ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Plan a cross country skiing session.

1.1. Establish participant's needs and characteristics.

1.2. Assess participant's current cross country skiing knowledge in order to determine the session'saims and objectives.

1.3. Determine an instructional plan according to participant's needs and characteristics.

1.4. Develop a cross country skiing plan according to participant's needs and characteristics, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.5. Identify potential hazards associated with cross country skiing on intermediate or advanced terrain and minimise risks according to organisational policies and procedures.

1.6. Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and information and determine contingency plans.

2. Select and organise equipment and resources.

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

2.2. Check equipment for safety and suitability according to relevant legislation and manufacturer's recommendations and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort.

2.3. Check contents of first aid and repair kits to ensure suitability to the location and activity.

3. Brief participants.

3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information about the cross country skiing session in a manner appropriate to the participants.

3.2. Encourage participants to seek clarification, information and feedback as required during the session.

3.3. Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while cross country skiing.

3.4. Inform participants of known and anticipated hazards, safety procedures and appropriate behaviour.

3.5. Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the session.

4. Instruct a cross country skiing session.

4.1. Conduct introductory activities for participants, to reduce the risk of injury.

4.2. Demonstrate procedures for dealing with emergency and non-routine situations according to organisational policies and procedures.

4.3. Apply instructional techniques to impart required knowledge, cross country skiing skills and safety and rescue procedures.

4.4. Monitor individual participant's performance during session and adjust or refine individual and or group technique as required.

4.5. Inform participants of opportunities to further develop their cross country skiing skills and knowledge.

5. Complete post session responsibilities.

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

5.2. Provide opportunities for participants to identify their personal progress and satisfaction with the session, and give feedback as required.

5.3. Evaluate relevant aspects of the cross country skiing session, and determine the level of learning achieved.

5.4. Identify potential areas of improvement for future cross country skiing instructional sessions.

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with participants to plan a cross country skiing session that meets 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 a cross country skiing session according to participant's needs and characteristics

address participant difficulties in developing cross country skiing techniques

anticipate and respond appropriately to non-routine situations

planning and organising skills to:

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

monitor and evaluate progress

organise participants into manageable groups for the session

language and literacy skills to:

produce cross country skiing and instructional plans for the session

complete post-session participant and self evaluations

personal cross country skiing 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 and or rescue in emergencies.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of cross country skiing sessions

site specific information to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential hazards and any special restrictions applying to the site

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for cross country skiing, the advantages and disadvantages, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

clothing and footwear requirements, including care and maintenance, for cross country skiing activities to ensure comfort and safety

instruction techniques and theories applicable to a range of ages and learning abilities

cross country skiing techniques and common communication methods and calls used between skiers to reduce risk

technical cross country skiing knowledge, such as techniques and procedures to suit the terrain

weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the session

hazards commonly experienced in intermediate and or advanced terrain

emergency procedures, potential hazards and obstacles 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 and delivers information, explanations and demonstrations for cross country skiing session to ensure activities are conducted safely according to participant's needs and characteristics

observes and monitors the progress of participants and provides constructive feedback and intervention to improve performance as required

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure instruction of cross country skiing activities at suitable locations appropriate to the needs and characteristics of a range of participants to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a suitable snowsport location with intermediate or advanced terrain

participants to take part in the cross country skiing session

cross country skiing, rescue, safety, first aid and teaching equipment

resources and information regarding participants and location to plan, instruct and document cross country skiing sessions for a variety of participants.

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 and application of legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all cross country skiing activities during the session

observation of safe cross country skiing instruction, monitoring and adjustment according to participant's needs and characteristics

review of portfolio of cross country skiing and instructional session 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, for example:

SISOSKT406A Demonstrate advanced cross country skiing skills.

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.

Characteristics may include:

age

cultural and situational factors

previous experience and knowledge

physical development.

Session's aims and objectives may include:

developing cross country skiing skills

education

development

therapy

fitness targets

recreation.

Instructional plan may include:

cross country skiing activities and drills

duration of activities and drills.

Cross country skiing plan may include:

aims and objectives

date, time and duration

location, equipment and resources

safety requirements.

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

assessment procedures

time and budget constraints

communication protocols

confidentiality of participant information

code of ethics

snowsport area signs and regulations

Alpine Responsibility Code.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Intermediate or advanced terrain may include:

intermediate terrain:

gentle and moderate slopes on groomed trails

advanced terrain:

moderate to steep slopes

full range of snow conditions.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment and course failure.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

coastal patrol or coastguard

volunteer marine rescue

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Contingency plans may include:

change in weather or conditions

equipment failure

emergency situation.

Equipment may include:

cross country skiing equipment

rescue equipment

safety and first aid equipment.

Resources may include:

food and water

clothing and footwear

teaching aids

lift pass

map.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Relevant information may include:

safety procedures

risk and hazard prevention and management

cross country skiing techniques

responsible and safe behaviour.

Instructional techniques may include:

simple to complex

part to whole

chronological

known to unknown

D.E.D.I.C.T:

demonstrate

explain

demonstrate

instruct

critique

test

E.D.I.C.T:

explain

demonstrate

instruct

critique

test

I.D.E.A:

introduce

demonstrate

explain

apply

Required knowledge may include:

cross country skiing skills and techniques

minimal impact practices

risk and hazard management

communication systems.

Cross country skiing skills may include:

intermediate cross country skiing skills:

diagonal striding in open terrain

free skating

downhill traversing

step turns

basic stem turning

Telemark straight running

kick turns

side slipping

advanced cross country skiing skills:

two skating

one skating

linked stem turning

linked Telemark turning

linked parallel turning

Telemark straight running

self arrest.

Safety and rescue procedures may include:

emergency response procedures

group management in emergency situations

symptoms, treatment and prevention of common risks.

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.