INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS FEDERATION

A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY 

​Every 2 years the SSSA takes a team of pupils to represent Scotland and compete at the International School Sports Federation's Winter Games (ISFWG). This prestigious event, run by the ISF usually takes place in February and moves venue for each occurence. 

For many of the selected pupils, this opportunity represents a real highlight in their snowsports careers and the SSSA takes real pride in supporting them to attend and represent their country.

Historically, Scotland has only entered a team into the Alpine disciplines (Slalom and GS) but for 2024 it is hoped that both the Snowboard and Cross Country disciplines can be represented. 

NOTE: On 11th August 2023 we received a communication from the ISF indicating that the 2024 games are very unlikely to go ahead. Whilst we await final confirmation we will leave this page below unchanged.

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DATE + LOCATION: xx to xx February 2024 at xxx, xxx.

Please note the ISF winter games dates can often clash with the English Alpine Championships in Bormio. If this is the case for 2024, please do not apply for selection to the ISFWG team, if you intend to attend Bormio.

COST: Estimated £1500 base cost plus £300 for team kit, plus the cost of flights and any spending. The base cost includes:- 

• ISFWG entry fees

• ISF food and accommodation for the duration of the games

• ISF airport transfers

• Team coaching costs

Please note that at this stage costs are estimated on previous year's events. Where the SSSA secures sponsorship for the Scottish Team this will be used to reduce the base cost or the cost of team kit. Note the SSSA is not in the business of making a surplus from this event, and every effort will be made to keep costs as low as possible for all competitors.  If it is found that a surplus is generated after the event concludes and final accounts are drawn up, refunds will be issued back to competitor's families.

SNOWBOARD & CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS:

The SSSA is currently working with Snowsport Scotland to identify if there is scope for a Snowboard or Cross Country team to join the Alpine athletes and compete at the 2024 games. Once this is confirmed, details and a suitable entry form for these additional disciplines will be generated. In the meantime, all the below paperwork relates to the 2024 Alpine Team.  

2024 ALPINE TEAM:

The Scottish Alpine Team will comprise 20 athletes in U18/U16 male and female categories. Being a "non alpine nation" Scotland is permitted to take a selection of pupils from different schools. (Alpine nations must select teams from a single school). Team places are therefore open for application by any accomplished alpine racers who attend Scottish Schools.

2024 ISFWG MANAGMENT TEAM:

• HEAD OF DELEGATION & HEAD COACH: Ross Gardner

• ALPINE COACHES: Craig Lamont, Hope Whitelaw, Ally Stang

• HEAD OF ALPINE SELECTION PANEL: Mark Vinter

• ISF LIAISON: James Paxton (email: info@sssa.co)

• TEAM KIT PROCUREMENT: Heather Cowie

• ISFWG SOCIAL MEDIA: Ossian Dickson

• ISFWG TRAVEL & LOGISTICS: tbc

• ISFWG SPONSORSHIP: tbc

TIMETABLE:

1-7 SEPTEMBER 2023 - APPLICATION REVIEWS will take place by the selection panel. Each panel member will review applications using the selection criteria detailed below, to independently identify and nominate the 5 best candidates (plus one reserve) for each age/gender team.

8th SEPTEMBER 2023 - THE SELECTION MEETING will take place whereby all nominated athletes will be considered by the selection panel and a joint decision will be reached on the final selection of athletes and reserves.

10th SEPTEMBER 2023 - ATHLETE NOTIFICATIONS will be send out and successful applicants offered a place on the team.  Selected applicants will have 48 hours to accept or decline their place. Should they decline the place, it will be offered to the reserves.

ANNOUNCEMENT: As soon after 10th SEPTEMBER 2023 as possible the 2024 team will be publicly announced.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

The selection panel will base their selections on an athlete’s:-

• FIS points (Slalom + GS + Super G)

• BASS Points (Slalom + GS)

• Head to head competition results

Athletes at similar levels will have head to head race and competition results compared to determine the stronger candidate. For clarity, the number of events attended is not a selection criteria.

Selectors will, at all times, consider athletes’ suitability to be a team member, justifying to themselves that the athlete will perform to their highest standards and they will be an ambassador for the Scottish Schools’ Snowsports Association, their own school, their relatives and most importantly themselves.

Selection Decision & Meeting Minutes:

All decisions at the selection meeting will be FINAL and non negotiable. On request, feedback can be provided for unsuccessful applicants.

Exclusion of connected persons: Any selectors on the panel that have a family member who has applied to the team will not be permitted to offer nominations or be involved in discussions of that age/gender category.

We hope everyone involved understands the need to set out clear criteria.

After application and selection is completed, all team athletes will be required to complete a series of 5 further forms linked below

Each form serves a different purpose, so athletes will find that certain pieces of information are requested more than once. Please be careful to complete all fields fully and accurately.

Please note that as well as these forms the ISF have their own consent form which will also require completion by each selected athlete.

In 2023 the games were planned to take place in Erzurum, Turkey but could not run due a tragic, last minute earthquake in southern Turkey. We still recognise the achievement of making team selection and celebrate those selected below.

In 2021 the games could not run due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We we still recognise the achievement of making team selection and celebrate those selected below. 

In 2018 the games took place in Grenoble and Scotland came away with some great results. Congratulations to all those selected below.