INTRODUCTION: Traditional forms of governance structure for organization groups typically exist with a Board of Directors and a CEO [1]. There are, however, less formal models particularly in sport that can be effective to meet current needs. Influential aspects of these models include funding, volunteer reliance, and competition barriers associated with geographical distances. These factors exist within Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA), the parent organization of the provincial ski organizations (PSOs). The PSOs rely on specific working groups and a grassroots leadership model [2] to anticipate and adapt to the requirements of their membership. The inclusivity of female representation is one such need. Therefore, the presentation goal was to share the perspectives on the success of female performance (levels: athlete, coach, and race officials) in alpine ski racing based on those working fulltime in the Canadian system of alpine ski racing. METHODS: Using convenience sampling, six individuals (age range 25-58 yrs) with ACA affiliation and registered with a PSOs (BC, Alberta, Ontario) were invited to reply by email to a four broad topics related to females (top down perspective, COVID training effect, performance variables, and coaching). Detailed responses were collected from 4 (50% F) individuals and 3 participated in a semi-structured-conversational interview. The qualitative method of phenomenography[3] was chosen to help with understanding the perspectives on Canadian alpine female ski racing success. RESULTS: Eight themes based on increasing female representation in alpine ski racing emerged: all levels -1. devoting time to conversations, 2. building relationships; athlete -3. self-directed school, 4. youth age bias, 5. social media; coach and officials -6. developing expertise and providing support, 7. leading by example and 8. expert use of situational influence [4]. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Inspiring others to adopt changes can be influenced by the grassroots level and lead by the power of experience when limited resistance is met from the head organization(s) [5]. In simple language "success is occurring through the long game in Canada" as PSOs in cultivate from within a collective drive to achieve inclusiveness with a more balanced female representation in athletes, coaches, and officials.
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