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General Information, Eligibility & Participation

USCSA FAQs
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, US Ski & Snowboard)?
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 on each Conference page. If your school isn’t listed, it is very easy to start a team.  If your school has a team but not the discipline in which you’d like to participate, please reach out to the primary contact for the established team at your Institution to inquire about starting a new team.
I am a high school student and regularly compete in US Ski & Snowboard/USASA events. How do I make the USCSA part of my college search?
Each USCSA member school is different. We suggest that you speak directly with the Coach or Captain at schools that you are interested in attending. You can also learn more by visiting our Prospective Athletes webpage.
How much does it cost?
The USCSA strives to be a very affordable organization for our members. Our current membership fee for individual Competitors starts at $17.50/year. There are also Team fees and Institutions fees, as well as Conference fees; those can vary on a case-by-case basis, so it is always best to talk to the Conference Coordinator and/or the specific Team that you want to join, before making any decisions.

USCSA Individual Competitor Fee: starting at $17.50 per each athlete*
USCSA Institution Fee: $170**
USCSA Team Fee: starting at $170* per Team (i.e. Men's Alpine, Women's Nordic, etc.)
Conference Dues: determined by Conference Coordinator

*Competitor and Team pricing increase each month starting November 1st.
​**Institution Fees increase year-to-year to adjust for inflationary costs of the USCSA.

​For more information on pricing for the 21/22 season, visit our '21-'22 Season webpage.
What are the requirements to join the USCSA?
See Eligibility section below, as well as the additional information on our eligibility webpage.​
do i get any discounts or other member benefits?
Yes! All USCSA members and volunteers have access to discounts from our partners, including Patagonia, Swix, Atomic, Head, Expert Voice and more! Information on member benefits can be found on our member benefits webpage.

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 visit our Start a Team and Forms & Guides webpages.
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 talk to them about starting a new Team and discipline. Visit our Start a Team and Forms & Guides webpages for more information to get a new Team off the ground.
​How much does it cost to start a new team?
Team Fees for new teams are waived for the first year.
Institution Fees for new Institutions are waived for the first year.

Reach out to the National Office (registration@uscsa.org) to request a discount code to use during registration.
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 II rules for academics. Visit our Forms & Guides page for more information.
​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 in the spring), and you can complete the necessary registration process in the fall.
I am 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 complete a waiver form and submit it to the National Office (registration@uscsa.org) for consideration.
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 once, you are required to sit out for one competition season. Contact registration@uscsa.org if you have additional questions.
What does my Registrar need to know to fill out the paperwork?​
Be sure to give your registrar the Processing Instructions that are attached to your weekly status emails (sent out to Team Contacts every Wednesday during registration season), along with the Eligibility Highlights and Guidelines. For more information on the eligibility process, you can refer your registrar to our eligibility webpage.

​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 qualify for post-season competition. Check our Competition & Rules Book for the latest information on post-season qualification.
If I qualify for Nationals, is there an additional cost to attend?
Yes, there is a per-athlete registration cost for the National Championships event. This is a week-long event, which encompasses over 500 athletes and competition across all disciplines. Please see our National Championships webpage for more details.
Are there different awards for individuals and teams?
Yes and no. There are individual awards for competition at Regionals and Nationals. 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! Contact your Conference Coordinator to learn more.

There are financial ways to help as well. The USCSA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. Click here to donate.

If you are interested in helping the USCSA in a professional capacity, please contact us and we’ll connect you with the right parties.

To learn more about the various Committees in the USCSA, visit our Committees webpage and reach out to the National Office if you are interested in participating.
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 benefits:
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