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Special Olympics offers training and competition opportunities in 30 Olympic-type sports for athletes 8 years or older.  For children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 through 7, Special Olympics provides a Young Athletes Program. Special Olympics coaches have a unique opportunity to work with athletes in competitive situations to assist in their training for life. As a grass-roots organization, Special Olympics relies on volunteers at all levels of the movement to ensure that every athlete is offered a quality sports training and competition experience. Individual donors, corporate partners and many others make it possible for Special Olympics to offer children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy through participation in the program.
English > Coach > Coaching Guides > Alpine Skiing > Alpine Skiing Rules, Protocol and Etiquette > Alpine Skiing Protocol & Etiquette
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Alpine Skiing Protocol & Etiquette

The following are rules that are to be applied to all people on the slopes:
 
  • Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
  • People ahead of you have the right of way.  It is your responsibility to avoid them.
  • You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
  • Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others uphill from you.
  • Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
  • Observe all posted signs and warnings.  Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  • Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safety. 
 
 
  • Arrive at training facility 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
  • Come prepared to coach. Know and understand the rules.
  • Ensure that athletes are wearing appropriate clothing and have proper equipment before training begins.
  • Ensure that athletes participate in warm-ups, stretching and drills.
  • Have a copy of an up-to-date medical for every athlete.
  • Treat all athletes in the same manner.
  • Speak calmly when giving instructions or corrections.
  • Call Alpine skiers by their first names.
  • Answer the athletes' questions in a respectful and reassuring tone.
  • Treat others as you would wish to be treated: Please be considerate of other skiers and/or snowboarders on the hill.
  • Set rules and expectations for all athletes and coaches.
  • Respect nature: Don't throw trash on slopes; don't ski in closed areas.
 
  • Come prepared and on time to training.
  • Notify coach if not able to attend training.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and have proper equipment. 
  • Give your best effort.
  • Treat others as you would wish to be treated: Please be considerate of other skiers and/or snowboarders on the hill.
  • Notify coach of illness or injury.
  • Be supportive of your fellow athletes.
  • Respect nature: Don't throw trash on slopes; don't ski in closed areas.
 
 
  • Know where athletes are during the competition.
  • Get score sheets and other paperwork done on time or early.
  • Review all competition rules and procedures.
  • Attend all coaches' meetings.
  • Encourage your athletes to compete to the best of their ability at all times.  
  • Practice the Honest Effort Rule.
  • Ensure that athletes are wearing appropriate clothing and have proper equipment before competition begins.
  • Ensure that you are properly prepared by having the following:
    • Start lists
    • Bibs
    • Competition schedule
    • Radio/ cell phone
    • Lift tickets
    • Emergency/ Injury Plan
  • Have a copy of an up-to-date medical for every athlete.
  • Treat all competition staff with respect. Remember, they are also volunteers.
  • Maintain a calm demeanor throughout the competition.
  • Never use foul language or raise your voice in an angry tone.
  • Thank the competition staff and officials.
  • Set rules and expectations for all athletes and coaches.
 
  • Come prepared and on time.
  • Notify coach if not able to compete.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and have proper equipment. 
  • Give your best effort.
 
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