EXERCISE SNOW METHOD 14: 16 OCT – 1 NOV 2014
Audience: / All Regular, Reserve Army Units and UOTCs
Applies: / Immediately
Expires: / 02 Nov 2013
Content: / Opportunities for motivated personnel to undertake work as Incremental Staff
Sponsor: / Army Winter Sports Association/Army Sport Control Board
Contact: / Col J C Connelly, AD Log HQ BFG, T: 94881 2596
Supplements: / Annex A: Registration and Declaration Form
Annex B: Athletes Declaration Form
Related Info: / 2014DIN07-092 Army European Winter Activity Instruction
Classification: / UNCLASSIFIED
EX SNOW METHOD 14
1. Introduction. Ex SNOW METHOD 14 (Ex SM14) is the Army individual Snowboarding Association (ASBA) Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding Championships for 2014. It will take place on the Stubai Glacier in Austria over the period 16 Oct – 01 Nov 14, the details of which are included in this document. The Freestyle Competition will be held on 30 Oct 14 and is preceded by training for participation by Open Class riders, aiming to improve their Freestyle or attempt it for the first time in a safe and controlled environment. There will not be a pure Novice category, only Novice to Freestyle entries will be accepted.
2. Aim. The aim of this letter is to promulgate information to all personnel interested in attending Ex SM14. Individuals should ensure that the relevant paperwork is produced prior to the event, most of which can also be found in this instruction or in the Army European Winter Sports Activity (WSA) Instruction[1].
EXECUTION
3. Registration. Registration will be conducted between 15:00 and 18:00 hours on 19 Oct 14 in the Tourist Information Office, Neustift. Individuals are requested not to wait until the last possible moment to register as this inevitably results in a delay in subsequent timings. Any competitor who is late for registration needs to contact the ASBA Training and Development Officer on +44 (0)7871 003015 in England or 0043 664 7653979 in Austria. On arrival in Neustift, individuals are to register and complete the following initial administration:
a. Register for the Freestyle (Ski and Snowboard) Championship using Annex A.
b. Submit an Athlete’s Declaration (one per competitor) using the form at Annex B.
c. Show evidence of appropriate medical and indemnity insurance, to include heli-lift and cover for Snowboard Racing and Ski Freestyle.
d. Pay for discounted Lift Passes, delivered the following morning 20 Oct 2014 from the Pass Office.
e. Verify AWSA membership.
4. Freestyle Competition. This will take place on Wed 29 Oct for the intermediate classification and Thu 30 Oct 14 for the Open classification. It will be conducted on the Slopestyle course and qualification for the final will be based on the number of entrants to the competition. In the event of limited competitors, the Championship Committee reserve the right to amend the format accordingly. There will be no seeding for this Championship.
5. Programme. An outline programme of all events is as below. Week 1 of will focus on individual progress with small coach to rider ratio (1:8), week 2 will focus on competition preparation with feature and obstacle coaching, with a significantly larger coach to rider ratio (1:20).
a. 17 – 19 Oct: MOREBOARDS SESSIONS (MS) weekend; training is a Team Capt responsibility to arrange, supervise and fund.
b. 1900 19 Oct: Competitors and Team Captains brief in the Neustift Swimming Pool briefing area.
c. From 1000 20 - 29 Oct: Formal Open Class training.
d. 30 Oct 14: Freestyle competition.
e. 1515 30 Oct 14: Prize giving in Eisgrat Station (all to attend)
The programme is subject to change depending on the weather conditions. In the event of poor conditions on the glacier, the Committee will endeavour to make alternative arrangements.
6. Training. Ex SM 14 is focused on the provision of training to riders and freestyle skiers of all abilities in order to develop and improve individual’s freestyle competitive capabilities. Preceding the Championships, standardised training will be provided by the Championship Committee.
a. Intermediate Classification Instructors. Novice riders and skiers will be instructed by qualified civilian instructors from RIPSTAR[2].
b. Open Classification Instructors. Open riders and skiers will also be instructed by qualified civilian instructors from RIPSTAR.
c. Army Team Training. Army Squad Training may extend the training package from 25 Oct to 01 Nov, this component of Ex SM14 is directed by the Army Team Committee.
CO-ORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS
7. ASBA Race Rules. The Army Snowboard Competition Rules 2014 will have been approved and will be the definitive rules for the event. The rules can be accessed on the AWSA website (http://www.awsa.org.uk/discipline/snowboard) or are available on request from the ASBA Secretary. A reference copy will be available at registration and during the exercise.
8. Eligibility. Ex SM14 is an Army level recognised[3] sporting competition. The following rules will apply to all registered competitors:
a. All will compete in the Freestyle Championship at their ability level – the exercise is open to all standards. Training will be provided to develop piste performance and freestyle/slopestyle abilities.
b. The Championship Committee reserves the right to refuse entry to any who they believe are not sufficiently competent, after training, to complete the course.
c. Ex SM14 is open to all Regular and Reserve Army and UOTC personnel.
d. Ex SM14 is also open to Freestyle Skiers.
9. AWSA Membership. To compete in any Div/Army Winter Sports event athletes must be members of the AWSA. Membership costs £15 per annum. The membership form can be found at http://www.awsa.org.uk/membership. Member applications are to be with the AWSA office NLT 01 Oct 14.
10. Individual Entrants. The Freestyle Competition will be based on individual entrants only. Groups or teams are encouraged to attend for their freestyle development but there will not be a team competition. If a large number register, an interest then places will be allocated to ensure the fairest spread with priority given to those recently returned from an operational tour or those who did not attend Ex SNOW JACK 14 in Mar 14 and/or Ex SNOWMETHOD 14 in Sep 14.
11. Competition Entry. Entry into Ex SM14 by NLT 01 Oct 14 is to be made by registering with OIC ASBA Training and Development, Col John Connelly RLC as follows:
a. Col JC Connelly (Late RLC)
AD Log | HQ BFG
BFPO 140
Mil Fax: 948812345
Civilian: +49 (0)521 9254 2345
DII(F): BFG-HQ-AD Log
Personal:
12. Entry Fees. The entry fee to the individual will depend on the classification of the rider’s ability as stated below. All payments are required NLT 01 Oct 14. Cheques should be made payable to the Army Snowboard Association and dispatched to the Col JC Connelly[4] marked clearly as “Ex SNOW METHOD 14” on the rear. Personnel should note:
a. Intermediate Classification[5]. Defined as any rider who has not competed in the FREESTYLE components of EX SNOW JACK or SNOW METHOD. If there is any doubt, the Ex SM14 Competition Committee reserve the right to assess the rider and make a judgment based upon the riders abilities to conduct the training being offered on Ex SM14 safely. The entry fee for Novices will be €175[6] and will include all tuition from qualified civilian instructors and competition entry.
b. Open Classification. Defined as a rider who does not fall into the novice category. Generally they should be able to confidently link turns on a variety of runs and be familiar with some basic freestyle skills such as ollies and safely hitting an intermediate kicker. The entry fee for Open Riders will be €175 including all instruction from qualified civilian instructors and pro-riders as well as the competition entry fee.
13. Ski Lifts and Passes. Access to the racing slopes is by gondola and chairlift. It will take at least 30 min (plus queuing time) to get to the start from the Car Park. A discounted lift pass rate has been negotiated but will only be available through the Competition Committee. Any personnel approaching the Lift Pass office direct will not be given the discounted rate. All entrants will require a lift pass and will require to pay the below fee at registration. The passes will be issued the following morning outside the Lift Pass Office in Neustift village by a member of the committee. The costs for 2014 season lift-passes are shown below as a guide. Teams/individuals must include a 2 Euros returnable deposit for each key card at registration. Costs will be confirmed prior to the start of Ex SM14[7].
Ser / Period / Cost (Euros) / Remarks(a) / (b) / (c) / (d)
7 days
14 Days / c165Euro
c230Euro / Youth rates apply for all MOD90 holders.
Further discounts available for multiple card buyers.
Info available at www.stubaier-gletscher.com
Longer period cards are available.
14. Diplomatic Clearance. Diplomatic Clearance for this event is an individual responsibility. Individuals are responsible for providing a copy of this information to the ASBA Development Team prior to the competition (if possible) or at registration. Personnel stationed in Germany should note that there are additional regulations laid down in BFG Standing Orders and they should seek advice from their RAO to confirm local and transit clearance procedures.
15. Awards. A number of awards will be given out at the end of the Championship. Trophies are to be kept for a year by the winner, but need to be returned, intact, to the ASBA Committee. Other awards that are not trophies are intended as one-off prizes and should be kept by the individuals. The following Trophies are to be returned before or at the Competition Registration:
a. SNOWMETHOD 13 Open class Snowboard Trophy – 2Lt Dan Hunt.
b. SNOWMETHOD 13 Open Class Ski Freestyle Trophy – Lt Jack Pullinger.
c. SNOWMETHOD Most Improved Rider – Bdr David MacQuillan.
SERVICE SUPPORT
16. Accommodation. Individuals are responsible for arranging sufficient accommodation for the duration of the exercise. Assistance can be sought from Ms Elizabeth Finger at the Neustift Tourist Office on 0043 5018810 or visit the tourist office website at . The accommodation will be self-catering apartments in order that CILOR can be claimed. The following should be noted:
a. Cost should be no more than €30-euro per person per night for self-catering accommodation including the local tourist tax.
b. Proprietors are accepting of military guests and cater for specific needs.
c. Any difficulties with proprietors/guests alike will be made known to the committee; this protects the reputation of the ASBA and the rights of competitors.
d. All accommodation bills are paid through the tourist office.
17. Medical. Individuals are to note that no Service medical cover is available. The First Aid Post on the mountain, local to the races, is situated at the Eisgrat Glacier Station. This provides both routine and emergency cover and there is a doctor and pharmacy in Neustift. All competitors must be in possession of an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as it will be required for routine treatment in France, Germany and Austria. Original paperwork will be required as a reference number will not suffice. A valid passport is required for treatment at Innsbruck Hospital.
18. Insurance. Individuals are to acquaint themselves with the rules that govern insurance for Army sports[8]. In particular, attention is drawn to Para 7, which deals with provision for permanent disability and personal accidents. The policy must cover risks of permanent disability, injury to themselves and others whilst racing and recreational snowboarding. This insurance cover will be inspected on initial registration: a lack of suitable cover will ensure exclusion of participation in Ex SM13. Entrants are strongly advised to ensure that their policies also cover theft of personal goods, including equipment. Be aware that the majority of policies only cover personnel for a maximum period of 30 days. The AWSA recommends Towergate Wilsons insurance that can be contacted on (01162) 407773. Competitors should quote “AWSA”, which will ensure a premium is paid back to the association.
19. CILOR. Teams are responsible for financing their own feeding. Each individual may apply for CILOR using Annex A to JSP 456 Ch 7. No payments or authorisations will be issued at Neustift. If problems are encountered, advice can be sought via the undersigned. The application form and accounting procedures can be found at Ch 7 to Defence Intranet | Library | JSP 456 Defence Catering Manual - Volume 2 (Catering Accounting Regulations).
20. Allowances. To encourage equity of allowances across all competitors, Annex C contains a summary of allowances that the organisers believe individuals can claim in accordance with current regulations. Unit RAOs are requested to support the information contained within.
21. Sponsorship. A number of units have, or are in the process of negotiating sponsorship for their teams. The AWSA ruling on the advertising of sponsors emphasises the instructions contained within regulations[9]. To avoid embarrassment it is recommended that units inform the undersigned of any potential sponsorship agreements so that the AWSA Sponsorship Secretary can ensure no conflict of interest. The following are for strict compliance:
a. Any name advertising sponsorship must not show any direct link with tobacco or alcohol.
b. No service vehicle may display sponsorship logos at any time, either during training or at the Championships.
COMMAND AND SIGNAL
22. Location. Stubai lies off Route A12 South in the direction of Brenner. The exercise will be based in the village of Neustift which is en route to the glacier. Although considerable development has taken place in recent years, the village retains much of its traditional charm.
a. Access to Neustift. Access to the valley is only via the A12. Whilst the roads are usually kept clear, alpine weather can cause hazardous driving conditions. All vehicles using the motorways must display a valid vignette (motorway tax disc), which is available from most garages in Austria or just inside the southern Germany border. The cost of a 10 day vignette is c.8 Euros and the penalty if stopped by the police is c.110 Euros. The nearest town is Innsbruck, which is easily accessible by train. There is a regular bus service running from outside Innsbruck station to the valley at a cost of c.7 Euros and taxis are also available at additional costs.