Page 67 - RSDG Year of 2023

The TD Forum is the group who own the governance for British ski racing, this includes setting the rules, race officials’ training and the training pathway for the TD qualification. The training pathway for a TD is two years and I started the pathway in 2012. At this time, I made the decision to gain experience of British racing and volunteered, using annual leave, to work at the British Championships held at Easter. Another wonderful experience with the British World Cup team, young British racers and the UK Armed Forces team all competing in the same events!
As part of this learning process, I supported the Inter Services Championships as the Arny Rep and then the Chief of Race providing the opportunity to gain experience from other British TDs. In 2014 I qualified as a British TD and started to support the TD Forum as the Chair of the Rules Sub Committee. This was focused on reviewing any changes to the International Rules, owned by FIS, which may affect the British rules requiring changes to be made. We also dealt with any racing issues or questions during summer and winter seasons. This supported my role on advising the Army Alpine Committee of any changes or issues that may affect Army Alpine events.
In 2016, I was asked if I would be interested in qualifying as a FIS (International TD), which I agreed to and qualified in 2018. Another two years of learning and meeting knowledgeable officials who all volunteer for these roles. 2018 was also the year I left Regular Service and transferred to my Reserve role as the SO2 SPARTAN HIKE. This role delivers one of two Qualification (Divisional) Championships for the Army Alpine and Nordic Championships, the semi-finals! This was an interesting transition, and I was also invited to work in support of the GB Snowsport Alpine Committee during this period. GB Snowsport is the National Governing Body for British Winter Sports and is funded, or not, through UK Sport, a Government agency. The Alpine Committee sets the selection policies for the Alpine
Cold starts
teams for the World Cup/Olympics, European Cup and FIS levels. It also confirms the athletes that have meet the criteria for selection to these squads and specific events. Most recently this was for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) and the World Junior Championships, where we had remarkable success at the YOG winning 2 golds and a silver medal.
The most recent roles I now have the pleasure of supporting are the Race Director for the British Championships (Mar 22), the Chair of the TD Forum (May 22), and I was invited, as part of the British delegation, to represent GBR at the FIS Technical meetings held in Zurich in Sep 23. An interesting and informative period that provided several challenges, which always appear to happen at the same time!
In summary, Alpine skiing is my focus and where my efforts lie! It has been a great experience and I hope everyone continues to be offered the opportunity to get involved in sports or to volunteer to support it. This is vital for the Army, Defence and the wider sporting communities, it would be extremely easy to lose it! See you on the slopes!
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FIS World Cup Meeting
SH Prize Giving