The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

plans and delivers information, explanations and demonstrations for flatwater canoeing session or sessions to ensure activities are conducted safely according to participant's needs

observes and monitors the progress of participants and provides constructive feedback and intervention to improve and develop participant's skills and tactics to an intermediate level

uses and modifies teaching and coaching techniques and drills, activities and games to cater for a range of individual learning styles

evaluates and reflects on own coaching performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure conduct of safe session or sessions that reflect the needs and characteristics of a range of participants and are of sufficient duration and breadth to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

rivers or lakes with marked out courses, suitable for intermediate flatwater canoeing

a group of flatwater canoeists to participate in intermediate session or sessions

equipment such as flatwater canoes or kayaks, single or double bladed paddles, grip and spray skirts

rules, regulations and policies, legislation and organisational policies and procedures that impact on the conduct of drills, activities and games.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures, and rules, regulations and policies of flatwater canoeing to enable safe conduct of all drills, activities and games during the session or sessions

observation of safe coaching of intermediate flatwater canoeing skills and tactics, and monitoring and adjusting instructional techniques according to participant's needs, characteristics and responses

portfolio of session plans and self-evaluations

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with participants to plan sessions that meet their needs

convey information about the safety aspects of the session

interact with participants to create a safe and positive environment

problem-solving skills to:

plan suitable sessions according to participant's needs and characteristics

address participant difficulties in developing skills and tactics

anticipate and respond appropriately to non routine situations

planning and organisation skills to:

source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and a suitable location

monitor and evaluate progress

organise participants into manageable groups for drills, activities and games

language and literacy skills to:

produce a plan for the session or sessions

complete post-session participant and self evaluations

give and receive feedback

numeracy skills to deliver drills, activities and games within session timeframes

personal intermediate flatwater canoeing skills to a high level of technical correctness to understand progressive skill acquisition and demonstrate, explain and break down skills and tactics to participants

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location.

Required knowledge

legislation, organisational policies and procedures, and rules, regulations and policies of flatwater canoeing to enable safe conduct of session or sessions

site-specific information to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential risks, and any special restrictions applying to the location

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for intermediate flatwater canoeing

teaching and coaching techniques and practices applicable to a range of ages and learning abilities

characteristics of a range of physical abilities, fitness and motor performance to enable assessment of participant readiness

intermediate skills and tactics of flatwater canoeing, and specific drills, activities and games that promote progressive skill acquisition in individuals and groups

communication systems used between participants, coaches, referees and support staff during intermediate flatwater canoeing

risks commonly associated with intermediate flatwater canoeing and methods of mitigating these risks

emergency response and rescue procedures appropriate for flatwater canoeing, to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Participant's needs and characteristics may include:

age

cultural factors

previous experience

fitness level and physical capabilities

injuries and illnesses.

Readiness may include:

appropriate levels of fitness

motor performance factors

psychological factors.

Flatwater canoeing may include:

flatwater racing over various distances

sprints

marathons.

Session aims and objectives may include:

progressive skill acquisition

self-improvement

fitness targets

motivation

individual and team tactics and skills.

Plan may include:

session aims and objectives

date, time and duration

location and sufficient space

coach and participant ratios

equipment and resources

drills, activities and games

weather details

safety requirements.

Physical conditioning may include:

five components of fitness

development of physical abilities

techniques to prevent shoulder injury.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety (OHS)

permits from authorities

privacy

working with children

environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

OHS

conflict resolution

communication protocols

use, care and maintenance of equipment

training and scheduling commitments

code of ethics.

Endorsed standards promoted by canoeing may include:

Australian Canoeing Coaches Code of Conduct policy

accreditation of coaches throughout National Coaching Accreditation Scheme

Australian Sports Commission Harassment-free Sport policy.

Safety procedures may include:

group management in emergency situations

symptoms, treatment and prevention of common flatwater canoeing injuries and risks

equipment checking and usage.

Drills, activities may include:

those described in Level 1 Flatwater Canoeing Manual

sequential progression of skills

individualised drills

concentration drills

basic paddling drills.

Games may include:

modified games and competitions

focus on skill or skills and or tactic or tactics

racing against other participants

timing

sprinting

practice competitions.

Location may include:

flatwater rivers or lakes

marked out course or lanes for races

indoor facility.

Equipment may include:

canoe or kayak suitable for flatwater racing

single or double bladed paddle

spray skirts

rash vests.

Resources may include:

videos equipment

stopwatch

sports science testing equipment

first aid kit.

Set up and trim may include:

construction and characteristics of type of paddlers and boats

equipment selection and set up according to paddler and weather conditions

rig and steering mechanism

team boat positioning.

Relevant information may include:

skill or skills focus

equipment and resource requirements, selection and use

safety procedures

risk management

communication systems

aims and objectives

rules and regulations of flatwater canoeing

responsible and safe behaviour.

Risks may include:

injuries

unstable canoe or kayak

capsize

exhaustion

dehydration.

Rules, regulations and policies may include:

national and international rules of flatwater canoeing

canoeing code of ethics

Australian Canoeing anti-doping policy

Australian Sports Commission Harassment-free Sport policy

age restrictions.

Communication system may include:

calls

signals.

Teaching and coaching techniques may include:

demonstration

explanation

single skill or tactic focus

breaking down skills and tactics into components

linking skills

time management

monitoring and observing progress

assessment and evaluation

allowing time for repetition and practice.

Required knowledge may include:

rules, regulations and policies of flatwater canoeing

flatwater canoeing skills and tactics

basic biomechanical principles

factors affecting skill acquisition

safety and risk management

equipment selection, use and maintenance.

Intermediate skills and tactics of flatwater canoeing may include:

balance

launching and exiting from bank, bench and pontoon

propulsion

capsize

steering

strokes

team paddling

racing skills

rescue techniques.

Participant's performance may include:

performance and accuracy of skills and tactics

team boat paddling

attitude and behaviour

ability to link and perform the skills and tactics.

Stroke analysis and correction may include:

posture

common approach to technique: catch, pull, exit, recovery or set up

trunk rotation

hand position

leg drive

boat movement.

Relevant aspects may include:

effectiveness of the teaching and coaching session

suitability of teaching and coaching methods

feedback provided to or by participants

initial and final assessment of participant's abilities.