Criminial Records Check

All coaches are required to have passed a Criminal Records Check within the last three years in order to participate in lesson.

Pre-Season

  • Submit a valid Police Records Check to Skill Development programmer
  • Attend the pre-season coach meeting and workshops for your own development and to pass on what you learn to your athletes!
  • Be familiar with the trails, and always bring a trail map
  • Read the Emergency Rescue Plan, and the Concussion Guidelines for Coaches
  • Be aware that in the event you need to administer first aid you are required to complete an accident report

Lessons

In the first few lessons, discuss and remind the team of the following:

  • If an athlete has any relevant allergies/medical conditions (should be mentioned in registration, but not always)
  • All classes begin on time so that athletes don’t get bored or cold waiting around
  • All personal equipment should be labelled, and athletes should be dressed for the weather
  • Athletes should bring a nut-free snack and a drink for a mid-lesson break
  • The majority of classes have two coaches (more for Bunnyrabbits), and may require additional assistance in the first few lessons
  • Parents need to notify the coaches when they take their athlete, especially if they plan to leave early

In all lessons:

  • Classes meet in the stadium area near the main chalet (South or North), and include a short warmup
  • Note that many technical skills can be taught through games (example, children can learn numerous things from playing a game of tag such as gliding, stopping and turning)
  • Get to know the equipment provided in the shed (equipment bags, cones, balls, polo, tug-of-war rope) and make use of it!
  • Remember to have a nut-free snack break with a drink about half-way through the lesson
  • Out on the trails kids should stay between coaches (one at the front, one at the back); older kids can be allowed to ski ahead provided they return or wait at intersections
  • Inform the team about upcoming events (photo or costume day, races, etc.)
  • In the event you need to administer first aid you are required to complete an accident report

Lead Coach

Have a lesson and season plan and be familiar with the level that you are coaching and how this level should be evaluated by using the (onsnow only) evaluation criteria. When you’re structuring lessons, please take the following into account:

  • Start the season with games, drills, and activities to build individual technique and equalize differences in fitness and ability
  • Vary your lessons and activities to keep kids engaged and happy
  • Gradually introduce more distance to hiking/skiing as the season progresses, and to put learned techniques to practice
  • Compared to older kids, younger kids have a shorter attention span and need more activities that are shorter in duration
  • Always have a backup game in case things are slow, and include safety considerations in your plans
  • Remember to have a nut-free snack break with a drink about half-way through the lesson
  • Recommendations for using poles (dryland/onsnow):
    • Bunnyrabbits: no poles
    • JR Level 1: mostly no poles
    • JR Level 2: gradually increase use from class to class
    • JR Levels 3 & 4: regular usage starting at class #1
    • Games: no poles

Coaching Bunnyrabbits (and Jackrabbit Level 1)

  • Limit formal instruction, and mix play and discovery into your plans
  • Teach herringbone right away; Revelstoke is rolling terrain
  • Don’t go too far away from the stadium as you have to make it back
  • Bring extra mitts that fit over cold hands, hand warmers, large wool socks with the toe cut out to act as over-boots (hand warmers will also fit under the sock)
  • Lessons are two hours long but thirty minutes can be spent indoors (more in very old weather)
  • Snack time can be inside or outside, depending on the age group and the weather

Class Cancellation

Coaches cannot cancel lessons, but they can choose to spend more time indoors in very cold or wet weather. The decision to cancel lessons is made by the day coordinators and learn-to-ski director. If classes are cancelled, the lead coach will receive a call from the day coordinator by 8:00 am (for morning lessons). It will be your responsibility to call (not email) your co-instructors and the team members. Classes may be cancelled for the following reasons (but are not limited to):

  • Cold weather (below -20C without wind chill)
  • Road safety  – ice or heavy snow conditions and therefore too dangerous to ski or drive
  • Air quality

If you are unable to coach a lesson, it is your responsibility to find someone to replace you (in addition to other coaches on your team). At least two coaches per class are always required.