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National Coach and Instructor Scheme

The NCIS is responsible for the administration, training and assessment of all Australian Nordic Ski Instructors and Cross Country Ski Coaches.


Important note: The NCIS is currently merging with the Australian Proffessional Snowsports Instructors (APSI, see excerpt from Australian Cross Country News, Autumn 1999). While full details for 1999 are not yet available, the 1998 NCIS program below gives a rough outline of the general opportunities that may be available.


 Program 1998

CLINICS | ASSESSMENT DAYS | INTERSKI
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR COURSE | INSTRUCTOR I | INSTRUCTOR II

Questions and Answers

NCIS Contacts


CLINICS

Assistant Instructor Skills Clinic $120

A two-day on-snow clinic to improve candidates skiing skills to that required for Assistant Instructor (AI) Course entry. Candidates skiing skills are tested on the Sunday afternoon. This clinic is recommended to all potential AI course participants, although you may choose to attend an Assessment Day instead if you think that your skills are already at the standard for AI course entry.

Falls Creek 18-19 July
Perisher Valley 25-26 July
Mt Field (Tas) 1-2 August
Lake Mountain 8-9 August
Falls Creek 22-23 August

 

Pre Instructor 1 Clinic $120

A two-day clinic open to all Asssistant Instructors (accredited or not) who wish to improve their skiing skills to the standard required for Instructor 1 Course or just to improve general skiing skills.

Falls Creek 18-19 July
Perisher Valley 25-26 July
Mt Field (Tas) 1-2 August

 

Assistant Instructor Update Clinics $120

A two-day on-snow clinic to update skiing skills and teaching progressions. The Saturday will be spent on classic skis on the trails: the Sunday on XCD skis on resort-based lift serviced areas. This Clinic is open to all NCIS graduates and is Assistant Instructor level. (Cost of lift passes is not included in Clinic fee).

Perisher Valley 1-2 August
Falls Creek 8-9 August
Mt Stirling/Mt Buller 12 & 19 August

 

Instructor Update Clinics $120

A two-day on-snow clinic to update skiing skills and teaching progressions. The Saturday will be spent on skating skis on the trails: the Sunday on XCD skis on resort-based lift serviced areas (although non-pisted terrain will be utilised also). This Clinic is open to all NCIS graduates and is aimed at Instructors 1 & 11. (Cost of lift passes is not included in Clinic fee).

Perisher Valley 1-2 August
Falls Creek 8-9 August
Mt Stirling/Mt Buller 12 & 19 August

 

Midweek Update Clinics $120

Two one-day on-snow clinics to update skiing skills and teaching progressions. The first Wednesday willbe spent on classic skis on the trails: the 2nd Wednesday on XCD skis on resort-based lift serviced areas (although non-pisted terrain will be utilised also). This Clinic is aimed at resort-based instructors who are unable to attend clinics on the weekend. (Cost of lift passes is not included in Clinic fee).

Falls Creek 22 & 29 July
Mt Stirling/Mt Buller 15-16 August
Perisher Valley 2 & 9 September

 

XCD Skills Clunic $120

Focusing on skills development and teaching progressions of either telemark or parallel skiing techniques, this clinic will be held on resort-based lift services areas (although non-pisted terrain will be utilised also). This clinic is open only to NCIS graduates with strong XCD skills. (Cost of lift passes is not included in Clinic fee).

Mt Hotham 25-26 July
Mt Hoham 22-23 August

 

Trainers Clinic $20

Mandatory for all Course/Clinic Staff and open to interested instructors who want ot revise and update their teaching progressions. $20 payable in advance - refunded if you attend.

Perisher Valley 4-5 July
Falls Creek 11-12 July

 

ASSESSMENT DAY

Assessment Day $50

This one-day on-snow assessment is to assess skiing and/or teaching skills for candidates who have attended an Assistant Instructor, Instructor 1 or Instructor II Course. Candidates wishing to become an Assistant Instructor can have their skiing skiils assessed to determine if they are ready to attend an AI course.

Falls Creek 19 July
Perisher Valley 26 July
Mt. Field (Tas) 2 August
Lake Mountain 9 August
Perisher Valley 12 September (Sat.)
Falls Creek 19 September (Sat.)
Falls Creek 20 September (Sun.)

 

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR COURSE

On-snow Course Non-Residential $320 Residential $400

A three-day or 2 consecutive weekends on-snow course covering the basic elements of Instructor training, with the focus on teaching skills. Successful candidates will be recommended to attend a one-day assessment (at a later date) of their teaching ability, and upon successful completion of this assessment (plus two days of observation of current NCIS Instructors) will be granted an NCIS Assistant Instructor qualification. Prerequisite for entry to this course is a skiing skills pass at an Assessment Day or AI Skills Clinic. NB. A written assignment comprises part of the course.

1-2 & 8-9 August - Mt Stirling
7-9 August (Res*) - Perisher Valley
14-16 August (Res*) - Falls Creek
15-16 & 22-23 August - Mt. Field (Tas)
15-16 & 22-23 August - Lake Mountain

 

Client Requested Cinics/Courses

Outdoor Education Group (OEG) has requested we run the courses listed below to suit their schedule. If places are available you are welcome to attend these however it is likely that OEG students will easily fill places available. If you are interested in a clinic/course on specific dates and can provide the numbers (at least six) please contact Toni, ASAP.

OEG 23 August - AI skills Assessment - Falls Creek
OEG 4-6 September - (Res*) AI course - Falls Creek
OEG 20 September - AI Teaching Assessment - Falls Creek

 

INSTRUCTOR I COURSE

On-snow Course Residential $600

A five day on-snow course covering wider aspects of Instructor training, focusing on improving the candidate to a professional standard of instruction. Successful candidates will be recommended to attend an assessment (at a later date ) of their skiing and teaching ability. Upon successful completion of this assessment they will be granted an SA NCIS Instructor I qualification. Prerequisite for entry to this course is a current SA NCIS Assistant Instructor qualification. NB. A written assignment comprises part of the Course.

2-7 August - Falls Creek
16-21 August - Perisher Valley

 

INSTRUCTOR II COURSE

Off-snow Course Non-Residential $80

This two-day off-snow Course is the prerequisite for attendance at an Instructor II on-snow-course, and covers the theoretical components of the Instructor II Course. Prerequisite for entry to this off-snow component is a current SA NCIS Instructor I qualification. The on-snow component will not be offered in 1998.

9-10 May - Melbourne

On-Snow Course Residential $600

A five-day on-snow Course covering advanced aspects of Instructor training, focusing on instilling a high level of professional competency. Successful candidates will be recommended to attend a one-day assessment (at a later date) of their skiing and teaching ability and upon successful completion of this assessment will be granted an SA NCIS Instructor II qualification. Prerequisite for entry to this course is successful completion of an SA NCIS Instructor II off-snow Course.

Note: Not Offered in 1998

 

INTERSKI

InterskiTraining

Six potential Interski participants will be seleced four of whom will attend Interski 1999. Selection and training will be run in conjunction with APSI. Tentative dates for training are:

Mt Buller - 27-30 June
Mt Hotham - 31 August - 3 September
Perisher Blue - 28 - 30 Septmeber

For more information contact Heather Phillips via Robyn Bowen APSI - (03) 94703277

 

Here are the answers to some likely questions….

Q. What is the NCIS?

A. The National Coach & Instructor Scheme is the officially-recognised body that trains and assesses all Nordic (cross country) Ski Instructos and Coaches in Australia, and runs courses, clinics and assessments to improve the Nordic skiing and instructing standard of Instructors and potential Instructors.

 

Q. How do I become a Nordic Ski Instructor?

A. To get the first rung on the ladder, we need to assess your skiing at an Assessment Day, or an AI Skills Clinic (skiing skills will be assessed on the Sunday afternoon). If you pass a skiing skills test you may then attend a 3-day AI Course, focusing on teaching methods. Your AI Course Trainer will advise you when to attend a final Assessment Day to test your teaching skiills. Finally, to gain Assisstant Instructor Certification, 2 days of observing current NCIS Instructors is required. Having completed an AI Course you are eligible for Membership of the NCIS.

 

Q. Am I good enough to be tested?

A. Entry into the AI Couse is aimed at those who have a confident grasp of a variety of skiing skills after a number of seasons skiing. Attend the AI Skills Improvement Clinic to get hints and tips, and an assessment of your ability.

 

Q. I qualified years ago, but my accreditation has lapsed. What about me?

A. Your accreditation lapses if you have not attended an NCIS clinic every 3 years. To regain accreditation, simply attend a clinic. A lapsed accreditation means that you will no longer: receive NCIS information; be listed as current on the ANCIS database; be considered accredited or current by some regulatory bodies.

 

Q. What do I get for paying NCIS Membership fees?

A. You will receive NCIS correspondence, and if you are accredited you will be: recognised as a current NCIS Instructor/Assistant Instructor; listed as such on the NCIS database; and eligible to attend NCIS Update Clinics & Instructor Courses.

 

Q. What is an Associate Member?

A. You are an Associate Member if you are not accredited but have paid membership fees.

 

Q. I am already a racer - where can I enter the system?

A. You enter the system at the same point as any other skier. If you have good all-rounded skiing ability (including XCD) then you should pass your skills assessment easily, and thus be eligible to enter an AI course.

 

Q. I gained my qualifications overseas. Am I qualified here?

R. The simple answer is no, not automatically. To gain accreditation with the NCIS you must apply to the NCIS Director to have your qualifications recognised, and you must also attend clinics and/or assessments as directed. We welcome overseas instructors, and hope that their input will enhance the already cosmopolitan nature of our organisation.

 

Q. Who Controls the National Coach and Instructor Scheme?

A. The NCIS is a subcommittee of Skiing Australia (formerly the Australian Ski Federation). It is administered by a committee elected from all NCIS graduates. In turn, the NCIS committee is chaired by a Director, and has input from representatives of the NCIS. A National CO-ordinator is appointed yearly to administer day-to-day activities.

 

Q. Where can I get more information?

A. Easy - just contact the National Co-ordinator via phone or at the address below

 

INSTRUCTOR & COACHES COUSES CO-ORDINATOR
Toni Hood
23 Westgarth Street
Fitzroy Victoria 3065
Phone: (03) 9416 3930

The NCIS is a non-profit organisation, and as such tries to keep course costs to a minimum. Course fees include instruction in small groups, assessment where applicable and, only on residential courses, basic accommodation. All other costs (ski hire, food, accommodation, transport, resort entry, trail fees, lift passes, etc) are to be borne by the participant.


XC is the official website of the Skiing Australia Cross Country Committee. It is produced with the assistance of the Australian Sports Commission and the Kangaroo Hoppet. The editor can be contacted via hoppet@netc.net.au.