You will be considered a "rookie" if you do not have a current FWRA handicap. Based on your results today, you will be placed at an appropriate skill level (S00 (fastest) to S10 for skiers, or B00, B05 or B08 for boarders) in which you will compete in subsequent races.

During registration, record the time and the location of all the racecourses below (Note: on slalom race days, boarders other than beginners have their own course; otherwise they race with the skiers):

 In most cases, rookies start on the Lower Course at the S08/B08 level (i.e., your Initial Class above should start with “S08” or “B08”). The Beginner Course is for beginning skiers, but if you are unsure you can manage the Lower Course, try the Beginner Course (The Chief of Beginner Course will advise you if you ski well enough for the Lower Course.). If you are an expert skier/boarder or an advanced one with race experience, your Race Director should have started you at the S05/B05 level on the Middle Course.  No rookies are started on the Upper Course, you have to demonstrate your race ability first.  Whichever course you begin with, should you beat the “Rookie Strike Time” for that course, you will need to race again on the next higher course (except on the Snowboard Course, you will race again on the same course).

Helpful reminders for your first race day are recapped on the back of this sheet. You should also review the OLRC Race Rules .

On each course, the skill levels race in the sequence listed in the chart above. The starter on each course will line up the racers within each class. If you miss the start for your class, notify the starter who will insert you into the next appropriate starting slot.

During your rookie day, you need to achieve a valid handicap (a completed race) to determine the skill level at which you will be competitive in future races. Even if you think you successfully finished the course, check at the scoreboard (bottom of the course) to ensure you weren't unknowingly disqualified by a gatekeeper or failed to get a valid time. If you need a rerun for any reason, tell the scorekeeper at the scoreboard and immediately report to the starter at the top of the course. As a rookie (only), you can make another run to gain a handicap even if you fell or were disqualified, but subsequent runs today will not earn any points.

Record your valid race times and the corresponding “Rookie Strike Time” (written at the top of the scoreboard once it is calculated) below:

If you beat the rookie strike time for a course, report to the starter at the top of the next higher course at the appropriate time and show him/her this form. If you fail to beat the strike time, your racing is over for the day and you will be placed at the appropriate skill level for subsequent races based on your performance today.

And most of all, make sure to have fun.