This unit applies to those working as snowboarding guides who conduct overnight snowboarding trips and activities in a range of controlled conditions at a snowsport area.

This unit may also apply to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan an overnight snowboarding trip.

1.1. Conduct relevant assessments to determine the conditionofparticipants.

1.2. Develop a trip plan, according to participant's needs, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.3. Select an appropriate location for the overnight trip according to participant's abilities, trip objectives, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Identify hazards associated with snowboarding and minimise risks to ensure personal safety of participants.

1.5. Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan.

1.6. Determine food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues of the overnight trip.

1.7. Inform appropriate authorities before commencing the snowboarding trip.

2. Select equipment for the group.

2.1. Select equipment according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures and check serviceability.

2.2. Assess equipment for safety and suitability and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort.

2.3. Pack equipment that is not required on hand in a suitable manner.

2.4. Check safety and rescue equipment to ensure suitability to the group and the conditions.

3. Brief participants.

3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information about the snowboarding trip in a manner suitable to the participants.

3.2. Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while snowboarding.

3.3. Outline safety procedures and safe areas and or boundaries for the overnight trip.

3.4. Explain symptoms, treatment and prevention of hypothermia and dehydration to group to assist in self-monitoring.

3.5. Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the overnight trip.

4. Supervise snowboarding activities during overnight trip.

4.1. Demonstrate correct snowboarding techniques to participants

4.2. Monitor snowboarding techniques to ensure safety of participants.

4.3. Monitor individual participant's performance and provide appropriate feedback.

4.4. Implement appropriate modifications to activities in regard to all variable factors that are monitored.

4.5. Use positive encouragement throughout trip, and encourage feedback and questioning from group members.

4.6. Respond accordingly to any emergency or non-routine situation.

5. Complete post trip responsibilities.

5.1. Notify appropriate authorities of trip completion.

5.2. Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.

5.3. Evaluate relevant aspects of snowboarding activities.

5.4. Identify potential areas of improvement for future overnight snowboarding trips.

5.5. Review own performance and identify potential improvements.

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with participants to plan an overnight snowboarding trip that meets their needs

convey information about the safety aspects of the trip

interact with participants to create a safe and positive snowboarding environment

problem-solving skills to:

plan a suitable snowboarding trip according to participant's needs and abilities

navigate group to an overnight destination

make decisions about potential hazards that may affect activities

respond appropriately to non-routine situations

planning and organising skills to:

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

arrange an overnight site

organise participants into manageable groups for snowboarding

language and literacy skills to:

produce a plan for the overnight snowboarding trip

complete post activity participant and self evaluations

apply for permission or permits to use snowboarding location to guide a group on an overnight trip

personal snowboarding skills to a high level of technical correctness to demonstrate and explain techniques to participants

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all activities

Alpine Responsibility Code and snowboarding practices, snowsport area signs and regulations, and minimal impact codes to ensure safety and protection of environment

information about local area to assist in the planning process and selection of an overnight site, enable management of potential snowboarding hazards, and any special restrictions applying to the area

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for snowboarding and camping, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

clothing requirements for outdoor activities and factors affecting appropriate clothing selection, such as layering and protective clothing

care and maintenance of equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements

conflict resolution strategies to enable effective group management

principles of nutrition to maintain health and energy throughout the overnight trip

snowboarding techniques and common communication methods used between snowboarders to reduce risk

technical snowboarding knowledge, such as techniques and procedures to suit the features of the surface

activity-specific knowledge such as navigation and camping techniques to lead the group safely and professionally

sources of weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the overnight trip

hazards that may be experienced in various conditions on different terrain

first aid, emergency and rescue procedures relevant to the location to ensure safety of self and others.

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 within activity constraints and guides and monitors groups in a safe and professional manner

applies effective contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems and issues that may arise during the overnight snowboarding trip

encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure leading multiple snowboarding activities that reflect the needs of a range of participants to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a suitable snowsport area to enable demonstration of overnight snowboarding activities

resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, guide and document snowboarding activities for a variety of participants

a group of participants to take part in the overnight snowboarding trip

equipment such as snowboards, bindings, boots, suitable clothing, goggles, lift pass, backpack or bumbag, safety and emergency equipment, clothing and footwear, food and water, overnight equipment and navigation equipment.

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:

observation of interaction with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all snowboarding activities

observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure

review of overnight snowboarding trip plans

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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

Industry has determined that this unit must be assessed with the following unit:

SISOOPS202A Use and maintain a temporary or overnight site.

Guidance information for assessment

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.

Condition of participants may include:

skill level

previous experience

physical capabilities

fitness level

age

injuries and illnesses.

Plan may include:

activity aims and objectives

date, time and duration

location:

guide and participant ratios

resources

equipment:

food and water

weather details

participant information:

safety and emergency requirements

risk management plan

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

time and budget constraints

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

safety and emergency procedures

code of ethics

confidentiality of participant information

guide and participant ratios

snowsport area signs and regulations

Alpine Responsibility Code and snowboarding practices within the code.

Trip objectives may include:

enhancing snowboarding skills and techniques

self improvement

meeting people

staying overnight in snow conditions

fitness targets

adventure and recreation.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment failure.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river heights

synoptic charts

high and low tides.

Food and water requirements may include:

range of foods:

perishability

packaging

storage.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

food preparation:

individual food requirements and allergies.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Appropriate authorities may include:

authorities

supervisors.

Equipment may include:

snowboarding equipment:

snowboard

bindings

boots

resources:

uphill transport method, such as snowshoes, split boards, climbing skins

adjustable poles

avalanche probe

overnight equipment:

cooking system

tent

sleeping bag

navigation equipment:

safety and rescue equipment:

emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB).

Relevant information may include:

personal equipment requirements:

safety procedures

preventative measures for risks

possible hazards

environmental impact minimisation

snowboarding techniques

objectives

rules and codes

responsible and safe behaviour.

Snowboarding techniques may include:

skidded and edged turns

edge control

side-slipping with flexion-extension

speed control

stopping

falling

balance.

Communication system may include:

calls

radio

hand signals

whistles.

Safety procedures may include:

equipment checked and undamaged

snowboarders ready

correct fitting equipment

wearing of helmets

appropriate spacing between participants

understanding of contingency and risk management plans

use of safety and rescue equipment.

Participant's performance may include:

use of appropriate communication system

snowboarding technique

attitude

negotiation of hazards

use and maintenance of equipment.

Variable factors may include:

change of weather

equipment failure

participant's needs

snow conditions.

Temporary site may include:

safe location to arrange shelter, such as tents, bivvies, snow caves or lean-tos

appropriate shelter for prevailing weather conditions

comfort and safety.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques:

rescue techniques employed.

Unit sector

Outdoor Recreation

This unit contains employability skills.