Call for Applications: FISU 2021 Team Canada Coaches and Technicians

June 24, 2020

U SPORTS, as the Canadian franchise holder of the Federation du Sport Universitaire (FISU), is responsible for the coordination and entry of the Canadian Team in the 2021 Winter Universiade.

In collaboration with U SPORTS, Nordic Canada is seeking two (2) experienced individuals to be a part of the Canadian Cross Country team for the 30th Winter Universiade.

Where: Lucerne, Switzerland

When: the 30^th Universiade is an 11 day multi winter sport event that is scheduled to take place from January 21 – 31, 2021

What: The Universiade takes place every two years in various cities all over the world. It is one of the largest winter multisport events worldwide, second only in size to the Olympic Games. The Universiade will feature over 70 medal events, encompassed in the following 10 sports:

Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Cross Country Skiing, Curling, Figure Skating, Freestyle Skiing, Ice Hockey, Short Track Speed Skating, Ski Orienteering, Snowboard

Term of appointment: The successful candidates will serve in their respective appointments from July 8, 2020 – February 1, 2021

Funding: The coaching and technician positions are voluntary and are partially self-funded. The cost of participation will be approximately $5500. This is inclusive of all travel, accommodations, meals, and planned on-site team activities. Previously, the team leader has generated some sponsorship funds to offset a portion of the cost. However, it is expected that costs may fluctuate.

Details: Team Canada is allowed to send a maximum team of 12 athletes (6 men, 6 women) and 4 officials (1 team leader, 1 head coach, 1 assistant coach/wax technician and 1 dedicated wax technician) to participate in the following events :

Men Women

1.6 km Sprint C 1.2 km Sprint C

Ind. 10 km C Ind. 5 km C

Pursuit 10 km F Pursuit 5 km F

Mass Start 30 km C Mass Start 15 km C

Relay 4x 7.5 km CCFF Relay 3x 5 km CFF

1.2 km Mixed Team Sprint F (1 W+ 1 M)

The Universiade is open to any competitor between the ages of 18 and 25 (born between Jan 1, 1996 and Dec 31, 2003) in the year of the Games, who is a full-time post-secondary student (eg University, college, CEGEP) or has graduated from a post-secondary institution within the previous year of the event.

Canadian Cross Country Ski Head Coach requirements

Candidates for the position of head coach will possess the best combination of the following:

Coach certification to be prioritized in the following order:
- CDAG certified
- CDAG in training (2nd year ACD)
- CDAG in training (1^st year ACD following individual assessment)/Level 4 certified (old system)
- L2C certified
- Level 3 certified (old system)
Demonstrated administrative and leadership qualities including organizational, communication and team skills.
Previous international experience or national team experience as a coach – Cross Country
Willingness and ability to raise funds or access to individuals who will raise funds for this project

Canadian Cross Country Ski Assistant Coach requirements

Candidates for the position of assistant coach will possess the best combination of the following:

Coach certification to be prioritized in the following order:
- CDAG in training (1^st year ACD)
- L2C certified/level 4 certified (old system)
- Level 3 certified (old system)
Previous international and/or national experience as a coach – Cross Country
Ability to work as a team member and fulfill varied tasks required by the team
Excellent interpersonal skills
Previously demonstrated strong communication and organization skills
Waxing skills and testing abilities
Willingness to contribute to raising funds or access to individuals who will raise funds for this project will be considered an asset

Canadian Cross Country Ski Technician requirements

Comprehensive waxing skills and testing abilities (including for kick and glide in warm and cold conditions).
Previous international experience or national team experience as a coach, athlete or technician – Cross Country
Excellent interpersonal and proven ability to work as a team member
Willingness to contribute to raising funds or access to individuals who will raise funds for this project will be considered an asset
NCCP cross country ski coaching certification (L2T or higher) would be considered an asset

Applications for these positions

Must be committed to providing a positive international and educational sporting experience for the members of Team Canada
Must project an exemplary model of conduct and sportsmanship for Canada

Selection dates

Selections will be made by July 8, 2020. The team leader will be part of the nominated selection committee for selecting team staff. Only the successful candidates will be notified.

Submission Deadlines

Applicants are requested to outline their abilities in relation to the above in a cover letter and include a personal resume. All applications must be submitted as electronic file attachments in an email no later than July 3, 2020 to Coordinating Committee – Katja Mathys Email:

The Cross Country Ski Coordinating Committee and the Team Leader will review all of the applications and make selections.

Additional Information

Gender equity, bilingual language requirements and team environment compatibility will be considered. All candidates shall be subjected to a screening process, including a criminal reference and driving offence check, prior to the confirmation of their selection.
Candidates must have a valid passport and be allowed to travel to Europe and the United States
Retained coaches must complete the Safe Sport online training module available through the Locker.

For more information on Winter Universiade, visit the official website for the Games https://www.winteruniversiade2021.ch/en/