TWST Masters Race Program Registration

IMPORTANT -- PLEASE READ

By signing up for participation with Taos Winter Sports Team, you are responsible for knowing all the rules and procedures and the contents of this registration form and all other contracts going forward. If you do not know the contents, you will still be held responsible for these rules and procedures, regardless. Please read and sign carefully. 

Welcome to the 2022-2023 Taos Winter Sports Team Season!

Included in this registration is:

• Athlete information
• Athlete Code and Responsibilities Agreement
• Taos Winter Sports Team (TWST) Liability Release
• TWST Medical Release and Insurance Information
• TWST Model Release
• COVID Guidelines

Once registration is complete, we will email additional information to the registrant. Enrollment will be finalized when the online and follow up processes are complete. Filling out this form does not guarantee a spot on the team. There will be limited enrollment. Once we reach that number, there will be a waiting list for the remaining registrations.  No athlete may participate in TWST activities until all fees, forms and agreements are completed and current.

Sincerely,

Kristi Vine, TWST Executive Director

TSA Board of Directors

 

TWST Masters Racing Program is a training program for adults, ages 18 and older, meeting consistently throughout the season. TWST will offer quality coaching in ski racing techniques, with indoor and outdoor sessions focusing on time in the gates with ample indoor video analysis. 

Inclusions:

• Half Day workshops (12 PM-4 PM), January 31, February 7, 14 and 21.
• Workshops include on-hill performance practice on Firelfnaz, video analysis, and TeamApp support for scheduling.
• Cost:
  • Session 1: $240.00 (January 31, February 7, 14 and 21)
  • Session 2: $65.00/Day (dates to be determined)

TWST DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Policy

Taos Sports Associates, Inc, DBA as Taos Winter Sports Team adhere to the DEI policies set out by best practices and our governing bodies, including TSVR, USSA, USUSA, US Ski Team and US Olympic Team, FISA, FIS, The State of NM Youth Programs guidelines, and Special Olympics of NM.  At Taos Winter Sports Team, we welcome all athletes, coaches, parents, and participants, to join our program. TWST sets out to empower and create an equal opportunity for gender, age, race, and ethnicity, physical disabilities, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and socioeconomic status and geographic location. This mission is included in the training of our staff and youth development and skills programs. Our program offers Alpine Race/Freeride/Snowboard/Park/Devo/Masters athletes 7 yeard old and older.

 

Athlete General Information

ATHLETES CODE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Each participant is an ambassador of Taos Winter Sports Team (TWST) both on and off the ski mountain. All participants and parent of athletes are representatives of the organization and also a reflection on team sponsors. Participation in TWST is a privilege that can be revoked. Each participant pledges to conduct him or herself at all times in a manner which reflects positively on the team and others, our community and themselves on the mountain, and whenever or wherever they may be identified as a TWST athlete. Whether a participant is in the lift line, in a lodge, at the community center, in school, in the training arena or free skiing on the mountain, they are expected to behave appropriately.

TWST athletes are required to agree to abide by the following requirements in their daily conduct. Specific rules of conduct include, but are not limited to the following:

 

1.    Positive: Be a positive role model for the team both in attitude and outlook. Ski well and do your best to encourage your teammates success. Positive behavior is fundamental and includes but is not limited to, having a good time, skiing safe, obeying area rules, using clean language, expressing good sportsmanship among your teammates and with competitors, and being polite to ski area guests and employees. Contribute to positive team moral by showing respect for coaches and demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline. Additional positive behaviors include properly acknowledging ski area staff, property and facilities, which include cleaning up after oneself or teammates while using public lodges or in competition centers. Refraining from fighting, bullying or abuse of any kind. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle free from alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances or other intoxicants. We are a team and a positive atmosphere benefits everyone’s progress.

 

2.    Punctual: Arrive early and be ready on time. A team expects its teammates to be on time. Athletes are focused on training and maximizing their time with teammates and coaches and will not leave training early. Cell phones and headphones should remain off and inaccessible during training. Making the best use of scheduled time is integral to a successful training program. Some of these concepts may be difficult to grasp, but they are critical for two main reasons. First, our training arenas take everyone’s support to set and maintain and are as important for an athlete to be a part of as the training itself. Second is communication, on the first (and last) runs of the day are when coaches review the plan for the day and disseminate information on upcoming training and events. When an athlete misses this information it unfairly takes away time from other athletes training for a one on one update. For those same reasons, we ask that athletes not leave training early. Do not leave training without being excused by a coach.

 

3.    Prepared: Athletes must show up with the appropriate equipment in good condition. Treat your ski equipment, team equipment and ski area equipment with respect. We ask that athletes be prepared and flexible at all times. Athletes should check for team emails to find out what training discipline they will be skiing as close to the training time as possible. Our training schedules and plans can and will change at a moment’s notice based on a number of variables. As an example; if GS training is scheduled and it snows the night before, it is likely that GS training will change to POWDER SKIING. We ask parents to encourage the athlete’s to be prepared for changes in training including weather conditions and ski discipline. Dressing appropriately for changing weather is critical.

 

4.    Safety: Know and obey rules of the skier safety act and observe all rules and regulations of the ski area and other areas visited where training or competitions take place. All TWST athletes are required to wear helmets at all times and agree to participate in Concussion Awareness and Baseline testing programs. Ski goggles are required whenever skiing gates - NO EXCEPTIONS! Poles or other equipment shall not be used in a threatening manner or as a weapon. Ski in control and always obey "SLOW SKIING" zones. Be polite and orderly in the lift maze with your ticket visible, participants should to share lift rides with others including public guests.

 

5.    Listen: to your coaches and respect their decisions. Support the TWST staff, coaches and your teammates. Agree to help TWST coaches as requested (e.g. side slipping a course, putting away equipment, etc.) Respect the rules of the sport and refrain from arguing or using foul language when speaking with or about officials or others.

 

6.    Communication: Communicate the best of Taos Winter Sports Team by representing you and your teammates with good behavior both on the ski hill and off, whether we are training at home or traveling to an event. Use good manners with courtesy and thoughtfulness (profanity, bullying, fighting or harassment of any kind are not tolerated) It only takes one bad incident to spoil the image of our entire team. Each athlete has agreed with this Code of Conduct & Responsibility and will be held to the highest standards.

 

7.    Awareness: Always do your best effort each day. Athletes and parents should be familiar with the USSA Alpine Competition Guide, the TWST manual, and the rules of Taos Ski Valley Resort. The “Competition Guild” is a valuable source for answers to many questions. Athletes are required to read & understand the code of conduct and rules and regulations sections carefully. Not having understood this is not an excuse for violations. An athlete that violates any of the rules listed by USSA, USASA, IFSA, TSVR, or the TWST manual can be sanctioned, including, but not limited to expulsion. Each athlete has signed the code of conduct as a part of the registration packet and failure to uphold these standards will be cause for dismissal from TWST.

I further agree my signature on this document is as valid as if I signed the document in writing.

You hereby agree that you and any family members participating in the TWST training programs have reviewed the Code of Conduct set forth in this document and that each such participant hereby agrees to be bound thereby.

2022-2023 TAOS WINTER SPORTS TEAM LIABILITY AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT, IT IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT AND CONTAINS A WAIVER OF CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS. PLEASE CONSULT AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT.
The DEFINITIONS: “PARTICIPANT(s)” means the person or child/children taking part in Taos Winter Sports Team (TWST) activities; “PARENT(s)” means the undersigned parent[s] or legal guardian[s] signing on behalf of him/herself and on behalf of the minor PARTICIPANT(s) if the PARTICIPANT(s) is under 18 years of age. When the participant is age 18 or older, references to parent or legal guardian do not apply.

I, the Undersigned, being at least 18 years of age, hereby represents that he or she is the parent or guardian of the minor (hereinafter referred to as “participant”, and in exchange for TWST making ski training, ski racing, freeride skiing, and related sports and training activities available to participant, PARTICIPANT(s) and PARENT(s) acknowledge and agree to be bound by the following:

I understand and EXPRESSLY AGREE to the fact that skiing in its various forms is an inherently hazardous sport that has many dangers and risks. I realize that injuries are a common and ordinary occurrence of this sport. I acknowledge that SKI RACING, FREERIDE COMPETITIONS, SKI TRAINING and related activities have INCREASED RISKS beyond those of recreational sliding snow sports and that I have made a voluntary choice to participate in those activities myself or to allow the participant to do so despite the risks they present.

I EXPRESSLY AGREE that I freely accept and voluntarily assume ALL RISKS OF PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH or property damage for myself and the participant. I hereby promise not to sue and FULLY RELEASE, TWST and its agents employees, coaches, directors, officers and volunteers FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY for personal injury, death or property damage which results IN ANY WAY from participation in this sport, including any caused by NEGLIGENCE, conditions on or about the premises and facilities or the operations of a ski area including, but not limited to, grooming, snowmaking, ski lift operations while loading or unloading, gate setting, course setting, training, coaching, other skiers or any other activities related to ski racing/ freeride competition and ACCEPT MYSELF THE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY AND ALL such damages or injury of any kind which may result to ME OR THE PARTICIPANT(s).

In addition, the parent/guardian signing below represents to TWST that they have the authority to enter into this agreement on behalf of said PARTICIPANT(s) and on behalf of any other parents or guardian of said PARTICIPANT(s) and AGREES TO DEFEND AND COMPLETELY INDEMNIFY and hold harmless TWST from any and all claims arising from the participant's participation in ski training, ski racing, freeride skiing, and related sports and training activities and this agreement is entered into on behalf of said PARTICIPANT(s) or any other parent/guardian thereof, even after the PARTICIPANT(s) has attained majority or from third parties injured by the PARTICIPANT(s), and hold TWST its representatives, agents, affiliates, officers, directors, servants, and employees harmless from any such claim, legal action, harm, injury, damages, or loss of persons and/or property. In consideration of, TWST making ski training, ski racing, freeride skiing, and related sports and training activities or clinics in the sport of competitive skiing and/or snowboarding available to me, I CONTRACTUALLY AGREE that any and ALL DISPUTES between TWST and me arising from my participation in the sport of competitive skiing and/or snowboarding, and INCLUDING any claims for personal injury and/or death, will be GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO and EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION thereof will be in the state court residing in the county where the alleged tort occurred or state or federal courts of the STATE OF NEW MEXICO.

I, for and on behalf of myself, my children, heirs, executors, administrators and representatives, hereby KNOWINGLY AND INTENTIONALLY AGREE TO RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS AND DEFEND the Taos Winter Sports Team (“indemnify” meaning protect by reimbursement or payment), with respect to any and all claims, actions, liabilities, losses, suits, or expenses (including costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees), INCLUDING LOSSES CLAIMED TO BE CAUSED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF the Taos Winter Sports Team, whether foreseen or unforeseen, made or brought by anyone, including any member of the participant’s family, arising directly or indirectly out of any damage, loss, injury, illness, paralysis or death in any way connected with my participation in these activities or my use of the Taos Winter Sports Team equipment or facilities. In addition, I agree to waive all claims against the Taos Winter Sports Team, and agree that neither I, nor anyone acting on my behalf, will make a claim of any kind against the Taos Winter Sports Team that I may have as a result of any damage, loss, injury, illness, paralysis or death to me or my property. The release, indemnification, and waiver described above is binding on me, my heirs, my parents or guardians, my successors and assigns, my personal representatives, and my estate.

In signing this release, the undersigned hereby acknowledge and represent:

A.    That all parties comprising the "undersigned" have investigated the particular program(s) in which some of such parties shall participate and are also familiar with the practices and procedures of TWST.

B.    That the undersigned parent or legal guardian has unconditional right, power, and authority to execute this release in such capacity and on behalf of the minor participant herein below identified.

C.    The undersigned acknowledges that the competitor/program participant possesses and will maintain, adequate medical insurance overages.

I have carefully read the foregoing COMPLETE RELEASE OF LIABILITY and INDEMNITY AGREEMENT and understand its contents, including the jurisdictional agreement. I ACKNOWLEDGE and understand this is a COMPLETE RELEASE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT, that it includes any and all claims by the participant or by me or anyone on the participant’s behalf for any reason, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, and that I am contractually agreeing to these terms FREELY, FULLY AND WITHOUT RESERVATION in exchange for the right to have the participant participate in TWST programs.  IN THE EVENT I AM SIGNING IT ON BEHALF OF ANY MINOR, THAT I HAVE FULL AUTHORITY TO DO SO, REALIZING ITS BINDING EFFECT ON SUCH MINOR AS WELL AS MYSELF.

Further, full permission is hereby given to use any photographs, moving images or digital media of said competitor/program participant(s) taken during any competitive event or training exercise for any purpose in promoting TWST.

Further, the competitor/program participant(s) authorizes TWST authorized personnel to call for medical care for the competitor/program participant and/or to transport the competitor/program participant(s) to a medical facility or hospital if, in the opinion of such personnel, medical attention is needed for the competitor/program participant(s). The undersigned agrees that upon the transporting of the competitor/program participant(s) to any such medical facility or hospital that TWST shall not have any further responsibility for the competitor/program participant(s). Further, the competitor/program participant(s) agrees to pay all costs associated with such medical care and related transportation for the competitor/program participant(s) and shall indemnify and hold harmless TWST from and against any costs incurred therein, as provided in the preceding paragraph. Further, the competitor/participant(s) shall be solely responsible for the cost of any medical care received.

Other Policy: PARENT(S) & PARTICIPANT further agree that they will accept and abide by the policies, codes of conduct, rules and regulations of the host ski area and any other rules or regulations imposed by the organizers of any event in which PARENT(S) or PARTICIPANT participate.

I further agree my signature on this document is as valid as if I signed the document in writing.

WE HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT AND UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENTS. I AM AWARE THAT THIS CONTRACT IS LEGALLY BINDING AND THAT BY ELECTRONICALLY INITIALLING AND SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT WE ARE AWARE THAT WE ARE RELEASING LEGAL RIGHTS THAT OTHERWISE MAY EXIST.

TWST Guidelines and COVID-19 Safe Protocols (CPS) for the 2022-2023

 Due to federal, state, and local response to the COVID-19 virus, the Taos Winter Sports Team (TWST) has had to examine its roles and responsibilities in protecting its athletes, coaches, and our surrounding community. (https://cv.nmhealth.org/covid-safe-practices/). Moving forward, there may be additional restrictions established by Taos County, Town Of Taos, the Village of Taos Ski Valley, Taos Ski Valley Resort, USSA, USUSA, and the TWST Board of Directors. The intent of all these organizations is to minimize the rate of Covid-19 infections.

Should Covid-19 conditions worsen or if public health guidelines change, we reserve the right to cancel any/all practice sessions at any time. TWST reserves the right to suspend or terminate participation for any athlete that fails to comply with any established protocol.

In order to accomplish a safe, healthy, and successful program, we need 100% cooperation from all athletes, families, family members, and coaches to fully support the following guidelines. If you are not able to do this please notify us before the start of the 2022-2023 program to receive a full refund.

Mountain Ambassadors

TWST has an expectation that our athletes exhibit the ultimate in good mountain etiquette and now with the current health issues, it is more important than ever. Following proper trail etiquette, providing space to other skiers, knowing and adhering to the skier responsibility code, and obeying slow zones are not suggestions, they are essential to ensure continued access to the Taos Ski Valley Resort during the 2022-2023 season. Offenders of these rules will be removed from the training session and possibly prohibited from further participation in the program.

https://www.nsaa.org/NSAA/Safety/Responsibility_Code/NSAA/Safety/Responsibility_Code/

TWST Covid-19 Health and Safety Guidelines Contract

Fall 2022 COVID CDC Guidelines:

DO NOT come to practice or ski with the team if you have any COVID like symptoms: fever, runny nose, cough, headache, congestion, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, achiness/muscle pain and/or fatigue.

If YOU HAVE COVID like symptoms, the best practice is to test daily or every other day with an Ag test until THE SYMPTOMS ARE GONE. Or do a PCR test >24 hours after symptoms onset. Regardless of test results, please do not participate with the team if you have any symptoms.

 If you TEST POSITIVE, then isolate for a FULL 5 days. Day #1 is the onset of your symptoms or of a positive test result. You can stop isolation after a FULL 5 days if you have no fever and your symptoms are significantly improving. THEN you must wear a tight-fitting mask when around any people for another 5 FULL days.

 If you have a CLOSE CONTACT or EXPOSURE to a COVID positive person (either in your personal life or with the team), you MUST wear a tight-fitting mask for a FULL 10 days while around other people. You can test at day #5 from exposure, but a negative test does not change the masking requirement. Definitely test if you develop symptoms.

Tight-fitting mask= KN95 or N95 mask.

Health Screening

It is strongly recommended that you monitor the health of your family members every day, identify any possible symptoms, and please keep the big picture in mind. All parents/guardians and their athletes will be asked to perform a self-health check prior to attending programs on each day they participate.

Self-Health Checklist

Prior to attending a training day, ask yourself and your athlete(s) these questions.

1. Have you experienced any new or unexpected cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat?
2. Have you lost your sense of taste or smell in the last week?
3. Do you have any new or unexpected fatigue? 
4. Have you felt feverish, experienced chills, or had a temperature of 100.4 or above?
5. Have you had any new or unexpected muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea?
6. Have you had any exposure to a known COVID positive person in the last 2 weeks?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, do not come to practice or training program.

Masks

The current New Mexico Public Health Order recommends wearing a mask to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. In addition, the Village of Taos Ski Valley and Taos Ski Valley Resort recommends that masks can be worn while in indoor spaces of TSVR and Village of Taos Ski Valley.                                                    

Team App

For the 2022-2023 season TWST will rely heavily on a mobile and web-based application called Team App to manage communication between athletes’ coaches and parents. It is a free team management platform that will allow us to streamline communication, facilitate administrative requirements, update schedules, and much more. For this to be effective, we need all parents/guardians, athletes, and coaches to download Team App and get in the habit of using it. You can access Team App from either your mobile device or a computer. If an athlete does not have a mobile device, everything can be accomplished on a computer. Our team is called “Taos Winter Sports Team” within the Team App. Every member will receive a detailed email with directions on how to use Team App at the beginning of the season. Please remember to RSVP every morning for practice to ensure team attendance can be updated and coaches know you are attending,

Group Size

Group sizes may fluctuate during the course of the season, however TWST goal is to have group sizes of 6 to 8 athletes to 1 coach.

Chair lift Procedures

TSVR has the recommendation that children under the age of 8 ride any lift with an adult. There are signs around the resort with this information, regarding age and height.

All athletes MUST be able to load, unload and ride the lift unassisted by the coaches. Athletes under age 8 should ride with an adult, either their coach or TWST employee or parent or TSV Snowsports employee, who has offered to help.

Weather/Rest breaks

Please dress accordingly, in layers, and be prepared for all types of weather. If the weather conditions are deemed to be “unbearable”, TWST reserves the right to suspend or cancel training at any time.

Refund Policy

TWST has a standard refund policy listed in the TWST Handbook for all members enrolled in our program and it can be located on the website under the registration page at http://www.taoswintersportsteam.com.

Ski Area Closures 

If Taos Ski Valley is asked to close for a short-term and the closure impacts a scheduled training day, TWST may offer alternative programming. This could include activities such as hikes, and/or dryland conditioning sessions. These activities would be conducted in various meeting locations and within the same on mountain group pairings with the same staff as a normal on snow day.

 A long-term Taos Ski Valley closure of two weeks or more will result in a prorated refund of TWST fees up until March 2, 2023.  The 2022-2023 season will be considered complete on that date and no TWST refunds will be given thereafter.  In addition, individual resort closure days due to weather, lift holds, or conditions are beyond TWST control and not eligible for any refund.

Taos Sports Associates Medical Release

TWST requires that all training program participants be covered by a valid and sufficient medical insurance policy. The insurance policy listed in our program registration meets the requirements of TWST and will be maintained in force while Participant is participating in snow sports activities with TWST. Parent hereby authorizes Taos Sports Associates and/or their named coaches, to secure any hospital, medical, dental or surgical care, treatment and/or procedures for the above-named athletes. Parent also consents that in the event of an injury that requires emergency medical care for an athlete, coaches can sign for competitor to receive care, treatment and/or procedures, under the instructions and directions of the licensed physicians on call at the emergency room of the nearest hospital or emergency facility. The coaches shall notify Parent at the earliest possible time prior to, during or after such care, treatment and/or procedures. Parent knowingly and voluntarily consents in advance to such care, treatment and or procedures to encourage the physicians and coaches to exercise their best judgment as to the requirements of such care, treatment and/or procedures. Parent specifically indemnifies and holds harmless Taos Sports Associates and its coaches from any and all costs arising out of such care, treatment and/or procedure.

Model Release

In consideration of participation in the Taos Winter Sports Team, I hereby grant Taos Winter Sports Team and any staff photographers designated as official photographers by Taos Winter Sports Team the absolute and irrevocable right and permission, with respect to any film, video or photographic, digital or analogue images or recording that are taken and/or in which participant and/or others may be included.

1. To copyright same in their own name or any other name that they may choose
2. To use, reuse, publish and republish the same in whole or in part, individuallyor in conjunction with other photographs, in any medium and for any purpose whatsoever, including (but not limited to) illustration, promotion, advertising and trade, and
3. To use my name in conjunction if they so choose.

I hereby release and discharge Taos Winter Sports Team and any photographers designated as official photographers by Taos Winter Sports Team from any and all claims and demands arising out of or in connection with use of said photographs, films, or videos. This authorization and release shall also ensure to the benefit of legal representatives, licensees and assigns of Taos Winter Sports Team and any photographers designated as official photographers by Taos Winter Sports Team as well as the persons for whom they took the photograph.

You will receive a copy of this form via email.  Please review all entries and contact admin@taoswintersportsteam.com if you have any changes.

You will recieve an invoice for the 1st session within 48 hours of completing this form.  We will invoice seperately for the second session once dates and participation are determined.