Weekly Division Update Nov 2
Dear Divisions, please share this information within your offices and with your members as appropriate.
Table of Contents
- Introducing the New Instructor Stream
- Updated for Coaches and Instructors: Coaching License and Minimum Mandatory Coaching Qualifications
- New and Important for Club Administrators: Tier 3 Event FAQs Updated
- Clubs Can Now Apply for Tier 1, 2, and 3 Sanctions
- SafeSport: New Nordiq Canada Independent Third Party
- Para Nordic Annual Development Camp
- Para Nordic International WC Trip Selection Races
- Lunch and Learn Sessions for Nordic Coaches
Introducing the New Instructor Stream
Nordiq Canada’s Bunnyrabbit, Jackrabbit and Track Attack programs are so popular that you asked for similar programs for other ages. Nordiq Canada delivered. Introductory programs for all ages are here and can be offered in clubs across the country starting this winter!
The first step for clubs is to encourage people to register for instructor training, a new stream under the coaching pathway. As part of their training, instructors will learn how to teach cross country skiing and will receive ready-to-deliver lesson plans.
There are three parts to becoming an instructor: Coach Initiation in Sport Online (45 minutes), Introduction to Community Coaching Online (3-4 hours), and the in-person Instructor Workshop (18 hours). Nordiq Canada is offering three in-person Instructor Workshops this winter. Registration is open:
- December 1-3 in Canmore, Alberta
- December 15-17 Val Morin, Quebec
- January 17-19 in Charlo, New Brunswick
Before teaching their first session, instructors need to sign up for a Coaching License.
Divisions, this year’s in-person Instructor Workshops will also train Learning Facilitators. Please contact to co-identify Learning Facilitator candidates.
Updated for Coaches and Instructors: Coaching License and Minimum Mandatory Coaching Qualifications
Our #1 job as clubs, coaches, and instructors is to keep participants safe! That’s why we have a Coaching License. New this year, all coaches (including instructors) must have a Coaching License no matter how many hours they coach or instruct. Previously, people coaching fewer than seven hours did not need a coaching license.
The Coaching License comes with certain requirements, including agreeing to:
- Follow the Coaching Association of Canada’s Code of Ethics and Nordiq Canada’s SafeSport policies
- Taking the Coaching Association of Canada’s SafeSport Training, Understanding the Rule of Two, and Making Ethical Decisions Online Evaluation, all available in the Locker
- Meeting Nordiq Canada’s Minimum Mandatory Coaching Qualifications
Minimum Mandatory Coaching Qualifications
Does this sound like a lot? The good news is the SafeSport training can be completed in about two hours and is free. Meeting the minimum coaching qualifications is progressive – if you’re just getting started as a coach or instructor, the training should be just what you need.
Divisions, this note also confirms that only two changes were made to the Minimum Mandatory Coaching Qualifications this year: elimination of the ‘under-seven-hour’ exemption (effective now) and addition of the instructor stream (effective January 20, 2024). No further changes will be made this year.
New and Important for Club Administrators: Tier 3 Event FAQs Updated
Club administrators, the Tier 3 FAQs have been updated to include information on how to apply for a sanction and collect the Tier 3 event fee from skiers.
Remember that if you are hosting an event that is open to people from outside your club, and are you charging more than $5/participant, you may need a Tier 3 event sanction. This is new this year. Luckily, it’s simple and inexpensive, and it ensures the event is insured.
Clubs Can Now Apply for Tier 1, 2, and 3 Sanctions
If you are hosting an event that is open to people from outside your club and you are charging more than $5/participant, you probably need an event sanction. To determine the type of sanction you need and what is required, read the Competition Sanctioning Policy. The online sanction application is now live. After you apply for the sanction online, you will receive an email confirming your application. Sanction approval will follow a week later.
SafeSport: New Nordiq Canada Independent Third Party
Athletes, coaches, officials, staff, and volunteers have the right to participate in a safe and inclusive training and competition environment that is free of abuse, harassment, or discrimination – collectively referred to as maltreatment. If you are a victim or witness of maltreatment, you are encouraged to contact the Canadian Sport Helpline. Operators can help you determine the organization or individual designated to receive your complaint. You may also choose to contact Nordiq Canada’s Independent Third Party Laurie Ehrman directly. Effective November 1, Laurie has replaced Brian Ward as Nordiq Canada’s Independent Third Party.
Para Nordic Annual Development Camp
Canmore AB Nov 17-19,2023
The Para Nordic Development camp will be a training camp to further support divisions and clubs in the Para Nordic athlete’s development, including technical refinement, tactical skills, an assessment of the athlete’s progress along the Para Nordic Gold Medal Profile, and a time trial. The camp will be followed by the Para Nordic International WC Trip Selection Races Nov 21-27 for eligible athletes.
Development opportunities are available to athletes, Coaches, and Wax Techs, and National Classification for eligible athletes.
Registration will be posted into the Nordiq Canada Coaches Whatsapp group.
For questions, contact Bjorn Taylor (Athlete and Coach Development Manager) b
Para Nordic International WC Trip Selection Races
Canmore will host four* FIS Para Snow Sport (FIS PSS) sanctioned Continental Cup races – two cross country and two biathlon*. To be eligible for selection and to achieve the required FIS PSS points, athletes must be FIS PSS/IPC internationally classified. Athletes hoping to compete at the trip selection races must meet the following minimum eligibility.
Registration will be posted into the Nordiq Canada Coaches Whatsapp group.
For questions, contact Bjorn Taylor (Athlete and Coach Development Manager) b
Lunch and Learn Sessions for Nordic Coaches
Session 4: Navigating the Coaching Landscape – Unveiling Resources and Opportunities presented by Hyperice and 360 Athletics.
November 14th, 2023, 12:00-12:50 MT
Nordiq Canada and Biathlon Canada are excited to announce the fourth session of the ‘virtual lunch’ and learn series “Navigating the Coaching Landscape”. This session will discuss what resources are available for nordic coaches and explore the following topics:
- Benefits and Health Plans
- Professional Coaching designation
- Coaching resources
- Coaching Grants
- Profession development opportunities
A recording will be available on our YouTube after the session.
Meeting ID: 827 9383 1041