OET (Outdoor Emergency Transportation)

Guidelines & Evaluation Manual

Initial Release Nov 2020 Version 1.2

Table of Contents

● Introduction . . . . . . . . . .2 ● Who’s Who in OET. . . . . . . . .2 ● OET Training Progression Process . . . . . .5 ● Fundamentals of Patroller Ski/Ride Skills and Toboggan Skills . .6

● Alpine Senior Patroller Standards for Fundamental OET Skills . .7 ● Senior Evaluation Scoring Process . . . . . .10 ● What to Expect on Senior Exam Day . . . . . .12

○ Components of the Senior Patroller Evaluation . . .12 ○ Senior OET Evaluation Format . . . . . .13

● Trainer-Evaluator Testing Criteria . . . . . .14 ○ Translate it to Telemark Skiing . . . . . .15 ○ Translate it to Snowboarding . . . . . .15

● TE Assessment Criteria for Performance and Demos . . .16 ● Trainer Evaluator Senior Evaluation Scoring Process . . .18 ● Prerequisite for becoming a Trainer-Evaluator . . . .20 ● OET Teaching Methods . . . . . . . .22

○ OET Teaching Philosophy . . . . . .22 ○ ADAPT . . . . . . . . .23 ○ PISE . . . . . . . . . .23 ○ Demo Accuracy . . . . . . . .24

● Terrain Selection Considerations for OET Senior Events . . .25 ● NSP Easter Division Online Moodle School . . . . .27 ● What to Expect on TE Evaluation Weekend . . . . .28

● General OET Toboggan Instructor Refresher Guidelines . . .29 ● Helpful Information and Links . . . . . . .31

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Introduction This manual is designed to provide an overview of the Eastern Division Outdoor Emergency Transportation (OET) program. The OET education and credentialing process follows this basic track:

Alpine Patroller → Senior → Toboggan Instructor → Regional Staff → Trainer-Evaluator → Division Staff → Steering Committee → Supervisor

This manual describes the process details and all prerequisites for each level, guidelines for training, administering OET Clinics which lead to Evaluations.

Who’s Who in OET? National OET Program Director - Marc Barlage oversees and coordinates Division Supervisors and the entire national OET Program. Division Supervisor - Jim O’Connor oversees Division OET programs, chairs the OET Steering Committee, approves new Toboggan Instructors. Follow the links for each level of management to the Eastern Division OET Web page for the most up-to-date documents. Steering Committee is composed of a 12 member group distributed throughout the division and led by the OET Supervisor. Steering members administer Division OET programs, Patroller Schools, Toboggan Instructor Training, TE Training, as well as program quality assurance.

Current Steering Committee Members: Jim O’Connor (EMARI) Matt Nebzydoski (EPA) Denice Kaus (Western NY) Greg Boberg (Western NY) Bill Cline (Western APP) Bart Gabler (Western APP) Dave Smith (EMARI) Jane Williams (EMARI/Women’s Program Supervisor) Don Mills (Southern VT) Teigh Southworth (Northern VT) Orest Ohar (NH)

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Jon Wilson (Central NY) Wayne Arsenault (Maine & Eastern Division Board Liaison)

Division OET Staff - Typically made up of 24 individuals spread out among the 15 regions that make up the division. OET Staff ensures that all OET programs involving instruction and evaluation are conducted safely and fairly, consistent with the criteria established by NSP and Eastern Division. The OET Steering Committee appoints OET Staff members. Division OET Staff members rotate every season, for the latest list of members, visit the Eastern Division OET web page to download the most current document. Regional Advisors - known as RAs for short, oversee OET programs in their respective regions, assist in bringing division initiatives to the Regional level, plan and administrate Senior program events and evaluations, and ensure regional toboggan instructors and trainer evaluators maintain certification requirements. Click to download a Comprehensive Job Description. Instructor Trainers (ITs) are in charge of educational Quality Assurance. The group numbers approximately 100 division-wide. In addition to QA, these individuals are responsible for Training toboggan Instructors and TEs. They are appointed by the Division Supervisor and must be a TE in good standing as a prerequisite. Trainer Evaluators (TEs) are Regional Staff members selected by Regional OET Advisors. The group numbers approximately 250 individuals and is responsible for training and evaluating Senior Candidates. To become a TE, individuals must be Alpine Seniors, a Toboggan Instructor, and must be trained and recommended by their RA or the Regional OET Staff. Toboggan Instructors - This group numbers approximately 850. They provide OET Toboggan Handling instruction at local mountains. The prerequisite for becoming an OET Toboggan Instructor is attending an Instructor Development Course and entering the OET mentoring program. Senior Alpine Patroller - This is NSP's all-around leadership credential attained by testing and participating in educational courses which shows a broad understanding of the profession of Ski Patrolling. To attain the Senior level, Alpine Patrollers participate in training programs with their Regional OEC and OET Staffs. Most Patrollers focus on one evaluation discipline at a time as well as taking educational electives. Alpine Senior Patroller is awarded, after successfully testing at the performance level of mastery in Skiing/Riding, Patroller Skills, Toboggan

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Transportation, and an OEC proficiency as an emergency medical manager. To learn details about the NSP Senior Program, visit the NSP.ORG webpage titled: Senior Program. Alternatively, the Eastern Division also maintains a web page known as Senior Program. Alpine Patroller - This is the NSP membership classification, which designates that a patroller has achieved the skill necessary to safely transport injured patients on all the slopes of their local mountain. Local Patrol Directors and their designees determine the skill level required to achieve the Alpine Patroller classification. Senior Candidates must have a minimum of one full season as an Alpine Patroller to qualify for Senior level testing. Alpine Patrollers can download a Senior Candidate Application form from the Eastern Division website (two forms will be required, one for OET Senior and another for OEC Senior).

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OET Training Progression Process

1. Alpine Patroller - All new patrollers achieving Alpine status at their home mountain will meet local requirements for OET based on terrain and local protocols.

⬇ 2. Senior Patroller - Senior OET requires passing a minimum of two different

evaluations held at the Region level. “Senior” is a National designation that recognizes advanced ski/ride and toboggan handling skills and first aid management. Additional details can be found later in this manual. Click to download a Senior Application.

⬇ 3. Toboggan Instructors - are typically Senior patrollers (but not always) who

have demonstrated advanced skill as an Instructor and completed the required instructor mentoring process. Achieving Toboggan Instructor and its prerequisite, the Instructor Development Course, are both Senior electives. Click to review the Instructor Mentoring Process.

⬇ 4. Trainer-Evaluator (TEs) are experienced toboggan instructors with excellent

ski/ride and toboggan skills, strong knowledge of ski/ride technique and instruction, ability to demo Senior level ski/ride techniques/skills, knowledge of Senior Exam terrain and scoring. TE Trainees must be mentored by Regional OET Advisors, pass a 2-day evaluation at Patroller School, and recertify their position every three years. Click to download Requirements for TE.

⬇ 5. Instructor Trainer - Are appointed by the Division Supervisor and are

responsible for training and mentoring toboggan instructors and TEs.

⬇

6. Division Staff/Steering/Supervisor - Are experienced instructors and trainers selected from across the Division to represent Regions and provide leadership and guidance in their respective roles.

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Fundamentals of Patroller Ski/Ride Skills and Toboggan Skills

OET requires safe toboggan handling and accomplished ski skills to patrol all areas of a resort, generate confidence among the skiing public, and transport injured patients. These skills require training and practice to learn and master. The information below will help guide you toward the level of skill needed to succeed as a patroller. Local instructors, TE’s, Patroller Schools, and our partnership with PSIA can all assist a patroller to attain their improvement goals. Ski/Ride Fundamentals Eastern Division OET utilizes the “5 Fundamentals” described by PSIA/AASI in the Alpine Technical Manual to guide our coaching. It allows for consistency between NSP instructors and our partners in PSIA who assist in training patrollers to improve their ski/ride skills. What are the “Five Fundamentals”?

1. Control the relationship of the Center of Mass to the base of support to direct pressure along the length of the skis.

2. Control pressure from ski to ski and direct pressure toward the outside ski. 3. Control edge angles through a combination of inclination and angulation. 4. Control the skis’ rotation with leg rotation, separate from the upper body. 5. Regulate the magnitude of pressure created through ski/snow interaction.

What about snowboarding? Link to a webinar on AASI snowboard fundamentals

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Alpine Senior Patroller Standards for Fundamental OET Skills

The standard description below matches NSP’s and Eastern Division OET’s expectations for Senior Evaluation.

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Senior Short Turn Location: Most Difficult Groomed Size: Approx. 15’ “One Groomer Track” wide

● Ski performance is as carved as possible given terrain, conditions, and ski design. Pressure is directed along the length of the skis and toward the outside ski.

● Consistent tempo is maintained throughout the run. ● Both ski edges are engaged early and throughout the turn. ● The skis are generally parallel with similar edge angles. ● https://youtu.be/t0vs-1g61hE?t=79 Speed is controlled throughout the run

with turn shape. ● Center of Mass remains over the base of support. Fore/aft pressure control

is managed through proportional flexion and extension of all joints. ● The torso remains stable and disciplined. ● These are not short swing turns.

Senior Medium Turn

Location: More/Most Difficult/Groomed 15’+ “Two Groomer Tracks” wide

● See short turn criteria. ● Candidate’s center of mass remains over the base of support while

directing pressure along the length of the skis and toward the outside ski. ● Appropriate adjustments to inclination and angulation are made to

accommodate turn size.

Senior Long Turn

Location: More Difficult/Groomed 30’+ “Three Groomer Tracks”

● The Candidate’s center of mass remains over the base of support while directing pressure along the length of the skis and toward the outside ski.

● Appropriate adjustments to inclination and angulation are made to accommodate turn size.

● Turn shapes are arcs, not linked traverses. ● Skis leave mostly clean “railroad tracks.”

Assessment Activity -- Hockey Stop

Location: Most or more difficult groomed.

The purpose of this assessment task is to assist the candidate and examiner in determining the ability of the senior candidate to do the following in the context of their skiing and toboggan skills and is designed to highlight an understanding of the Five Fundamentals:

● Pivot, turn, and steer the lower body separate from the upper body. ● Demonstrate the ability to manage “slip and grip” of the ski edges

utilizing the lower body through a combination of inclination and angulation.

● Pivot the skis within a fall line corridor’

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Ski Ability

Location: Most Difficult Mogul/Crud

Clip #2 Exemplary

● Linked turns, demonstrating the ability to adapt to changing snow and terrain.

● Speed is controlled and maintained. ● Shape of the turn is made with skis turning more than the upper body. ● Ski/Snow contact in all-terrain is maintained through progressive flexion

and extension of ankles, knees, and hips. ● Upper body remains stable with little effect from lower-body movements.

Unloaded Toboggan

Location: Most difficult Moguled when available

● Selects an appropriate route. ● Uses short swing turns with an emphasis on effective pivots, as

appropriate. ● Demonstrates the use of skill maneuvers, as appropriate. ● Performs effective emergency stop, if asked. ● Ensures minimal slipping or bouncing the toboggan. ● Shows Awareness of trail merge & the skiing public.

Does the candidate safely and efficiently control the toboggan to the accident site?

Loaded Toboggan

Location: Most Difficult Moguled when available

LT outside Bumps

● Selects an appropriate route. ● Controls decent without abrupt starts and stops by either chain brake,

skill maneuvers, or both. ● Demonstrates the use of skill maneuvers as appropriate. ● Effective communication (verbal and non-verbal) with patient and Tail

Roper. ● Snowboarders can face uphill or downhill, looking in the direction they

are traveling. Does the candidate safely and effectively control the loaded toboggan while monitoring the patient?

Tail Rope/Loaded Toboggan

Location: Most Difficult Moguled when available

● Strives for the optimal and safest position behind the toboggan. ● Effectively manages the rope. ● Demonstrates the use of skill maneuvers without interruption to the front

operator. ● Anticipates the front operator’s direction changes and maneuvers.

Assists with braking activity - either planned or for an emergency stop. ● Snowboarders should predominantly maintain a heel side orientation

through the entire demonstration - no transitions required or recommended.

Does the candidate safely and effectively manage the tail rope, using appropriate skill maneuvers, while maintaining an optimal position for braking or an emergency stop?

Snow Plow

Location: Most difficult Moguled when available)

● Demonstrates consistent speed in all directions and terrain changes. ● Stops in a snowplow position (skiing) or with a hockey stop maneuver. ● Snowboarders will maintain the heel side throughout the entire

demonstration. Does the candidate maintain effective movement by slipping the edge(s) without railing during terrain changes and performs a controlled stop at the end?

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Sideslip

Location: Most difficult Moguled when available

● Demonstrates effective use of edges. ● Demonstrates consistent speed. ● Snowboarders must show both heel and toe side skills.

Does the candidate maintain effective movement by slipping the edge(s) in either direction without traversing.

Equipment Carry

Location: More Difficult

● Demonstrates control. ● Adapts to terrain changes. ● Equipment held securely. ● Maintains awareness of trail merges and skiing public.

Does the candidate demonstrate confidence and ability in changing snow surfaces and terrain with a variety of turns and skill maneuvers?

Kick Turn or Static Direction Change

Location: More difficult Moguled or groomed

● Static direction change carried out by lifting and rotating one ski and then the other ski to match. Skiers will end facing the opposite direction horizontal to the fall line.

● An alternate change of direction may be performed by a quick “wedge and match” maneuver while maintaining a minimum fall line movement.

● Snowboarders may perform a “Jump Turn” or “ATM 180” while maintaining a minimum fall line movement.

Transition

Location: Most difficult moguled / smooth and more difficult)

● Maintain narrow fall line descent. ● Changes direction from a side slip on one side to a side slip on the

other. Maintaining a fall line descent and consistent speed. ● Snowboard specific: consistent speed during direction change going

from one braking edge to other while spinning the board. (ATM180) Does the candidate maintain consistent speed with braking edge(s) on the snow while changing direction and not deviating from the "fall line" corridor?

Senior Evaluation Scoring Process Candidates will be expected to perform at a SATISFACTORY level or higher on each skill element.

● Essential Elements were not observed or not present. ● Essential elements are beginning to appear. ● Essential elements appear, but not with consistency. ● Essential elements appear frequently, at a satisfactory level. ● Essential elements appear consistently above the required level. ● Essential elements appear continuously, at a superior level.

The scoring system displayed above is meant to be an objective-based reminder to evaluators who judge Senior tasks, elements, and activities. How effectively does the Senior Candidate display the skills being tested against the standard for each activity? TEs mark their scorecards using this scale to pass those who are observed performing the essential elements at a SATISFACTORY level or higher. the grading scale is a guideline meant to show that Candidates are achieving the Senior Level of Standard. This traditional Senior level has been known as Six. It defines the level of performance mastery and skill understanding, which is different from basic Patrollers, traditionally known as level Five. The videos embedded in this document, as well as the personalized training that Senior Candidates receive from their respective Regional OET Programs, are designed to provide an understanding of the difference between basic patrollers and the senior level required to become an Alpine Senior Patroller. Think of the Senior Evaluation scoring as an intuitive guide for recognizing whether performance indicators appear at the Senior Level of Standard:

● Not present (not Senior) ● Beginning to appear (not Senior) ● Not yet consistent (not Senior) ● Satisfactory Senior level ● Consistent Senior level ● Fully mastered Senior level (possibly TE level)

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The scorecard is set up with the elements showing bulleted performance indicators. Scores are recorded for each assessment element. Determining a successful PASS for a Senior Candidate requires performing all the elements, attaining scores of “satisfactory” or higher for each performance indicator.

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What to Expect on Senior Evaluation Day Components of the Senior Patroller Evaluation: Regional Advisors typically rotate evaluation locations around their region. RA’s arrange a multitude of logistical details such as planning, lift tickets, and staffing. It is advisable to send your Senior OET application to the Regional OET Advisor (RA) early in the season to ensure a spot at the evaluation. The Senior OET Program is broken down into three separate stations for evaluation purposes:

1. Skiing/Riding skills 2. Patroller skills 3. Toboggan skills

For the Skiing/Riding Station, candidates are trained and evaluated on their ability to perform carved short, medium, and long radius turns on varying terrain. For the Patroller Skills Station, candidates are trained and evaluated on their snowplow, sideslip, and transition skills, as well as equipment carry and ski-ability (often known as crud skiing). For the Toboggan Handling Station, candidates are trained and evaluated on their skills at loaded toboggan front, loaded toboggan rea r, and an empty toboggan run. Training clinics and evaluations are held on “Senior-Rated Terrain” known as “more to most difficult” terrain.

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Senior OET Evaluation Format: There are two formats which the Regional OET Trainer-Evaluators use to evaluate Senior Candidates:

1. Senior Patroller Clinic/Evaluation is a two-day event in which Senior Patroller candidates participate in clinics and evaluations. The advantage of this format is that it gives candidates an opportunity for practice and improvement over a two-day span. It gives the Trainer-Evaluators a longer time for evaluating candidates. This format also reduces the possibility of the candidate being unsuccessful in a station due to “one bad run,” a demo misunderstanding, nervousness, etc.

2. Senior Patroller Challenge Evaluation is a one-day event in which Senior Patroller candidates are shown demonstrations of the required skills by Regional Trainer-Evaluators then asked to perform the skills for evaluation. This format takes on more of a testing atmosphere, with little time for practice due to time constraints. The challenge format is not for everyone, but if you are competent and confident of your Senior level skills, it can be a rewarding way to achieve the Senior OET level.

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Trainer-Evaluator Testing Criteria Differences between Senior and TE criteria include a higher “level of mastery,” consistency, the ability to demo the skills, and the skills to teach Senior Candidates. The TE Evaluation is often focused on the ability to teach, performing the skills is seen in the quality of the Trainee’s demos. “Level of Mastery” within the OET program is often cited as attaining a SEVEN for becoming a Trainer-Evaluation (traditionally, the Senior level has been known as attaining a SIX). The testing criteria found below show the same skiing, patroller skills, and toboggan handling tasks as those used in Senior Evaluations, however, separating the level of mastery between SIX and SEVEN should be evident in the bulleted descriptions and accompanying videos. To highlight the difference, the word “Performance” has been added to some of the elements. Therefore the passing score for each element remains at “Satisfactory - Essential elements appear frequently at a satisfactory level” or higher. Score card-wise, the passing grade is identical to Senior Candidates. But “level of mastery” and performance separates successful TE Trainees that attain the OET program’s traditional level SEVEN.

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Performance Short Radius Turn Location: Most Difficult Groomed Size: Approx. 15’ “One Groomer Track”

● Ski performance is as carved as possible given terrain, conditions, and ski design. Pressure is directed along the length of the skis and toward the outside ski.

● The line taken by the skis sends the center of mass, across the hill and a consistent tempo is maintained through the run.

● These are not fall line-oriented, short swing turns. ● The skis are tipped and engaged early in the turn. ● The skis are parallel with similar edge angles. ● Both ski edges are engaged and bent during the shaping

phase of the turn. ● Speed is controlled through turn shape. ● Fore/aft pressure control is managed through proportional

flexion and extension of all joints. ● The torso remains stable and disciplined. ● Skier demonstrates the ability to turn, pivot, and steer

feet/legs separate from the upper body.

Translate it all to Telemark Skiing Translate it all to Snowboarding (coming soon)

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Performance Medium Radius Turn

Location: More/Most Difficult/Groomed 15’+ “Two Groomer Tracks” wide

● See short turn criteria. ● TE-Trainee’s center of mass remains over the base of support

while directing pressure along the length of the skis and toward the outside ski.

● Skier is in control and balanced throughout. ● Appropriate adjustments to inclination and angulation are

made to accommodate turn size.

Performance Long Radius Turn

Location: More Difficult/Groomed 30’+ “Three Groomer Tracks” wide

● TE-Trainee’s center of mass remains over the base of support while directing pressure along the length of the skis and toward the outside ski.

● Appropriate adjustments to inclination and angulation are made to accommodate turn size.

● Turn shapes are arcs, not linked traverses. ● Skis leave mostly clean “railroad tracks.”

Ski Ability

Location: Most Difficult Mogul/Crud

● Linked turns demonstrating the ability to adapt to changing snow and terrain.

● Speed is controlled and maintained. ● Shape of the turn is made with skis turning more than the

upper body. ● Ski/Snow contact in all terrain is maintained through

progressive flexion and extension of ankles, knees, and hips. ● Upper body remains stable with little lower-body movements. ● Regulates the magnitude of pressure created through

ski/snow interaction. Demonstrates “touch” in changing conditions and terrain.

Pivot Slip Assessment Activity

Location: Most Difficult Groomed and Moguled Slope

● TE sideslips while maintaining a narrow corridor. ● Both legs pivot 180-degree under a stable pelvis and upper

body. ● Pivot point is under the center of the skis. ● Ski/Snow contact is maintained through progressive flexion and

extension of ankles, knees, and hips. ● Speed is controlled and maintained.

Greater detail into Pivot Slipping can be found by watching this Pivot Slip Video.

TE Assessment Criteria for Performance and Demos Division Staff examiners may ask TE Trainees to perform some or all of the listed tasks. Trainees must provide high-quality demonstrations with an understanding of the Five Fundamentals and be able to discuss how each affects performance. TE Trainee demos will be held on “most difficult,” moguled, and groomed terrain.

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Performance Tasks

● TE Trainees will be prepared to demonstrate the demos in a variety of terrain and conditions.

● Demos should be well-practiced and accurate to convey the critical elements to senior candidates at exams or during training.

● TE-Trainees can accurately demo the skills required to successfully manage a toboggan meeting all senior toboggan criteria.

● Has the ability to separate skill elements and present them in the context of coaching others.

● Capable of relating the skills using the “Five Fundamentals.” ● How does the pivot slip skill provide a good indicator or upper/lower

body separation? How does it apply to ski/ride and toboggan skills?

Snowplow

Sideslip

Transition

Pivot Slip

Loaded Sled

Empty Sled

Tail Rope

Loaded Sled

Knowledge/Coaching Assessment Criteria

Immediate Feedback Effectively assesses student(s) skill levels and plans appropriate progressions (ADAPT)

● Identifying Cause and Effect. ● This pertains to a candidate’s understanding of what body movements

cause effective and ineffective skiing/riding. ● Conclusions should be based on a working understanding of the Five

Fundamentals.

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Knowledge Base

Demonstrates an understanding and application of the FIVE Fundamentals with relation to Patroller Skills and Toboggan Handling

● Accurately describes OET tasks such as: ○ Sideslip ○ Snowplow ○ Transition ○ Hockey Stop Assessment ○ Empty Sled Run ○ Loaded Toboggan ○ Tail Rope ○ Pivot Slip

● TE-Trainee can accurately apply the Five Fundamentals when describing

skiing and toboggan skills tasks.

Communication This pertains to how the mechanics of Skiing/Riding and toboggan related skills are conveyed. Is the message easily understood and accurate? Will the terminology used be accurate, well communicated, and understood by prospective students? Are the word choices used as a help or hindrance to learning? Utilizes PISE format to provide feedback within the OET program’s overall teaching methodology.

Evaluation Scoring Understands OET scoring and demonstrates the ability to document the feedback necessary to support all scores.

TE-Trainee accurately provides scores and feedback to the level necessary to score at a senior exam. Displays adequate understanding of the expectations at each level and how to provide constructive feedback to candidates.

Evaluation Setup Demonstrates knowledge and application of OET performance standards with regard to skills, terrain choice, toboggans, and safety procedures.

TE-Trainee selects appropriate terrain for evaluation and demos and is fluent in toboggan safety and risk management for events.

Trainer-Evaluator Senior Evaluation Scoring Process TE-Trainees will be expected to perform at a SATISFACTORY level or higher on each skill element.

● Essential Elements were not observed or not present. ● Essential elements are beginning to appear. ● Essential elements appear, but not with consistency. ● Essential elements appear frequently, at a satisfactory level. ● Essential elements appear consistently above the required level. ● Essential elements appear continuously, at a superior level.

TE-Trainees must perform a higher Level of Standard than Seniors. Reviewing the OET elements described in the TE section illustrate the higher level of performance required to pass. The critical question being asked while observing TE Trainees is: How effectively does the TE-Trainee display the skills being tested against the standard for each activity? Steering Committee members mark scorecards using the same grading criteria described above to pass Trainees who are observed performing the essential elements at a SATISFACTORY level or higher. The grading scale is a guideline meant to show that Trainees are achieving the TE Level of Standard. This traditional TE level has been known as Seven. It defines the level of performance mastery and skill understanding, which is different from Senior patrollers, traditionally known as level Six. The videos embedded throughout the OET web pages, as well as the personalized training that the Trainees receive from their respective Regional OET mentors, are designed to provide an understanding of the difference between Senior Patrollers and the performance level required for becoming a Trainer-Evaluator. Think of the TE Evaluation scoring as an intuitive guide for recognizing whether performance indicators appear at the TE Level of Standard:

● Not present (not TE level) ● Beginning to appear (not TE level) ● Not yet consistent (not TE level) ● Satisfactory TE Level

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● Consistent TE Level ● Fully mastered TE Level (possibly Certified level)

The scorecard is set up with the elements showing bulleted performance indicators. Scores are recorded for each assessment element. Determining a successful PASS for a TE-Trainee requires performing all the elements, attaining scores of “satisfactory” or higher for each performance indicator.

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Prerequisite for becoming a Trainer-Evaluator Patrollers who want to become Trainer-Evaluators must begin by contacting their Regional OET Advisor. TEs are regional staff members directed by the OET RA. Individual regions decide how many TE Trainee openings are required to fill the Region’s needs. It takes a minimum of a season and a half before TE Trainees are ready for evaluation in front of the division’s OET Steering Committee. Most trainees take more than two years to master the level of performance, teaching skills, and the ability to evaluate Senior Candidates. The Regional Staff that takes on a Trainee is responsible for preparing them for successfully passing the TE evaluation. The following list shows the prerequisites required in the typical order achieved by TE Trainees:

1. Alpine Senior Patroller. 2. OET Toboggan Instructor (at your local patrol, however, some RAs provide

this step at the Regional Staff training level). 3. Selected as a TE prospect by your Regional OET Advisor or OET ITs. 4. Mentored by the Regional Staff Instructor Trainers under the direction of the

RA (they become officially known as a TE Trainees). 5. Attend the Eastern Division OET Online Moodle School courses that introduce

the Five Fundamentals and OET Trainer-Evaluator Teaching Methods. 6. When ready, the OET RA will send the TE Trainee to Patroller School as an

observer (optional, but recommended for learning evaluation expectations). 7. Continued mentoring by the Regional Staff Instructor Trainers. 8. When ready, the OET RA will send the TE Trainee to Patroller School for final

evaluation. 9. Those trainees who pass at Patroller School are certified as Senior Program

Trainer-Evaluators for three years. Each Region manages this process differently. Some RAs require a formal application and issue TE Trainees mentoring forms for logging their training and teaching opportunities. Other regions mentor their trainees informally. Becoming an OET Trainer-Evaluator is not a level for achievement, it is reserved for those who show dedication for teaching at the Regional level on a Regional Senior Training Staff. Re-Certification at a Patroller School event is required every three years to maintain a Trainer-Evaluator certification, furthermore, all the NSP

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requirements for maintaining an OET Toboggan Instructor appointment must be done concurrently.

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OET Trainer-Evaluator Teaching Methods Over the last twenty-five years, Eastern Division OET has developed a five-point "Teaching Methods Philosophy" used by TEs when coaching Senior Candidates. All five methods in the philosophy can be found in the Instructor Development textbook called "Training the Adult Learner." It is important to download a copy and re-read the chapters cited below, These are the core of OET Instructional understanding. OET Teaching Philosophy

1. Lesson Progressions that chain together "Snippets" to facilitate incremental success as a pathway for mastering skills (ID textbook Appendix D Effective Teaching Techniques -- Focusing on One Element).

2. Snippet Sized Lessons with manageable objectives designed to simplify guided practice, leading to quicker student success (ID textbook Chapter 2 Adult Learning Characteristics).

3. Six-Pack Lesson Planning with an emphasis on Concluding Objectives and Summarization (ID textbook Chapter 5 Lesson Planning).

4. Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation to re-teach skills, customizing faster student success (ID textbook Chapter 8 Monitoring and Evaluation).

5. Individualized Positive Immediate Student Feedback used throughout all learning activities (ID textbook Chapter 3 Human Relations and Communication).

Structuring on-snow courses that include all five methods is important. Once TE Trainees make it to a Patroller School evaluation, their teaching and grading will be assessed against their skillful use of all the OET Teaching Methods.

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ADAPT is the MONITORING AND EVALUATION model that must be intertwined throughout the bulk of a typical lesson. During Content Delivery, the Instructor should be checking for understanding. While coaching students during Learning Activities, Instructors should be evaluating students for progress. ADAPTing and Re-ADAPTing are central to good coaching.

Assess – observe and identify student strengths and needs for improvement. Develop - craft a lesson for ‘ONE’ development area that will do the “MOST GOOD!” Assign Tasks - Think of an activity or drill that can help and builds off any prior drills/activities (progression) and includes components of kinesthetic, visual & verbal learning. Practice - Give the patroller ample time to practice (ie: multiple runs, varying terrain, ample coaching), Test - with immediate positive feedback.

Re-ADAPT reminds TEs to repeat the ADAPT process until the students learn the skills before moving onto new topics.

Individualized Positive Immediate Student Feedback needs to be the primary method of guiding students. It’s important to focus on ONE skill at a time when selecting feedback. OET refers to this as PISE feedback to remind TEs how to convey it.

PISE feedback:

● Positive - always begin with skills the student shows successfully ● Improvement - choose one element that can be improved. ● Specific - provide a specific way of achieving improvement. ● Evaluation - give students a score!

Good Teaching Habits are important for creating a learning environment. For example, gather the group in safe locations, remove your goggles, stand below the group, speak clearly so you can be heard, etc. Avoid using: “I want to see you do…” or “I didn’t like it when you…”

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Focus on: “Did you notice how you did…” or “How did it feel when…” ADAPT your lessons with drills and activities to address the most critical area that might make the biggest improvements. Demo Accuracy - TE candidates will be asked to provide demos of various senior-level skills and drills. They will be expected to successfully evaluate the quality of these demos. Simulations may be employed to provide evaluation discussions for dissecting the fundamentals. Candidates are expected to show an understanding of how to highlight individual fundamentals during lessons as a teaching technique.

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Terrain Selection Considerations for Eastern Division OET Senior Events

Most regions have terrain that has consistently been used and accepted by the Eastern Division for OET events, the discussion that follows is for consideration when new terrain, for whatever reason, is being considered.

The Eastern Division Senior Scoring Booklet indicates what terrain each skill is to be performed on: More Difficult or Most Difficult, either Smooth or Moguled when available.

Unfortunately, as our sister organization the PSIA describes it quite well: “As each ski resort determines its own terrain difficulty, there is no standard for every trail rating. The levels of all alpine trails are relative to each other. For example, a beginner level trail (green circle) at a steep ski mountain may be markedly more difficult than an intermediate level trail (blue square) at another resort.”

The Eastern Division OET Steering Committee is striving to be sure that senior evaluations are as consistent as possible across the entire division. The goal being if an individual were to pass a Senior OET evaluation at one mountain, that individual would stand an equal chance of success at every S&T evaluation in all 14 regions of the Eastern Division.

What National has given us in The Ski Patroller’s manual, page 129, National Ski Patrol Senior Program Terrain Requirements is: “ To host senior alpine and evaluation activities, an area should have a slope that averages 40% grade (22 degrees) for at least 800 feet. Senior training and evaluation clinics may be 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 be smooth and moguled. (Moguls may be unexpectedly unavailable because of last minute grooming, snowfall, etc., but every effort must be made to select ski areas that meet terrain requirements under normal operating conditions.)

However, our score books use the terms More Difficult and Most Difficult, and there is no correlation or connection to what the slope is for More or Most Difficult.

While there is no established standard for trail ratings the internet does provide some guidance, so as a working definition of trail ratings to be used in the Eastern Division for OET programs:

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· Easiest: Up to 25% grade or 14 degrees.

· More Difficult: 25% to 40% grade or 14-22 degrees

· Most Difficult: Steeper than 40% grade, over 22 degrees

· Take into consideration the width of the trail, sharpest turns, terrain roughness, double fall lines, and whether the trail is groomed regularly

The best method is for the RA and Division Staff to agree on what trails are acceptable terrain in that Region for an OET event, ahead of time. The real goal is to have the terrain be challenging enough to allow the candidate to demonstrate the advanced skills we expect of a senior patroller.

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NSP Eastern Division Online Moodle School Eastern Division OET Program maintains courses for Trainer-Evaluator Trainees which guide them in the understanding of the Five Fundamentals and OET Teaching Methods. Every TE Trainee is required to take the online courses at their own pace. Contact your Regional OET Advisor to get access to Moodle School.

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What to Expect on TE Evaluation Weekend Trainer-Evaluator evaluations and Re-Certifications are held exclusively at OET Patroller Schools. TE Trainees are evaluated over a two day period in a relaxed clinic/evaluation format. Day 1

● TE Trainees will facilitate and teach** a full day toboggan/patroller skills clinic. ● They will appropriately assess the ability level of the group. ● Address safety and clinic expectations. ● Develop and implement an appropriate lesson progression based upon the

skill/experience of the group. ● Provide attendees with appropriate tasks and feedback to promote

improvement. ● Provide patroller skills and toboggan handling demos for participants at an

average of 4 runs during the clinic. (Link to TE report card doc on Division OET Webpage) **TE Trainees will be observed teaching by a Division OET Steering or Staff member. To ensure the ability to accurately score senior events candidates will be asked to “score” and provide feedback to clinic members with respect to the Senior OET elements. Day 2 Clinic with Division Steering/Staff Members/PSIA Educational Staff Member

● TE Trainees will demonstrate personal proficiency as described in the scoring criteria found earlier in this manual.

● The clinic will include skiing, patroller skills, and toboggan updates with an emphasis on useful drills and incorporating contemporary ski/toboggan instruction terminology within the OET Teaching Philosophy.

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General OET Toboggan Instructor Refresher Guidelines

Introduction The Eastern Division OET Program maintains a local Toboggan Instructor recertification course known as a Toboggan Trainers Workshop (TTW). Every OET Toboggan Instructor is required to recertify every three years to maintain their NSP Instructor appointment, along with other requirements managed by the Regional OET Advisor. Eastern Division OET maintains a TTW course curriculum document on the division’s website titled: Course Content for TTW. Download a copy to discover the details. Expectations for the day

● Have fun! ● Review teaching skills and have an opportunity to demonstrate patroller and

toboggan skills. ● Discuss teaching techniques and help build new lesson concepts for your

toolkit.

Role of a Toboggan Instructor: ● Be a “Trainer” first… make the learning process enjoyable for the student! ● Coordinate the local patrol’s annual “Toboggan Check-Off” process (eg, what

is required, tips/tricks for managing it, course completion/release) ● If unsure at any point, ask for help… Regional Advisor, TE, etc. ● Overview of toboggan components (eg, skegs, chain brake, tail rope, handles,

locks)

Patroller Skills ● Snowplow: Does the patroller maintain effective movement by slipping the

edge(s) without railing during terrain changes? ● Sideslip: Does the patroller maintain effective movement by slipping the

edge(s) in either direction without traversing? ● Transition Maneuver:

Does the patroller maintain consistent speed with a braking edge on the snow while changing direction and not deviating from the “fall line” corridor?

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Snowboarder: Does the patroller maintain a consistent speed during direction change going from one braking edge to the other while spinning the board in the “fall line” corridor?

Toboggan Handling Skills ● Unloaded: Does the patroller safely and efficiently control the toboggan in the

fall line to the accident site? ● Loaded – Front/Driving: Does the patroller safely and efficiently control the

toboggan in the fall line by using appropriate skill maneuvers while monitoring the patient?

● Unloaded – Back/Tail-rope: Does the patroller safely and efficiently manage the tail rope, while maintaining an optimal position for braking or an emergency stop by using appropriate skill maneuvers?

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Helpful Information and Links NSP Eastern Division OET Website

NSP Eastern Division Snow Pro Tips Videos

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