Level 1 Snowboard Instructor (overview)

The Level 1 snowboard instructor course aims to create an entry level snowboard coaching/instructional certification that qualifies individual instructors to train and teach individual or group sessions of a competence level ranging from complete Novice (never ever) snowboarders, through to snowboarders approaching linked basic turns.

The Qualification should be limited to use within the U.K. at local (artificial) ski centres such as dry ski slopes or indoor snow slopes and for the above mentioned competence level.

In essence the course will include and cover,

• Fundamental Snowboard techniques focused suitably to the requirements of novice snowboarders.
• Personal Performance training to and above the relevant standards and tasks required for instructinging Novice snowboarders.
• Basic teaching theory, including but not limited to, Class management, Slope Safety, Choice of terrain, Communication of concepts, Building Rapport, Suitable Progressions, Affective Feedback.
• Standard Movement Analysis. (based on Common Novice snowboarding Movement patterns)
• Affective session planning based on Age, gender, level of competence and understanding and previous experiences.
• Concepts of Professionalism. (i.e. Suitable attire/appearance & hygiene, Time Keeping, ethics, language.)
• Basic equipment options and adjustments relevant to novice riders

All successful candidates must under assessment conditions demonstrate a minimum level of competence and understanding in each of the above aspects.

Technical competence standards

• Link a series of turns with sustained rhythm and consistent speed.
• Control speed primarily through turn shape not breaking actions.
• Demonstrate a suitable blend of the fundamental steering movements (i.e. Pressure and weight control, Edge control, Control of rotation) throughout a series of turns, whilst maintaining balance and on appropriate posture.
• Ride a range of turn types while maintaining speed control
• Retain appropriate posture and balance whilst performing the standard tasks used to demonstrate effective snowboarding to novice riders.

Teaching competence standards

Level 1 instructors must demonstrate that they possess a solid foundation of knowledge and ability relevant to instructing beginning snowboarders.

This is to include, but not be limited to:-

· Effectively teach a class of beginner snowboarders, paying attention to slope safety and class management, clear communication of suitable techniques & concepts and relevant feedback that is both constructive and specific.

· Developing an effective learning environment that is both safe and fun, and takes into account the age, gender and understanding levels of the students.

· Basic equipment options and adjustments, and how they may affect performance.

· Standard basic terminology used throughout the snowboard communities.

· Public and ski centre perceptions, and expectations of professional sports instructors and instructors

· Effective analysis and correction of standard novice snowboarding movements.