Help - Kids want to join the race team

[skiprob]

Okay. I have a lot of my own thoughts about youth sports. Many of them are controversial. Suffice it to say that I am quite immersed in the inner workings of youth soccer.

My two oldest boys (11 and 9) have asked to join the race team.

I teach part-time at Jiminy Peak and they have an Inter-club race team that might fit the bill.

My question is, can they join the race team and have fun and improve without it becoming an all consuming (in terms of time and money) venture?

In the end, I know the answer is with the parent. They are the ruination of virtually all youth sports.

I am interested in all experiences both positive and negative. Specifically, what are the little things, culturally and logistically that I have to look out for. What I mean by culturally is will my kid be a social outcast without race skis, etc...

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

Okay. I have a lot of my own thoughts about youth sports. Many of them are controversial. Suffice it to say that I am quite immersed in the inner workings of youth soccer.

My two oldest boys (11 and 9) have asked to join the race team.

I teach part-time at Jiminy Peak and they have an Inter-club race team that might fit the bill.

My question is, can they join the race team and have fun and improve without it becoming an all consuming (in terms of time and money) venture?

In the end, I know the answer is with the parent. They are the ruination of virtually all youth sports.

I am interested in all experiences both positive and negative. Specifically, what are the little things, culturally and logistically that I have to look out for. What I mean by culturally is will my kid be a social outcast without race skis, etc...

I don't know how things work at Jiminy Peak, but I know that the NYSEF program at Whiteface is all consuming (in terms of time and money). It's a great program, but it's every Sat. and Sun. and a lot of travel to other mountains. When you factor in the cost of the program, travel and lodging expenses it adds up.

Alot of kids love it and the program has produced some great racers, I guess it's all a matter of your family priorities.

 

[Grassi21]

Okay. I have a lot of my own thoughts about youth sports. Many of them are controversial. Suffice it to say that I am quite immersed in the inner workings of youth soccer.

My two oldest boys (11 and 9) have asked to join the race team.

I teach part-time at Jiminy Peak and they have an Inter-club race team that might fit the bill.

My question is, can they join the race team and have fun and improve without it becoming an all consuming (in terms of time and money) venture?

In the end, I know the answer is with the parent. They are the ruination of virtually all youth sports.

I am interested in all experiences both positive and negative. Specifically, what are the little things, culturally and logistically that I have to look out for. What I mean by culturally is will my kid be a social outcast without race skis, etc...

Interesting thread. As an expecting father I'm curious to hear people's responses. I also just started coaching lacrosse so the topic of youth sports is of interest as well.

 

[tcharron]

I asked about ski programs in a recent thread here http://forums.alpinezone.com/14716-best-kids-race-program.html

Just an FYI, as it may have some information which relates.

Apparently, don't get them a goofy helmet. :smash:

 

[tree_skier]

The 9 yo will be a J5 any skis will work should be more of a laid back become a better skier program. The 11 yo will be a J4 much more competetive program, look to purchase both sl and gs skis, sl gear (shin and pole guards and face bar for helmet with a compatible helmet) and possibly gs suit.

I have a 9 and 11 in Sneaux's program

 

[thinnmann]

My question is, can they join the race team and have fun and improve without it becoming an all consuming (in terms of time and money) venture?

I highly suggest checking out Belleayre's Race program. J5's had a GREAT time and improved amazingly. No pressure, fun, safe, and professional. Low key races on site almost every weekend in Jan and Feb. Parents who volunteer at races get free lift tix.

Keep a constant eye on eBay for fantastic deals on skis. And be patient. Use watchlisting and saved searches. You and your kids can have a quiver of racing and free skis for less than the cost of one new set. If you can tinker, sharpen & wax them yourself, it is a huge plus.

 

[ski_resort_observer]

I was a high school racing coach for 3 winters in Maine. Your right, alot has to do with the attitude of the parents. They WILL become better skiers. Depending on the level of the program it will consume some time and money. Hope it works out.

 

[riverc0il]

My question is, can they join the race team and have fun and improve without it becoming an all consuming (in terms of time and money) venture?

Yes Yes Yes!!! Do it! Do it! Do it!

A lot depends on the dynamics of the team, so do inquire if the team is super serious racers who all wear racing suits, buy new skis every year, and spend as much time in the tuning/wax room as they do skiing. You sound like you don't want that. Neither did I when I raced. I did not race in any of the youth J# leagues. But I raced both in High School and even at the College level with very relaxed teams just as concerned about having fun and a good time as racing.

Matter of fact, in College we rotated racers when we had more racers than seeds to ensure everyone got to race, even the worst guys on the team who we all encouraged. Race training is the best thing you can do for your kids if you want them to develop as skiers, learn better technique, and began skiing the whole mountain like a pro. Let alone it is a great team sport since individual times can make or break the team. Everyone really gets behind each other even though you race individually and want to do better than your team mates.

Pretty cool dynamic that really pushes you. I recall always running neck and neck with another racer in College. I felt I should have been getting better and having better times, but he still kept just besting me slightly. It pushed me and I think that pushed him as well. But even when you think you should be doing better times than another racer, you are still there at the start pushing for them to get a fast time. So even though races are individual, great team sport. Just find a race team that isn't all about the times and values having fun and values the kids.