Cold Weather Policy

Cold Weather and Temperature Guidelines:

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Program updates will be posted on the Calendar and the times below if the temperature is close to the cancellation threshold.

Temperatures do not include wind chill.

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Jack Rabbits Levels 1-5, Learn to Ski Wednesday Evenings:

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Jackrabbits will not run on very cold days. Our guideline is -15 C with no
wind; however, we will use some discretion (e.g.. cut-off could be -10'C to -12 C' with moderate to high winds)

Wednesdays (-15C) @ 1:00 PM

Please Check Calendar and emails for updates

 

Track Attack Wednesday and Super Saturday Sessions

Wednesday (-20C) @ 1:00pm

Saturday (-20C) @ 8:30am 

Please Check Calendar for Updates

 

Red Deer Nordic Race and Fitness Program

Tuesday/Thursday (-25C) @ 1:00pm

Saturday (-25C) @ 8:30am

Please Check Calendar for Updates 

 

Adult Programs, Biathlon (12 years and older): 

Evenings (-20C) @ 5:00pm

Please Check Calendar  for Updates 

 

*Times posted are the times the coach will assess the temperatures and then make a decision if practice will be cancelled according to the temperature at that time of the day.

*Possibility to delay morning practices if temperature forecast shows a warming trend.

 

For consistent temperature reading, we use River Bend Golf and Recreation Area - IREDDEER9 https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/IREDDEER9

 

 

JACK RABBIT PROGRAM, LEARN TO SKI AND TRACK ATTACK WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 

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The Jack Rabbit program on Wednesday evenings will be cancelled at temperatures below -15C as measured or estimated at 1pm at the River Bend Golf Course. The Jack Rabbit coordinator is responsible for determining if the lessons need to be cancelled and for informing the group leaders of the decision. The group leaders are responsible for informing the kids and parents in their group if the session has been cancelled.  

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The Learn to Ski and Track Attack Programs on Wednesday evenings will be cancelled at temperatures below -20C as measured or estimated at 1pm at the River Bend Golf Course. The Track Attack and Learn to ski coordinator is responsible for determining if the lessons need to be cancelled and for informing the group leaders of the decision. The group leaders are responsible for informing the kids and parents in their group if the session has been cancelled.  

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Jack Rabbit, Learn to Ski and Track Attack leaders should consider the following safety measures when skiing with young children during cold days (temperatures below -10C). 

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•  If children are inappropriately dressed they should be excused from the session and their parent should be notified. 

•  Inform skiers and parents that a hat should be worn at all times. Ensure ears are covered to avoid frostbite. 

•  Bring children inside when they say they are cold. 

•  Choose areas that are protected from the wind and avoid activities in open areas. 

•  Keep the young children close to lodge in the event that someone does get cold. 

•  Allow additional time to warm-up; it takes longer to get the body warmed-up for sport activity in cold weather. 

•  If in doubt cut the session short. 

 

RED DEER NORDIC RACING TEAM 

 

The Red Deer Nordic Racing Team policy on cold weather recognizes the unique risk incurred by young athletes in cold weather conditions and has adopted the following policy. 

With respect to racing, our policy is that: 

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•  When temperatures are -25C or colder (temperature measured at the coldest point of the course and without wind factor) and competition distances are less than or equal to 7.5 km, we will not race. 

•  When competition distances are greater than 7.5km and temperatures are -180C or colder (without wind factor), we will not race.  Wind factors increase the effect of cold and will be taken into account in determining whether athletes will race.

•  Where the head coach at an event feels that other weather factors put our athletes at risk, he or she may also pull the team from the race. The head coach is expected to use discretion in evaluating whether this consequence should include all age groups or not. 

 

With respect to training and practices led by a ski team coach, our policy is as follows:
 

When temperatures are -250C or colder, the coach leading the practice will decide whether to hold the practice. Among the factors he or she will consider are: 

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•  Length of practice 

•  Distance away from the lodge 

•  How well dressed athletes are 

•  Whether temperatures will change 

•  The effort that will be expended during the practice and the time that athletes will be relatively inactive, and 

•  How old the athletes are

•  Practices will be cancelled if temperatures are -25 and colder

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Tips for Athletes: 

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•  Don’t be afraid to wear extra clothing. Vests and toques are an important addition and it may also be reasonable to wear two layers of synthetic (polyester) underclothing. 

• Balaclavas, neck-warmers and windproof briefs are also a good idea. Consider substituting mitts for gloves. 

• Creams, lotions and jellies can reduce the direct exposure of the skin to the air. However, to be effective they must not have water in their base. 

• Ski glasses/goggles can keep the wind out of your eyes, but they can also cause a "wind tunnel" effect on other parts of your face. For eye comfort, blink more often than usual. This is particularly true if you wear contacts. 

• Consider carrying hand-warming packets (coaches can carry a couple of these with them) to avoid frostbite. 

• Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of frostbite. 

• Individuals have a different tolerance to cold weather. Children less than 10 years of age are not able to thermo regulate as well as older athletes. 

• Make sure you are properly hydrated and are not hungry. Bring extra foods and fluids to the site of the event in case there is a delay. 

• Up to 30% of cross-country skiers suffer from exercise-induced asthma (EIA).  Cold dry air exacerbates this condition. If you are susceptible to exercise induced asthma you will need to take extra precautions. A proper warm-up is critical and your predisposition to EIA should be discussed with a physician 

 

RACES, MARATHON, AND CLUB ORGANIZED EVENTS 

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Unless stated otherwise in the race notice and/or participant entry form the club’s policy regarding running events during cold weather is as follows: 

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•  With air temperatures below -20 C (temperature measured at the coldest point of the course and without wind factor) and competition distances less than or equal to 15 km, the Jury (or race organizers) MUST postpone or cancel the competition. 

• With competition distances greater than 15km and temperatures less than -18C without wind factor, the Jury (or race organizers) MUST postpone or cancel the competition.

•  With any difficult weather conditions (e.g. strong winds, high air humidity, heavy snow, icy track conditions) at any air temperature, the Jury (or race organizers) may, on consultation with the Team Leaders of the participating teams, postpone, cancel or shorten the competition. 

•  While adhering to the basic principles of the rules, the Jury (or race organizers) may effect minor modifications to the rules providing the word MUST has not been used in formulating the rule.