The Level 4, five (5) day course is aimed at those instructors wanting to become trainers. The course has three stages - Skills, Training and Theory.
PREREQUISITES:
-Be a current APSI member;
-Own the current APSI Nordic teaching manual;
-Hold a Nordic Level 3 Instructional qualification
-It is expected that intending participants would have Nordic track skied for at least 10 seasons, raced at least Nationally and have taught at least 100 Nordic ski lessons over at least five seasons.
The required advanced levels in all Nordic Skills are reviewed and covered in one day. Candidates are expected to be very competent in skiing and demonstrating all Nordic Skills before attempting the course. Generally, the next 4 days are held concurrently with a Level 3 course where as well as joining the level 3 candidates, the level 4 candidates will be expected to absorb and display a higher level of movement analysis and teaching skills.
A separate examination day (all levels) is required for qualification at this level. It is expected that as well as attending an All Levels Examination Day as a candidate, a Level 4 candidate will take on the role of “Rookie” examiner on that day and assess other candidates at the exam.
The APSI level four qualifications is aimed at the career instructor, the intensive five day training program includes concentration on absolute finesse in all aspects of the Classical and skating techniques including perfection in transitions. There is a focus on Training the Trainer and therefore attention is given to ‘tricks of the trade’ and teaching and examining potential instructors. The biomechanical and physiological aspects behind technique and the matching of technique to age, size and strength of the student are covered in detail. Various aspects of Technical Delegate knowledge such as FIS rules and regulations and course design are required to be studied. On successful completion a Level Four instructor is qualified to teach advanced lessons (all aspects, all techniques), and a variety of tactics to match technique changes to terrain with an introduction to XC ski racing.
A further requirement to complete qualification is to prepare an article on an aspect or aspects of Nordic Skiing that is suitable for publication in Sno-Pro or another professional magazine or journal. The article subject and length/size will be subject to negotiation with the Nordic TD.