G TEAM competes in competitions sponsered by USASA - G TEAM is located in the Upper Midwest Snow series
The USASA (United States of America Snowboarding Association) offers regional seriesin most regions throughout the United States. Top competitors from each region willqualify and compete at the USASA National Championships. Top USASA riders will also have opportunities to advance in competitive snowboarding, including being named to the USASA National Team. Most top US riders had their start with USASA in their home series, including Shawn White, Lindsey Jacobellis, Ross Powers, and Mason Aguirre and more!
USASA Snow Series & G Team: G Team operates separately from USASA and The Snow Series. We do not have any control over the schedule, membership, registration, event facilitation, judging and more. We do work closely with USASA and the Series and offer our support throughout the season.
USASA Rulebook: At our pre-season dryland training and during on-snow training, riders will learn and become knowledgeable about the rules, procedures, and judging criteria for USASA Competitions. We highly recommend that all USASA Competitors download and review the USASA rulebook prior to participating in any events.
USASA Disciplines: There are many disciplines of snowboarding, but this is a list of the most commonly held events within the USASA. Each discipline includes a brief description, including scoring and ranking.
Slalom: Slalom is two timed runs through preset gates emphasizing tight turning technique. Riders are ranked within their age group based on the combined total time from both of their timed runs through the course. (snowboard only)
Giant Slalom: GS is two timed runs through preset gates emphasizing turning technique. Riders are ranked within their age group based on the combined total time from both of their timed runs through the course. (snowboard only)
Boardercross/Skiercross: Cross is a race with either a 4 or 6 person elimination heat, while racing through an “obstacle course” style run generally with jumps, tight turns, burms & rollers. Top finishers will advance in a “knockout” eliminations format to determine the final positions in each age group. No intentional contact, like pushing, shoving, pulling of another rider, is allowed amongst the competitors in each heat; disqualifications will result.
Halfpipe: HP is a freestyle feature witwith two walls connected by a flat transition. Riders will make 2 runs through the halfpipe, while being judged using the criteria and one of the judging systems described earlier. Riders will be scored on both runs, while the top
Slopestyle: SS takes place in the terrain park, where competitors go through a series of jumps, rails and boxes. Riders will make 2 runs through the course, while being judged using the criteria and one of the judging systems described earlier. Riders will be scored on both runs, while the top score from both runs will determine the ranking withineach age group.
Rail Jam: Rail Jam is a freestyle event that is held in the terrain park using a few rails and boxes. Riders will “jam” (ride at the same time) with other riders in their heat at the same time while being judged. Top riders will be awarded or sent to “finals.” 550 RAIL JAMS
550.01 Course Design:
• The Course shall contain any number of features as determined by the event organizers.
• Structures may include: rails, boxes, wall rides and other features that provide the competitors with the opportunity to display their freestyle talents.
550.02 Judging Formats:
Judging formats for Rail Jams are at the discretion of the event organizer, Series Director, TS or Head Judge. These formats can include, but are not limited to: Best Trick, Overall Impression, Best 3 Tricks, etc.
All competitors must receive a place rank from the judge panel. Ties must be broken using an appropriate method announced before the event begins.score from both runs will determine the ranking within each age group.
Equipment:
1. You do not need a specialized equipment, your regular gear will suffice. Some riders may choose to use specialized gear.
2. All riders must wear an approved helmet. See Rule 151.02
The use of helmets is mandatory for all events. Helmets used in USASA Snowboard/Ski events shall be specifically designed and manufactured for use in snow sports and shall bear a CE mark and conform to recognized and appropriate standards such as CEE 1077 or US 2040, ASTM 2040.
3. For boardercross and skiercross, we do recommend the use of protective gear, such as back and chest protectors and full face helmets. *** Skiers are required a special helmet ***
USASA Age Groups for Men and Women (except Rail Jam)
Rascals (6 & under)
Ruggie (7-8)
Grommet (9-10)
Menehune (11-12)
Breakers (13-14)
Youth (15-16)
Juniors (17-18)
Jams (19-22)
Senior (23-29)
Master (30-39)
Legend (40-49)
Kahuna (50-59)
Methuselah (60 & over)
Open Class (Inquire with the team before signing up as Open Class)
Adaptive Snowboarders