CROSS COUNTRY COACH
As a qualified Cross Country Coach you can secure year-round work at one of the Nordic clubs. There are 4 levels of Cross Country Performance Coach qualification as follows. Due to numbers, Nordic coaching courses are currently being arranged on an ad-hoc basis. If you are interested in participating in a coaching course please register your interest by clicking here and we will contact you with details in due course.
LEVEL 1 FOUNDATION COACH
The Cross Country Foundation Coach 2 day course can be delivered on rollerskis or on snow and focuses on building the skills to delivers foundation skill sessions in a structured club or facility setting.
The Foundation Coach typically works with beginner and novice skiers focusing on skill development and enjoyment.
LEVEL 2 PERFORMANCE COACH
The Cross Country Level 2 Performance Coach works will work within a club or centre environment. They will coach skiers who are beginners through to proficient skiers who may elect to tour for fun, health and fitness reasons or to compete. The Cross Country level 2 Performance Coach may also be the lead club coach and a further 1 day module is offered for this role.
The award can be taken on roller skis/track matting or on snow. If the award is gained on Rollerski candidates can be converted to a full on snow award with a one day on snow induction course and assessment.
LEVEL 3 SENIOR PERFORMANCE COACH
By application with supporting portfolio
As a Senior Performance Coach you would look to lead a team of coaches and plan and implement an annual performance coaching programme. Working directly with club and academy performance trainees developing skills for competition (eg. British Championships & FIS Races). You would also be mentoring lower level coaches.
LEVEL 4 NATIONAL PERFORMANCE COACH
By application with supporting portfolio
As a National Performance Coach you would be working with the National Team (Junior; U23; Continental; World Cup). You would also look to contribute to Snowsports development through their mentoring of less experienced coaches.
Before attending the course candidates must first register as a coach member of Snowsport Scotland
THE PROCESS
For Foundation level, ensure that you are Nordic Proficiency Level 3 in skate and classic techniques.
Candidates should then sign up to attend the training course which will be delivered by an appointed Snowsport Scotland Tutor. In some cases training might be delivered in a series of shorter modular sessions.
At the end of the training the tutor will confirm to the candidate if they are the required level of competency and provide them with 2 documents:-
An action plan detailing the skills and areas they need to work on
A logbook of tasks and work experience that must be completed in a working club
Once the candidate has completed all the logbook tasks and can demonstrate competence in all the requisite skills they can be approved by their tutor for licensing.
BECOMING LICENSED
To become licensed by the governing body candidates must also ensure they hold:
A current 2-day outdoor first aid training certificate (coaches get £25 off BASP courses)
An online safeguarding and child protection training certificate
Coach Clean e-learning course from UKAD (from L2)
Be 16 years of age (L1) or 18 years of age (L2+)
Annual membership with Snowsport Scotland
…AND REVALIDATING
After 3 years, you will need to revalidate your license by providing:
Membership of Snowsport Scotland
A current 2-day outdoor first aid training certificate (instructors get £25 off BASP courses)
An online safeguarding and child protection training certificate.
Evidence of CPD