COVID-19 General
Will the USCSA have a 2020/21 season?
Yes, USCSA is actively planning how such a season can be held in a safe and fair manner for any athletes who are willing and able to participate.
WILL THERE STILL BE POST-SEASON COMPETITION?
Yes, there we are planning for post-season competitions. They will follow the same safety protocols as our regular season events.
I’VE REGISTERED, BUT MY SCHOOL CANCELLED SPRING SPORTS. AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND?
Yes, this season USCSA is offering a Registration Protection Program, allowing athletes and teams to request a refund of their fees for any reason up until January 4th, 2021.
HOW IS THE USCSA HANDLING SAFETY AROUND COVID-19?
USCSA has established a COVID-19 Task Force consisting of USCSA Board Members, Medical Professionals, Conference Coordinators and Student Representatives which is meeting regularly to plan for the upcoming season. We will follow all applicable CDC, WHO, State and Local guidance at our events and will communicate the specifics of these new and frequently changing requirements ahead of all competitions.
ARE THERE ANY CHANGES TO THE REGISTRATION PROCESS?
The majority of our registration process remains the same and full details are available on the Registration section of our website. See below for more information about academic eligibility verification.
WILL THERE BE A USCSA DOCUMENT THAT WE CAN BRING TO OUR COLLEGE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION FOR THE HEALTH SCREENINGS IF OUR INSTITUTION WAS NOT ORIGINALLY PLANNING ON TESTING US?
The USCSA has established a Health Screening protocol which can be shared with any interested party.
IF THERE ARE LIMITS TO COMPETITORS ON VENUE AND TEAMS CAN ONLY BRING CERTAIN ATHLETES, HOW DO OUR NEW/BEGINNER ATHLETES GET TIME IN COMPETITION? WILL THERE BE A WAY TO ACCOMMODATE OR HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM?
Potential limits to number of starting athletes per team and/or per event will be a conference decision, so team leaders should stay in regular communication with their coordinators. Additionally, team leaders might consider creative solutions based on the needs of their membership; switching up start lists or scheduling training sessions midweek when resorts have less capacity issues are some ideas.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENT OF HEALTH SCREENINGS? WILL USCSA OFFER PRE-EVENT TESTING?
The USCSA has established a Health Screening protocols following CDC recommendations. Teams will be required to report of any potential illness to their conference coordinators. If an athlete, volunteer or coach feels sick they should remove themselves from the venue and report it to their leadership. The USCSA does not have the capacity to provide testing, but strongly recommends athletes and leaders take advantage of in-university testing if available.
IS THERE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ATHLETE TO SELF REPORT A POSITIVE TEST RESULT TO USCSA?
Yes, every athlete agrees to self-report positive tests AND suspected symptoms through their team leaders to their conference coordinator when they register for the competition season. Willing dishonesty not only puts fellow teammates in danger, but potentially all other event participants. This is a breach of USCSA Codes of Conduct and will be sanctioned accordingly.
COVID-19 Eligibility & Participation
IF I’M NOT ON CAMPUS, HOW WILL I SUBMIT ACADEMIC PAPERWORK?
USCSA will introduce a new virtual signature platform for academic paperwork, allowing students and teams to submit approved academic transcripts without the need to obtain a physical “wet” signature. The details of this program will be communicated in the coming weeks before registration opens.
If a student takes a voluntary leave of absence and is not enrolled during the fall semester, but re-enrolls during the spring semester, are they eligible to compete in the spring? Can they register in the fall for the spring?
Likely, yes. They can register in the fall, but would not be able to confirm eligibility until they can show full-time course load for the spring.
If a student is part-time in the spring either from personal choice or from institution recommendation, can they still compete?
Athletes must be full time students to compete, so unfortunately not. The caveat would be if the institution changes their definition of “full-time course load” to be more lenient, and can show this through the eligibility certification process.
If our university is completely online come spring semester, what does that mean for our teams eligibility?
Any student enrolled full time in a college or university that meets academic eligibility can compete with USCSA, even if their classes are only conducted virtually.
Will eligibility requirements to Regionals / Nationals change?
The National Office maintains a baseline eligibility requirement of competing in at least 50% of conference events to be eligible. If there are less events offered, this would lower the threshold, being flexible with changes in conference scheduling.
Should a university not offer enrollment during this academic year, are you and your team members eligible to still compete within the USCSA?
Unfortunately, No. - You must be enrolled in university, meeting proper NCAA DII Academic Status, as defined by the NCAA Academic Eligibility Rules. There is no sponsoring institution in this scenario. In a scenario where this would impact eligibility in future years, granting hardship for the missed period of time would be granted. (Since the student-athlete is not enrolled in school, it does not impact their years of eligibility, unless they are freshman and this impacts the number of years between high school and starting university.)
MY UNIVERSITY IS NOT IN SESSION FOR THE FALL, BUT IT WILL BE IN SESSION FOR WINTER/SPRING TERM (DURING COMPETITION). I WOULD LIKE TO COMPETE, BUT THE ELIGIBILITY RULES REFERENCE THAT I NEEDED TO BE ENROLLED IN THE FALL. WILL I BE ABLE TO COMPETE?
Yes, if you are a full-time student during the spring term. NCAA DII does offer an exception to this rule when you are not enrolled in full-time session during the Fall Term of the academic year. The USCSA Academic Affairs Committee acts as the “Management Council” to make this determination. This exception should be granted unilaterally for any student-athlete where this impacts eligibility - no waiver request would be required for the 2020-2021 season of competition.
MY UNIVERSITY IS NOT IN SESSION FOR THE WINTER/SPRING TERM (DURING COMPETITION), BUT I STILL
WANT TO COMPETE. AM I ELIGIBLE/IS MY TEAM ELIGIBLE?
WANT TO COMPETE. AM I ELIGIBLE/IS MY TEAM ELIGIBLE?
Unfortunately, No. You must be enrolled in university, meeting proper NCAA DII Academic Status, as defined by the NCAA Academic Eligibility Rules. There is no sponsoring institution in this scenario.
My university is in session for the Winter/Spring but has decided to not permit any intercollegiate competition. Can I ski as an individual within the USCSA?
Unfortunately, No. While the USCSA really would like for every athlete to be able to compete, the USCSA does need to abide by the policies of each member institution. If the institution specifically is not allowing intercollegiate competition, the athletes are therefore no longer representing their university. Choosing to permit student-athletes to participate, even if the institution does not permit competition could open the USCSA to undue risk/liability and therefore the USCSA must abide by the policies of each member institution.
My university is in session for virtual learning only and I am now living geographically
in another conference. Am I permitted to compete in another conference?
in another conference. Am I permitted to compete in another conference?
Unfortunately, No. This goes against the USCSA "team" mission, potentially creates a “First Team” and “Second Team” structure, and the institution would need to allow for students to compete in multiple geographic areas. If there are multiple athletes from the same institution competing in multiple conferences, it is no longer a team sport. There are also issues with which sub-set of that team’s athletes would be eligible for Regional and National Championships? Would it be the conference where the university normally participates? Would it be the conference where the team performs the best in the ranking of teams?
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.