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 for the cross country skiing activity.

1.1. Identify and plan food and water requirements  according to principles of nutrition  and the conditions of the activity.

1.2. Address packaging and storage requirements of foods when menu planning.

1.3. Identify potential hazards  associated with the activity.

1.4. Access relevant sources  to interpret weather and environmental information  and determine activity plans.

1.5. Identify an appropriate activity site according to contextual issues , relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures .

2. Select equipment.

2.1. Select equipment  after consideration of construction features and contextual issues, and check serviceability.

2.2. Adjust and fit equipment, according to manufacturer's specifications to ensure comfort and safety.

2.3. Select personal clothing according to location and activity requirements.

3. Apply advanced cross country skiing skills.

3.1. Display efficiency of movement and advanced cross country skiing skills  across terrain .

3.2. Modify technique  to account for changes in terrain.

3.3. Apply rhythm and smooth transfers between strides, steps and turns showing a degree of balance and confidence.

3.4. Approach hazards in a safe manner and minimise risks  to self and group where possible.

3.5. Take measures to guard personal safety and safety of others  while skiing.

4. Evaluate cross country skiing activity.

4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects  of the activity.

4.2. Identify improvements for future cross country skiing experiences.

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

Required skills 

• planning and organising skills to allocate and select relevant food, water, clothing and equipment for the cross country skiing activity
• communication skills to interact with other participants to maintain a positive and safe skiing environment
• problem-solving skills to:

• respond to changing conditions
• determine techniques to use when cross country skiing in different conditions

• self management skills to:

• review and reflect on own performance
• set goals to improve advanced technique

• literacy skills to analyse, interpret and apply weather and environmental information, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures
• 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 advanced cross ski touring activities
• Alpine Responsibility Code and skiing practices, snowsport area signs and regulations, and minimal impact codes to ensure safety and protection of environment
• equipment types, characteristics and technology used for cross country skiing, the advantages and disadvantages, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment
• clothing requirements for outdoor activities and factors affecting appropriate clothing selection, such as layering and protective clothing
• cross country skiing techniques, such as one and two skating, with correct pole and body positioning
• principles of nutrition to maintain health and energy during activity
• weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity
• emergency procedures and potential hazards relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

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 equipment and supply requirements appropriate to the conditions and duration of the cross country skiing activity
• applies a range of safe cross country skiing techniques while negotiating hazards and maintaining balance and control
• evaluates and reflects on own performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple cross country skiing activities on advanced terrain to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• a suitable outdoor location with groomed trails for the conduct of advanced cross country skiing skills to be demonstrated
• cross country skiing, safety, first aid and navigation equipment
• resources and information to plan and prepare for the cross country skiing activity.

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:

• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of cross country skiing strategies and techniques
• observation of safe participation and demonstration of advanced cross country skiing skills, such as linked stem and Telemark turning
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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

• SISONAV403A Navigate in uncontrolled environments
• SISOSKT411A Instruct cross country skiing.

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.

Food and water requirements  may include:

• menu planning and preparation
• range of food.

Principles of nutrition  may include:

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

Hazards  may include:

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

Relevant sources  may include:

• Bureau of Meteorology
• media
• land managers or agencies
• coastal patrol or coastguard
• volunteer marine rescue
• local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information  may include:

• satellite images
• daily and weekly forecasts
• maximum and minimum temperatures
• snow cover
• weather warnings
• visibility.

Contextual issues  may include:

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

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
• use and maintenance of equipment
• communication protocols
• safety and emergency procedures
• snowsport area signs and regulations
• Alpine Responsibility Code
• code of ethics.

Equipment  may include:

• cross country skis
• poles
• ski boots
• ski bindings
• sunglasses or goggles
• navigation equipment
• safety and first aid equipment.

Advanced cross country skiing skills  may include:

• two skating
• one skating
• linked stem turning
• linked Telemark turning in soft and hard snow
• linked parallel turning
• Telemark straight running
• self arrest.

Terrain  may include:

• moderate to steep slopes
• full range of snow conditions.

Technique  may include:

• edging
• degree of glide
• pole position
• hand and arm position
• body position
• knee flex
• position of skis with respect to each other
• weight transfer
• synchronisation of movement.

Risks  may include:

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

Safety of others  may include:

• speed
• distance from other skiers.

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.