Rod Roy Instructor Manual
Safety, Fun & Learning
Based on the Canadian Technique
www.rodroy.com/staff
514-626-6240 [email protected]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ............................................................................................................................3
Duty of a Rod Roy Instructor..............................................................................................3
Class Management ................................................................................................................3
Teaching Methods .................................................................................................................4
Safety ....................................................................................................................................4
Cold Weather Teaching .........................................................................................................4
CASI STEP Program Achievement Levels ............................................................................5
Attendance Cards ..................................................................................................................5
Skills in Snowboarding .......................................................................................................6
Teaching the Progression ..................................................................................................7
Basic Mobility & Safety ................................................................................................7
Teaching How To Fall ..................................................................................................8
Beginner Turns ............................................................................................................8
Novice Turns ................................................................................................................9
Intermediate Turns .......................................................................................................9
Advanced Turns ...........................................................................................................9
Tool Box (alphabetical listing) ...............................................................................................10
Sample Lesson Plan ..............................................................................................................11
Alpine Code ...........................................................................................................................12
Statement of Position for Instructors .....................................................................................13
Accident Policy ......................................................................................................................14
Instructor name:______________________________________
Telephone #:________________________________________
2
INTRODUCTION
This handout has been compiled as a tool for Rod Roy instructors and is based on the
Canadian Snowboard technique.
In depth details on the Canadian Technique are available by reading the Canadian
Association of Snowboard Instructors Manual. Ask your Section Supervisor to obtain a
copy for you.
If you have any problems, suggestions, or queries, contact your Section Supervisor for
guidance.
DUTY OF A ROD ROY INSTRUCTOR
1. Goal of an instructor is to provide a safe and enjoyable learning experience.
2. It is our duty to be up to date and teach current techniques.
3. Each instructor has the responsibility to professionally represent the sport of
skiing-snowboarding and in particular Rod Roy Snow Schools.
4. It is our duty to embody true sportsmanship and good behavior. Set an example
for the students and follow the Alpine Responsibility Code.
5. The supervision of children requires you to act as the "careful and prudent
parent". Instructors must exercise good judgment in selecting terrain,
appropriate supervision for the lifts, in the parking lot and in the chalet.
CLASS MANAGEMENT
1.
2.
3.
4.
Be punctual to class line-up (10 minutes early).
Use student’s names. Include everyone.
Use proper language . No swearing.
Use clear and concise directions (minimize technical jargon). Maintain good
eye contact while talking (goggles up, scarf down)
5. Let each student follow the instructor each session. Give each student
individual feedback each session.
6. Count your students often. When moving, look behind frequently. Know
where everyone is at all times.
7. Stop your class in a safe spot without distractions.
8. The instructor is the BOSS. Be firm and consistent.
9. Always remain as a "group". Do not allow students to go in to warm up
individually.
10. Ride at the level of your class (terrain and speed)
11. Be a positive role model. No smoking or talking about drinking/parties in front of
students.
12. Be respectful to others on the mountain (other skiers/snowboarders, patrol,
other ski schools, lifties).
13. Be prepared to modify your lesson plan to match the day’s terrain and snow
conditions.
14. Wear a watch and manage your time effectively.
15. Always dismiss your class at the class signs.
3
TEACHING METHODS
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People learn best and retain most when they discover things for themselves.
Teach to the senses, not to the intellect.
Use demonstrations often to get your point across. Demonstrate a manoeuvre 1 or 2
times when it is first introduced to give students a mental picture of what they are striving
for.
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Prepare an interesting lesson. Consider "themes” to stimulate learning.
Make your explanations short and to the point.
Be prepared to alter your lesson plan based on snow conditions, terrain and
density of skiers on a particular trail.
Don't use our technical jargon. Keep your lessons enjoyable and light.
Treat your students with respect and try to understand their needs.
Remember you must earn the respect of your class.
Be enthusiastic, friendly and dynamic.
Correct one skill at a time.
Always remain within a "normal voice range" of your class.
Educate the student to which skill he should work on to achieve the next stage.
Coach students as they are moving.
Terrain is a vital determinant in the success of a lesson. Do not introduce
challenging terrain too early.
SAFETY
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Instruct your class on the purpose of the ski patrol and what to do if one of their
friends gets hurt.
As an instructor it is your responsibility to choose the proper terrain for your
class.
Ensure that the student's equipment and clothing are appropriate.
Helmets are recommended for skiers and snowboarders of all ages. Wrist
guards are recommended for snowboarders.
Instruct students how to use the lifts correctly.
All children, age 8 & under, must be accompanied on a chair lift by a
competent adult.
Remember - you are responsible for your class!
Instructors and students should know the Alpine Code (see page 22).
Students in the Laurentide – Full Supervision program (wearing pinnies) must a
always be with accompanied by a Rod Roy staff member.
COLD WEATHER TEACHING
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Maximize movements, actions, and exercises, minimize explanations.
Watch for frostbite. Have students watch each other.
Stop in sheltered locations - avoid the wind.
If the students require warming, take the entire class in the chalet for a predetermined amount of time. Go in as a group, warm up as a group, and return to
the slopes as a group. The instructor must remain with their group for the entire
duration of the lesson.
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Extra dedication and enthusiasm are required on behalf of the instructor - a
lesson can always be a success, even in cold weather, as long as the instructor
keeps the class "active" and "motivated".
Avoid having the class wait at "critically cold" locations (i.e. exactly at the top of
the highest peak)
4
CASI STEP PROGRAM ACHIEVEMENT LEVELS
While we feel the Achievement Level concept is invaluable, do not over-emphasize the
importance of the evaluation. Instead emphasize to your students that improving their
skills is the ultimate goal - and that the achievement levels are simply a "benchmark" to
highlight the progress of their skills.
CASI STEP
1new
Rider Description
Never evers
1
Able to demonstrate skating, straight running with toe and heel drag, sideslipping.
2
Able to execute a traverse with stop on both edges. Able to initiate pressure shift, change direction
and speed. Able to do pendulum on green slope.
3
Able to link 4-6 consecutive beginner turns on green terrain. Linking toeside and heelside turns using
upper body rotation.
4
Able to link turns using upper body rotation and extension to initiate the turn, and flexion to complete
the turn. Able to control and maintain appropriate speed on green slopes.
5
6
7
8
9
10
Able to link turns using upper body rotation and extension to initiate the turn, and flexion to complete
the turn. Able to maintain balanced body position on changing terrain and conditions. Able to
maintain appropriate speed and rhythm on blue and green slopes. Starting to edge.
Able to edge in or before the fall line and can perform medium radius sliding turns, with knee steering,
flexion and extension. The rider can also perform a carved traverse. Improved rhythm and fluidity
linking turns on blue slopes.
Able to execute rhythmical and linked medium to shorter-radius sliding runs on intermediate terrain
and carved turns on green terrain. Able to adapt to changes in terrain (small bumps). Able to edge
board before the fall line. Able to maintain appropriate speed on black slopes.
Able to vary the size of turns and perform short radius turns on black pitches. Able to ride and
maintain speed control in bumpy terrain. Steers using knees and feet and improvement of timing and
coordination and pressure control while carving on black slopes.
Able to ride comfortably on black slopes groomed or not. Able to link turns at high speeds and of
varied radius both carved and sliding. Consistently performs dynamic turns. Able to perform shorter
turns in bumpy terrain. Active carved turns, refined performance.
Confident in various snow conditions. Able to maintain consistent speed through changing pitch.
Demonstrates refined pressure control while carving at high speeds and on bumpy or uneven terrain.
Able to ride switch. Able to control the board in the air, and perform controlled landings.
Attendance Cards
On your attendance card you will keep track of…
• Weekly attendance of your students.
= present
A = absent
• Indicate the “rider description code” (listed below) for each student.
• If a student needs to be moved to another level indicate which level he/she should be
moved to so the student is moved to the correct class the first time.
• You may see “Buddy” noted beside a student’s name. This means that they will need a
partner for their free time. Please try to pair this student with some other students in your
class
Rider Description Codes: Indicate the codes that best describe each rider…
1. Aggressive Rider
2. Cautious / Slow Rider
3. Prefers green trails
4. Prefers blue trails
5. Prefers black trails
6. Inconsistent Attendance
5
SNOWBOARDING
SKILLS IN SNOWBOARDING
There are five key elements involved in snowboarding:
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Stance & Balance
Pivoting
Edging
Pressure Control
Timing & Coordination
The teaching progression follows a building block approach to learning. Riders must
learn the skills in the prescribed order. Each skill builds on the previous one like a
pyramid of blocks.
Stance and Balance- A “ready” athletic stance is the foundation of good
technique. The ability to balance in a wide variety of situations while sliding
requires active muscular effort. Fore & aft, lateral and vertical balance must be
learned.
Pivoting- Pivoting the board is done by turning the feet and legs in the direction
of the turn. The steering angle is formed by placing the board across the line of
momentum. This causes the rider’s course to be deflected in a new direction.
Principles of rotation and counter rotation can be used and are influenced by
upper/lower body separation, unweighting and anticipation.
Edging- Proper edging is achieved by inclining the body towards the inside of
the turn (inclination) and involving the ankle, knee and hip joints (angulation) to
increase the edge angle (the angle between the base of the board and the
snow). The edge angle needed depends of the steepness of the slope, the
radius of the turn and the speed of the turn.
Pressure Control- PC is a sensory skill in which the rider moderates the
pressure on the board. Pressure can be moderated by bending or extending of
the legs, changing the amount of edge angle, modifying the amount of steering or
by a combination of these things.
Timing and Coordination- T &C refers to the skill of harmonizing movements so
the right things happen at the right time. In the expert phase, T &C are the magic
elements that make snowboarding appear effortless, fluid and graceful.
Four basic phases of a turn
1.
2.
3.
4.
Preparation (Stance & Balance)
Initiation (Pivot)
Execution (Edging & Pressure Control)
Completion (Edging & Pressure Control)
6
TEACHING THE PROGRESSION
A. BEGINNER- First Timers
Goal: To develop confidence and control for first time riders by introducing them to basic
mobility and beginner turns on green slopes.
A-1
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Basic Mobility and Safety
Introduce and demonstrate balanced body position
Explain equipment (clarify: toe-side, heel-side, tip/tail, fall line, goofy/regular,
leash, stomp pad)
Walking/skating/climbing- Demonstrate and have students try skating back
and forth on flat terrain, practice stepping up and down an incline.
Straight running- Climb to the top of a slight incline. Have them place their
board parallel to the fall-line. Have them transfer their weight to the board, stand
on it and place their back foot on the stomp pad. They should be able to slide for
a few meters them come to a stop on flat terrain. Repeat this several times
during which students can experiment with fore/aft balance, flexion/extension,
rotation and proper body alignment. Remind them to keep their heads up.
Toe and Heel Drag- Teaching this exercise will be useful when unloading from a
lift. Begin in a straight run on a gentle incline and move the toe of the back foot
over the edge of the board and drag the toe in the snow until the board slowly
turns and comes to a stop. Have them try this with the heel as well so they will
be able to exit lift ramps to both sides.
Side slipping - From a standing position with the board perpendicular to the fall
line, slowly reduce the edge angle until the board start to slip sideways. Have
the students adjust their edge angle to control their speed. Have students try this
one by one allowing sufficient space to avoid collisions. Have them side-slip
down the hill with gentle stops every 2 meters. Students may need hands
on help at the beginning. Be aware of the space your class is occupying on the
hill and remember safety rules. Do the exercise toe and heel side. Encourage
balanced body position and proper pressure distribution to keep the board
perpendicular.
Pendulum-(toe and heel side) While slide
slipping, gradually increase the pressure on
one foot causing the board to slide in that
direction. As the board traverses, gently
transfer pressure back to the other foot and
the board will readjust and turn uphill. Do this
the other way and the board will swing to the
other side. Practice this pendulum action
back and forth across the hill. Students
should come to a stop before changing
direction. Sufficient edge angle is required to
maintain speed control.
Traverse with a stop- Similar to pendulum
but with increasing confidence and speed.
Once stopped at the top of a “swing”, roll over
and traverse in the new direction.
7
Teaching students how to fall
Falling down while riding heel-side
When you catch your toe edge, you’ll fall forward. When falling forward, your fingers,
wrists, and elbows are at risk. The natural inclination is to extend your hands out in
front of you to break your fall. Make sure you RESIST this temptation. Instead, make
fists, hold your arms in front of your chest (bent, not extended), and fall on your
forearms. The surface of your forearms you should fall on is the one that makes contact
with the dinner table when you rest your arms comfortably on it. It is recommended to
use wrist guards for snowboarding.
Falling down while riding toe-side
When you catch your heel edge, you’ll fall backward. When falling backward, your head
and tailbone are at risk. The best protection for your head is a helmet. If you feel
yourself falling backward, tuck your chin toward your chest. The other thing you need to
protect is your tailbone. If you feel yourself falling backward, twist a little while falling so
you end up on one butt cheek or the other.
A-2
Beginner Turns
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Isolated Beginner Turns- Focus on one turn at a time. Start with heel-side turn
(start toe-side and finish on heel-side). Start in a shallow traverse, pressure the
front foot which will cause the nose of the board to turn downhill. Rotate the
upper body (hips and shoulders) in the direction of the turn as the board nears
the fall line. To complete the turn, equalize the pressure to both feet as the
board becomes perpendicular again. Get them to repeat the isolated heel-side
turn 4-5 times then try toe-side.
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Linking beginner turns- Once the students are able to do isolated turns both
heel-side and toe-side the next step of the progression is to link the turns. Have
the students follow your path. At the end of each turn just before coming to a
stop, start a turn in the other direction.
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NOVICE
B-2
Goal: To improve mobility and balance by adding extension and compression to
beginner turns on green slopes.
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Isolated novice turns- Isolate one turn at a time. Work on extension to help
initiate the turn and flexion/compression to complete it. Start the traverse in a
low stance and extend up and rotate the upper body into the direction of the turn.
As the edge releases’, the board begins to turn into the fall line. As the board
goes onto the new edge through the fall line, flex on both feet, continue to rotate
and come to a stop. Have them do several heel-side isolated turns then switch
to toe-side.
Linking Novice Turns- Link turns together and have students follow your path.
Reinforce balanced body position, proper edging, adequate extension and
flexion.
Speed Control- Speed control is a major safety concern for beginners. Make
sure that students complete each turn. Explain to them how they need to
complete a full half circle before they start the new turn. Turn completion can be
achieved by having the instructor control the shape and speed as in follow the
leader. Another method is to decrease the time that the board is in the fall line.
Pivoting the board more quickly through the fall line will also prevent students’
speed from increasing.
C. INTERMEDIATE
Goal: To improve edging and pivoting skills and to begin experimenting with pressure
control. Introduce the student to intermediate, sliding turns on blue slopes and carved
turns on green slopes.
For intermediate sliding turns
ƒ Turning uphill
ƒ Fan progression
ƒ Garland exercise
ƒ Linked intermediate sliding turns
ƒ Funnel progression
For basic carved turns
• Carved traverse
• Carved turns uphill
• Fan progression
• Basic carved turns
D. ADVANCED
Goal: To perfect advanced carving turns through the use of inclination, angulation and
lateral movement on blue slopes. To introduce terrain adaptation on moguls.
Tactics:
Carved turns uphill with compression
Fan progression with compression
Advanced carved turns with extension/compression
Rebound and release
Riding small bumps and hollows
Riding varying paths through the moguls
9
TOOL BOX
Exercises are designed to develop and improve skills.
Mileage will also help students to improve their snowboarding.
You are encouraged to adapt these exercises to your particular class. You can
change the name of the exercise to better suit the age and abilities of your
students if you wish. Be creative! It will make your lesson more enjoyable for
everyone involved. There are many more exercises that are not listed in this
manual. Think up some of your own exercises or ask your Supervisor for some
ideas.
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1-foot relay & games
Ball games
Tag games
Crab walk and side-slipping
No board
1-foot, 1-foot switch
Static rotation
Static angulations
Penguin walks
Pendulum & garland
Jump uphill on traverse
Pendulum
180 counter-rotations
Nose and tail pops, 180, 360
Speed checks
Shifty slides
Timing practice, 180, 360
Ollies & nollies
Sliding 360s
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SAMPLE LESSON PLAN
CLASS #
5
TRIP #
1
DATE Jan. 13
INSTRUCTOR: Jesse
CLASS LEVEL:
Novice turns
THEME OF THE DAY: Stance & Balance
PLAN: Introductions
Quick check of the student’s equipment/clothing/ticket/leash.
Verify that everyone knows how to use the lift
Warm up on easy terrain.
Students must remain within sight and voice range of instructor.
Review a good athletic stance
Review different types of balance
Try some exercises to emphasize point
Mileage on green runs
End lesson on easy terrain
POSSIBLE EXERCISES:
1. Experiment with Pendulum
2. Inhale/exhale exercise while turning
3. Garlands Toe/Heel
4. Practice controlled stopping
CLASS MANAGEMENT: Review trail signs and safety rules
Help them buddy up for the afternoon
EVALUATION :
Possible class changes for week 2
Considerations:
Aggressiveness, terrain preference
Skill level, speed control
Friends in class or same time
CONCLUSION:
Great day 1
Next week continue to work on balance
Explain speed control=shape of turns
Work on rounding the turns/ continuous pivoting action
11
ALPINE CODE
As outlined by l’ Association des stations de ski du Québec
1 - Keep it under control!
Remain in control of your speed and direction. Make sure you can stop and avoid any
person or obstacle. This article emphasizes mountain users' responsibility for keeping
their movements under control. They must choose trails that correspond to their
level of ability and stay alert, in case rapid reaction is needed to avoid a collision.
2 - On trails, yield to those below!
Yield the right of way to persons downhill and choose a course that ensures their
safety. It's difficult for people partway downhill to see what's going on behind themafter all, we don't have eyes in the back of our heads! On the slopes, one has a
clearer view from above; a person in an uphill position relative to other users is
responsible for maneuvering to avoid them.
3 - Don't hog the road!
Stop on a trail only if you are visible from above and if you are not obstructing the
trail. To avoid placing oneself needlessly in danger, it is preferable to stop only on
the side of a trail, out of the way.
4 - At intersections, yield to those above!
Yield the right of way to persons uphill when entering a trail and at intersections.
Just like automobilists who must yield at intersections, mountain users must avoid
cutting off another person who has already started a descent.
5 - Give the ski patrol a hand!
If you are involved in or witness an accident, remain at the scene and identify
yourself to a first-aider. Whether or not mountain users were involved in an accident,
they must help a person that is injured. They should also assist members of the ski
patrol in gathering information.
6 - Hold on to your equipment!
Use and wear at all times a proper device to prevent runaway equipment. Mountain
users must use safety mechanisms that, in event of a fall, prevent their equipment
from getting away from them and injuring another person. In the case of skis, this
would consist of the braking system built into the bindings, while for snowboards,
one uses a leash.
7- No Alcohol and drugs!
Keep out of the lifts and trails if your ability is impaired through use of alcohol or
drugs. These substances weaken mental capacities and affect people's ability to react
rapidly and remain in control of their movements. Alcohol and drugs don't go along
with safety!
8- Respect signs!
Obey all signs and warnings and never venture off the trails or onto a closed trail.
The mountain operator posts signs that provide essential information for finding
one's way safely around the mountain. Consequently, it is important to read and
obey them. Slide only where allowed.
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ROD ROY SKI SCHOOLS
Statement of Position for Instructors
INTRODUCTION
To be fair to both the Rod Roy Ski & Snowboard Schools and you, the instructor, we must know each
other’s position. This outline will provide you with our basic policies concerning the responsibilities of
an instructor.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Before you agree to teach for our School, you must be prepared to comply with the following general
guide on rules and regulations.
Preparation
a) It is compulsory to attend the pre-season clinics and any other clinic organized and conducted by the
Rod Roy Snow School.
b) Obtain (rent or buy) the Rod Roy Instructor uniform.
Participation
Must instruct on a regular basis as continuity is extremely important.
Punctuality
a) Know where you are going each week (a schedule and map will be provided).
b) Must arrive at the ski centre allowing enough time to get yourself prepared for the morning clinic.
c) Must be at the class line up spot l0 minutes before lessons are scheduled to begin.
Pre-teaching responsibilities
a) Attend a clinic with your Supervisor prior to bus arrival.
8:25 a.m. Laurentide
8:45 a.m. RR Max
b) Help students with their equipment, however, any adjustments needed should be forwarded to the
Ski Shop.
c) Be at your designated class number l0 minutes before scheduled class time.
Teaching
a) All classes should run the full instructional allotment.
b) Keep the class together at all times.
c) Teach by the progression and methods outlined at the Clinics and the Rod Roy Instructor Manual.
d) Be prepared by knowing the skill sequence in the instructor's manual.
e) Present information in a pleasant manner.
f) Keep everyone active and avoid standing for long periods.
g) Make the classes enjoyable and fun. If children are cold, use exercises and climbing to keep them
warm. Be sure you watch for frostbite on all students. When lining group up, always do it in the
sun and out of the wind.
Attendance
Students must attend classes if they have paid for them. A daily attendance record is kept and
recorded with your Supervisor. A student should only transfer classes with the approval of the
Supervisor and the instructor concerned.
Report Cards
Each instructor is responsible for writing an anecdotal report on each snowboarder in his/her class at
the completion of the season. Rod Roy Snow School uses the CASI STEP Program.
Patrol Duties
All instructors are expected to assist the Section Director by keeping an eye on the R.R.S.S. students
on the hills when classes are not in session.
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Accident Policy
1.
Take charge of the situation.
2.
Look at the general state of the victim. Is there a life-threatening injury through serious bleeding
or is the victim breathing? Take care of this before anything else.
3.
Prevent further injury. Cross your skis, or delegate this task to a student, at least 4 to 6 metres
above the victim or at a point where all skiers will detect there is an accident. The skis should
block the skiers' approach to the accident site.
4.
If the victim has struck something and you suspect a possible back injury it is imperative that you
do not move them.
5.
Ask for help. If there are no patrollers present ask a passerby, not one of your students, to notify
a patroller. Make sure they know the name of the trail and the exact location of the accident site.
6.
Keep your class, with the exception of one student, away from the victim. Have them stand in a
safe area off to the side of the trail. Supervise them carefully. With the excitement and
commotion of an accident students are often neglected and soon become additional victims!
7.
Keep the crowd moving to prevent confusion and further injuries.
8.
Take the victims skis or board off very gently without moving the legs. Never remove a boot.
9.
Keep the victim warm and comfortable.
Reassure the victim.
Often the victim's
psychological needs are ignored while their physical injuries are being treated to. It is
imperative that one person remain with them to reassure and comfort them. Never leave the
victim unattended.
10.
Once the patrol has arrived pick someone to carry their equipment to a safe place. You as their
instructor are responsible for their equipment.
11.
Never discuss the injury in front of the victim.
12.
Play down the extent of the injury with the other class members. Retain a positive attitude and
make the most of the remainder of the day.
13.
Notify the Section Director or the Accident Chauffeur as soon as possible.
Chain of Communication
Each instructor is responsible to his Section Director. The Section Director should be consulted
regarding any problems involving class control, discipline, attendance, etc. Supervisors are assigned to
each Section to aid instructors with their teaching. Supervisors work in conjunction the Section
Director, so if you are looking for help or ideas in the teaching of your class, go directly to the
Supervisor.
Expense Allowance
Expenses will be reimbursed every week by cheque starting week 2. Final cheques are mailed out
after the final week.
Policy on Transportation
It is expected that instructors will provide their own transportation to the various ski centres. If there are
extraordinary circumstances, the School will try to accommodate.
Dress
Instructors will wear the School uniform during the day. The School outfits will be rented or sold at the
beginning of the season (right after the instructors clinic). When you are wearing the School jacket, you
are our "representative" and should present the correct image of the School. Jackets are to be worn
done up at all times, not "flapping in the breeze". A solid navy or black tuque are acceptable headwear.
A helmet is the best.
Tow Line Cutting
Rod Roy instructors do not have line cutting privileges.
Deportment
Instructors must provide a good example to Ski School members, friends and potential customers. Be
professional, avoid negative comments and always try to uphold the name and image of the School.
14