Members will be aware that the SSA Board and the National Alpine Committee recently commissioned Mark Sharp (Head Coach of the Canadian Women's World Cup team) to conduct an independent, expert review of Alpine Ski Racing in Australia. Mark met with the vast majority of key stakeholders in the Alpine community including resorts, institutes and race clubs during his time in Australia. In all Mark met with over 45 key decision makers within the Alpine and wider sport community, and reviewed a further 20 detailed responses to the questionnaires that were provided for public feedback.

Mark has conducted a similar extensive exercise for his native Canada, which took over 4 years to complete and culminated with detailed, step by step, science based pathway plan for Alpine ski racing from ages 6 to World Cup.

Mark has now presented his draft report together with structural and operational recommendations to the SSA board. The draft report was discussed at length during a special board meeting on Monday 1st September.

The board unanimously endorsed the broad thrust of the draft report and resolved to circulate the review amongst key stakeholders immediately. In particular the Board endorses a truly National approach and a greater involvement of technical experts within the sport (such as program directors and coaches).

The board would like to announce the restructured National Alpine (and other disciplines) Committees during October. Further the board has resolved to reopen the window for nomination through until the 21st September. To this end it is important that all individuals who might have nominated or might consider nominating have an appreciation of the intended direction for the sport and formally affirm their commitment to that.

Members should understand that the board recognises the magnitude of the task to rejuvenate the alpine skiing pathway, and is taking an 8-12 year strategic view of the sport. Many of the recommendations will take time to implement.

As outlined in the report, it is important to get this right, and to roll out new structures and strategies in an informed and coordinated manner. As the recommendations indicate a wider industry involvement and more targeted approach to training our alpine athletes, it is vital to bring other key players including Australian Ski Areas Association (ASAA) and the Australian Professional Snowsports Instructors (APSI) into the picture.

While there is a strong commitment to implementing the recommendations of the review the board and NAC is also mindful of its responsibilities to existing athletes in the program and to providing them with the best direction possible. Many of the recommendations, once implemented will assist current FIS level athletes with their progression to the highest level.

The board is ultimately responsible for the implementation of the recommendations and will ensure that the National Alpine Committee is comprised of individuals capable of responding to the review recommendations on behalf of the board and athletes.

Again we thank those that have taken the time and effort to contribute to the review and we look forward to a new chapter in Alpine Ski Racing in Australia.

Alpine Review Documents

Australian Alpine Review

Recommendations

Structural Recommendations