U.S. Ski & Snowboard has established the following protocol for youth coaches and officials for the 2018-19 season to support our member clubs and encourage youth ages 15 through 17 who wish to pursue a coaching or officiating path. We will establish a long-term solution for the 2019-20 season and beyond.
With the exception of Freeski and Snowboard, clubs may employ individuals ages 15 through 17 in a variety of capacities, including as a “junior” coach and/or official. In these instances, clubs must require that junior coaches and officials working with minors do so under the direct supervision of an adult who is registered as a U.S. Ski & Snowboard coach or official.
Membership
The junior coach or official must register as a general or athlete member of U.S. Ski & Snowboard.
SafeSport Training
SafeSport Training is strongly recommended and may be purchased through the U.S. Center for SafeSport for $20 per person through their website at www.safesport.org.
Procedures in lieu of formal background screening
Individuals under the age of 18 cannot submit to formal criminal background screening. Because of that, clubs who use youth coaches and/or officials must at minimum require two letters of recommendation from non-family members (see Item #1). Items #2 & #3 are optional recommendations.
1. Require two letters of recommendation from non-family members stating the individual would not pose any undue risk to minor athletes and/or outlining the characteristics the individual possesses which would make them well suited for a junior coach or official position.
2. Draft a document requiring the athlete and/or parent’s signatures certifying the athlete has no history of any issues which would pose undue risk to minor athletes. U.S. Ski & Snowboard screening criterion may be used as a reference if desired.
3. Use local resources where available. Colorado has a screening program through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) which may be used for this purpose. Your state may have something similar.
Certifications
Junior coaches may complete a Level 100 Coach Certification program for educational purposes. However, they will not be listed as a certified coach or able to register a coach membership until they turn 18 years of age and are eligible for criminal background screening. At that time, any certifications the individual has earned will be available when properly registered.
Venue access
The supervising coach or official will be required to sign for/request venue access on site at U.S. Ski & Snowboard events.
Lift tickets
Individuals who are acting as a coach at a competition must hold a coaches membership except in the case of these youth coaches who can do so with a general or competitor membership.
Discounted or comped lift tickets at race venues are restricted to U.S. Ski & Snowboard coaches and those youths acting in a coaching capacity for the event in question.