Snowboard Certification Standards 2014-2015 Level I, Level II, Level III American Association of Snowboard Instructors Northern Intermountain Division Updated 11/25/2014 1
Table of Contents 1. General Requirements & Prerequisites Pg. 3 2. Registration, Exam Fees, and Exam Format Pg. 4 3. Introduction to Standards Pg. 6 4. Movement Analysis and Technical Knowledge Standards Pg. 7 5. Teaching Standards Pg. 8 6. Riding Standards Pg. 9 7. Resources Pg. 13 8. Possible Teaching Tasks Pg. 14 2
General Requirements & Prerequisites All candidates must meet the following general requirements & prerequisites prior to registering for an examination. A. Northern Intermountain Candidates 1. Certified Level I Must be a national member of PSIA/AASI, and be current with all national and divisional membership dues. Must be employed by a ski and snowboard school within the geographic boundaries of Northern Intermountain. Must have instructed snowboarding for a minimum of 20 hours at a ski and snowboard school. 2. Certified Level II Must be a national member of PSIA/AASI, and be current with all national and divisional membership dues. Must be employed by a ski and snowboard school within the geographic boundaries of Northern Intermountain. Must have instructed snowboarding for a minimum of one full season (100 hours) at a ski and snowboard school. Must be a Level 1 certified snowboard instructor in good standing with PSIA/AASI. Must be current with educational credits needed to maintain certification level. 12 credits are required every two years! Must have attended a Level 2 certification preparation clinic for each module; Riding Module and Teaching/Technical Module. Must have passed Level 2 Online Test hosted at www.psia.org. The candidate will have two opportunities to pass the online test. 3. Certified Level III Must be a national member of PSIA/AASI, and be current with all national and divisional membership dues. Must be employed by a ski and snowboard school within the geographic boundaries of Northern Intermountain. Must have instructed snowboarding for a minimum of two full seasons (200 hours) at a ski and board school within the geographic boundaries of AASI. Must be a Level 2 certified snowboard instructor in good standing with PSIA/AASI Must be current with educational credits needed to maintain certification level. 12 credits are required every two years! Must have attended a Level 3 certification preparation clinic for each module; Riding Module and Teaching/Technical Module. Must have passed Level 3 Online Test hosted at www.psia.org. The candidate will have two opportunities to pass the online test. B. Interdivisional Candidates Certified Level II or Certified Level III candidates may take the exam in the Northern Intermountain Division or another division under the following procedure: The candidate must contact the host division for information concerning exam dates and requirements. The candidate must meet the requirements of the home division. The home division Discipline Chair and the candidate s ski and snowboard school director must approve the candidate s application. Candidates must meet deadlines for fees, application and requirements set by the host division, with the exception of being a member of the host division 3
Exam Registration Registration is available online through the PSIA-NI website: www.psia-ni.org Click on events and search Northern Intermountain event page for exams. If you are having issues registering for a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 exam online please contact your divisional representative. For Snowboard Exams: TJ Kauth tjkauth@yahoo.com 208-861-3359 Exam Fees Level 1 (S1) Level 2 (S2) Level 3 (S3) Workbook $0 Download from www.psia-ni.org One Day $45 Teaching, Technical, and Riding Online Test $10 Hosted Online Two Day $90 Riding Module $90 Teaching & Technical Module Online Test $10 Hosted Online Two Day $90 Riding Module $90 Teaching/Technical Module 4
Exam Format Exam meetings will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the exam site. Candidates will be contacted with details on exact meeting locations after they register online. Level 1 Prerequisite: The level 1 workbook is due the day of the event and is factored in to the overall score. Format: The exam is a one day format and all three categories will be evaluated the day of the event. Evaluation: Level 1 candidates are evaluated in three categories: teaching ability, technical knowledge, and riding ability. Candidates must pass with a 70% or higher to achieve level I certification. Level 2 Prerequisite: Candidates are required to take an exam preparation clinic before attending an exam module. The Level 2 written test must also be taken and passed before the exam date. Format: The exam is a two day modular format, riding will be evaluated one module, and teaching and technical will be evaluated the other module. Evaluation: Level 2 candidates are evaluated in three categories: teaching ability, technical knowledge and riding ability. Candidates must pass each module with an 80% or higher to achieve Level 2 certifications. If a candidate passes one module and not the other, they may retake the missed module again as many times as necessary. Level 3 Prerequisite: Candidates are required to take an exam preparation clinic before attending an exam module. The Level 3 written test must be taken and passed before the exam date. Format: The exam is a two day modular format, riding will be evaluated in one module and teaching and technical will be evaluated in the other module. Evaluation: Level 3 candidates are evaluated in three categories: teaching ability, technical knowledge and riding ability. Candidates must pass each module with an 80% or higher to achieve Level 3 certifications. If a candidate passes one module and not the other, they may retake the missed module again as many times as necessary. 5
AASI CERTIFICATION STANDARDS Introduction The following are the current (2014 15) AASI Education/Certification Standards. Referenced to Core Concepts, Snowboard Instructor s Guide and Snowboard Technical Manual, terminology consistent with these manuals is used throughout this document. These standards provide a training focus, and represent a minimum competency for each level of certification. The premise of the certification standards is based upon the concepts of levels of understanding that define stages of learning in degrees of understanding. Just as certification is a measure of understanding, levels of certification represent stages of understanding. Candidates will be held to the knowledge and performance standards of the level at which they are testing as well as the criteria for all preceding levels. Prior to attending a certification event candidates must be a member in good standing with AASI/PSIA. 6
Movement Analysis and Technical Knowledge Certification Level Level I Level II Level III The successful Level I candidate will demonstrate the knowledge and comprehension 1 of AASI technical terms, concepts, and models listed in this document. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the ability to recognize movement patterns in riders that are learning and riding all green terrain, groomed blue terrain, and small freestyle features. The successful candidate will demonstrate the application and analysis 2 of the AASI technical terms, concepts, and models listed in this document. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the ability to recognize movement patterns in riders who are learning and riding all terrain, up to and including groomed black terrain and small freestyle features. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to synthesize and evaluate 3 the AASI technical terms, concepts, and models listed in this document. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the ability to recognize movement patterns in riders who are learning and riding all available terrain and snow conditions, up to and including competitive freestyle riders. Candidates will be evaluated based on the following criteria, terms, concepts, and models: Movement analysis o Cause-and-effect relationships o Reference alignments o Biomechanics related to snowboarding o Stance issues related to a rider s ability to flex, extend, rotate o Equipment relating to performance o Turn shape, turn size, direction, turn type, movement pattern, Upper/lower body relationship o Objective Feedback Technical Knowledge o C.A.P. model o Piaget s Stages of Development o Maslow s Hierarchy of Needs o Children s Teaching Cycle- Play, Drill, Adventure, Summary o A.T.M.L. TM Model o AASI Snowboard Teaching System: Teaching, Riding, and Service concepts o The design and function of modern snowboard gear o Basic Physics concepts and how they apply to snowboarding o Board performance concepts o Fundamental movement concepts 1 Knowledge and Comprehension Defined as the ability to recall data or information. Understands the meaning and interpretation of instructions and problems. States a problem in one's own words.* 2 Application and Analysis Defined as the ability to apply what was learned in the classroom into novel situations in the work place. Separates material or concepts into component parts so that its organizational structure may be understood.* 3 Synthesize and Evaluate Defined as the ability to put parts together to form a whole, with emphasis on creating a new meaning or structure. Make judgments about the value of ideas or materials.* *Definitions from Bloom B. S. (1956). T a x o n o m y o f E d u c a t i o n a l O b j e c t i v e s, H a n d b o o k I : T h e C o g n i t i v e D o m a i n. New York: David McKay Co, Inc. 7
Teaching Certification Level Level I Level II Level III The successful Level I candidate will demonstrate the ability to present a teaching segment in a safe, effective manner that displays the knowledge and comprehension of AASI technical terms, concepts, and models listed in this document.. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to teach a spectrum of riders, children to adults, from first-time riders to those who are learning and riding all green terrain, groomed blue terrain, and small freestyle features. The successful Level II candidate will demonstrate the ability to choose appropriate exercises and tasks and teach a safe, effective skill progression that displays the application and analysis of AASI technical terms, concepts, and models listed in this document. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to teach a spectrum of riders, children to adults, from first-time riders to those who are learning and riding more varied terrain, up to and including groomed black terrain and small freestyle features. The successful Level III candidate will demonstrate the ability to teach all ages and skill levels to the general public. Additionally, the successful Level III candidate will be able to create a learning segment for his or her peers that demonstrates the evaluation and synthesis of AASI technical terms, concepts, and models listed in this document. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to teach, and coach, his or her peers on all available terrain and up to and including medium freestyle features with effective changes evident in his or her peers. Candidates will be evaluated on their knowledge and application of the following: Safety, Your Responsibility Code, Smart Style Use of AASI Snowboard Teaching System (STS) concepts Presentation of logical progressions, from simple to complex, that are appropriate for the skill level of each student and relevant to task and desired outcome Accurate demonstrations appropriate to the task and skill level of students Professionalism at all times Use of feedback models that are timely, appropriate, and accurate Communication skills Group handling appropriate for terrain, task, and skill level of students Recognition and appropriate adaptation to ages and stages of development Use of appropriate terrain for task and skill level of student Pacing of lesson appropriate for student profile Ability to adjust presentation of lesson content to accommodate different lesson types. 8
Riding Evaluation Candidate riding will be evaluated on the following variables: Candidates will be evaluated on the following movements and coordination: Turn size Turn shape Timing, intensity, duration of movements Isolated movements or combinations of movements Versatility in movements based on terrain or tactics Extends to initiate a new turn Extends to release the edge Flexes to initiate a new turn (creates a movement of the center of mass into the new turn) Flexes to release the edge Both legs are active Applies equal flexion/extension movements from both legs Uses a variety of ways to un-weight the board Applies independent flexion/extension movements from both legs Maintains reference alignments as appropriate to terrain and task Applies an active Athletic Stance Utilizes an appropriate range of motion Riding: Applied Movements Movements and coordination will be assessed based on the definitions of initial, elementary, and mature, as defined in Core Concepts (PSIA/AASI, 2001), pg. 20. The initial movement stage occurs when a rider is unfamiliar with a movement and relies on sensory input and coaching to learn. At this stage the rider s movements are often very sequential and each part of the movement is performed individually. The rider may periodically, but not consistently, show signs of a movement pattern. The elementary stage denotes riders who can perform movements without looking at a particular body part involved in the movement, yet still need to think it through and concentrate on each of the move s components. While movements are sequential, the rider will link them together in a more fluid manner. The rider in the elementary stage will be able to consistently demonstrate a movement pattern but may not be able to apply it in all situations. The mature stage is characterized by smooth, fluid, and automatic movements without showing obvious, conscious thought reflected in the rider s actions. The rider can also repeat and apply movements across a wide spectrum of situations. A rider possessing the ability to perform mature movements and the coordination of those movements can smoothly blend them for a specific outcome and be able to readily change or adapt movements to different terrain situations and snow conditions. AASI Northern Intermountain Certification Standards Page 9
LEVEL I Successful Level I candidates will demonstrate the ability to comfortably ride the following terrain: At a minimum, the successful Level I Rider will be able to perform: All green terrain Blue terrain, including off-piste conditions and small bumps Groomed black trails Small freestyle features One-footed maneuvers including skating, straight glide, toe-side turns, and heel-side j-turns in the beginner area Skidded traverses on green terrain Garlands on green terrain Falling leaf exercises on blue terrain Basic, medium-radius turns on green terrain Switch, Basic medium-radius turns on green terrain Dynamic skidded, medium-radius turns on blue terrain Carved, large-radius turns on green terrain Basic freestyle elements, including straight airs over small natural or man-made features, ollies, and flatland 180s and 360s, 50/50 over small ride on features or equivalent. On transitional freestyle elements including halfpipes, quarterpipes, steeper spine / hip jumps or similar natural terrain, demonstrate the ability to make an edge change with the turn apex at the top of the transition zone LEVEL I: Applied Movements Movements to be applied at Level I include flexion, extension, and rotation, and these will affect the performance outcomes of twist, tilt, pivot, and pressure control. The candidate will be asked to demonstrate flexion, extension, and rotational movements separately and in a blended fashion when performing the outcomes listed previously. At a minimum, the candidate must demonstrate up-unweighting and terrain unweighting. The candidate must also be able to perform at a elementary level the purposeful movement of the center of mass across the board by extending the legs at the initiation of the new turn, resulting in edge change and facilitating edge engagement. In addition, at the request of the examiner the rider will demonstrate: 1) equal and/or independent extension and flexion of both legs, 2) appropriate timing, intensity, and duration of movements relative to the desired outcome, and 3) an ability to maintain reference alignments in all conditions and terrain listed previously (with the exception of freestyle outcomes). While riding, the candidate must demonstrate safety awareness through line choice, behavior, and the negotiation of traffic patterns on the hill. AASI Northern Intermountain Certification Standards Page 10
LEVEL II Successful Level II candidates will demonstrate the ability to comfortably ride the following terrain: At a minimum, the rider will be able to perform: All green terrain All blue terrain, including variable off-piste conditions and bumps Groomed and smooth off-piste black terrain Small-to-medium freestyle features Basic, medium-radius turns on blue terrain Dynamic skidded, small- medium-radius turns on black terrain Switch dynamic skidded medium-radius turns on blue terrain Skidded, short-radius turns in blue bumps Skidded, medium-radius turns on off-piste black terrain Carved, large-radius turns on green terrain Dynamic carved, medium-radius turns on blue terrain Switch, basic carved long-radius turns on green terrain Freestyle elements, including straight airs with a grab over small, man-made features, 180 airs, 50/50 over small boxes and rails, flatland 180s and 360s, and nose and tail rolls On transitional freestyle elements including halfpipes, quarterpipes, steeper spine/hip jumps or similar natural terrain, demonstrate ability to ride above the transition zone into the more vertical zone of the feature consistently, both toe-side and heel-side, making an edge change with the turn apex at the more vertical zone LEVEL II: Applied Movements Movements to be applied at Level II include flexion, extension, and rotation in order to affect the performance outcomes of twist, tilt, pivot, and pressure control. The candidate will be asked to demonstrate flexion, extension, and rotational movements individually and in a blended fashion when performing the outcomes listed previously. At a minimum, the candidate must demonstrate up-unweighting, down-unweighting, terrain unweighting At this level the candidate will also demonstrate at a mature level the purposeful movement of the center of mass across the board by extending the legs at the initiation of the new turn, resulting in edge change and facilitating edge engagement. At this level the candidate will also demonstrate at an elementary level the ability to perform the purposeful flexion of the legs to bring the board under the center of mass through the completion and into the initiation of the turn (resulting in edge change and edge engagement) and extension of the legs to direct the board out from under the center of mass (resulting in increased edge angle, or tilt, and an intentional increase in pressure during the control/shaping phase of the turn). At the request of the examiner, the rider will also demonstrate: 1) equal and/or independent extension and flexion of both legs, 2) appropriate timing, intensity, and duration of movements relative to the desired outcome, and 3) and an ability to maintain reference alignments in all conditions and terrain listed previously (with the exception of freestyle outcomes). While riding, the candidate must demonstrate safety awareness through line choice, behavior, and ways of negotiation of traffic patterns on the hill. AASI Northern Intermountain Certification Standards Page 11
LEVEL III The successful Level III candidate will demonstrate the ability to comfortably ride all terrain, up to and including: At a minimum, the rider will be able to perform: All but the most extreme terrain available Small-to-medium freestyle features Dynamic skidded, small- and medium-radius turns on black terrain Switch dynamic skidded small- and medium-radius turns on black terrain Skidded, small-radius turns in black bumps Carved, large-radius turns on blue terrain Dynamic carved, medium-radius turns on black terrain Switch dynamic carved, medium-radius turns on blue trails Toe-to-toe side-carved, medium-radius turns on blue trails Carved, medium and long-radius turns in bumps and Offpiste black terrain Freestyle elements, including jumps with a grab or spin over small, man-made features, 180 airs, 360 airs, 50/50s on a rail with a gap entry, and board-slides on a box On transitional freestyle elements, including halfpipes, quarterpipes, steeper spine/hip jumps or similar natural terrain, demonstrate air at or above the lip, on both the toe side and heel side LEVEL III: Applied Movements Movements to be applied at Level III include flexion, extension, and rotation to affect the performance outcomes of twist, tilt, pivot, and pressure control in all riding tactics described in previous levels. The candidate will be asked to demonstrate flexion, extension, and rotational movements individually and in a blended fashion when performing the outcomes listed previously. At a minimum, the rider will demonstrate up-unweighting, down-unweighting, and terrain unweighting. At this level the candidate will demonstrate at a mature level, the purposeful movement of the center of mass across the board by extending the legs at the initiation of the new turn, resulting in edge change and facilitating edge management. At this level the candidate will also demonstrate at a mature level, the purposeful flexion of the legs to bring the board under the center of mass through the completion and into the initiation of the turn (resulting in edge change and edge engagement) and extension of the legs to direct the board out from under the center of mass (resulting in increased edge angle, or tilt, and an intentional increase in pressure during the control/shaping phase of the turn). At the request of the examiner, the rider will also demonstrate: 1) equal and/or independent extension and flexion of both legs, 2) appropriate timing, intensity, and duration of movements relative to the desired outcome, and 3) an ability to move from and regain a neutral / reference alignment in all conditions and all terrain listed previously. While riding, the candidate must demonstrate safety awareness through line choice, behavior, and ways of negotiation of traffic patterns on the hill. AASI Northern Intermountain Certification Standards Page 12
Resources: (manuals, books, sites) Level I Core Concepts Manual Snowboard Instructors Guide Park & Pipe Manual Level II Core Concepts Manual Snowboard Instructors Guide Park & Pipe Manual Movement Analysis Handbook Focus on Riding Video Children s Instruction Manual Children s Ski and Snowboard Movement Guide Level III Core Concepts Manual Snowboard Instructors Guide Park & Pipe Manual Movement Analysis Handbook Focus on Riding Video Children s Instruction Manual Children s Ski and Snowboard Movement AASI Northern Intermountain Certification Standards Page 13
Possible Teaching Tasks Level I Familiarize first time riders with equipment usage and moving around on flat terrain. Introduce first time riders to skating, climbing, and straight glides. Teach first time riders to control their speed and stop. Introduce first time riders to riding surface lifts or chairlift. Teach first time riders to ride down green trail for the first time. Introduce beginner zone riders to basic turns on green terrain. Teach beginner zone riders to ollie. Introduce beginner zone riders to blue terrain. Introduce beginner zone riders the park & pipe. Teach beginner zone riders to jump safely. Level II Teach intermediate zone rider to do dynamic skidded turns. Introduce intermediate zone riders to carving. Introduce intermediate zone riders to blue moguls. Introduce intermediate zone riders to off-piste blue terrain; conditions of the day, powder, crud, or ice. Introduce intermediate zone riders to basic switch turns Introduce intermediate zone riders to Steeper terrain. Teach intermediate zone riders to complete a straight air with a grab. Teach intermediate zone riders to complete a 180 air. Introduce intermediate zone riders to boxes and rails in the park. Introduce intermediate zone riders to half-pipe riding. Level III Clinic the exam group on the difference between initiating turns with a flexed position and an extended position. Improve advanced zone riders medium-radius carving on blue and black terrain. Improve advanced zone riders in black moguls. Improve advanced zone riders techniques and tactics for riding the off-piste black terrain; conditions of the day, powder, crud, or ice. Improve advanced zone riders in dynamic switch while exploring a variety of black terrain. Improve advanced zone riders techniques and tactics for riding black and double black steep terrain and chutes. Improve advanced zone riders toe to toe side turns Improve advanced zone riders 360 air. Improve advanced zone riders on boxes and rails in the park. Improve advanced zone riders in the half-pipe AASI Northern Intermountain Certification Standards Page 14
Northern Intermountain Division PSIA/AASI Event Registration Form Please fill out all applicable lines for your event PSIA-NI Membership #: Certification Level Ski/Snowboard School: Name: Address: Check here if address has changed. Day Phone:( ) Home Phone:( ) Email Address: Discipline: Alpine Snowboard Nordic Downhill Nordic Adaptive EDUCATION EVENTS Event Name: Event Date: Location: CERTIFICATION EXAMS Exam Level: Level I Level II Level III Exam Date: (Applications are due 14 days prior to exam) Skiing or Riding Module Teaching/Technical Module Exam Location: Fee paid: $ Fee must accompany application Cash Check Written Exam Passed? Date of Exam Proctor/Ski School where taken Training Director s Signature (required for exams) LIABILITY RELEASE FORM (you must sign this release before attending any PSIA-NI event): Recognizing that skiing/boarding can be a hazardous sport, I hereby release PSIA-NI, the host area and agents and employees of each from liability for any and all inquiries of whatever nature arising during or in connection with the conduction of the event for which this application is made. Signature Date TO AVOID A LATE FEE, registration is required 7 days prior to an event. If space is available, you will be assessed a $10 late fee for a day or night event and a $20 late fee for a two-day event. If you are injured and are unable to attend your event, we will deduct $10 for a one-day event and $20 for a two or more day event from your refund. REFUNDS REQUIRE A NOTE FROM YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDER. AASI Northern Intermountain Certification Standards Page 15