Alpine Ski Nova Scotia
ENTRY LEVEL COACH – GLIDING START AND SKIER ESSENTIALS
The Entry Level (EL) certification pathway provides new coaches with the tools to efficiently run a training session in the free ski and gate training environments for the Gliding Start or Skier Essentials skier.
Entry level coaches understand how to plan a daily training session, set up a proper, age-appropriate training environment while considering skier safety at all times. Entry level coaches are focused on developing fundamental ski technique through use of the Snow Stars program. This certification status will allow a coach to work in a ski club or ski school and coach at an entry level ski racing program with U6 to U12 skiers.
ENTRY LEVEL COACH PATHWAY
Individuals seeking to become ski race coaches at the Skier Essentials development stages start the coach development pathway by enrolling in an Entry level course. To enroll in an Entry Level course, you must be 16 years of age on the first day of the course. No exceptions.
Coaches start their training by completing all the Entry Level training modules through an approved ACA-CSC course, delivered by your local PTSO.To start working with young skiers, all coaches must be a licensed registered coach in good standing. ACA-CSC Licensing Policy.
Coaches continue their entry level training and the Entry Level Coach Learning Jounral throughout their first year with a local club mentor until they are ready to take their on-snow practical coaching evaluation and become an Entry Level Certified coach. Coaches are required to complete their entry level portfolio with their local mentor and the NCCP “Make Ethical Decisions” online evaluation prior to undergoing their on-snow practical coaching evaluation.
NEXT STEPS AFTER ENTRY LEVEL CERTIFICATION
Once coaches are Entry Level Certified, they can progress to the Development Level training course if they are working with more advanced athletes in the Learn to Train stage of development. Coaches who are working with para-alpine ski racers are encouraged to complete their para-alpine coach certification by completing both the para-alpine eLearning and on-snow modules. Coaches who are working as head coaches at the Skiers Essentials development level are encouraged to complete the next steps of the Entry Level Advanced Certified pathway to be fully equipped to lead staff coaches and develop skiers at the Skier Essentials level.
The Entry Level Advanced Certified training modules include fundamental sport development NCCP course work focused on developing fundamental sport development knowledge in the areas of basic program design, nutrition, physical literacy, basic mental skills and progressions to introduce movement over terrain skills in terrain parks, ski cross and the development of foundational speed skills. After completing the required NCCP multi-sport modules and ACA-CSC sport specific requirements, Entry Level Certified coaches are ready to complete a review of their annual season training progressions plan to become an Entry Level Advanced Certified coach.