Alpine Exam Format Changes
BY CHRIS KASTNER
PSIA/AASI-NW CERTIFICATION VP
This year we are introducing a
significant improvement
in how we examine our current skiing tasks
which will better represent our national standards
and provide you with better feedback for your
skiing. We will begin to evaluate skill usage much
more in-depth than in the past to better clarify any
missing pieces that may be found throughout your
skiing. Our past exam format would pass or fail
your skiing tasks, short, medium, long radius turns
and bumps, etc. which were evaluated using 3 to 4
criteria points. This also drove the way we trained
which was to train to each task’s criteria. Though
the criteria for each of the tasks were fairly specific,
it was difficult to explain how other skills affected
the outcome. The message usually heard by candidates
was that they failed a specific task; what
sometimes was not heard was the actual skill(s) they
needed to focus on in order to pass a task.
Each skill is present in all of our tasks and they cannot simply be separated out. For instance, rotary movements are present in short radius and in longer radius turns as are edging, pressure and balancing movements. The difference is in the timing and duration of the skills and how they are blended to reach the desired radius turn. A deficiency in a skill, such as controlling rotary movements, that shows up in one task will likely show up in the other tasks, though maybe not as evident or pronounced. By having this understanding about your skiing, you can spend your time training to improve those skills necessary to become a better overall skier.
In order to maintain continuity in our exams, we will be using the skiing tasks as before, but they will only be used as the conduit to evaluate your ability within specific skill areas. Your feedback will be directly related to these skills. You will be told in which tasks these movements showed up the most, but your pass or fail will be within skill groupings and not each of the tasks. You will need to be able to show an effective use of movements in every skill grouping in order to pass the exam.
The following on page 13 is a look at the specific skill areas broken down into what we will be looking at in all certification levels
Hopefully you have noticed the resemblance to the efficient movements. This creates a better connection between what we are looking for in your skiing and the same movement analysis tool that can be used to identify missing components in your client’s skiing or your fellow candidate’s skiing as you assess and develop a lesson plan for your teaching/ professional knowledge portion of the exam.
The general characteristics as well as a description of the tasks for each level can be found in the exam guide that can be downloaded from the psia-nw.org website. You should notice the criteria have been eliminated and are replaced by the document on page 13.
You can also find changes to the teaching and professional knowledge exam feedback forms in the exam guide. They also have been changed to better represent the national standards and are better designed to give you clearer and more accurate feedback. The process in the exam has not changed.
Through these changes, we have developed a better evaluation system to guide your educational focus to a better understanding of your skiing and better tools that you will use with your guests.
Good luck to everyone this exam season and hope that you are already enjoying this great season!
Balancing Movements And Stance
Skier is in balance when they can affect any of the skills
throughout each turn
Entire body is involved in balancing
Flexion and extension originates in the ankles and is supported by knees, hips
and spine
The inside leg shortens as the outside leg lengthens and the skis bend from the
middle
The upper body remains more vertical than the lower body and the shoulders stay
level to the horizon or they level out through the turn
The inside hand, shoulder, and hip lead the turn, resulting in a countered
relationship
Hands are in front of the body to aid balance
Vision is directed forward and looking in the intended direction of travel
Pole swings smoothly in the direction of travel
Edging Movements
Skier uses edging to direct the skis to control turn radius,
shape and speed
Edges are released and re-engaged in one smooth movement
Center of mass extends into direction of the new turn to change edges
Both skis tip the same amount early in the turn
Ankles, knees, and hips roll forward and laterally to move into the new turn
The shins make forward and lateral contact with the boot cuffs
Tension of the inside leg helps maintain alignment
Rotary Movements
Skier turns part of the body and combines with other skills to
change direction efficiently
Turning movements originate in the feet and legs and they turn more than the
upper body
Legs turn underneath a strong/stable torso to guide skis through the turn
Both skis turn together throughout parallel turn, with femurs turning in the hip
sockets
Skis are tipped and turned appropriately to create a smooth, C-shaped arc
Rotary movements are matched in timing and intensity by tipping the skis
Rotary movements are progressive unless needed to recover balance
Pressure Control Movements
Provides the element of touch that promotes a smooth ride
Joints work together to apply and release pressure effectively for skis to flow
evenly and smoothly over the terrain
Skis bend progressively through the turn, with entire ski length engaged
Continues to move forward with the skis throughout the turn
Flexion and extension of legs changes in response to the terrain and pitch of
the slope
Pressure adjustments are made throughout the turn along the ski and from foot to
foot
The pole touch or pole plant complements the turn
The upper body remains quiet and disciplined
Important Exam Information!!!!
You know that spot on the application that says...
Training Director.s Signature (required for exam)...