Joining the USCSA
Why should I join the USCSA?
The USCSA is THE place to be for collegiate team ski and snowboard competition in the USA. The organization provides the framework for an experience that will last a lifetime and allows for participation across all levels of competition. If your school doesn’t have a team, it is very easy to start one!
What is different about the USCSA compared to other organizations (NCAA, USASA, USSS)?
The USCSA provides a unique experience, in that the entire focus is on the TEAM aspect of competition. Teams compete, score, and qualify truly as a team and this provides a very unique experience in sports that are more traditionally focused on individual accomplishments. We also are inclusive of all ability levels in all Conferences; with more competitive teams and institutions moving on to Regional and National Championships.
Does my school have a team?
Check out our list of participating institutions here. If your school isn’t on that list, it is very easy to start a team. If your school has a team but not the discipline you’d like to be a part of, please reach out to the primary contact for the established team at your Institution about starting a new team.
I am a high school student and regularly compete in USSS/USASA events. How do I make the USCSA part of my college search?
Each USCSA Member School is different. We suggest you speak directly with the Coach or Captain at schools you are interested in. For up-to-date contact information for a specific program, please go to our Member Institutions page.
How much does it cost?
The USCSA strives to be a very affordable organization to become a member of, even though that isn’t typically the case in the snowsports world. Our current membership fee for individuals starts at $15/year. There are also team fees and conference fees; those can vary on a case-by-case basis, so it is always best to talk to the specific team you are looking at participating on, before making any decisions.
What are the requirements to join the USCSA?
See Eligibility section below.
Starting a Team
My school doesn’t have any team, what do I do?
Not a problem! The USCSA makes it easy to start a new team or compete as an individual representing your institution until you’re able to recruit more members. Please see our Forms & Guides page that has a few documents to help with the process.
My school has an Alpine race program, but doesn’t have a nordic/snowboard/freeski program, what do I do?
Again, no worries! You should get in contact with the current, established team and discuss with them about starting a new team discipline. Then follow the Starting a New Team Guide and/or visit our Forms & Guides section for more information to get a new team off the ground.
How much does it cost to start a new team?
USCSA National Individual Membership Fee: $15 Annual Due per Member Athlete
USCSA Institution Fee for '18/'19: $160*
USCSA Team Fee for '18/'19: $160** Annual Due per team (i.e. Male Alpine, Female Nordic etc.)
Conference Dues: Determined by Conference Coordinator
**Team pricing increases after Nov. 1st each year, please visit uscsa.com/teams.html for pricing**
*** Institution Fees increase year-to-year to adjust for inflationary costs of the USCSA ***
USCSA Institution Fee for '18/'19: $160*
USCSA Team Fee for '18/'19: $160** Annual Due per team (i.e. Male Alpine, Female Nordic etc.)
Conference Dues: Determined by Conference Coordinator
**Team pricing increases after Nov. 1st each year, please visit uscsa.com/teams.html for pricing**
*** Institution Fees increase year-to-year to adjust for inflationary costs of the USCSA ***
Joining seems expensive, how can I lower the cost?
Find more friends to join you! The other option is to work with the Club Sports and Athletics at your school. Many schools make it easy to start a Club Sports team and will even provide some financial help in doing so.
Eligibility
Does USCSA have academic eligibility requirements?
Yes! Academics are very important to the integrity of the USCSA. We follow NCAA Division 2 rules for academics. Highlights of those can be found on our Forms & Guides page.
I’m going abroad in the Fall, can I still compete in the spring?
Yes, as long as you are considered a full time student while studying abroad and can complete all necessary registration you can register in the fall to compete in the spring.
I’m a graduate student and did not compete in USCSA as an undergraduate. Can I compete?
Yes, you may need a waiver if you are beyond your 5th year of secondary education. If you are beyond your 5th year you can contact the National Office at registration@uscsa.com to receive a waiver form for submission.
I transferred to a new school over the summer. What does this mean for my eligibility?
If that is your first transfer, it does not impact your eligibility. If you have transferred more than 1 time, you are required to sit out 1 competition season. Contact registration@uscsa.com if you have more questions.
What does my Registrar need to know to fill out the paperwork?
Forward along the Academic Eligibility Requirements Guide to your Registrar for review.
Post-Season
How do I qualify for a Regional Event? How do I qualify for Nationals?
Qualification is different within each discipline. As Alpine racing is more established there is a higher level of competition and a defined Berth structure to qualifying for post-season competition. Check our Competition & Rules Book for the latest information on post-season qualification.
If I qualify for Nationals is there additional cost to attend?
Yes, there is a per-athlete registration cost for the National Championship event. This is a week long event, which encompases over 500 athletes and competition across all disciplines. Please see our National Championships PAGE for more details.
Are there different awards for individuals and teams?
Yes and No. There are individual awards for competition at Regionals & Nationals, but qualification for post-season is done by team and the primary focus is on the team aspects of competition and results.
Get Involved
The USCSA seems pretty cool, how can I help out?
There are so many ways! Starting locally is probably the best way to get involved initially. There are many Conferences and Conference events that need many helpers! There are financial ways to help, as well as time. If you have interest in helping the USCSA in a professional capacity, please contact us and we’ll get you in touch with the right parties.
are there any benefits to volunteering with the uscsa?
Aside from the good feeling of supporting a non-profit organization and growing snowsports competition there are many additional perks. You get to interact with a diverse team from a variety of backgrounds. We have set up exclusive industry parternships to provide discounts to our volunteers. And if you want to get involved in further competition and event hosting, we provide pathways to future growth as a judge, race referee and more.