Unit of competency details

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Plan an overnight snowboarding trip.

1.1. Conduct relevant assessments to determine the condition of participants .

1.2. Develop a trip plan , according to participant's needs, relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures .

1.3. Select an appropriate location for the overnight trip according to participant's abilities, trip objectives , relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Identify hazards  associated with snowboarding and minimise risks  to ensure personal safety of participants.

1.5. Access relevant sources  to interpret detailed weather and environmental information  to determine activity plan.

1.6. Determine food and water requirements  according to principles of nutrition  and contextual issues  of the overnight trip.

1.7. Inform appropriate authorities  before commencing the snowboarding trip.

2. Select equipment for the group.

2.1. Select equipment  according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures and check serviceability.

2.2. Assess equipment for safety and suitability and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort.

2.3. Pack equipment that is not required on hand in a suitable manner.

2.4. Check safety and rescue equipment to ensure suitability to the group and the conditions.

3. Brief participants.

3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information  about the snowboarding trip in a manner suitable to the participants.

3.2. Establish a suitable communication system  for participants to use while snowboarding.

3.3. Outline safety procedures  and safe areas and or boundaries for the overnight trip.

3.4. Explain symptoms, treatment and prevention of hypothermia and dehydration to group to assist in self-monitoring.

3.5. Check and confirm participants are properly equipped  for the overnight trip.

4. Supervise snowboarding activities during overnight trip.

4.1. Demonstrate correct snowboarding techniques  to participants

4.2. Monitor snowboarding techniques to ensure safety of participants.

4.3. Monitor individual participant's performance  and provide appropriate feedback.

4.4. Implement appropriate modifications to activities in regard to all variable factors  that are monitored.

4.5. Use positive encouragement throughout trip, and encourage feedback and questioning from group members.

4.6. Respond accordingly to any emergency or non-routine situation.

5. Complete post trip responsibilities.

5.1. Notify appropriate authorities of trip completion.

5.2. Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.

5.3. Evaluate relevant aspects  of snowboarding activities.

5.4. Identify potential areas of improvement for future overnight snowboarding trips.

5.5. Review own performance and identify potential improvements.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• consult with participants to plan an overnight snowboarding trip that meets their needs
• convey information about the safety aspects of the trip
• interact with participants to create a safe and positive snowboarding environment

• problem-solving skills to:

• plan a suitable snowboarding trip according to participant's needs and abilities
• navigate group to an overnight destination
• make decisions about potential hazards that may affect activities
• respond appropriately to non-routine situations

• planning and organising skills to:

• source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and a suitable location
• arrange an overnight site
• organise participants into manageable groups for snowboarding

• language and literacy skills to:

• produce a plan for the overnight snowboarding trip
• complete post activity participant and self evaluations
• apply for permission or permits to use snowboarding location to guide a group on an overnight trip

• personal snowboarding skills to a high level of technical correctness to demonstrate and explain techniques to participants
• first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge 

• legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all activities
• Alpine Responsibility Code and snowboarding practices, snowsport area signs and regulations, and minimal impact codes to ensure safety and protection of environment
• information about local area to assist in the planning process and selection of an overnight site, enable management of potential snowboarding hazards, and any special restrictions applying to the area
• equipment types, characteristics and technology used for snowboarding and camping, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment
• clothing requirements for outdoor activities and factors affecting appropriate clothing selection, such as layering and protective clothing
• care and maintenance of equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements
• conflict resolution strategies to enable effective group management
• principles of nutrition to maintain health and energy throughout the overnight trip
• snowboarding techniques and common communication methods used between snowboarders to reduce risk
• technical snowboarding knowledge, such as techniques and procedures to suit the features of the surface
• activity-specific knowledge such as navigation and camping techniques to lead the group safely and professionally
• sources of weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the overnight trip
• hazards that may be experienced in various conditions on different terrain
• first aid, emergency and rescue procedures relevant to the location to ensure safety of self and others.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• plans within activity constraints and guides and monitors groups in a safe and professional manner
• applies effective contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems and issues that may arise during the overnight snowboarding trip
• encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure leading multiple snowboarding activities that reflect the needs of a range of participants to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• a suitable snowsport area to enable demonstration of overnight snowboarding activities
• resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, guide and document snowboarding activities for a variety of participants
• a group of participants to take part in the overnight snowboarding trip
• equipment such as snowboards, bindings, boots, suitable clothing, goggles, lift pass, backpack or bumbag, safety and emergency equipment, clothing and footwear, food and water, overnight equipment and navigation equipment.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of interaction with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all snowboarding activities
• observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure
• review of overnight snowboarding trip plans
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Industry has determined that this unit must be assessed with the following unit:

• SISOOPS202A Use and maintain a temporary or overnight site.
  

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Condition of participants  may include:

• skill level
• previous experience
• physical capabilities
• fitness level
• age
• injuries and illnesses.

Plan  may include:

• activity aims and objectives
• date, time and duration
• location:
• guide and participant ratios
• resources
• equipment:
• food and water
• weather details
• participant information:
• safety and emergency requirements
• risk management plan
• relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• permits or permission for access
• environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• time and budget constraints
• use and maintenance of equipment
• communication protocols
• safety and emergency procedures
• code of ethics
• confidentiality of participant information
• guide and participant ratios
• snowsport area signs and regulations
• Alpine Responsibility Code and snowboarding practices within the code.

Trip objectives  may include:

• enhancing snowboarding skills and techniques
• self improvement
• meeting people
• staying overnight in snow conditions
• fitness targets
• adventure and recreation.

Hazards  may include:

• temperature extremes
• slippery or unstable terrain
• dangerous animals and insects
• stinging trees and nettles
• dense vegetation
• group management hazards.

Risks  may include:

• hypothermia
• heat exhaustion
• injuries
• exhaustion
• lost party or party member
• equipment failure.

Relevant sources  may include:

• Bureau of Meteorology
• media
• land managers or agencies
• local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information  may include:

• satellite images
• daily and weekly forecasts
• maximum and minimum temperatures
• weather warnings
• event warnings
• river heights
• synoptic charts
• high and low tides.

Food and water requirements  may include:

• range of foods:

• perishability
• packaging
• storage.

Principles of nutrition  may include:

• food groups
• dietary guidelines
• food preparation:
• individual food requirements and allergies.

Contextual issues  may include:

• weather conditions, including times
• season
• transport
• location
• trip distance and duration
• group objectives
• group size.

Appropriate authorities  may include:

• authorities
• supervisors.

Equipment  may include:

• snowboarding equipment:

• snowboard
• bindings
• boots

• resources:

• uphill transport method, such as snowshoes, split boards, climbing skins
• adjustable poles
• avalanche probe

• overnight equipment:

• cooking system
• tent
• sleeping bag

• navigation equipment:
• safety and rescue equipment:

• emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB).

Relevant information  may include:

• personal equipment requirements:
• safety procedures
• preventative measures for risks
• possible hazards
• environmental impact minimisation
• snowboarding techniques
• objectives
• rules and codes
• responsible and safe behaviour.

Snowboarding techniques  may include:

• skidded and edged turns
• edge control
• side-slipping with flexion-extension
• speed control
• stopping
• falling
• balance.

Communication system  may include:

• calls
• radio
• hand signals
• whistles.

Safety procedures  may include:

• equipment checked and undamaged
• snowboarders ready
• correct fitting equipment
• wearing of helmets
• appropriate spacing between participants
• understanding of contingency and risk management plans
• use of safety and rescue equipment.

Participant's performance  may include:

• use of appropriate communication system
• snowboarding technique
• attitude
• negotiation of hazards
• use and maintenance of equipment.

Variable factors  may include:

• change of weather
• equipment failure
• participant's needs
• snow conditions.

Temporary site  may include:

• safe location to arrange shelter, such as tents, bivvies, snow caves or lean-tos
• appropriate shelter for prevailing weather conditions
• comfort and safety.

Relevant aspects  may include:

• objectives
• planning process
• activity site
• weather
• equipment selection
• clothing selection
• food selection
• instructional content
• instructional technique
• assessment technique
• group feedback
• directing techniques:

• rescue techniques employed.