Mad River Mountain
Ski Patrol
Membership Policies
A UGUST 8, 2017
R EVISION 003
Copyright © Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol, 1962-2017
All rights reserved
All rights reserved. No part of the Mad River Mountain Policy and Procedures Manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means electrical, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol. No copyright claimed in the text of United States and the state
PREFACE
This document describes the policies, procedures, and guidelines of the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol. All members in good standing agree to and are bound by these policies, procedures, and guidelines.
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REVISION HISTORY
- Date
- Version Description
October, 2002 October, 2004 August, 2007 October, 2010
1256789
Initial Version Revision: 46
December, 2012
- 8 August 2017
- 2017-2018 Edition
PATROL HISTORY
THE NATIONAL SKI PATROL
The National Ski Patrol (NSP), founded in 1938, has followed its creed of "Service and Safety" since the establishment of skiing as a popular sport in the United States. As snow sports and guest services at areas have evolved over the years, so has the NSP, from a service organization to a modern-day professional education association. Other snow sports such as snowboarding, tubing, and snow-skating introduced new equipment and new terrain, which in turn required developing and teaching new safety and emergency care training methods. Increased access to the backcountry, beyond ski area boundaries, has also meant new training regimens for member of the NSP.
Today the organization is composed of more than 26,000 members serving over 600 patrols. These individuals include alpine, snowboard, and Nordic patrollers who are paid or who volunteer their time throughout the United States and at certain military areas in Europe. The
organization’s members are engaged in the promotion of safety programs across the outdoor
recreation community. NSP members work on behalf of local ski and snowboard areas to improve the overall snow sports experience for outdoor recreationists. The National Ski Patrol has worked closely with other countries in outdoor emergency care education and has assisted in establishing patrol associations in Canada, Korea, New Zealand, Israel, Turkey, Argentina, and Chile as well as the Victorian Rescue Service in Australia.
The National Ski Patrol is a nonprofit organization, deriving its primary financial support from membership dues, donations, user fees, and corporate sponsorships. The national office is located in Lakewood, Colorado, and is staffed with full-time employees to handle administrative duties.
The NSP was organized and directed by Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole as a committee of the
National Ski Association (now the United States Ski Association). Through his efforts as the first national director of the NSP, the organization spread its effects and esprit de corps across the nation. Upon his retirement in 1950, Dole had built the NSP into an organization of 4,000 members serving 300 ski patrols. During World War II, Dole was responsible for the establishment of the famed 10th Mountain Division of the US Army. Applicants for this remarkable military unit, which saw much of its fighting activity in Italy, were screened by the NSP. Many individuals who were responsible for the establishment of many ski areas in the United States served in the 10th Mountain Division and have contributed significantly to the sport.
Thanks to this distinguished legacy of altruistic service, the National Ski Patrol was recognized with a federal charter by the United States Congress in 1980. This is a coveted endorsement that only a few other American institutions have earned, including the American Red Cross, the YMCA, and the Boy Scouts. The federal charter stipulates that the NSP continue to
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promote safety and health in skiing and other outdoor winter recreational activities. Accordingly, the NSP annually reports directly to Congress.
THE MAD RIVER MOUNTAIN SKI PATROL
The Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol was formed in 1962 as the Valley Hi Ski Patrol to provide service to the customers of the newly opened Valley Hi Ski Area.
Patrol Directors
1962 – 1964 1964 – 1967 1967 – 1968 1968 – 1973 1973 – 1975 1975 – 1979 1979 – 1980 1980 – 1981 1981 – 1984 1984 – 1985 1985 – 1988
1988 – 1991 1991 – 1994 1994 – 1997 1997 – 2000 2000 – 2003 2003 – 2006 2006 – 2009 2009 – 2012 2012 – 2017 2017 -
George Schleicher Dino Giovan Al McCann
Dave Cobb Alan Galvez Dale Kohlrieser Don Phipps Chris Raudabaugh Jim Vickroy John Norris Kim Hiser Troy Green H. Scott Griffith
Don Stelzer Bob Basinger Ed Raudabaugh Terry Harris Garis Pugh Larry Schieltz Rick Schieltz C. Richard Ike
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION
See Appendix A, NSP-NSAA Joint Statement of Understanding, attached separately.
PERSONNEL
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
All members must be a current Outdoor Emergency Care Technician
All members must be a current CPR provider at a professional healthcare provider level, credentialed by an approved organization
All members must be certified in Chair Lift Evacuation and the Mad River Mountain Ski Area
All members must have the ability and desire to provide emergency care and rescue services and participate in customer service activities to the patrons of the Mad River Mountain Ski Area
All members must have the ability and desire to work the required number of shifts and hours as defined in this manual
All members must accept and abide by the policies and procedures and the guidelines of the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol (MRMSP), Ohio Region (ORNSP), Central Division (NSP-C), and the national organization of the National Ski Patrol (NSP)
SPECIFIC MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Patrol Observer
Civilians wishing to join the MRMSP prior to an Outdoor Emergency Care course, may participate in the Patrol Observer program with the approval of the Patrol Director
Patrol Observer candidates must be at least 18 years of age and be willing to commit to a consistent schedule
Patrol Observer candidates must be paired with a patrol mentor or participating in patrol sponsored or led training sessions while working with the patrol and in uniform.
Patrol Observer candidates must sign and submit the Patrol Observer application and release, and pay the associated fees prior to participating in the program
Patrol Observers will begin their candidacy in the next available OEC course offered
Patrol Candidate
All Patrol Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, 15 years of age if joining as a Young Adult Patroller
All Patrol Candidates must complete specific educational and certification requirements during their first year of candidacy
All Patrol Candidates must complete an apprenticeship of no less than two years. All Patrol Candidates must obtain the classification of Patroller or Alpine Patroller no later than the conclusion of the candidates second full season
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All candidate patrollers must participate in all pre-season maintenance, fundraising, and other events, to be set and communicated by the Patrol Director or their designee each year unless prior approval to not attend is received from the Patrol Director
Failure to complete or comply with all requirements will result in an assessment and determination by the Patrol Director for their suitability to become a member of the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol.
Education
During their first year of candidacy, all Patrol Candidates must successfully
complete the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course and receive certification as an Outdoor Emergency Care Technician, complete a professional provider CPR course and receive certification, complete the Introduction to Ski Patrolling course, and complete the Chair Lift Evacuation course
Proficiency
Patrol Candidates wishing to pursue the classification of Alpine Ski Patroller must be certified as an advanced intermediate skier or snowboarder and complete the Toboggan Handling portion of the Introduction to Ski Patrolling course prior to participating in a Ski or Toboggan Handling evaluation
Candidates for Alpine Patroller are to attend weekly training sessions, as scheduled, on either Saturday or Sunday mornings unless otherwise excused by the Candidate Advisor, Assistant Patrol Director of Proficiency, or the Patrol Director.
Duty Schedule
The Candidate Ski Patroller must commit to a duty schedule that consists of one
weekday second or third shift, one weekend shift, each week and three “prime-
time” midnight madness shifts during their candidacy
Candidates may only participate in training sessions during their schedule duty shift at the discretion of the Hill Leader.
Responsibilities
Ensure that all toboggans and toboggan packs are complete and ready for use Ensure that all toboggan storage tubes are free of snow and other debris Ensures that all flashlights, lanterns, beacons are ready for use Communicates with Hill Leader to report status of toboggans, toboggan storage tubes, and lighting devices
Ensures that the patrol room, patrol lounge, and patrol classroom facility are policed and free from trash and debris
Candidate Patrollers are expected to be available on the hill unless otherwise directed by the Hill Leader
Meet regularly with the Candidate Advisor
Young Adult Patroller
Young Adult Patrollers must be at least 15 and not yet 18 years of age by November 15th.
Membership as a Young Adult Patroller and joining the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol must be approved by the Patrol Director
Patroller/Senior Patroller
Patrollers are full members of the NSP certified in OEC, who are not signed off to transport toboggans, loaded or unloaded. Other duties are the same as Alpine Patrollers. If non-skiing, then primary shift duties will be to the aid room as determined by the hill leader.
NSP registered Senior Patrollers may also serve as local Alpine Patrollers (toboggan approved) and be responsible for any duties assigned as such.
Alpine Patroller
Alpine Patrollers will be responsible for hill duties as designated by the Hill Leader including transport of toboggans and patients.
While on duty, the Alpine Patroller must wear an appropriate uniform
Senior Alpine Patroller
Senior Alpine Patrollers will be responsible for hill duties as designated by the Hill Leader including transport of toboggans and patients.
While on duty, the Senior Alpine Patroller must wear an appropriate uniform The Senior Alpine Patroller will be responsible for any additional requirements as designated by the National Ski Patrol
Certified Alpine Patroller
Certified patrollers will be responsible for hill duties as designated by the Hill Leader including transport of toboggans and patients.
While on duty, the certified patroller must wear an appropriate uniform The certified patroller will be responsible for any additional requirements as designated by the National Ski Patrol
Transferring Patroller
Any ski patroller wishing to transfer must have a Letter of Recommendation from the Patrol Director of their current registered ski patrol. This letter must be sent directly to the Patrol Director of the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol
Must be currently credentialed as an Outdoor Emergency Care Technician and a CPR provider at a professional level.
Meet any of the requirements as defined by the Patrol Director
Returning Patroller
Any former member of the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol, who is not currently a member of the National Ski Patrol, wishing to return, will do so at the discretion of the Patrol Director and must meet requirements as defined by the Patrol Director
Secondary Patroller
Any patroller wishing to register with the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol must be a registered Patroller, Alpine Patroller, Alpine Senior, or Alpine Certified Patroller.
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May join the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol only with the approval of the Patrol Director and must provide a letter of recommendation from the Patrol Director of their current registered ski patrol. This letter must be sent directly to the Patrol Director of the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol.
Must be observed and certified, by an appropriate certified instructor, before operating any transportation equipment
Must meet all requirements detailed in this document Must schedule at least four scheduled shifts and at least one Mid Mad shift Secondary members are not eligible for privileges
Visiting Patroller
The Visiting Patroller must have a current National Ski Patrol registration card, a current Outdoor Emergency Care Technician card, and a current Professional CPR Card
Visiting Patrollers will receive a complimentary lift pass and must wear civilian clothes
UNIFORMS
All members must wear the approved uniform while on duty or participating in sanctioned National Ski Patrol events
The uniform consists of an approved patrol jacket or patrol vest, ski pants or bibs, and/or a first aid belt or pack
The uniform must display the minimum appropriate insignia at all times The uniform must be kept generally clean and free of rips, tears, marks, or disrepairs
The uniform requirements will be reviewed and set each year by the Patrol Director. Prior year uniforms are accepted unless specifically prohibited
The uniform suppliers will be set each year by the Patrol Director will be the only sources for the approved uniforms
An approved uniform will be provided to each Candidate Patroller which will be returned upon their change in status. Failure to return will result in a fine to be assessed at the discretion of the Patrol Director.
Any exceptions to the approved uniform must be received in writing from the Patrol Director
The patrol jacket or patrol vest must have the appropriate National Ski Patrol round chest badge on the upper left portion of the chest. The chest badge must be black with white lettering. The round chest badge must be supplied by the National Ski Patrol (available through the National Ski Patrol catalog). Exceptions to these requirements will be identified by the Patrol Director
A name tag should be worn at all times. Name tags will be supplied by the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol
First aid supplies will be carried at all times in an approved first aid belt, pack, or patrol vest. Any exceptions must be received, in writing, from the Patrol Director
Candidate and Junior ski patrollers will be provided an approved uniform
The official National Ski Patrol and Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol uniform shall be worn only while on active patrol duty, participating in approved activities, or while traveling to and from such events.
Parka/Jacket/Vest
Patrol Jacket and patrol vest options are available to the membership such as shells, insulated jackets, and fleece to allow for layering
The jacket and vest is primarily red in color and has black abrasion patches on the shoulders
The jacket and vest must have a back cross of solid white applied in the upper center of the back. The back cross is either supplied by the manufacturer or by the National Ski Patrol (available through the National Ski Patrol catalog).
The jacket must have small crosses of solid white on the side of each upper arm, just below the shoulder. The crosses must be supplied by the National Ski Patrol (available through the National Ski Patrol catalog) or supplied by the jacket manufacturer
A jacket and vest manufacturer or manufacturers will be identified each year as the official suppliers. One or a series of parkas and shells are identified as acceptable for the approved uniform
Exceptions to these requirements must be received, in writing, from the Patrol Director
Pants/Bibs
Ski pants or bibs must be all black with minimal logos
A ski pants or bib manufacturer or manufacturers will be identified each year as the official suppliers. One or a series of ski pants or bibs will be identified as acceptable for uniform use
Exceptions to these requirements must be received, in writing, from the Patrol Director
Belt/Pack
First aid supplies will be carried at all times in an approved first aid belt or pack Packs and belts must be solid black in color Patrol Backpacks must display a small backcross on the pack in the middle and high enough as to be seen while worn
DUTY SHIFTS
All members are required log at least 1.1 duty hours for each day that the Mad River Mountain Ski Area is open to the skiing public in a season.
All members are required to maintain at least the minimum number of hours throughout the season.
DUES
Dues are set by the Patrol Director in line with the patrol budget. Each member is responsible for submitting your annual dues to the treasurer no later than November 15th of each year. Dues collected shall include all dues required by the
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National Ski Patrol System, Central Division NSP, Ohio Region NSP, and Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol
Dues submitted after November 15th will include a late charge as set by the Patrol Director.
MEETINGS
The general membership of the patrol will meet annually at a business meeting held in before the beginning of the season.
All patrollers and candidates are to attend the annual business meeting. The Patrol Director will appoint a Recording Secretary who will records minutes of every official meeting.
ORGANIZATION
The Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol is directed by Patrol Director who is elected by popular vote of the membership
The Patrol Director will appoint four Assistant Patrol Directors, each to manage one of four “areas”: Proficiency, Operations, Programs, and Organization.
The Patrol Director and each of the Assistant Patrol Directors will appoint additional advisors and administrators to carry out the business of the Patrol.
PATROL DIRECTOR
Qualifications
A member in good standing with the National Ski Patrol (NSP) and with the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol
Registered as an active member of the National Ski Patrol and Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol as a Senior, Senior Alpine or Certified patroller with at least 5 years of service
Served the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol in a leadership role for at least 2 years Served in a leadership capacity at the region or division level for at least 1 year Familiar with the current Policies and Procedures of the National Ski Patrol, the Central Division – NSP, the Ohio Region – NSP, and the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol
Responsibilities
Serve a three-year term with the option of an additional three-year term in accordance with ski area policies and the bylaws and policies and procedures of the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol
Maintain communication and rapport with ski area management and owners Serves as an officer within the National Ski Patrol division and/or region in accordance with the bylaws of the Central Division – NSP and Ohio Region – NSP
Serves as chairperson of the MRM Advisory Committee Supports and fosters the National Ski Patrol mission statement. Ensures compliance with National Ski Patrol national education requirements
Collects and forwards National Ski Patrol member registration information and fees in a timely manner in accordance with national, division, and region policies
Coordinates the course administration and distribution for all Outdoor Emergency Care education and continuing education records with the responsible instructors of record
Provides timely and accurate communication of National Ski Patrol policies to ski patrol members
Maintains administrative and financial data and all other records for the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol
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Submits annual reports and financial reports as required by national, division, and region policies
Receives and acts upon any complaints levied against patrollers, pursuant to the bylaws and policies and procedures of the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol
Selection
