AGREEMENT AMONG PROFESSIONAL SKI INSTRUCTOR ASSOCIATIONS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION 28/03/2000

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1 J:sys-gen/meetingdocuments/2000/skimarch2000/projdaccordenl.doc AGREEMENT AMONG PROFESSIONAL SKI INSTRUCTOR ASSOCIATIONS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION 28/03/ Preamble This Agreement is open to signature by any professional ski instructor association of a country member of the European Union or the European Economic Agreement accepting its terms. This Agreement can be developed by common agreement among all of its signatories. The terms and conditions set out in this agreement relating to establishment also apply to all forms of service provision. The special additional provisions contained in Annex VI do not, therefore, limit the application of resolutions 1 to 9 and related annexes to services. No provision in this agreement can be interpreted as applying in a way which discriminates on grounds of nationality. 2. Text Establishment, 1 st resolution regarding the definition of a professionai ski instructor : "a professionai ski instructor is capable of taking his clients out in complete autonomy and independence, both on and off piste". 2 nd resolution : the 'Euro Test' already put into place by Austria, France, Great Britain and Italy, as defined in Annex I to this Agreement, corresponds to the minimum technical level required for professional status at the highest level. Each country can incorporate this test into their own training programmes by determining the level at which this test should be inserted. All participants accept that this test must be validated by the official training body of the country in which the test will take place 3 r d resolution : the Alpine countries agree that trainee instructors, who cannot work completely autonomously, can join a training programme in a host country. The terms of such participation for those Alpine countries which allow trainee instructors to instruct skiing under supervision during their training are set out in Annexes II and III.

2 Subsequently, they may complete the training in their own country as well as the training programme in the host country, if they so wish. 4* resolution : the time spent as a trainee instructor cannot be counted as professional experience. 5* resolution : technical and practical knowledge of surroundings and of mountain safety are essential parts of becoming a professional instructor. These elements of training are set out in Annexes IV and V. The participants will together define how such training, which must be administered by high mountain guides, is to be implemented. Non-mountainous countries wishing to organise this part of training will, for two years, be assisted by experts from the host country, who themselves provide official training in their own country. It is accepted that experts from other countries can be included in the jury. 6 th resolution : it has been decided that there will be two group meetings per year to discuss aspects of these agreements amongst professionals. The following items are on the agenda for future meetings : the implementation of training on knowledge of surroundings and safety, disciplines other than Alpine skiing such as snowboarding and the situation for people currently working as instructor 7 th resolution : the professionals present at the meeting want a sectoral directive on skiing to be drawn up. 8 th Resolution : Each file relating to fully qualified professionals in the member state of origin will be examined by the member state of origin and the four reference countries, that is, France, Great Britain, Italy and Austria before the month of November The result of this examination will be communicated to the European Commission. The files of these professionals will be examined at the end of each successive season to take account of possible evolution in their technical capacity. 9 th Resolution : Without prejudice to the seventh resolution, the Euro Test will apply to candidates who have not obtained the Euro Test as an element of their training. Vrpp nmvisiinri nfkprvir.ps ^. æ.,,, 10 th Resolution : The freedom to provide services is defined by the criteria enumerated in Annex VI. Signatories G. Chabert Pia Palm M. Furtner E. Kober

3 . Kinnaird. Roldan J-P DuGailly Õ-P Knudsen S. Blandino A de Greef

4 Annex I REFERENCE DOCUMENT RELATING TO MINIMUM TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL SKI INSTR UCTORS IN THE EU

5 1. DEROGATIONS Candidates who can prove the following FIS classification in the five years prior to their application are excused: 100 FIS points in alpine skiing for males in one of the two technical disciplines (slalom or giant slalom) 85 FIS points in alpine skiing for females in one of the two technical disciplines (slalom or giant slalom). The certificate of FIS points classification is issued by the national ski federation of the country of origin. 2. THE EURO TEST Organisation and assessment 1) Conduct of the test The test consisting of a giant slalom is assessed over two runs, with the starting order being reversed in the second. Candidates admitted following the first run are not authorised to compete in the second. 2) Site approval The Euro test must take place on a giant slalom course designed to criteria laid down by the International Ski Federation and approved by the technical group of the ad hoc committee. Countries which do not have an approved course must enter their candidates on the timetables of the host countries which organise Euro tests. 3) Layout This must comply with the standards defined by the international ski regulations drawn up by the International Ski Federation. 4) Reference skiers There must be at least two reference skiers, who must be nationals of a European Union Member State or of a country which is part of the European Economic Area which has both agreed to the definition of the minimum technique and incorporated the Euro test into its own curriculum. 5) Assessment Each reference skier is authorised to make a fresh start if he has not been able to complete his run normally. The assessment is made by reference to a basic time calculated for each of the two runs on the basis of the real time of the fastest reference skier weighted by a

6 coefficient which is awarded annually and personally. This basic time is called the "T.B.P.". The minimum performance for admission corresponds to the "T.B.P." increased by 18% for males and by 24% for females. 6) Weighting given to the reference skiers The reference skiers proposed by the various nations must have been given a classification of at most 50 FIS points in slalom or giant slalom in the last five years. The reference skiers must also undergo annual collective rating, which is organised jointly by the various host nations which organise Euro tests in their countries. Each reference skier shall be given a weighting necessary to establish a basic time. This weighting is established after tests carried out with the national team in one of the host countries which organise Euro tests and defined by the technical group of an ad hoc committee. This weighting given to each reference skier by name is subject to review every year. 7) Composition of the technical group of the ad hoc committee The technical group is composed of two representatives from each country which has contributed to the definition of the minimum technical requirements and which has incorporated the Euro Test into its own curriculum. 8) The jury The jury is appointed by the authority responsible for training in the host country. a) The test jury This is composed of the jury specific to each nation, which may be supplemented by qualified instructors who are nationals of a European Union Member State or of a country which is part of the European Economic Area which has both agreed to the definition of the minimum technique and incorporated the Euro Test into its own curriculum.

7 ) The race jury The president of the jury sets up the race jury. It complies with the regulations laid down by the International Ski Federation. The members of the test jury decide on its composition. It is composed of: - the president of the test jury - a referee - a test director/

8 EURO TEST GIANT SLALOM CHARACTERISTICS «VERTICAL DROP: D 250 m < D < 400 m CHARACTERISTICS OF GATES AND THEIR LOCATION: In accordance with the criteria of the International Ski Federation (FIS) and the International Ski Regulations (ISR) Slope profiles: The profiles used should be close to the following combinations: 1/3 medium slope 1/3 steep slope 1/3 gentle slope 26% < 45% < 09% < P P P < < < 43% 42% 25% Standard profile: (see graphic in original FR text)

9 EURO TEST CARACTERISTIQUES SLALOM GÉANT. DENIVELLATION : D 250 m < D < 400 m CARACTERISTIQUES DES PORTES ET PLACEMENT : Selon les critères de la Fédération mtemationalc de ski (F.I.S.) et du règlement international de ski {R.Ï.S.). Profil de pentes : Les profils utilisés devront se rapprocher des combinaisons suivantes : 1/3 Pente moyenne 26% < P < 43% 1/3 Pente forte 45% < P < 52% 1/3 Pente faible 09 % < P < 25% Profil type

10 Annex II Procedures for incorporating trainee professional ski instructors into the French curriculum for training for the first-grade sports instructor's certificate (brevet d'etat d'éducateur sportif) Definition of trainee instructors Any national of the EEC and the EEA who holds a diploma which is not recognised as being fully equivalent to the ski instructor diploma of the host country covered by the agreement is considered a trainee instructor. Incorporation into the French curriculum of the First-grade sports instructor's certificate If a trainee instructor wishes to come to France while continuing his training in order to become a professional ski instructor, he may, on request and after examination of his dossier, acquire trainee status by following the French training curriculum in accordance with and subject to French law. Solution No. 1 If the applicant provides evidence that he has obtained the Euro Test or has an exemption by virtue of FIS points, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport issues him with a training book which is valid for four years. This book confers trainee status on its holder. The trainee is assigned to training under a course supervisor in a teaching centre approved by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport in accordance with the procedures defined in French law. The trainee's teaching prerogatives develop as he progresses in his training and according to the training exemptions granted on examining his dossier. T ^ A 4.1 : ~ J ù.. i:j:*,. ùi.: j : :. È í, j-u t : ~.,. lyuiiug Ò jjciiuu. ui vauuiiy ui uis uëuiniig uuuä-, ine imiiicc nia^. - complete the training of his country of origin which he has begun and/or - complete the French training to obtain the first-grade sports instructor's certificate. Trainee status is considered to lapse when the validity of the training book expires. 10

11 Solution No. 2 The trainee instructor does not have the Euro Test or the exemption by virtue of FIS points. If he wishes to enter the training course for the first-grade sports instructor's certificate, a) He must first successfully complete a technical test** organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport or provide evidence of FIS classification of at most 120 points for males and 105 points for females in the slalom and giant slalom disciplines. b) On successfully completing the technical test (valid for two years), the applicant shall be given a training exemption which excuses him from preliminary training. He shall be issued with a training book which is valid for two years. This latter gives him trainee status, which permits him to supervise only "beginners" classes "1" and "2" (adults and children) in French ski training under a course supervisor in a teaching centre approved by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport in accordance with the procedures defined in the French law which is in force. During this period, the trainee may continue the training of his country of origin and/or French training for the first-grade sports instructor's certificate if, during the period of validity of his training book, he passes the Euro Test or qualifies for the exemption level by proving his FIS points classification, i.e. 100 points for males and 85 points for females in the slalom and giant slalom disciplines. Trainee status lapses if, during the period of validity of the training book, the trainee fails to achieve the Euro Test level. ** Technical test The technical test consists of a slalom organised by reference to the technical rales laid down by the Fédération française de Ski. It is held in two runs. The starting order is reversed in the second run. Candidates admitted following the first run are not authorised to complete the second. The basic time is set by reference skiers appomted by the president of the jury representing the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport. Male candidates whose performance is equal to or less than the reference time increased by 22% are admitted. Female candidates whose performance is equal to or less than the boys' reference time increased by 22% plus 5% are admitted. 11

12 On the other hand, if the trainee achieves the Euro Test level or the exemption level by virtue of FIS points, he is issued with a training book for a period of four years. He will then be in the position of the trainee described in solution No

13 Annex III (...Austria) 13

14 Annex IV Austria Application of directive 92/51/EEC on the General System for the recognition of professional qualifications; Ski instructors K ^ 1 ^ ^ &ÿ. \M- - - ^/ij %f V^7^í'%» %.. Ê (Ô. Û Austria proposes the following elements. Any further specification thereof is subject to elaboration by experts, done as objectively as possible. 1. Knowledge test concerning snow conditions, avalanches and map-reading Implementation: a) questionnaire or multiple-choice-test concerning the choice of terrain, knowledge of snow conditions, avalanches, maps as well as meteorology, orientation and use of alpine equipment. b) analysis of a report on avalanches. 2. Practical test: leading and accompanying a group in situ Implementation: objective way to be determined 3. Practical test: "comrade-help" (search for missing persons) Implementation: search with time-limit with standardised handicap (distance...) 4. Practical test: organised rescue-operation (probing/sounding) Implementation: objective way to be determined 5. Evaluation of minimum language knowledge to initiate rescue operations Implementation: objective way to be determined 14

15 Annex V R E F E R E N C E DOCUMENT PROPOSED B Y FRANCE A S THE BASIS OF DISCUSSION FOR DEFINING THE MINIMUM CAPACITIES REQUIRED BY SKIING INSTRUCTORS IN THE EU AND EEA IN THE AREAS OF ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY IN A MOUNTAIN ENVIRONMENT 15

16 FOREWORDS On the subject concerned, taking into account the importance of experience and the volume of knowledge required, it is not possible to envisage the establishment of a short evaluation through a simple test. Therefore two situations are envisaged: the conditions which possibly allow for an exception to the obligation of specific training, the level of training indispensable for the acquisition of the necessary competence. 1. DEROGATION CONDITIONS Those exempt are: candidates who can prove their title as a high mountain guide subject to mutual recognition by the professional organisations, holders of a French certificate for "pisteur-secouriste 2éme degré" or its equivalent. 2. TRAINING IN ENVIRONMENTAL MATTER AND IN THE CONTROL OF SAFETY IN MOUNTAINS CONDITIONS The objective of this training is to permit a better knowledge of the mountain environment in order: to ensure the safety of skiers, to respect the mountain ecosystem, to educate skiers in how to conduct themselves in a specific and risky environment. INDISPENSABLE ELEMENTS The text of the various essential elements for safety and off-piste skiing is subject to a sufficient knowledge of the language of the host country in order for clear communication in case of need. 16

17 A - Theoretical knowledge means of signalling, snow and avalanches, the dangers of mountains in winter, the anatomy and physiology necessary for the practice of first aid, map reading and orientation, meteorology and climatology. B- Practical actions in the Alpine environment: Observation of the snow cover (coupe de neige) The strategy of searching in avalanches (use of ARVA) «Use of best techniques to search in avalanches in restrictive conditions The use of first aid material and practical rescue on the ground «Practical map reading «Formulating a warning message Introduction to hiking Leading a group in a climb and descent Movement on steep slopes and in all snow conditions Creation of a shelter Elementary rope manoeuvres C The minimum length of training : Training must last for a minimum of 60 hours excluding the time for assessment D Personal practical experience The carrying out as an amateur of a certain number of mountain hikes with a minimum change in altitude of 600 meters. ASSESSMENT The assessment of the capacities must be made both by exams covering the subjects taken as well as by a continuous verification of the all-round mountain experience of the candidate. Ski instructors must possess proof of their training in first aid. Assessment must respond to the following outline : A written test on knowledge in the areas of safety of off-piste skiing the and mountain environment, A practical test and an interview on assistance equipment and on assistance techniques, 17

18 A practical test on the preparation and carrying out of an off-piste itinerary linked to continuous appraisal throughout training : A course consisting of : - A climb of 500 metres in altitude to be carried out in 1 hour, - Difficult routes (steep climbs, technical traverses, turns...) - An examination of the knowledge and perception of the surrounding environment (reading of the countryside, evaluation of the slopes, recognition of dangerous sites, assessment of the snow...) BOARD OF EXAMINERS Composed by each nation, it can integrate qualified technicians, nationals of a Member State of the European Union or none of the EEA states who satisfy the essential minimum of off-piste skiing and safety having integrated these obligations into their own training. 3 SUPERVISION OF TRAINING IN ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS AND IN CONTROL OF SAFETY IN MOUNTAIN SURROUNDINGS Those responsible for the training courses will include high mountain guides who are trainers in their countries of origin. Non-mountainous countries wishing to organise this section of training will be assisted for two years by experts from the host countries who themselves organise the official training in their country. 18

19 Annex VI (Freedom to provide services) I Definition of the freedom to provide services 1) The instructor may only occupy himself with a group from his country of origin; 2) If the instructor remains in a ski resort waiting for clients from the same country of origin as himself or other countries, he is considered to be established. 3) The instructor will be able to stay in the host country for four weeks in any given season; 4) The instructor will only be allowed to work on prepared pistes in those countries that so require; 5) The instructor must declare to the authorities of the ski station concerned his intention to work and the length of his stay in the host country at least one month in advance. He must also produce the documentation delivered by the competent authorities which allows him to provide the service. For this, he must present himself in person to the responsible authority of the ski station in question at the start of the activity so that this authority can verify the documents and the identity of the individual. I I Test relative to the freedom to provide services to obtain the necessary authorisation 1) The test will take place over one day and will be organised by the host country on a sufficiently regular basis; 2) There will be an aptitude test consisting of 3 inseparable parts, to be taken together, proportionate to the provision of services: a) minimum language ability: b) technical competence c) safety issues. 3) The technical competence test will be based on the Euro Test, however, the minimum level required will be 8/20. 19

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21 2-g m Annex Ví I Definition of the freedom to provide services 1) The instructor may only accompany a group from his or her country of origin; 2) If the instructor remains in a ski resort waiting for clients from the same country of origin as himself or other countries, he is considered to be established. 4 3) The instructor cannot stay in the host country for s&wral con-sceurive weeks; 4) The instructor may only work on prepared pistes; 5) The instructor must declare his intention to work andjhe.lêrlgth_of his stay in the host country at least ojne month before to the relevant authority. He must also produce the necessary documentation which permits him to exercise the service. II Test relative to the freedom to provide services to obtain the necessary authorisation i) The test will take place over one day and will be organised by the host country; 2) There will be an aptitude test consisting of 3 parts : a) minimum language ability: b) technical competence c) safety issues. NB : the technical competence test will be based on the compensatory technical test, however, the pass rate will be lower. 8''T- 0 NLAC/Î^ IAL^ QÍU^^<L^\^œÌaJ\ /æ^ô S /» À) - \)Ï b'sreobz^, /L Va- KÍSr oàlhíoll^çlí Â ^

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