On this page we have attempted to compile information you need to participate in Junior Olympic Qualifier (“JOQ”) races.
CXC MEMBERSHIP: A CXC (“Central Cross Country Ski Association”) basic membership is necessary to accumulate points toward qualifying for the Midwest Junior Olympics Team. Click HERE for CXC on-line registration. Information from the CXC web-site about the need to become a member BEFORE the first JOQ race in which an athlete competes:
“RACERS NEED TO BE A CXC MEMBER PRIOR TO THE FIRST JOQ THEY COMPETE IN FOR THEIR POINTS TO COUNT FOR JO TEAM STATUS 2010/2011 SEASON.”
If an athlete is NOT attempting to qualify for the Midwest Junior Olympic Team, a CXC membership is NOT necessary.
USSA MEMBERSHIP: A USSA (“United States Ski and Snowboard Association”) is necessary to compete at the Junior Olympics. Here is CXC’s correct advice about obtaining a USSA membership:
“A Junior does not need a USSA license (membership) to compete in Junior Olympic Qualifiers and score either Midwest or Great Lakes District JOQ points. All that is needed is a CXC membership. Those athletes that do qualify for Junior Olympics do need a USSA membership license to compete in JOs. The only kicker is that USSA National Ranking List points are used to seed (arrange start order) J1 and OJ athletes for JOs. It requires a minimum of 3 NRL races with a USSA license to develop those points, which would be most of the JOQs. Generally, athletes that are sure of qualifying for JOs, or those that plan on competing in the National Championships in January (USSA license required) buy their USSA license well in advance of the season. Others buy a USSA license as the season progresses and their JOQ rankings are developing, recognizing that there can be considerable lag time between applying for a license and the ability to score race points.”
Click HERE for USSA membership on-line registration. If you have questions whether and when you should obtain a USSA membership, ask Kevin.
FIS MEMBERSHIP: This is an international ski license required only for elite Juniors who plan to attend Senior Nationals and qualify for one of the junior teams competing internationally in January (J1 Junior trip or World Juniors Team). Click HERE for the USSA page containing FIS registration … scroll down to “Cross Country, FIS Registration” (on-line registration not available). FIS registration must be received by the USSA before December 15.
REGISTER FOR JOQ RACES: An athlete must register separately for each individual JOQ weekend. Information about each race weekend and a link to on-line registration is available on the web-sites for the local ski clubs hosting the respective races, as follows:
Ironwood (MI) JOQ (Dec. 11 & 12): Hosted by the Wolverine Nordic Ski Club; click HERE for race and registration information. Deadline to register on-line: December 7.
Wausau (WI) JOQ (Dec. 18 & 19): Hosted by the Knicker Nordic Ski Club; click HERE for race and registration information.
Minneapolis JOQ (Jan. 22 & 23): Hosted by the City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation; click HERE for race and registration information. Deadline to register on-line: January 20, 2011.
Houghton (MI) JOQ (Jan. 29 & 30): No specific race and registration information available yet.
