PSIA Cross
Country Examiners College
West Yellowstone, Montana Nov.
21-22, 2006
Nords
from around
the planet
descended on the world-famous ski trails in West Yellowstone, Montana with the
purpose of updating and unifying national examination standards. The PSIA Nordic
Team spearheaded an astounding event, also creating an opportunity to bring the
“PSIA Ski Team” of examiners/clinic leaders together with the US Cross Country
Ski Team coaches to look at how the two organizations could better work together
to foster standards all could agree on and improve ski education at all levels.
The last
time a national track event of this magnitude occurred, was in November of 1992.
Ralph Thornton, a long-time Cross Country examiner and staff member (DECL) from
Choteau, Montana, remembers the tribe came together for many of the same
reasons, not to mention howling at the moon with fellow Nords night after night.
He noted the discussions back then had a fair amount of discord between
divisions. As Ralph reflected on this year’s event though, he commented, “I am
impressed with people working together. We argued, no, discussed. But not like
in the past.”
In this
spirit of cooperation, our modern day group began looking at a draft copy of the
Track Matrix of cross country skiing standards, comparing the new, six component
PSIA Skills Model with what USSA is using, a simplified three part skills model.
We enjoyed a collaborative effort with Pat Casey and Matt Whitcomb, coaches from
the US Ski Team. Our new three-part model includes Body Position, Timing, and
Propulsion. These components are a mirror image of what USSA is using to produce
the best Nordic racers in the land. To further refine the Track Matrix, we dove
into the nitty gritty of the Nordic Team’s first draft, which lists descriptors
for the various levels of certification. There is nothing like a roomful of
instructors to over-analyze what many consider to be the simple act of sliding
on snow. But at the same time, everyone recognized the importance of mutually
agreed upon measurable and attainable standards.
I
f
you’ve never experienced the ritual of West Yellowstone’s Fall Camps, it’s a
Nordic skier’s paradise. The streets are filled with Cross Country skiers and
racers of all stripes, abilities, and ages on their way to the trailhead, skinny
skis in hand. Junior skiers and elite racers whiz by on the trails.
Manufacturers and reps stand by at the trailhead with new equipment to demo and
custom wax jobs to keep your skis fast. Hundreds of Nords, completely focused
and immersed in upping their skills and fitness, fill the Rendezvous
Trail
system. In the midst of this inspiring and overwhelming Nordic scene, our team
of boys and girls alike were treated to the eye candy that only high speed Lycra
can provide. Surprisingly, amid all this distraction, we managed to stay on our
feet, avoid being flattened by serious, gun-toting nords (biathletes) and other
racers, and remain on task. Days consisted of skiing and many hours of hashing
through the details that would generate and clarify the Track Matrix.
We came to
consensus on a new set of certification standards that we believe will clarify
and standardize the exam process across all of the divisions, thus improving the
experience and outcomes for participants. With that said, there is no better
time to get involved in the PSIA Cross Country aka Track Certification process.
Join us for the latest and greatest from both the PSIA and USSA track worlds.
You will learn lots, round out your certification and experience the
exhilaration only the free heel can bring. See you on the tracks!
EDITORS
NOTE:
STEVE
HINDMAN
AND
DON
PORTMAN
REPRESENTED THE
NORTHWEST
AT THE
EXAMINERS
COLLEGE.
THEY
TOOK PART,
ALONG
WITH THE REST OF THE GROUP IN WRITING THIS ARTICLE.