NSP’s Senior Program is tailor-madefor members who aspire to performat the upper levels of skiing/snow-

boarding, emergency care proficiency,and other skills used while patrolling.The Senior Program is designed toprovide a forum in which patrollerscan enhance personal skiing/snow-boarding and toboggan-handling profi

ciency improve their abffity to manageOEC-related problems, and expandtheir overall patrolling knowledge and

skills. In addition, the program prepares patrollers for leadership roles

within the NSPThe Senior Program consists of

core and elective requirements thatmust be completed within three years.

It is designed for alpine, nordic, andauxiliary patrollers with appropriatevariations in requirements for each.

Training is an essential part of the

program. Senior candidates are expec

ted to spend a significant amount of

time reviewing senior criteria and

using the required knowledge andskills to practice scenarios on chal

lenging. senior-level terrain undervarious conditions in the patrollingenviromnern. Senior candidates can

also take advantage of clinics in which

they receive constructive and correc

tive feedback on their performance.Training varies throughout the

system, depending on the resources

of time, personnel, locations, equip

ment, etc.. but its purpose is thesame in all divisions: to provide sug

gestions for improvement, an under

standing of the required level of per

formance. and increased awarenessof advanced patroller skills. It isunrealistic and inadvisable to partici

pate in any evaluation clinic and

expect to pass without training.

Appendices E—H include study

and training exercises for alpine.

nordic, OEC. and auxiliary compo

nents of the Senior Program as well

as application forms. Performance on

key maneuvers and scenarios arescored by senior examiners, and

these evaluations may either be con-

ducted during a clinic held immediately after a training session for aparticular skiing/snowboarding tech

nique, toboggan maneuver, or OECscenario, or at the end of the evalua

tion clinic process. Some divisions

hold formal evaluation clinics todetermine whether a senior candi

date is able to ftiffill the senior

requirements.Senior candidates are responsible

for keeping their own records ofcompleting core and elective require

ments. Authorized instructors or

region/division supervisors then

verify the completion of core and

elective modules and send course

records to the national office. It is

the patrol director’s responsibility to

submit to the national office a change

of classification form when a member

has completed all the senior require

ments. Personnel at the nationaloffIce then verify the request for a

classification change against instruc

tor course records.Senior auxiliary patrolters may

achieve senior pcttrolter status by sue

cessfiilly compLetrng the ski/snow-board and toboggan components ofthe Senior Program and all electiverequirements. In other words, basic

ski/snowboarcl patrollers are not eligible to achieve the senior patrollerclassification by way of the SeniorAuxiian- Program.

Senior patrollers who wish toreregister as auxiliary patrollers will

forfeit their senior ski/snowboardpatroller classification. To become a

senior auxiliary patroller, these indi

viduals must complete the senior

auxiliary core requirements and all

elective requirements. Achievement

of the senior auxiliary classificationqualifIes a person for a Leadership

Commendation Appointment butdoes not qualil a person for a

National Appointment.Changes instituted in the Senior

Program in 1992 have necessitated a

few grandfather provisions. Alpine

seniors who completed all the exist

ing division senior requirements by

June 30, 1992, are grandfathered into

the new Senior Program. To maintain

their senior status, -all grancifatheredseniors must participate in a skiing/snowboarding and toboggan-handlingskill review in a division-authorizedcontinuing education clinic (i.e.. askiing/snowboarding and toboggan-handling refresher on a senior-ratedhill) by May 1, 1997.

Nordic and auxiliary seniors whocompleted the existing divisionsenr requirements by June 30.1993. are grandfathered into theSenior Programs for those disciplines.All norclic and auxiliary seniors mustparticipate in a senior continuingeducation review meeting criteria forthose disciplines (i.e.. refresher) byMay 1, 1998.

Senior Certification

Prerequisites

• NSP membership status—patroller(alpine and nordic)

• Patrol directors recommendation• Senior Candidate Application (See

form in appendix J.)

Time Commitment

• Each core component includeslocal and division training clinics

• Evaluation clinics—time commitment varies by division

Fees

National—noneDivision—variesCost of materials

Iii,’ Sk P ii’olit’r’’. I,itiaI

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Credential

• NSP Certificate ofAchievement(distribtited by the instrtictor foreach component)

Continuing Education!Refresher

• Varies with component. (A patroller who does not complete thecontliuung education requirementsfor alpine ski and toboggan mustretake those core components toregain senior status. The SeniorOEC component need only becompleted one time, but as part ofmembership requirements OEC isrefreshed on an annual basis.)

• Completion of an on-the-hill/trailrefresher at the sernor-performance level on a senior-rated hillonce every three years. Senioralpine and nordic skiingJsnowboarding and toboggan-handlingskills recertification (administeredwithin the division).

Instructor of Record

• NSP division-trained seniorinstructors

• I)ivision-trained senior evaluators

Required Text

• 7he Ski Patroller’s Manttal,National Ski Patrol, 14th edition

Senior ProgramRequirements

The fullowing tables (18.1—18.3) listthe core and elective requirements tobecome a senior alpine patroller,senior nordic patroller, and seniorauxiliary patroller, respectively Alsolisted are the requirements for maintaining senior status.

A senior candidate need only complete the senior OEC component onetime. In other words, a candidatewho completes the OEC component

Table 18.1 Senior Alpine (Ski/Snowboard) Patrollers

Core and Elective Requirements Recertification

Alpine skiingJsnowboarding Continuing education review onceevery three years

Toboggan handling Continuing education review onceevery three years

Senior OEC Satisfied by completing annualOEC refreshers

Three electives from the senior Not required to maintain senior statuselective list

Table 18.2 Senior Nordic Patrollers

Core and Elective Requirements Recertification

Nordic skiing Continuing education review onceevery three years

Toboggan transport and belay Continuing education review onceevery three years

Extended nordic ski tour Continuing education review onceevery three years

Senior OEC Satisfied by completing annualOEC refreshers

Advanced Mountaineering Course Not required to maintain senior status

Two additional electives from the Not required to maintain senior statussenior elective list

Table 18.3 Senior Auxiliary Patrotlers

Core and Elective Requirements Recertification

Patroller Enrichment Seminar Continuing education review onceevery three years (satisfied by fulfillingone of the following requirements):• Hold a leadership position.• Complete an additional senior

elective.• Complete a special project

(approved and documented bydivision leadership supervisor).

• Retake PES.

One education course or one Not required to maintain senior statusleadership course from the seniorelective list

Senior OEC Satisfied by completing annualOEC refreshers

Three additional electives from the Not required to maintain senior statussenior elective list

I

____________________________________

1: •‘•

Ike Ski Patroller’s Manual

but does not complete the skiing!snowboarding or toboggan-handlingcomponent need not repeat the OECcomponent in the next effort toachieve senior certification.

In contrast, a candidate who completes the skiing component, for example, but does not complete the toboggan-handling and OEC componentsmust retake all three in his or her nexteffort to achieve senior certification.Furthermore, a senior auxiliary patroller need not complete the senior OECcomponent when attempting to earnsenior patroller certification.

Senior Electives

Each division has the option torequire one of the following electivesof its members. These electives represent the approved educationt andleadershiptt credentials.• Instructor Development: Phase I• Phase II Instructor Development

coursest (all modules required fora specific discipline)

• Basic Mountaineeringt• Advanced Mountaineeringt• Basic Avalanchet• Advanced Avalanchet• National Avalanche School (class

room and field sessions)• Powderfallt (with documented

attendance)• Patroller Enrichment Seminartt• Professional Ski Instrtictors of

America (PSIA) full certification(Level III)

• NSP Instructor Certification (anydiscipline)tt

• NSP Instructor Trainer Appointment (any discipline)**

• American Heart Association BasicLife Support CPR instructor orinstructor traine?t (documentation required)

• American Red Cross BLS CPRinstructor or instructor trainertt(documentation required)

• Equivalent education programs ordivision-option elective (submitted in advance through an NSP

board-approved application process with review by the NationalEducation Committee)

Disciplines include Alpine Toboggan,Avalanche, Instructor Development,Mountaineering, Nordic, OutdoorEmergency Care, and Patroller Enrichment Seminar.

Senior Core Component: Alpine Skiing!SnowboardingThe senior alpine skiingJsnowboarding component is a national edttcation program that allows patrollers toparticipate in skiing!snowboardingexercises that require edging, weighttransfer, and upper and lower bodymovements.

The emphasis in the skling!snowboarding component is to help thesenior candidate identify and practiceskiing!snowboarding fundamentalsrelated to patroffing in a variety ofconditions and on a variety of terrain.Moreover, this component enables theevaluation of the senior candidate’sabfflty to perform specific skiing!snowboarding maneuvers while incorporating good skiing/snowboardingfundamentals tinder specified conditions and on specified terrain.

Prerequisites

• Training clinics (local, region,division)

• Warm-up exercises before theevaluation clinic

Recommended References

• Alpine Exercises (appendix E)• PSIA American Teaching System

materials:PSL4 Alpine Manual

PSIA Alpine HandbookPSL4 Alpine References videoThe American Teaching

System: Snou’board Skiing

Snowboarding Images video

General TerrainRequirements

To host senior alpine training andevaluation activities, an area shouldhave a slope that averages 40 percentgrade (22 degrees) for at least 800feet. Senior training and evaluationclinics may be on a shorter slope if itis steeper and if the hill is configuredin such a way that many repetitionsare reasonably possible. Terrainshould be both smooth and moguled.(Moguls may be unexpectedlyunavailable because of last-minutegrooming, snowfall, etc., but everyeffort must be made to select skiareas that meet terrain requirementsunder normal operating conditions.)

In the demonstration and evaluation criteria, terrain is described as“easy,” “difficult,” and “more difficultto correspond with the terminologyused at most ski areas.

Course Objectives

The skiing,’snowhoarding portion ofthe Senior Program consists of training clinics and evaluation on the fi)llowing turn variations on varied terrain. In the following descriptions,specifications for the size of long-,medium-, and short-radius turns areapproximations. Rather than focuson these specifications, the candidateshould concentrate on the roundedor elliptical shape and comparativesize of each turn. Variations in thesedescriptions will be necessary for

the snowboarder to accomplish thecourse objectives.

Long-Radius Turns

Long-radius turns have an arc of morethan 40 feet long and a cord length(the length straight down the fallline) of more than 30 feet. Long-radius turns emphasize lateral movements and balance over the wholefoot. Fine adjustments in the feet andankles and gross adjustments in the

The Ski I’airoIIer’ Manual

• An appearance of ease and control• Turns that are long, connected

arcs, rather than short arcs connected by traversesA quiet upper body

Medium-Radius Turns

knees and legs improve gliding. Positive edge engagement is achievedduring the turn to maximize the benefits from the design of the ski.Weight transfer begins with edgerelease, and weight increases over theoutside ski, or snowboard heel or toe,with edge engagement.

for the following segments of theclinics and evaluations, long-radiusturns should he performed on theterrain indicated.• I)ernonstration and practice:

smooth terrain on easy to moredifficult slopes

• Evaluation: smooth terrain onmore difficult slopes

When performing long-radius turns,the candidate must demonstrate thefollowing.• Turns with consistent size and

rounded shape• Parallel turns• Consistent, controlled speed• An ability to carve turns (with

weight centered over inside edgeof the outside ski/snowboard)

• An ability to skid turns• Balance• Stability• Fluid vertical motion

The arc of a medium-radius turn isapproximately 40 feet long and thecord is about 30 feet tong. When initiating the turn, the skier’s upper bodyfaces the center of the arc of the turn.He or she then projects the bodydownhill toward the center of theturn by extending (rising up on andstraightening) the outside leg, pushingthe knees and hips toward the centerof the turn, and using rotary movements to guide the ski tips across thefall line. ‘To complete the turn, theskier flexes to pressure the insideedge of the outside ski with theweight centered on that ski. Thecompletion should lead smoothly tothe next turn without a traverse inbetween. Maintaining consistent,rounded, carved turns while absorbing moguls requires excellent edging,pressuring, and balancing skills.

For the following segments of theclinics and evaluations, medium-radius turns should be performed onthe terrain indicated.• Demonstration and practice:

smooth terrain on easier slopes;smooth and moguled terrain onmore difficult slopes

• Evaluation: smooth and moguJedterrain on more difficult slopes

Performance Objectives forMedium-Radius Turns

When perfbrming medium-radiusturns, the candidate must demonstrate the following.• Turns with consistent size and

rounded shape• Parallel turns• Consistent, controlled speed• ‘eight transfer to the outside ski

or snowboard heel or toe

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Performance Objectives forLong-Radius Turns

[he Ski Patroller’— lanual

• Turn completion, in both carvedand skidded turns

• Balance• Stabifity• Fluid vertical motion• Turns that are connected arcs

without traverses• Smooth absorption of moguls

(between turns)• Adaptability to terrain changes

Short-Radius Turns

The arc of short-radius ttirns isapproximately 15 to 30 feet long, andthe cord is about 15 feet long. Turnsshould he macIc consistently downthe fall line except when theskier/snowboarder encounters terrain irregularities or changes in pitch

The proper short-radius turn ismostly carved with little skidding. Atthe initiation of the turn, the skiertransfers 90 percent or more of his orher weight to the otitsicle ski, steersboth skis mm the turn, and changesedges. He or she then increases theedge angle as the weighted outsideski controls the arc of the turn. Theskier actively steers the inside ski asweLl. The upper body faces the predominant direction of travel (e.g.,downhill if making fill-line turns)while the skis turn back and forth.The snowboarder needs to adjust theweight on the heel and toe edge toaccomplish the same maneuver.

The turning action of the legs isseparate from the upper bodv andthe turning rhythm is faster than inlong- or medium-radius turns. Whenperforming short-radius turns, theskier/snowboarder emphasizes consistent speed, control over change ofdirection, and rounded turns.

Speed control is achieved by completing the turn. The skier/snow-boarder concentrates on carvingthrough the arc of the turn ratherthan setting edges at the end of theturn. Rounded turn shape isachieved by the proper blending ofedging, pressure control, and rotary

movements throughout the arc of theturn. The skier/snowboarder experiments with each of these movementsto vary the shape of the turn. Theupper body in the short-radius turnshould face down the fall line.

for the following segments of theclinics and evaluations, short-radiusturns should be performed on theterrain indicated.• Demonstration and practice:

smooth terrain on more difficultslopes; smooth and moguled terrain (Mi most difficult slopes

• Evaluation: smooth terrain on moreto most difficult slopes: moguledterrain on most difficult slopes

\Vhen performing long-radius turns.the candidate must demonstrate theIbliowing.• Turns with consistent size and

rounded shape• Parallel turns• Consistent, controlled speed• Carved turns with little skidding• An upper body that faces down

hill hi fall-line turns• Balance• Stabiliti• A lower body in almost continu

ous motion while the upper body

Performance Objectives forShort-Radius Turns

‘[lie Ski Patroller’,. luiiuuI

remains relatively quiet• Weight transfer to the outside ski

or snowboard heel or toe• Use of edges and pressure to com

plete turns• Control over direction changes• Adaptability to terrain changes

Unpacked Snow and IcyConditions

Senior candidates will be expected toski/snowhoard any slope in almostany type of snow condition.

if crud, powder, or icy conditionsexist only in isolated places along theslope, the instructor may placebamboo poles to create a corridorthrough these areas and ask thesenior candidates to sid/snowboardwithin it. Senior candidates shouldbe able to stop within a shortdistance at any time.

Turns may be short, medium, orlong radius. Candidates should avoidlong traverses between turns, turningcontinuously as they progress downthe hill.

For the following segments of theclinics and evaluations, proficiency inunpacked snow or icy conditionsshould be demonstrated on theterrain indicated.• l)emonstration and practice: more

difficult• Evaluation: more difficult

Performance Objectives forUnpacked Snow and IcyConditions

When sklingJsnowboarding inunpacked snow and icy conditions,the candidate must demonstratethe following.• Balance• Stability• Control• Rounded, linked parallel turns• Moderate, constant, safe speed for

his or her ability levelAn appearance of ease andconfidence

Equipment Carry

Patrollers are often asked to carryequipment on the ski hill. Due tologistics and liability, inclusion of thismaneuver during the senior clinicshould be limited to asking the seniorcandidates to transport items routinelycarried during patrol duty stich astoboggan packs, skis, and poles. Thesenior candidates may select the position to carry the equipment.

Alternatively, instructors shouldconsider asking the senior candidatesto carry their ski poles over theirshoulders or in front of them.

Instructors should not ask seniorcandidates to carry extremely heavyor cumbersome loads. On steep,mogtiled terrain, the equipment carrymay involve some sideslipping orstem turns.

For the following segments of theclinics and evaluations, equipmentcarries should be performed on theterrain indicated.• Demonstration and practice: more

to most difficult slopes• Evaluation: more to most difficult

slopes

Performance Objectives forEquipment Carry

When performing equipment carries,the candidate must demonstrate thefollowing.• Balance• Stability• Control• Rounded, parallel, linked turns*

• Consistent, moderate speed• Some sideslipping on steep or

moguled terrain• Equipment securely held

*These turns may be less polishedthan in the free-skiing!snowboardingportion of the clinic, but the seniorcandidates should continue to exhibitsound skiing/snowboarding frmndamentals.

Evaluation

The senior candidate must pass eachof the five evaluated performanceobjectives (short-, medium-, and long-radius wrns, unpacked snow and icyconditions, and equipment carry) tosuccessfully complete the skiing!snowboarding component of theSenior Program. The following is ageneral definition for evaluatingalpine skilng/snowboarding in eachcategory on the score sheet.

Above Senior Level (+)The senior candidate demonstratesoutstanding skifi, ability, and technique in skling!snowboarding (asmeasured by the program’s performance objectives, using the applicable criteria). The senior candidate consistently demonstratesexceptional stability and control indifficult terrain and snow conditions. He or she makes efficientand effective use of equipment andskiing!snowboarding technique toproduce a fast, safe, smooth, andconsistent run. The senior candidate displays confidence in adapting his or her skling/snowhoardingskills to varying terrain andconditions.

At Senior Level (=)The senior candidate demonstratesthe ability to sid/snowboard in asafe and efficient manner using aneffective combination of skill, ability, and technique (as measured bythe program’s performance objectives, using the applicable criteria).The senior candidate demonstratesbetter-than-average stability andcontrol in all terrain and snowconditions, producing a safe,smooth, and consistent run.

Below Senior Level (-)The senior candidate is inconsistent in meeting the minimalskilng/snowboarding requirements(as measured by the program’sperformance objectives, using theapplicable criteria). The candidate

HII1IthIJ1 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINIIIIIIIINIIIIII

I

[he Ski I’atr,IIer’, IaflUaI

makes critical or frequent errors in

speed, control, stability, route selec

tion, communication, or equip

ment usage. The senior candidate

performs skills at a level below

that expected of a senior patroller.

Continuing Education

The skilng/snowboarding portion of

the senior continuing education pro

gram consists of both clinic training

and evaluation in the following five

maneuvers on varied terrain:

1. Long-radius turns2. Medium-radius turns

3. Short-radius turns4. Skiing/snowboarding in unpacked

snow and icy conditions

5. Equipment carry

To qualify for senior continuing edu

cation, the skiing/snowboardthg

review must he conducted by a quali

fied instructor and contain instruc

tional components followed by evalti

ation and direct feedback that

correspond to senior skiing/snow-

boarding guidelines. It is preferable

but not mandatory to run the contin

uing education session on a senior-

rated hill. The continuing education

session may be sponsored by one or

more patrols, or by a section, region,

or division of the NSP Continuing

education may be conducted for

groups or on an individual basis.

Senior Core Component: Alpine Toboggan Handling

Good toboggan handling is closely

tied to good skiing/snowboarding

technique. The senior alpine tobog

gan-handling component covers the

mechanics and components of various

rescue toboggans. It also addresses

the fundamental principles for operat

ing loaded and unloaded toboggans

from the front and rear positions in a

variety of conditions and on slopes

with different degrees of difficulty

Toboggan-handling criteria vary

with the wide range of equipment

used across the country and the differ

ences between alpine and nordic tech

niques. However, the focus is on

improving the patrollers ability to

safely, smoothly, and efficiently bring

an ill or injured skier down the hill in

a controlled toboggan run. Instructors

shotild incorporate into their training

sessions strategies for approaching

and managing incident sites.

Prerequisites

• Training sessions (local. region,

division)• Warm-up exercises before evalua

tion clinic

Recommended References

• Alpine Exercises (appendix E)

• Ski and Toboggan Training

Manual, National Ski Patrol, 1994

General TerrainRequirements

To host senior alpine toboggan-

handling training and evaluation activ

ities, an area should have a slope that

averages 40 percent grade (22 degrees)

for at least 800 feet. Senior training

and evaluation clinics may he held on

a shorter slope if it is steeper and if

the hill is configured in such a way

that many repetitions are reasonably

possible. Terrain should provide both

smooth and moguled terrain as speci

fied in the skiing/snowhoarding and

toboggan-handling clinic sections.

(Moguls may he unexpectedly unavail

able because of last-minute grooming.

snowfall, etc., but every effort must be

made to select ski areas that meet ter

rain requirements under normal oper

ating conditions.)In the demonstration and evalua

tion criteria, terrain is described as

“easy,” ‘difficult,” andl “more difficult”

to correspond with the terminology

used at most ski areas.

Course Objectives

The toboggan-handling portion of the

Senior Program COflM5ts of training

and evaluation clinics (held on varied

terrain) on three main skills: operat

ing the front of an unloaded tobog

gan, operating the front of a loaded

toboggan, and operating the rear of a

loaded toboggan. Strategies for

[he Ski 1’aroIler’s Manual

I IIIllhIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIItIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPIIIIIIIIIIII

approaching and managing an incident site are also part of the program.

If a senior candidate wants to usea particular type of toboggan for theclinic/evaluation, it is the candidate’sresponsibility to have that tobogganon the bill and available for his or heruse. The candidate should coordinatethis effort with the person responsible for running the clinic and evaluation. If no such effort is made, candidates will he expected to usewhatever toboggan is available at thetime of the clinic and evaluation.

Unloaded Toboggan—FrontOperator Skills

(linics and evaluation on unloadedtoboggan operations should coverskiing to a simulated incident site(using appropriate route selection)while senior candidates perform thefollowing skills.• Straight running• Short-. medium-, and long-radius

ttlrns• Direction changes (transitions)

while keeping the toboggan in thefall line

• Sideslips (fall line and falling leaf)• Traversing left and right on more

difficult terrain• Linked, rhythmic parallel turns,

slTh)Otlfly executed• Emergency stops• Recovery techniclues (at least one)

For the following segments of theclinics and evaluations, tobogganhanding maneuvers should be performed on the terrain indicated.• I)ernonstration and practice: more

to most difficult—smooth andmoguled

• Evaluation: more to most difficult—SflR)Oth and moguleci

Performance Objectives for FrontOperator of an UnloadedToboggan

When operating the front of an

unloaded toboggan. the candidatemust do the following.• Select an appropriate route.

- Pick the safest, fastest, andsmoothest route possible.

- Generally stay to the side ofthe run and in the fall line asthe terrain dictates.

• Operate at an efficient, safe, controlled speed appropriate to theterrain and skier/snowboardertraffic, yet quickly reach theincident site.

• Perform smooth, parallel turns asneeded.

• Maintain proper body position.- Exhibit solid skiing/snow-

boarding stance with balanceand stability

- Hold the toboggan handleswaist high with the hands infront of the hod

- l)o not hit the toboggan withthe tails of the skis.

• Perform appropriate transitions.- (hange the direction of the

skis while keeping the toboggan in the fall line.

• Perform sideslips.- Maintain a consistent speed.- Keep the toboggan in or close

to the fall line.- Overcome the buildup of

snow, if any.• Perform traverses (left and right).• Ensure minimal bouncing or

slipping of the toboggan.- Be at ease and in control over

the speed and direction of thetoboggan under all conditions.

• Perform emergency stops.- Stop the toboggan in a short

distance on command whilekeeping the toboggan in thefall line.

• Demonstrate at least one recoverytechnique.

Approaching and Managingan Incident Site

Incident site approach and management is not part of the final evalua

tion, but candidates should nevertheless be given the opportunity todemonstrate, discuss, and practice (astime permits) incident site approachand management on varied terrainand snow conditions. Practice shouldinclude toboggan approaches andpositioning (front anti back). variousmethods of securing and anchoringtoboggans, putting on handles, placingthe tail rope. checking rescue packagedetails, etc. Techniques for markingincident sites should also be includedin practice time.

Loaded Toboggan—FrontOperator Skills

The local ski area management orpublic lands administration sets thepolicy for operating a loaded two-handled toboggan, with or without atail rope, although some strategiesare generally left to the discretion ofthe patroller. Under most circumstances, two-handled toboggans aredesigned to be run by a single operator, with assistance at the tail rapeposition only when requested by thefront operator.

Since the ability of a senior candidate to operate the front of a loadedtoboggan in the terrain and conditions required at the senior level is anunknown until final evaluation,certain safety considerations are warranted during training and evaluation.Thus, a capable patroller should assistwith the tail rope or rear handlesduring loaded-toboggan maneuvers.

The rear operator acts as a safetyreserve with a slack rope and willonly assist the front operator if thefront operator requests assistance orif safety considerations make assistance necessary (or during traversingmaneuvers). If the person at the rearis not competent, he or she shouldbe replaced with someone who is, sothat the front operator has a fairchance to be evaluated on his or herown skills.

The rear operator actively assists

‘ /

ihe Ski Pairoller•,. IanuaI

senior candidates who choose to use surfaces of toboggan • Perform effective wedge, sideslip,a four-handled toboggan. Four-handled toboggans should be operatedtinder standard procedures over thesame terrain as two-handled toboggans. If candidates usually haveaccess to both nvo- and four-handledtoboggans, they may he required tobe trained and evaluated on bothty-pes as the rear operator.

While descending the fall line,senior candidates should require littleassistance from the tail rope operatoron terrain categorized as “most difficult—smooth’ and “more difficult—moguled.” The toboggan generallyshould stay in or close to the fall lineunless terrain or skier traffic dictatesotherwise.

Maneuvers that require two-handled toboggans and a tail rope arereferred to as “single operator withsafety tail:’ Senior candidates may relyon the tail rope as needed for braking,stability or traversing terrain categorized as “most difficuk—moguled.”The front operator must be aware ofthe rear operator at all times, and thetwo should work as a team to communicate and coordinate speed, routeselection, and change of direction.

Training clinics and evaluation onoperating the front of a loaded toboggan should cover the following topics.• Route selection that is appropriate

to terrain, skier traffic, and patientinjury

• Fall-line maneuvers- \Vedges- Transitions- Straight running

• Traversing left and right on moredifficult and most difficult terrain- Candidate trains with and with

out active assistance from tailrope or rear operator.

- Candidate chooses whether touse active assistance of tailrope or rear operator duringevaluation.

• Braking techniques- Front operator- Chain brake and other control

- Rear operator• Maneuvering toboggan through

moguls• Crossing flat terrain• Techniques in soft or deep snow

(if available)• Static and moving direction

changes• Communication with patient and

rear operator• Emergency stops• Smooth starts• Ride-smoothing techniques

- Lifting front of toboggan- Lifting toboggan over terrain

(This maneuver is for four-handled tohoggans only)

For the following segments of theclinics and evaluations, these toboggan-handling maneuvers should beperformed on the terrain indicated.• I)emonstration, practice, and eval

uation for single operator withsafety tail: smooth terrain on mostdifficult slopes, moguled terrainon more difficult slopes

• Demonstration, practice, and evaluation for front operator with tailoperator: moguled terrain on mostdifficult slopes

Performance Objectives for FrontOperator of a Loaded Toboggan

When operating the front of a loadedtoboggan, the candidate must do thefollowing.• Select appropriate route.• Control speed while skiing/snow-

hoarding safely and expediently’.• Provide a smooth, safe, and com

fortable ride for the patient.• Ski/snowboard in a balanced and

stable position.• Control descent with a wedge or

sideslip.• Control direction with turns and

falling-leaf maneuver.• Brake toboggan as needed.• Communicate as necessary with

the patient and tail rope operator.

and transition maneuvers withstability and control as appropriate.

• Avoid slipping during traverses.

Loaded Toboggan—Rear Operator or Tail Rope Skills

The rear operator should be able to

assist with braking and traversing the

toboggan as requested by the front

operator, use one or more safe belay

techniques, and communicate with

the patient and the front operator. In

addition, the rear operator should use

sound rope management andskiingJsnowboarding skills, helpmove the toboggan across flat terrain, and he able to stop the tohoggan in an emergency.

There are at least three basicmethods of tail roping:1. Holding the tail rope in the hands

in front of the body2. Using a belay across the front of

the body and over the uphill thigh

3. Using a climbing belay aroundthe waist

Each of these techniques has itsadvantages and disadvantages, andthere are times when one is moreappropriate than another. A senior-level patroller should operate thefront of the loaded toboggan duringthe rear-operator training and evaluation portions of the Senior Program.

Training clinics and evaluation onoperating the rear of a loaded tohoggan should cover the following topics.• Traversing left and right on more

difficult and most difficult terrainwith minimal sideways slipping ofthe tohoggan

• Running the toboggan in the fallline while using a safe techniquefor the terrain- Active braking assistance and

passive resent- Wedge- Sideslips (fall line and falling

leaf)- Transitions

CaIiit’ Ski IaiiuaI 0

!IIJ(lIIIIII(tIIHhIIIIIIIIIIUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINhIIIIIIIIIIIIII

• Moving direction changes (turning)• Positioning

- The rear operator’s skis generafly face the same direction asfront operator’s skis.

- The tail rope should run downthe fall line from the rear operator to the toboggan or forwardover the front of the rear operator’s skis/snowboard to thetoboggan (not backward overthe rear operator’s heels or theback of his or her skis/snow-hoard to the toboggan).

- The rail rope need not aLwaysbe in the fall line.

• Belay techniques- Moving belay

• Hands only• Uphill thigh• Climber’s waist belay

- Static belay• Rope management

- Using knots in rope- Different length of rope on dif

ferent types of terrain and dtiring moving direction changes

- Tension versus slack asappropriate

- Movement up and down thelength of the rope

- Handling extra rope• Coordination with front operator

- Communication- Speed- Obstacles- Direction changes- Active versus passive role of

tail rope• Communicating with and moni

toting patient• Techniques for crossing flat terrain• Considerations for special snow

conditions- Powder- Ice- Windcrust or crud- Heavy slush

• Emergency stops (Front operatorshould always remain in positionwith hands on toboggan handlesready to stop the toboggan if thisbecomes necessary)

• Four-handled toboggan use- Special skill techniques for

rear operator

The terrain for demonstration, practice, and evaluation should be moreto most difficult—smooth andmoguled.

Performance Objectives for RearOperator of a Loaded Toboggan

When operating the rear of a loadedtoboggan, the candidate must do thefollowing.• Traverse Left and tight with mini

mal slipping of the toboggan.• Assist with braking as needed.• Brake the toboggan with edge and

pressure movements.• Control speed using wedge,

sideslip, and transitions.• Make smooth and controlled turns

and transitions.• Coordinate changes of direction

with the front operator.• Generally sideslip in the same

direction as the front operator.• Maintain the rear of the toboggan

in a stable position.• Control the rope with the hand or

belay position• Ski with stabth and control.• Adapt to terrain and condition

changes.• Monitor the condition of the

patient.• Maintain a safe distance from

the toboggan.

Evaluation

The senior candidate must pass eachof these three evaluated areas (operating the front of an unloaded toboggan, operating the front of a loadedtoboggan, and operating the rear of aloaded toboggan) to successfullycomplete the toboggan componentof the Senior Program. if a divisionhas had ample opportunity to conduct pretraining in rear operation ofboth types of two- and four-handled

toboggans, the division can requireevaluation of each. The following is ageneral definition for evaluatingtoboggan handling in each of thecategories on the score sheet.

Above Senior Level (+)The senior candidate demonstratesoutstanding skill, ability, and technique in operating a toboggan (asmeasured by the program’s peiformance objectives, using the applicable criteria). The candidate consistently demonstrates exceptionalstabthtv and control in difficult terrain and snow conditions. He orshe makes efficient and effectiveuse of equipment and skiing/snow-boarding technique to produce asafe, smooth, expedient, and consistent run. The candidate displaysconfidence in adapting his or herskiing’snowboarding or toboggan-handling skills to varying terrainand conditions.

At Senior Level ()The senior candidate demonstratesthe ability to operate a tobogganin a safe and efficient mannerusing an effective combination ofskill, ability and technique (as measured by the program’s performance objectives, using the applicable criteria). The candidatedemonstrates above-average stability and control in all terrain andsnow conditions, producing a safe,smooth, and consistent run.

Below Senior Level (-)The senior candidate is inconsistent in meeting the minimaltoboggan-handling requirements(as measured by the program’sperformance objectives, using theapplicable criteria). The candidatemakes critical or frequent errorsin speed, control, stability routeselection, communication, orequipment usage. The candidatefails to meet one or more criticalstandards for toboggan handlingor performs skills at a level belowthat expected of a senior patroller.

.,

the SIi PatroIli’r’s Munual

Continuing Education

All seniors must complete this review

once every three years to maintain

senior status. It is preferable but not

mandatory to run the continuing edu

cation session on a senior-rated hill.

Here are the four components for

continuing education reviews

(refreshers) of toboggan handling.

1. Operating the front of anunloaded toboggan

2. Approaching and managing an

incident site

3. Operating the front of a loaded

toboggan4. Operating the rear of a loaded

toboggan

Senior Core Component: Nordic Skiing

Prerequisites

• Training clinics (local, region,

division)• Warm-up exercises before evalua

tion clinic• Daypack containing equipment

and materials normally used in the

patrol environment

Recommended References

• Nordic Exercises (appendix F)

• Nordic Training Manual, National

Ski Patrol, 1998• PSIA American Teaching System

materials:The American Teacl,ing

System: Nordic SkiingATS Nordllc Handbook

The skiing portion of the Nordic

Senior Program consists of using

good nordic skiing fundamentals to

demonstrate effective skiing maneti

vers in all varieties of terrain and con

ditions. Nordic skiing clinics empha

size maneuvers used in traditional,

skating, and nordic downhffl skiing;

specifically; the diagonal stride, the

double-pole with and without kick,

A clear understanding of the techni

cal components of diagonal stride

and double pole methods are neces

sarv for a successful evaluation. The

weight shift, timing. and balance

required for proper rhythm and flow

are essential.For the following segments of the

“I

skate turns, uphill traverses, kick Diagonal Stride andturns, the herringbone, cross-country Double Poledownhill turns, step turns, the pole

drag. and nordic skiing in unpacked

snow and icy conditions.During evaluation, elegant, stylistic

technique is not necessary; however,

the candidate is expected to demon

strate proficiency equivalent to that

of a PSIA Certified Level II instructor

(advanced intermediate).

The Ski Patroller’s Matittal

i;J11 IINIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 11111111111111111111111111111

clinics and evaluations, diagonalstride and double pole maneuversshould be performed on the terrainindicated.

Demonstration, practice, and evaluation: mildly rolling, track or prepared smooth surfaces

Performance Objectives for Trackor Prepared-Surface Techniques

When perfbrming diagonal stride anddouble l)ole techniques, the canclidate must demonstrate the following.• An emphasis on correct body

position• Balancing movements

- An ab±tv to move from ski toski with rhythm and flow

- An ability to balance on glidingskis during upper-body propulsion movements

• Rotary movements- Active guidance of the

unweightect ski to complementsteering the weighted skiduring the diagonal stride

- Complementary arnillegmovements

- Active guidance of both skisduring the double pole

• Edging movements- An ability to maintain a flat,

sliding ski- Use of knee/ankle control for

edge angle control• Pressure-control movements

- Smooth, effective weight shiftfrom ski to ski (kick)

- Effective compression guidedby abdominal musclesRefined pole use and timingMovement of weight to theheels during double-pole push.then toward the halls of thefeet as the arms swing forwardafter pole push

Double Pole With Kick

The nordic senior candidate isexpected to combine foot propulsionwith proper double-pole technique.

For the following segments of theclinics and evaluations, double polingwith a kick should he performed onthe terrain indicated.• Demonstration and practice:

easier, set track, flat, or slightdownhill; more difficult, rollingset track

• Evaluation: more difficult, rollingset track

Performance Objectives forDouble Pole With Kick

When performing a double-pole-with-kick technique, the candidate mtistdemonstrate the fbllowing.• Balancing movements

- Coordinated movement of onefoot with both arms

- Timing combined withdynamic balance

• Rotary movements- Active guidance of the

unweighted ski to) complementsteering of weighted ski

• Edging movements- An ability to maintain flat, glid

ing skis- Use of knee/ankle control for

edge angle control• Pressure-control movements of

the skis and poles- Smooth, effective weight shift

from ski to ski (kick)- Effective poling due to com

pression guided by abdominalmuscles

Skating

for the following segments of theclinics and evaluations, skatingmaneuvers (V-i Skate,V-2. and V-2Alternate) should be performed onthe terrain indicated.• Demonstration and practice: flat

terrain to mild rolling trails• Evaluation: mild rolling to) more

difficult trails

Performance Objectives forV-f Skate

When performing V-i skate techniques, the candidate must demonstrate the following.• Balancing movements

- Effective ski-to-ski movementthat maintains glide and contributes to propulsion

• Rotary movements- Active foot/leg steering of the

unweighted ski- Maintaining a v” relation with

the skis- Aligning the body to face the

gliding ski- Maintaining the skis’ divergent

relationship; the size of the ‘v”depends on the skiers speedand steepness of terrain

• Edging movements- Edged ski to push; flat ski

to glide- Refinement of edge angle on

push ski and appropriateadjustment on glide ski

• Pressure-control movements- Complete weight transfer from

push ski to glide ski- Skate push begins with the

foot under the hips- Upper body and hips align

with push ski before a smoothweight transfer, then movetoward glide

- Tuning of pole plant, pull, andpush becomes more refined

Performance Objectives for V-2,V-2 Alternate

When performing V-2 and V-2 Alternate skate techniques. the candidatemust demonstrate the following.• Balance movements

- Makes effective ski-to-ski movements that maintain glide andcontribute to propulsion.

- Shows ability to maintainextended glide, balanced onone ski.

• Rotary movements- Aligns body to face the gliding

[I Ski Putr,jller’, lanuaI

ski after weight transfer.- Maintains the skis’ divergent

relationship, yet the size of the“v” is smaller due to glidingnature and higher speed ofthe maneuver.

Edging movements- Maintains a flat ski during

poling and recovery phases.- Uses fme edge-angle control to

enhance the gliding nature ofthe maneuver.

Pressure-control movement- Maintains propulsion by

poling, effective pole push, andupper body compression.

- Begins poling before skating.- Prepares body for compression

with forward lean of bodybefore pole plant.

Skate Turns

for the following segments of theclinics and evaluations, skate turnsshould be performed on set nordictrack on the terrain indicated.• Demonstration and practice:

easier, flat or gentle downhill,groomed trail; moderate, gentledownhill groomed trail

• Evaluation: moderate, gentledownhill groomed trail

Performance Objectives forSkate Turns

When performing skate turns, thecandidate must demonstrate thefollowing.• Powerful extension of the leg

from a firm platform• An edged ski for the push; a flat

ski for the glide• Simultaneous use of both poles

with each skating motion• Timing—weight is transferred to

the divergent ski as the extension

of the pushing leg is complete

• Rhythm achieved by smooth,

sequential motion• Marked acceleration out of turn

Uphill Traverse

The uphill traverse is an important

maneuver for travel on and off track.

This maneuver should be practiced

and evaluated during the extendedski tour. For the following segments

of the clinics and evaluations, theuphill traverse should he performed

on slopes with the terrain indicated.

• Demonstration and practice: more

difficult, open moderate slopes (30

to 45 percent grade); most difficult,

moderate slopes with obstacles

• Evaluation: most difficult, moder

ate slopes with obstacles

Performance Objectives forUphill Traverse

When performing uphill traverses,

the candidate must demonstrate

the following.• Definite weight transfer at push-

off to front ski• Shortened stride and arm stying as

pitch increases• Forward body lean, eyes looking

forward• Proper rhythm, position, and

recovery of Poles• Effective use of terrain

Kick Turns

A kick turn is a stationary turn of

180 degrees for the purpose ofchanging direction when other tech

niques are undesirable or ineffective.

It is often executed in confined areas

such as woods. Practice and evalua

tion should take place during the

extended ski tour while performing

an uphill climbing traverse and a

downhill traverse. For the following

segments of the clinics and evalua

tions, kick turns should be performed on slopes with the terrain

indicated.• Demonstration and practice: easier,

open gentle slopes (less than 30percent grade): more difficult.

moderate slopes with obstacles

• Evaluation: more difficult, moderate slopes with obstacles

Performance Objectives forKick Turns

When performing kick turns, thecandidate must demonstrate thefoliowing.• Balance with effective use

of poles• The tail of the ski clearing

the snow• The tail of the ski planted well

forward• The poles clear of the skis• Complete change of direction

while remaining in the same spot

Demonstration of this maneuver

should occur on a section of flat

groomed track with a gentle uphill

grade (5 percent). Practice and evaluation should occur on a slope with a

more moderate to steep section of

fiat groomed terrain (8 to 10 percent) to clearly demonstrate strong

edge set. for the following segments

of the clinics and evaluations, herring

bone maneuvers should he per

formed on groomed, nordic tracks

with the terrain indicated.

• Demonstration and practice:

easier, gentle uphill set track; more

difficult, moderate uphill set track

• Evaluation: more difficult, moder

ate uphill set track

Performance Objectives forHerringbone

When performing the herringbone,

the candidate must demonstrate the

following.• “V stance sufficient to maintain

forward motion• Weight on inside edge of holding

ski with knees and ankle flexed

• Diagonal poling technique with

poles planted well behind and out

to the side

rh’ Ski PatroIler Manual

Herringbone

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• A quick ankle, knee, and hipextension to help maintain uphillmomentum

• Head up, body committed forward

Cross-Country Downhill Turns

The purpose of performing advancedcross-country downhill techniques isto refine turning skills, rhythmicallylink turns on open slopes, andemploy a variety of techniques thatare dictated by snow conditions andterrain. Skiing control and stabilityare necessary to ski safely and rapidlyto an incident scene.

Accepted cross-country downhillmaneuvers include wedge turnssnowplow). stem turns, parallel ttirns(three to four linked) and telemarkturns (three to four linked). for thefollowing segments of the clinics andevaluations. cross-country downhillmaneuvers should he performed onslopes with the terrain indicated.• I)emonstration and practice:

easier, open. packed slope (lessthan 3() percent gritde) moredifficult. Open. groomed andttngroomed slopes (30 to 45percent gntcle)

• Evaluation: more difficult, open,groomed and ungroomed slopes(30 to 45 percent grade)

Performance Objectives forCross-Country Downhill Turns

When perfbrming cross-countrydcwnhill turns, the candidate mustdemonstrate the following.• Balancing movements

- An ability to maintain a stable,relaxed stance through a broadrange of speed, terrain, andsnow conditic)ns

• Rotary movements- Earlier matching and active

guidance of the inside leg- An ahffitv to accurately steer

the legs sequentially andsimultaneously

- Round turn shape with

improved accuracy and controlEdging movements- Smooth increase or decrease of

edge angles (progressiveedging)

- Minimized braking, whichencourages gliding throughthe turn

- Developed timing of edgechange movements

Pressure-control movements ofskis and poles- Smooth weight shift- Movement of the center of mass

in the direction of the turn

Step Turns

Step turns are a moderate- to high-speed maneuver. The nordic seniorcandidate needs to demonstrate theability to change direction on gradualdownhill grades and in varving snowconditions.

For the following segments of theclinics and evaltiations, steps turnsshould be performed on set trackwith the terrain indicated.• Demonstration and practice:

easier, set track: more difficult,rolling set track

• Evaluation: more difficult, rollingset track

Performance Objectives forStep Turns

When performing step turns, thecandidate mtist demonstrate thefollowing.• Balancing movements—moving

from foot to foot• Rotary movements—development

of foot/leg steering as sequentialmovements

• Edging movements—steppingsequentially from ski to divergingski using enough edging on pushski to prevent sideslipping

• Pressure-control movements ofskis and poles- Moving from foot to foot, while

standing on whole foot

- Using poles for balance andpropulsion

Pole Drag

The pole drag is a survival skiing technique used when terrain, obstacles, orsnow conditions make other cross-country downhffl skiing techniquesimpractical. Nordic senior candidatesshould be able to demonstrate control, stopping within a short distanceat any time.

For the following segments of theclinics and evaluations, the pole dragshould be performed on the terrainindicated.

Demonstration, practice, andevaluation: more difficult, steepnarrow trails

Performance Objectives forPole Drag

When performing pole-drag maneuvers, the candidate must do thefollowing.• Remove straps to prevent injury

in case the baskets catch on anobstruction; baskets drag in snowwith pressure applied to poles.

• Maintain good body position (lowand stable).

• Adequately control the speed ofdescent.

Overall Skiing—UnpackedSnow or Icy Conditions

During training clinics and evaluation, nordic senior candidates will beexpected to ski any trails or slopesunder most any type of snow conditions in the following terrain:• Demonstration, practice, and

evaluation: more difficult

Performance Objectives forUnpacked Snow and Icy Conditions

When skiing in unpacked snow andicy conditions, the candidate mustdemonstrate the following.

Flit’ Ski I Ott)lI(’t’ laiItiaI

• Balance• Stability• Control• Linked, downhill ttirns

• Moderate, constant, safe speed for

his or her ability leveL

• An appearance of ease and

confidence

Evaluation

The nordic senior skiing evaluationwill concentrate on the skier’s control,

style. and ability to handle the terrain,

rather than on testing basic skiing

maneuvers. The group tour will allow

the senior candidate to he evaluated

on some of the reqtiired skills during

the continuous evaluation on the tour.

The following is the general definition

for evaluating nordic skiing in each of

the categories on the score sheet.

Above Senior Level (+)The nordic senior candidate

demonstrates outstanding skill.

abffit and technique in nordic

skiing (as measured by the pro

gram’s performance objectives,

using the applicable criteria). The

senior candidate consistently

demonstrates exceptional stability

and control in difficult terrain and

snow conditions. He or she makes

efficient and effective use of’

equipment and skiing technique to

prodtice a fast, safe, smooth, and

consistent run. The senior candi

date displays confidence in adapt

ing norchc skiing skills to vaning

terrain and conditions.

At Senior Level (=)The nordic senior candidate

demonstrates the ability to ski in a

safe and efficient manner using an

efficient combination of skill, abil

ity and tecimiclue (as measured by

the program’s performance objec

tives, using the applicable crite

ria), The senior candidate demon

strates better-than-average stability

and control in all terrain and

snow conditions. to produce a

safe, smooth, and consistent run.

Below Senior Level (-)The northc senior candidate is

inconsistent in meeting the mini

mal skiing requirements (as mea

sured by the prc)gram’S perform

ance objectives, using the applica

ble criteria). The candidate makes

occasion’al or frequent errors in

speed, control, stabffltv route selec

tion, communication, of equipment

usage. The candidate fails to meet

one or more critical standards for

nordic skiing or performs skills at a

level below that expected of a

nordic senior patroller.

Senior Core Component: ExtendedNordic Ski Tour

‘l’he extended norclic ski tc)tlr is the

basis for evaluating senior candidates’

overall nordic and mountaineering

knowledge, skills, and abilities as they

demonstrate their physical condition

ing and orienteering, route selection.

toboggan fithrication, bivouac, and sub—

ject-sun-ival skills. Aspects of nordic

skiing. toboggan transport, and belay

evaluation are frecluentlv evaluated

dutring this tour The extended ski

tour should last fotir or more hours,

Prerequisites

• l’raining sessions (local, region,

division)• Davpack containing equipment

and materials normally used in the

patrol environment

General TerrainRequirements

• 1,000 feet of vertical elevation

gain or 25 kilometer of trails

• Variety of trails and slopes, rated

from easiest to most difficult

Course Objectives

The learner will address the cate

gonies that follow to fulfIll the courseobjectives.

Orienteering

• Follow a compass heading oversuch a distance and with enoughheading changes to demonstrate

reasonable orienteeringproficiency

• Plot current location on a map bytaking sighting on know-n landmarks and converting them to alocation on a map.

Toboggan Fabrication

• Only use materials from a davpack

and natural materials in the field

to flibricate a toboggan.

• Load t Cf50fl into the toboggan

and transport the person it) yardsin a traverse, then So yards down

hill. The instructor of record will

evaluate the toboggan for stability,

construction, and sturdiness to

determine if it is adequate for

long-distance evacuation.

Bivouac and Patient-SurvivalSkills

• Select an appropriate bivouac site

for a severe winter condition as

described by the instructor of

record.• Build t bivouac shelter large

enough for one patroller and one

“Patient.”

• Either build a fire or use a stove to

prepare a hot drink or meal.

Performance Objectives for the

Extended Nordk Ski Tour

When participating in the extended

nordic ski tour, the candidate must

demonstrate competency in the

following.• Skiing technique and proficiency

• Stamina• Strength• Rate of travel

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• Proper route selection• Map and compass proficiency• Recognition of avalanche or other

potential travel hazard• Toboggan fabrication (sturdy after

three 50-yard tests)• Construction of emergency she!

ter in terms of site, size. and protection offered

• Ability to heat and provide a hotdrink or meal

Evaluation

The ft)llowing is a general definitionfor evaluating the extended ski tourin each of the categories on thescore sheet.

Above Senior Level (+)The nordic Senior candidatedemonstrates outstanding leadership, mountaineering skills.stamina. and adaptability throughout the extended ski tour. Thecandidate consistently demonstrates exceptional endurance andoverall ski skills in ctifficuk terrainand snow conditions. The candidate makes consistent reasoneddecisions based on knowledge ofmottntaineerthg skills. The candidate makes efficient and effectiveuse of equipment available in hisor her patrol pack for all situationsencountered. He or she demonstrates skill at securing the incident scene, managing the incident, and preparing an effectivebivouac. The nordic senior candidate displays confidence in adapting to the variety of circumstancespresented in the tour.

At Senior Level (=)The nordic senior candidatedemonstrates effective leadership,mountaineering skills, abulit andtechnique. The candidate demonstrates better-than-averageendurance and overall skiing abilin’ in most terrain and snow conditions. The candidate demonstrates knowledge of

motintaineering skills. He or shemakes reasonable use of equipment available from his or herpatrol pack for most situationsencountered. The candidate provides a serviceable bivouac withina reasonable timeframe. Thenordic senior candidate demonstrates reasonable adaptability tothe circumstances presented inthe extended ski tour.

Below Senior Level (-)The nordic senior candidate isinconsistent in meeting the objectives of the extended ski tour. Thecandidate regularly defers leadership and decision making toothers or makes occasional or frequent errors in leadership juclgment, equipment use, or takesexcessive time to grasp and perform skills. The nordic senior candidate fails to meet the criticalstandards for the extended skitour or performs skills at a levelequivalent to a basic patroller.

Senior Core Component: Nordic Toboggan Transport andBelay

The nordic senior candidate mustdemonstrate leadership ability whensetting up and moving a nordlictoboggan. Also, the candidate mustdemonstrate an ability to use specificequipment effectively and apply hisor her knowledge of knots. rotites,patient packaging techniques, andpatroller safe considerations. Inaddition, the successful candidatemtist demonstrate the technical skillsrequired to successfully evacuate apatient under any existing weatherand terrain condition. He or shemust also have the ability to coordinate a team to conduct a toboggantransport in a smooth. efficient,and safe manner.

The nordic senior candidateshould be able to work as a team

member and provide leadershipwhen constructing a sturdy tobogganfrom available materials (which mayinclude an injtired person’s skis). Thecandidate should be able to transportthe patient a considerable distanceunder various conditions, usingappropriate moving and static belays.Items to be considered when constructing a toboggan include skis,carabiners. webbing, ropes. knots, andany other available building materials.The nordic senior candidate mtistdemonstrate the ability to improvisein an emergency situation.

Moreover, the nordic senior canclidate must consider the time andnature of the illness or injur to properly package and care for a patient.The candidate does not have todemonstrate OEC skills for specificinjuries during this component.Instructors should identify the natureof the injury so the candidate can usethat information to determine appropriate patient management andproper route selection.

While on the extended ski tourthe nordic senior candidates may beevaluated on their ability to fabricatea toboggan (from available materials),transport a subject a significant distance, and demonstrate good belayingand patient-handling techniques.

Prerequisites

• Training clinics (local, region,division)

• arm-tip exercises before evaluation clinic

• Daypack containing equipmentand materials normally used in thepatrol environment

Recommended References

• Nordic Exercises (appendix F)• Nordic Training Manual. National

Ski Patrol, 1998• Motintain Travel and Resctte,

National Ski Patrol, 1995

[h’ Ski I’atroII,’r’ IiiiiiaI

Course Objectives

The learner will address the cate

gories that follow to ftdfffl the course

objectives.

Organization and Leadershipof a Toboggan Transport/Belay

The candidates will work as a team

to rig toboggan belay and haul ropes

in such a way that when transported

over varied terrain, the toboggan willnot have to be re-rigged in the transi

tions from uphill to downhill, across a

hill, or when going from wide to

narrow trails, etc.

Performance Objectives forOrganization and Leadership ofa Toboggan Transport/Belay

When participating in the toboggan

transport/belay exercise, the candi

date must demonstrate the following.

• Proper selection of knots

• Proper selection of anchor(s)

• Suitable belay position

• Confidence in belay• Ability to establish belay time

through effective communication

• Successful construction of tobog

gan (if appropriate)

• Leadership in conducting a rescue

operation• Communication with proper

authorities• Team versus an individual

approach to the exercise

Up-slope Transport and Belayof a Loaded Toboggan

Training and evaluation content willinclude route selection, negotiating

obstacles, determining the availabilityof terrain anchors, and a discussion ofpatient injury. Other important

topics to be incorporated into train

ing and evaluation of belay setup and

operation include communications,

belay commands. teamwork, andeffective use of assistance. I)emon

stration, practice, and evaluation willtake place on most difficult terrain

consisting of steep slopes between

parallel roads or trails with obstacles.

Performance Objectives for Up-slope Transport and Belay of aLoaded Toboggan

When participating in the up-slope

transport and belay exercise, thecandidate must demonstrate thefollowing.• Appropriate route selection

• Communication with subject andteam members

• Proper belay setup• Effective operation of belay

• A smooth, safe. and comfortable

ride for the patient• Confident leadership

:

The Ski I’atroIIee IaiiuaI

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Down-slope Transport andBelay of a Loaded Toboggan

A portion of the down-slope trans

port and belay exercise should

include a static-belay loweritig of aloaded toboggan with the sameanchor and hauling system used forthe up-slope exercise. The remainderof the exercise should involvenu)ving and moving-static belaytechniques.

The terrain for demonstration.practice, and evaluation of the staticbelay should be on the most difficult,steep slope between parallel roads ortrails with obstacles. Terrain fordemonstration, practice, and evaluation of moving and moving-staticbelays should be on more diffIcultgroomed and ungroomed slopes.

Performance Objectives forDownslope Transport and Belayof a Loaded Toboggan

When participating in the clown-slope transport and belay exercise,the candidate must demonstrate thefollowing.• Appropriate route selection• Communication with subject and

team members• Proper belay setup• Effective operation of belay• SPeed control using wedge,

sideslip, and transitions• Traverse the slope with minimal

slipping

• Coordinated movements withother team members

• Stable position of the rear oftoboggan (rnahitainecl throughoutthe exercise)

• Control of rope with hand orbelay position

• Skiing with stability and control• Adaptability to terrain and condi

ti()n changes• A smooth, safe, and comfortable

ride for the ;)atient• Confident leadership

On-Trail, Flatland Transport ofa Loaded Toboggan

This exercise covers the leader’s positioning versus that of the other operator(s). along with the leaders transition and communication with theother operator(s) Another evaluationcomponent is the leader’s and operators’ attention to the patient and thepatients ride.

For the following segments of theclinics and evaluations, these toboggan-transport maneuvers should beperformed on the terrain indicated.• Demonstration and practice:

easier, set track (narrow and widetrails); more difficult, rolling settrack (narrow and wide trails)

• Evaluation: more difficult, rollingset track (narrow and wide trails)

Performance Objectives forOn-Trail, Flatland Transport of aLoaded Toboggan

When participating in on-trail, flat-land toboggan transport. the candidate must demonstrate the following.• Appropriate positioning of the

leader and other team members• Communication with subject and

team members• A smooth, safe, and comfortable

ride for the patient• Confident leadership

Evaluation

The Ibilowing are general guidelinesfor evaluating the norclic senior candidate’s ability to construct andhandle the toboggan in each of thecategories on the scoring sheet.

Above Senior Level (+)The nordic senior candidatedemonstrates outstanding leadership. skifi, ability, and technique inoperating a nordic toboggan (asmeasured by the program’s pci-formance objectives, using the applicable criteria). The candidate con-

sistently demonstrates exceptionalstability and control in difficult terrain and snow conditions. Thecandidate makes efficient andeffective use of equipment. belaytechniques, and skiing movementsto produce a safe, smooth, expedient, and consistent run. Thenordic senior candidate displaysconfidence in adapting nordictoboggan transport, belay; andskiing skills to varying terrain andconditions.

At Senior Level ()The nordic senior candidatedemonstrates the ability to operate a nordic toboggan in a safeand efficient maimer using an efficient combination of leadership,skill, abilities, and technique (asmeastired by the programs performance Ot)jectives, using the applicable criteria). The cantlidatedemonstrates better-than-averagestability and controL in all terrainand snow conditions, producing asale, smooth, and consistent run.

Below Senior Level (-)The nordic senior candidate isrnCOflSiStCflt in meeting the minimal nordic toboggan handlingrequirements (as measured by theprogram’s perfi)rmance objectives,using the applicable criteria). Thecandidate makes occasional or frequent errors in leadership judgment, control, stability route selecti()n, communication, equipmentuse, or takes excessive time tograsp and perform skills. The candidate fails to meet one or morecritical objectives for nordictoboggan handling or performsskills at a level equivalent to abasic patroller.

Senior Core Component: Senior OECThe senior OEC component is anational education opportunit thatallows members to participate in skipatrol-relevant exercises. These exer

I lie Ski PairolIt’r’ ItiitiaI

cises are designed to develop andenhance the skills of decision making.problem management, and leadershipas applied to the management ofemergency care situations in a typicalski patrol environment. Their purpose

is to build on but not duplicate the

Outdoor Emergency Care Program.Senior OEC training provides an

opportunity for senior candidates to

gain new and different perspectives

on their own style of leadership in

emergency medical situations. Divi

sion senior staffs provide scenarios

for written and on-snow practice

exercises. These scenarios emphasize

leadership, triage, and managing mul

tipte-injctry problems.Local training for the senior OEC

program may be accomplished at the

patrol, section, or region level, depend-

ing on gec)grnph instructor availabil

it and other considerations. Training

of sernor OEC candidates should he

done under conditions and on terrain

similar to that which will he tised for

the clinic evaluations. It is recommended that training be done on

snow for the benefit of the candidate.

During the clinic evaluations, the

senior OEC candidates will beassigned an advocate whose primary

responsibility is to c)bserve the candi

dates throughout the clinic, he a

mentor for the candidates, and be

another set of eyes for the examiners

in support of the candidates’ actions.

Prerequisites

• Review basic skills (OEC andBasic Life Support CPR).

• Submit written answers to twoopen-ended practice scenario problems (select from appendix G).

• Create one new senior-level train

ing scenario.• Participate as a leader in a mini

mum of fotir practice scenarios.

• Participate in training clinics.

Recommended References

• Otttdoor Emergency Care,National Ski Patrol, current edition

• OEC Study Book. National SkiPatrol, current edition

Terrain Requirements

On-hill scenarios (typical patrol emer

gency care situations) must be sched

tiled during the ski season, on the

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snow, and comply with requirementsdescribed in the scenario. Theremust be sufficient snow to accomplish all evahiation criteria. Otherscenario types, i.e., non-ski run emergencies, such as those that occur inthe patrol room, cafeteria, or base-area facilit must also he in their realistic settings. The evaluation clinicmust be held at a ski area althoughthe ski area does not need to be openat the time of the evaluation.

Under exceptional circumstances.an alternative location (not a ski area)may be used. but only if the divisionOEC supervisor has approved thelocation in advance. The locationmust meet all the requirements for asenior OEC clinic/evaluation, including terrain, skiing capabilities, scenarios, emergency care equipment,patrol toboggans, etc. If there is nosnow at the time of the evaluation.the clinic/evaluation must be canceled or rescheduled.

National senior-rated scenarioswill be used in all warm-up and eva!uation rotinds. NC) fOS. other thanmoulage, may he used to simulateconditions specified in a scenario.For example. a bamboo pole may notbe substituted for a tree. Alpine andnordic candidates may be evaluatedas a leader in no more than one non-ski run problem (e.g., incident in apatrol room, cafeteria, or base-areafacility). If the scenario specifies asnow environment, the candidatebeing evaluated as the leader mustbe able to ski up to the incident.”Reasonable accommodations musthe made for non-skiing senior auxiliary candidates to access all scenarios. e.g.. snowmobile transport. Anyequipment or helpers that are part ofthe scenario should be waiting outof sight of the scenario and thehelpers should be able to ski upwhen responding to the leader’srequest for assistance.

Senior auxiliary candidates mustbe evaluated as a leader in one non-ski run problem.

Performance Objectives forSenior OEC

At each scenario, candidates are evaluated on their ability to meet thestandardized performance objectivesfor decision making, problem management, and leadership. Each objective carries equal weight. What follows is an explanation of how theterms “decision making, problemmanagement, and leadership’ relateto expected performance.

Decision Making• Problem assessment: The candi

date approaches the incidentappropriatel) evaluates the situation, and determines all essentialissues and safety needs.

• Patient assessment: The candidatecondticts a primary survey andsecondary survey and during a“patient” interview considersthe trauma and likely medicaloutcome.

• Appropriate prioritizing: The candidate addresses a single patientand determines whether thepatient is a priority case. The candidate also assigns priority stattisto multiple patients and conductstriage.

• Overall safety: The candidate takesall appropriate actions to iclentifyprotect, mark, and move patients.

Problem Management• People resources: The candidate

requests. uses, and directs availableresotirces appropriately; keepingpeople involved without allowingindependent actions.

• Equipment resources: The candidate requests and uses equipmentappropriately and ensures thatother patrollers also use equipment appropriately.

• Plan of action: The candidate manages the problem, avoids repeatingactions, directs logical follow-through given the patients condition, and allots the appropriate

amotint of time for action points.• Anticipation: The candidate plans

for what may happen next, avoidscommon problems and duplication of services, and unnecessarymovement of the patient.

• OEC skills: The candidate directsor applies appropriate OEC skillsaccording to patient need and inaccordance with OEC skill performance guidelines.

• Transportation: The candidateuses planned, supportive, andappropriate means to arrangetransportation for priority casesand for others. securing an adequate number of helpers.

Leadership• Communication with the patient,

helpers, bystanders: The candidateinforms the patient of what is happening, gives appropriate instructions to helpers, and directsbystanders without introducingconfusion.

• Attitude: The candidate is positive,reassuring, and outgoing.

• Ability to direct: The candidate isassertive, makes independent decisions, and demonstrates an abilityto use resources and provide cleardirection to helpers.

• ConfIdence: The candidate demonstrates that he or she knows whatto do and how to do it.

• Delegating: The candidate buildsand uses a controlled teamapproach and doesn’t try to doeverything alone.

Course Objectives—FinalEvaluation

The senior OEC candidate willdemonstrate the following knowledge and abilities as they pertain tovarious elements of Outdoor Emergency Care.

At the end of every scenario, eachevaluator will independently cc)mplete an evaluation sheet. The advocate for the senior and the two

[lit Ski I’itruiier Manual

station evaluators must reach a consensus evaluation regarding thesenior candidate’s performance onthat scenario. The point of strivingfor consensus is to have a well-reasoned decision to share with thecandidate. Station evaluators shoulddefer non-critical performance issuesto the advocate. Since advocateshave observed candidate performance throughout the entire day ofwarm-ups and evaluations, they mustbe allowed to overrule decisions concerning the candidate’s minor errorsif they believe the error was misunderstood by the examiners.

If the basic skitl review and practice scenarios have been administered correctly during senior OECtraining, the candidate should he ableto meet all of the program objectives.if the senior candidate feels comfortable with his or her ability to deliverhigh-quality emergency care, the candidate’s decision-making efft)rts willreflect that confidence.

There are several options,approved by the NSP Board, for running a final senior OEC evaluation.Each region may decide, in collabora

tion with the division OEC supervisor, which option will be used (seecurrent options in the following sections or check most current editionof NSP Policies and Procectures.

Option A—Warm-Up Round

Senior OEC candidates will partici

pate in group exercises at threestations of about 20 minutes each.These exercises are designed to helpthe senior candidates—who havebeen randomly assigned to the various stations—team advocates, andstation instructors begin the processof buiLding a team.

The instructor of record shouldallot time for positive learning opportunities, critique, feedback, and rotation to the next station. Constructivefeedback should include discussionof expectations, suggestions for

improvement, procedural issues, andalternative strategies for the incident.The warm-up/socialization rotationsare designed to help senior candidates decrease jitters and to give each

person at least one opportunity to bethe primary caregiver at an incidentbefore the evaluation rotations begin.Under no circumstances are thesewarm-ups to be i.tsed for evaluationpurposes. Warm-ups must be donethe day of the evaluation.

Option A—Evaluation Rounds

Candidates are evaluated on theirability to perform as the leader in asenior-level OEC scenario. One evaluation consists of being the leader in amultiple-injury scenario. The secondevaluation as the leader in a multiple-patient (triage) scenario.

Option B—Evaluation Rounds

if this option is chosen, the evaluation is accomplished as part of thetraining sessions. During a series of

clinics, candidates will have to suc

cessfully complete six scenarios asleader. These six scenarios mustinclude two muhiple-injurv prol>lems, two multiple-patient problems,

and tWo bystander prot)lems. Candi

dates may he evaluated by a senior

OEC trainer/evaluator from their

home area on only two scenarios(one each from two out of the three

different categories). The other four

scenarios must be et-aluated bysenior trainer/evaluators fromother areas.

Option C—Warm-up Round

The warm-up round is identical toOption A.

Option C—Evaluation Round

Candidates are evaluated once as theleader in a multiple-patient (triage)scenario. The candidate may pass,

fail, or be reevaluated, based on thedecision of the senior trainer/evaluators. Reevaluations will only be givenunder extreme circumstances whenthe candidate’s performance wasjeopardized by a scenario-based siflia

tion. e.g.. patient giving wrong vitals.

Evaluation

The thilowing is a general definition

for evaluating OEC scenarios in each

of the categories on the score sheet.

Above Senior Level (+)The senior candidate demon

strates outstanding decision

making, prol)lern management,and leadership abilities (as measured by the program’s perfor

mance objectives, using the applicable criteria). The seniorcandidate consistently demonstrates exceptional problemassessment, resource management, communication, and teaminteraction in every scenario. Thepatroller does an exceptional jobof identifying and coordinating allactions necessary to manage thehelper(s), bystander(s), and thescene to satisfy OEC skill performance objectives while ensuringthe safety of the patient(s).

At Senior Level ()The senior candidate demonstrates above-average decision-making, problem management,and leadership abilities (as measured by the program’s performance objectives, using the appli

cable criteria). The senior

candidate demonstrates above-average problem assessment.resource management, conmninication, and team interaction inevery scenario. The patroHer identifies and coordinates all actionsnecessary to manage thehelper(s), bystander(s), and thescene to satisfy OEC skill performance objectives while ensuringthe safety of the patient(s).

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Below Senior Level (-)The senior candidate is inconsistent in meeting the minimal decision-making, problem management. and leadership abilities (asmeasured by the program’s performance objectives, using the applicable criteria). The candidatemakes critical or frequent errorsin problem assessment, resourcemanagement, OEC skill performance, communication, and teaminteraction. The senior candidateidentifies and coordinates actionsnecessary to manage the helper(s),bystander(s), the scene, and thepatient(s) at a level below thatexpected of a senior patroller.

Continuing Education

To maintain senior OEC skills,patrollers must complete establishedannual OEC refreshers and local OECcontinuing education programs. TheSenior OEC Program does not requireany additional training or evaluationbeyond attending annual refreshersand continuing education sessions.

Senior Auxiliary CoreComponent: PatrollerEnrichment Seminar

consists of four two-hour modules—offers a goal-oriented, objective-based, interactive clinic that may bemodified to address local patrollingresponsibilities.

for details on the specific modules, see chapter 14 and appendix H.

The Patroller Enrichment Seminar(PES) is an approved senior corecomponent for senior auxiliary and asenior elective for alpine and nordicpatrollers. It is a national educationcourse that allows patroilers to participate in practical, relevant exercises that help enhance theirpatrolling experience.

PES encourages patrollers toincrease their knowledge of education and leadership opportunitieswithin the patrolling environment, toprovide more effective services forarea management, and to seek personal achievements as members of anational education association. Thisnational education course—which

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