Courses & Qualifications

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COURSES & QUALIFICATIONS

UK SNOWSPORTS PATHWAY

Our awards form part of the UK Snowsports Pathway. This exciting new development means that the same awards are given by the home nation governing bodies across the UK and the awards are valid throughout the UK. In addition members of the Snowsport Scotland coaching scheme can access training courses run by the other national governing bodies and vice versa.

On these pages you will find details of the Courses and qualifications we offer and details of the Snowsport Scotland Coaching scheme.

Aims

The Snowsport Scotland Coaching Scheme aims to:

Set and maintain standards through high quality training
Improve performance of members and their charges
Communicate with the members to encourage positive attitudes and safe practice.

The underlying philosophy behind all of the Snowsport Scotland Coaching awards is the belief that the courses should equip responsible skiers and snowboarders with the skills and knowledge that enables them to assist people to move freely through the Snowsport Development Model.

Instructors, Leaders and Coaches

Leaders and instructors are involved in the introduction and participation stages of development. Performance coaches are responsible for athletic training that enhances performance to attain levels of excellence. Between them our members cover the entire spectrum of development for alpine skiers and snowboarders. Leadership awards also exist for nordic skiing.

Snowsport Scotland and BASI Joint Instructor Courses

Snowsport Scotland and BASI are pleased to announce an agreement where both associations will work together to deliver instructor courses on artificial slopes. The Snowsport Scotland-BASI Joint Level 1 instructor courses will include training and qualification in Alpine, Snowboard and Adaptive disciplines.

This new agreement marks a significant step to help simplify the process for aspiring instructors who wish to undertake an initial teaching qualification that would allow them to teach at artificial ski centres in the UK. The scope of operation for this course is similar to the former ASSI and current UK Snowsports Level 2 (ASSI) provided by Snowsport Scotland and to the existing BASI Level 1 course.

Those currently holding any of these qualifications will not be compromised by the introduction of new course content. Indeed, opportunities for progression beyond their current level in alternative pathways are being opened up through the agreement between Snowsport Scotland and BASI. This is great news for aspirant and existing instructors.

Snowsport Scotland Coaching Scheme

Join our Coaching Scheme and immediately get all the benefits of membership including insurance cover and great kit and clothing offers. The new UK snowsports pathway provides instructors with a developmental progression, which is completely new. You will be able to work your way up from a level 1 instructor to level 4 Development Coach wiith the IVSI award on your licence. This is also open to our Race Coaches. Exciting new developments are also being considered for the Leadership pathway. Membership is required for entry to any of our courses.

Please note that membership of the Snowsport Scotland scheme needs to be renewed annually in September. Failure to renew means that your qualification is not valid and you will not be covered by the Snowsport Scotland Insurance or included on the list of qualified members.

Membership of the Snowsport Scotland Coaching Scheme costs £45 (£40 if paid by direct debit) and £30 for each additional member at the same address. Membership must be renewed annually. The benefits for members of the Coaching Scheme are:

Civil liability insurance (third party & professional indemnity).
Inclusion on the list of qualified leaders, instructors and coaches as circulated to schools, clubs, local authorities etc.
Special equipment and clothing offers when available.
Access to reciprocal rights in Alpine huts and benefits from the BMC.
Representation at National and British levels.
Invitation to the Snowsport Scotland Coaches Forum.
Access to Snowsport Scotland reference library (articles, magazines, books, videos, etc.).
Snowsport Scotland Annual Report (on request).
Country wide access to UK Snowsports courses

To register with the Coaching Scheme please print out the Coaching scheme registration form, complete it and sign it and post together with the registration fee, Coaching scheme Direct Debit form, a photocopy of your first aid certificate, and a passport photo (can be emailed if you have a digital copy to info@snowsportscotland.org) to

Snowsport Scotland
Caledonia House
South Gyle
Edinburgh
EH12 9DQ

*The necessary forms for registration can be found on the Forms and Resources page.