USSA event
Event Management
produced for television. USSA Events oversees
The USSA works with each event location
the organization of about 20 events annually.
to establish an organizing committee to
USSA Events provides value to athletes by producing premier competition opportunities in the U. S. as well as creating revenue opportunities for Sales and Marketing and Foundation. The ultimate goal for all USSA events is financial profit, which is used to fund USSA’s athletic programs. The department provides the platform to generate around $8 million annually in sponsorship and television sales associated with USSA events. EVENTS PROGRAMS USSA Events performs a wide range of functions related to major event management for the USSA.
coordinate all aspects of an elite event. USSA’s staff is integrally involved with each organizing committee to insure the quality of these services, including: • Design and construction of competition courses • Planning and installation of temporary venue facilities, infrastructure and signage • Installation of television production facilities and infrastructure • Development of event sales, marketing, public relations and media strategies • Organization of off-hill administration including event headquarters, coordination
Calendar Development
of officials and volunteers, organization of
The department works with FIS and USSA sport
athlete lodging and meals, media services,
committees to develop annual World Cup,
etc.
NorAm and sport calendars that support the
• Implementation of event promotions
athlete pipeline, taking into consideration athlete
and partnerships; the department works
advancement, travel and quality of venues.
proactively to insure USSA’s events promote
Venue Negotiation and Contracts
both the U. S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding
The Vice President, Events and event directors are responsible for negotiating agreements with each event location. These negotiations include the operational requirements to host an event as well as requirements to provide USSA value through exclusive training, hosting of development events and other goods and services. Through these negotiations venues
and U.S. Freeskiing brands as well as the images of our team athletes • Implementation of hospitality and entertainment for event sponsors and donors Family Credentials Family members of USSA athletes have the opportunity to reserve credentials at USSA’s various events. Credential benefits such as
chapter 6 ussa department structure 105 special viewing access locations, discounted
Lindsay Arnold, World Cup Event Manager
lifts and lodging vary depending on each
Office: 435-647-2072
competition venue associated with their family
Cell: 435-714-0361
credentials. It is the family’s responsibility to
larnold@ussa.org
request credentials by the deadlines provided by the Events department. Family Credential Policy 1. Family credentials are available upon
MEMBER SERVICES The USSA Member Services Department provides service and support for over 425 clubs and 30,000 individual members; managing initial
request for immediate family members only
registration and renewal through fulfillment of
and are based on availability.
member benefits.
2. Family credentials allow for special viewing access and may or may not allow for complimentary lift access, discounted lift access and/or discounted lodging. 3. There is no cost for the family credential. Contact
CONTENT AND CREATIVE SERVICES Under broad supervision, Content and Creative Services establishes and maintains a clear corporate image for the USSA through development, implementation and management of brand vision and standards, as well as working with staff, partners and
Calum Clark, Vice President, Events
stakeholders to manage USSA’s video, design,
Office: 435.647.2053
photography, brand management and
Cell: 435.640.8531
web design.
cclark@ussa.org
The USSA Content and Creative Services
Eric Webster, U.S. Grand Prix Tour Director
Department provides support to USSA
Office: 603-279-0121
management, sports, support departments
Cell: 435-659-9491
and other staff. The Content and Creative
ewebster@ussa.org
Services Department provides video and offers
Nick Alexakos, U.S. Snowboarding and Freeskiing
brand management to organizational partners
Event Manager
including sponsors, licensees, member clubs,
Office: 435.647.2018
equipment suppliers, media outlets and other
nalexakos@ussa.org
affiliated organizations who use USSA’s brands.
Mike Henderson, World Cup Events Director
Contact
Office: 435.647.2014
Kyle Kilcomons, Director of Creative Services
Cell: 435.640.8540
Office: 435.647.2087
mhenderson@ussa.org
KKilcomons@USSA.org Sarah Brunson, Photography Manager Office: 435.647.2012 SBrunson@ussa.org
2
chapter appendix
national team membership
Ted Ligety Š Sarah Brunson/U.S. Ski Team
chapter 1 introduction to the team appendix manual 107 APPENDIX U.S. SKI TEAM COMPETITION SUPPLIERS For a list of competition supplier contacts, please contact Sales and Marketing Account Executive. HARD (SKIS, BOOTS, BINDINGS) Alpina*
Exel Sports*
Atomic
One-way* (Rossignol)
Bomber Skis
Rossignol
Dalbello
Swix Sport
Dodge Ski Boots
Komperdell
Elan
Leki
Fischer Skis Full Tilt
* Nordic Only
Hart Ski Corporation
GLOVES/PROTECTION
Head USA
Auclair
Liberty Skis**
Reusch
Madshus*
Ortema
Moment Skis
Slytech
Nordica
Leki
Rossignol/Lange
Dainese
Salomon* Tecnica/Blizzard Volkl/Marker * Nordic only ** Freeskiing only
OTHER SUPPLIER / SPONSOR BOSU Fitness Booster Straps (Ski Metrix) DeWalt Dominator
GOGGLES, HELMETS AND SUNGLASSES
Eps-Doublet
Bolle
Holmenkol
Briko
Kenwood Radios
Dainese
Ski Sauna
Oakley
Skier’s Edge
POC
Sun Valley Ski Tools
Rudy Project*
Swix
UVEX
Toko
Shred
Tools4Boards
* Nordic Only
POLES
Wintersteiger World Cup Supply
108 appendix EXHIBIT A ATHLETE / SPONSOR ENDORSEMENT AGREEMENT AUDI
NATURE VALLEY
Category: Official U.S. Ski Team Vehicle
Category: Official Granola/Grain/Energy Bar
Sponsor Since: 2007
Sponsor Since: 1993
BUD LIGHT
PAUL MITCHELL
Category: Official Malt Beverage
Category: Official Hair Care Products
Sponsor Since: 2000
Sponsor Since: 2002
BURTON
PROCTOR AND GAMBLE
Category: Official Snowboarding Uniform
Category: Cleaning products, make-up,
Sponsor Since: 2002
household goods, men’s health and grooming
CHARLES SCHWAB
Sponsor Since: 2013
Category: Official Brokerage Firm
PUTNAM INVESTMENTS
Sponsor Since: 1997
Category: Official Mutual Fund Provider
COLUMBIA
Sponsor Since: 2010
Category: Official Freestyle Uniform
SPRINT
Sponsor Since: 2011
Category: Official Communications Provider
DELTA
Sponsor Since: 1993
Category: Official Airline
SPYDER
Sponsor Since: 2007
Category: Official Alpine Uniform
DJO
Sponsor Since: 1995
Category: Official Knee Brace
TEMPUR-PEDIC
Sponsor Since: 1997
Category: Official Sleep Provider
GOPRO
Sponsor Since: 2010
Category: Official Camera
THE NORTH FACE
Sponsor Since: 2012
Category: Official Freeskiing Uniform
HELLY HANSEN Category: Official Alpine Base Layer Sponsor Since: 2012 KELLOGG’S
Sponsor Since: 2010 TIRERACK Category: Official Tire Retail Partner Sponsor Since: 2012
Category: Official Cereal
USANA
Sponsor Since: 2013
Category: Official Supplements and Vitamins Sponsor Since: 2010
appendix 109
VISA Category: Official Credit Card Sponsor Since: 1986 ZEAL OPTICS Category: Official Eyewear of Freeskiing and Snowboarding Sponsor Since: 2008 2xu Category: Official Compression Wear Sponsor Since: 2012
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