The `Common Theory` course is a prerequisite for the ISIA stamp and underpins the theory discussed and directly applied in level 3 and 4, on-snow courses. This course is aimed at the potential ISIA Teacher or Level 3 Coach, who will work with and probably supervise other instructors and coaches. The ISIA level is a significant step up from level 2 and presumes the candidate is intending to make a professional career from teaching and coaching snowsports.This level of professional may become responsible for helping other instructors and coaches and guiding them through the various qualifications.

The week long course will develop the application and understanding of evidence based practice and sports science theory, to expand your frame of reference for teaching and performance skiing.

Candidates will explore the scientific background and latest practices in safety, technique, teaching, fitness & sports psychology and relate this to your own teaching and performance action plan. The tutors are highly qualified in their specialist areas, and in applying their techniques to snowsports coaching, teaching and performance.

The content and exercises presented directly support higher level on-snow courses, particularly the Level 3 & 4 technical modules and the level 3 & 4 teaching modules, plus planning for assessments, the Test Technique, Eurotest or other racing. Please note it is also important to be fit and well to take a full part in the practical workshops including; strenuous mountain hiking, land training and weight training, where the theory is applied and developed. There are 8 interrelated aspects in the course.

This section is mainly outdoor practical work including revising fundamental principles of safe leading (off-piste), transceiver practice, and practical mountain navigation / map reading and compass work. Students will be involved in an outdoor experience including mountain leadership over rough and steep ground as part of the introductory icebreaking for the course. Students who have already passed the BASI Mountain Safety course will be advanced towards the EMS skills. N.B.

Snowsports Physiology

The main focus are practical physical preparation and fitness, in particular strength and conditioning for high performance skiing/riding and relating to your personal `action plans` plus also advising recreational clients. There will be accompanying theory and additional materials on the science of warm-up, flexibility and muscle soreness.

Snowsports Biomechanics

This seminar, demonstration and practical workshop section is provided to flesh out the information presented in the BASI Manual and deals with analysing sports movement based on a deeper understanding of how the body works. Emphasis is placed on improving observation and mechanical reasoning skills including with video analysis. Considerations will include technical terminology, models, alignment, balance and rotation skills.

Snowsports Medicine

This section will consider aspects beyond the First Aid qualification and focus on the prevention and management of injury, and include altitude considerations. It will include specific consideration of the structure and function of the knee joint and spine, in relation to alignment and protection.

Nutrition and Hydration in Snowsports

This section will consider appropriate strategies to support training and performance, as well as general health including the effect of dehydration and low blood sugar on motor coordination. Advice will be given on how to approach improving nutritional status with athletes, children and recreational skiers and riders.

Snowsports Psychology (and Social Psychology)

This section considers how to get the best performance out of yourself, your clients, athletes and/or your co-workers. Specific aspects will include coping with assessments and advanced teaching / coaching methods.

Lifestyle & Professional Ethics

This section will consider long term development, climate setting, group dynamics, the role of peer groups and review the roles, responsibilities, tourism and legal requirements, for working in snowsports within the UK and abroad.

Performance Planning

This section will consider personal and group / team annual planning in detail. Using the key aspects pertinent to your situation, that you have developed and had time to reflect on over the week, you will produce a new action plan. It is the important culmination of the week, where you will refine and produce a detailed plan for your performance development over the coming season