Snowshoeing Practice Competitions
Typically, the more we compete, the better we get. A practice competition is a good way to assess the athletes. It can be just a race between two teams or a small individual skill (for example, uphill techniques) tournament of local athletes. Expand or add to your schedule as many competition opportunities as possible. Here are a few suggestions:
- Host practice competitions with adjacent local Programs.
- Ask the local high school whether your athletes can compete with them in practice meets.
- Join the local community snowshoeing league, club and/or association.
- Create your own snowshoeing league or club in your community.
- Incorporate competition components at the end of some training sessions.
Increasing competition opportunities for athletes is one of the coach's responsibilities. All athletes may compete at an end-of-the-season local event; however, only a small percentage of athletes may go on to the highest level of competition offered by the Program. Competition is a way to measure progress and demonstrate skills mastered. One opportunity per year is not enough.
