As a snowboard instructor, I’m familiar with the “Smart Style” guidelines created by the National Ski Areas Association to help snowboarders and skiers be safe and have fun in freestyle terrain parks.

And as a fundraiser, I see the value in Smart Style’s points and how they can apply to fundraising. Those points include:

1. Make a plan
Before entering a terrain park, we determine what features to approach and what tricks to perform, then we review our plan next time around to avoid mistakes and put ourselves in the sweet spot for success. Fundraising goals should be identified in the strategic plan and then reviewed regularly.

2. Look before you leap

Before doing tricks in the terrain park, we check out the jumps and landings to be sure the conditions are in good shape. Some conditions to consider before starting any fundraising program include:

3. Easy style it

Olympic snowboarders make slope style tricks look easy. However, long before getting “big air” in the half pipe, they all began with “intro to first air.” Easy style it with your neophyte volunteers by:

4. Respect gets respect

Teen snowboarders can learn to be polite. So can you, especially when it comes to your volunteers. Here are some ways to treat them with the utmost respect.

In fundraising, as on the slopes, certain guidelines will lead to successful outcomes — and fewer “wipes outs.”