Coaching through schools
Many schools do a phenomenal job of offering diverse sporting opportunities to their students. This, of course, includes many of our snow sports.
In 2008, well over 100 schools were represented at the North Island and South Island Secondary School Ski/Snowboard Championships. The North Island events saw over 500 athletes representing their schools, making these some of the largest participation events in New Zealand’s snow sports industry. Furthermore, did you know that approximately 90% of schools in New Zealand are within a 4 hours drive of a ski resort?
These stats alone show almost limitless potential for many school students to become competitive snow sport athletes. But who’s going to coach them?
Teachers, parents, older brothers and sisters, uncles, even the school receptionist!
Whilst paying for professional coaching through a ski school should not be discredited or replaced, those who require coaching but maybe cannot afford the costs involved or require alternative leadership should be looking closer to home. Snow Sports Coaching NZ is here to assist, develop and increase the opportunities for those interested in coaching through New Zealand’s schooling system.
Managing your school’s ski trip
Many NZ schools take a trip to the snow each year. Managing this trip can be a big challenge for the organiser.
To help this process, we have created a PDF document for you to download, that provides a step-by-step guide for the organiser to follow. This is especially useful if it’s your first time organising a school trip to the snow.
Using the Coaches Development Pathway (CDP)
This educational pathway has been designed with all potential coaches in mind. Not only is it here to assist professional coaches in furthering their career, but the programme is about developing the skills of all coaches at any level, from any background.
Teachers interested in leading a snow sports group, or currently managing your school’s team should view the CDP as an educational resource much the same as other forms of teacher training – only for the snow, and therefore much more fun.
Start right now, with our sports-generic education modules. We have two Online Modules that take approximately 30 minutes each to complete. Once completed you should then attend our 1 day NZ Coach Approach and Leadership course. Additionally, all Entry-level coaches must have an up-to-date first aid course, which can done through any recognised provider.
Once these sports-generic modules are completed, you can sit the NZSIA/SBINZ Level One Instructor Certification (4 days) in either skiing or snowboarding. After which, you can attend the NZ Coach Level One, again for either ski or snowboard.
We understand that you have other commitments in your life. As a result, you can take as long as you need to complete the Entry-Level Coaches stage, spreading the courses out of a matter of years if necessary.
Good luck!