Dear Member, The 2005 domestic season is now underway, and after some good early season conditions, the snowfalls forecast over the next few days will no doubt ensure fantastic training and competition facilities for the rest of the winter. Athletes in all disciplines have commenced training across the major resorts in NSW and Victoria, and with domestic competition series looming large the focus is solely on preparing for these important events, many of which will have a bearing on National Team selections. The SSA website is a valuable resource for all athletes, race organisers and interested parties. We offer the opportunity for all race organisers to post announcements and information on the SSA website. We look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of our athletes and programs during the Southern winter. The next e-news will feature a more in-depth look at many of our discipline programs and the achievements of our athletes. It is now less only 7 months until the opening ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, and we hope to profile many of our Olympic hopefuls not only on the SSA website, but also in person throughout the Australian winter, at special functions throughout the resorts. More information will available shortly. As always do not hesitate to contact our office should you have any questions, and we wish everyone a safe and successful season. Regards Michael Kennedy CEO SSA

Online Membership System The new online membership and registration system has been operating for over a month now, and we are delighted with the positive feedback and improved efficiency of the new system. The majority of registered athletes will have received your membership cards in the mail and are set to compete in the upcoming competition season. For those who are yet to register with either a discipline or with FIS you are strongly encouraged to do so ahead of the competition season getting underway. The system features a member lookup tool which enables individuals and race organisers to check the status of each athlete’s registration. Please note that only those athletes that appear as active on the SSA system will be considered and eligible to appear on any National points list. The National points coordinators will be utilising the SSA competitor lookup tool as the only source of verifying the validity of athlete registration. For more information click here   FIS Academy Ski & Snowboard Australia is delighted to be one of the first National Federations to offer its FIS registered athletes an opportunity to complete the level 1 athlete certificate. In the coming weeks, all FIS registered athletes will be sent from the SSA office, a FIS Academy athlete CD-ROM which provides the first steps in the eduction process. As you may have noted in a recent e-news update the FIS Academy is a world first initiative in sport to provide the athlete with flexible learning opportunities. Athletes are able to progress through Levels 1, 2 & 3 in a timeframe and basis that suits their travel, training and competition requirements. Upon completion of the three Levels post sport career pathways will be created, with access to FIS Academy – appointed hub universities throughout the world. The Level 1 05/06 Athlete Certificate contains valuable information about the sport and competition. The course has been designed to take 10-15 hours to complete, but each athlete can go at his or her own pace. Topics include:   Doping and Drugs in sport Health & Wellbeing International Competition/Competition Requirements The Competitive Approach Winter Sport and the Environment Personal Management Olympism; and Life After Competition This is an exciting initiative, and one which SSA is delighted to subsidise on behalf of our athletes. More information regarding the FIS academy can be found at www.fis-academy.org. SSA AGM As you may be aware the 11th Annual General Meeting of Ski & Snowboard Australia was adjourned. Below you will find the Notice of Meeting and Proxy Form which outline the details of the adjourned meeting. If you are unable to attend the adjourned AGM we encourage you to submit a proxy form. If you have already submitted a proxy for the original meeting date, that form will be used again at the reconvened meeting. Notice of Meeting Proxy Form SSA Annual Report Sport Shorts A link to the latest announcements and stories from our discipline sections on the SSA Website. We encourage you to click through to the SSA site and read about the latest happenings in Competitive skiing and snowboarding in Australia. Alpine Under 10 Children Announcement FIS COC Quota Allocation Updated Coaching Course Information Course Overview Course Outline Cross Country Raymond wins Birke Classic Latest Cross Country Event Calendar Freestyle NSWIS-SSA Mogul team domestic season update Successful Operation for Torino Medal Hope Latest Freestyle Event Calendar Snowboard Updated Selection Policy Latest version of the 2005 Snowboard Calendar World Industries National Championships Announcement