The Northern Division has authorized host clubs of Youth Ski League (J4 and younger) Alpine races to experiment with a new format this season. Under the optional race format, morning and afternoon runs would be treated as separate races for J5 and younger racers. The times for the two runs would still be combined for the J4 racers.
The logic for the experimental format for the youngest racers is twofold:
- It gives kids twice as many chances to be acknowledged for their successes.
- Although the morning race would be mandatory, the afternoon race, in effect, would be optional. For the youngest racers, a one run commitment might make it easier for them to try racing. Furthermore, it would allow families who travel to races to ski together in the afternoons.
Apparently, the one run format for J5 and younger racers for GS and SL races is increasingly common across the U.S. The Northern Division clubs are uncertain about the merits of the approach, which is why the 2008/2009 season will be a year of experimentation on a race by race basis. For more information, see the Northern Division race calendar.