Program Design

The U16 age program delivers Train to Train programming for athletes aged 14 and 15, as defined in the ACA LTSD Stages of Development. U16 competition events are to be focused on the development of ski racing skills and promoting the ability to deliver performance on demand.

Athletes will ski SL, GS, Speed, Ski Cross and Dual either in competition or at skills camps.

Eligibility

Any child that is 14-15 years of age as of December 31st of the current season is eligible for the U16 racing program.

To participate in the 2024_25 U16 OCUP series, each athlete must submit a dated (between Sept 1-Dec 31) fitness testing record to AOA by Dec 31, 2024 to admin@alpineontario.ca. Please consult with your club for planned fitness testing sessions.

Registration

All U16 athletes must be registered through the AOA online registration system which includes a waiver to compete in any events or camps.

Race Parameters

* AOA strongly recommends that all athletes train and race at a development ratio of 5:1.

* ACA and AOA recommend U16 age athletes race a maximum 18 domestic technical race starts (all domestic calendared events will count as starts, including invitationals.)

* Additional AOA sanctioned invitational events may be added. The host club is to administer such events in accordance with AOA Invitational Application and Policy.

* All race events will be set in accordance to ACA/AOA sanctioned course setting rules.

Course Setting

Current course setting guidelines for U16 can be found here.

Start Lists

U16 OCUP Finals

• Events will run gender separated (i.e. boys/girls) ideally with first and second run being held on a different set with, at minimum, a redress required between runs.
• Start order outlined in PCR

Results & Awards

• Results will be based on official race format FIS ICR 617.3.2.
• 1st – 3rd male and female athletes will receive medals on podium.
• 4th – 5th male and female athletes will be recognized.
• All athletes and coaches are expected to attend award ceremonies. Top 5 are required to attend in accordance with FIS ICR reference 205.4; clubs will be sanctioned $25 per infraction for any Top 5 athletes not in attendance.

Equipment

• All athletes must comply with the ACA National Rules & Policies * Please see the AOA Equipment Guidelines here.
• Helmets must comply with event specific rules.
• No Go Pro mounts and other modifications permitted * Athletes should have SL, GS specific skis in compliance with the ACA National Rules & Policies.
• No SL chin guards on helmets at GS or Super G races.
• No SL hand guards on poles at GS or Super G races.
• Athletes are permitted to wear speed suits.
• Back protector strongly recommended for speed events (size appropriate)

U16 OCUP Finals

• To participate in the 2024_25 U16 OCUP series each athlete must submit a dated (between Sept 1-Dec 31) fitness testing record to AOA by Dec 31, 2024. Please consult with your club for planned fitness testing sessions.
• Clubs must enter all athletes through their Regional Division (NOD, NCD, LSDA, and SOD).
• All divisions will send all entries to the AOA at admin@alpineontario.ca