All coaches should read the following, although the lead coach will be responsible for creating lesson plans and team communication (the coordinator will ensure the higher-level season is planned and communicated to members, such as themes and events). Some teams prefer to share the responsibility of lead, which is fine provided lesson plans are followed.

Police Records Check

All coaches are required to have passed a Police Records Check within the last three years in order to participate in lessons, as described in our club screening policy. The following options are available to complete a Police Records Check:

  • A free Police Records Check can be obtained in Ontario by visiting a local police department with the volunteer letter found in our support material and the relevant application form, or in Quebec by going through info@nakkertok.ca who will drop off the application form on your behalf

Pre-Season

Lessons

In the first few lessons, discuss and remind the team of the following:

  • If an athlete has any relevant allergies/medical conditions (should be mentioned in registration, but not always)
  • All classes begin on time so that athletes don’t get bored or cold waiting around
  • All personal equipment should be labelled, and athletes should be dressed for the weather
  • Athletes should bring a nut-free snack and a drink for a mid-lesson break
  • The majority of classes have two coaches (more for Bunnyrabbits), and may require additional assistance in the first few lessons
  • Parents need to notify the coaches when they take their athlete, especially if they plan to leave early

In all lessons:

  • Classes meet in the stadium area near the main chalet (South or North), and include a short warmup
  • Note that many technical skills can be taught through games (example, children can learn numerous things from playing a game of tag such as gliding, stopping and turning)
  • Get to know the equipment provided in the shed (equipment bags, cones, balls, polo, tug-of-war rope) and make use of it!
  • Remember to have a nut-free snack break with a drink about half-way through the lesson
  • Out on the trails kids should stay between coaches (one at the front, one at the back); older kids can be allowed to ski ahead provided they return or wait at intersections
  • Inform the team about upcoming events (photo or costume day, races, etc.)
  • In the event you need to administer first aid you are required to complete an accident report

Lead Coach

Have a lesson and season plan and be familiar with the level that you are coaching and how this level should be evaluated by using the (onsnow only) evaluation criteria. When you’re structuring lessons, please take the following into account:

  • Start the season with games, drills, and activities to build individual technique and equalize differences in fitness and ability
  • Vary your lessons and activities to keep kids engaged and happy
  • Gradually introduce more distance to hiking/skiing as the season progresses, and to put learned techniques to practice
  • Compared to older kids, younger kids have a shorter attention span and need more activities that are shorter in duration
  • Always have a backup game in case things are slow, and include safety considerations in your plans
  • Remember to have a nut-free snack break with a drink about half-way through the lesson
  • Recommendations for using poles (dryland/onsnow):
    • Bunnyrabbits: no poles
    • JR Level 1: mostly no poles
    • JR Level 2: gradually increase use from class to class
    • JR Levels 3 & 4: regular usage starting at class #1
    • Games: no poles
  • Nakkertok North is classic technique only, and very hilly

Coaching Bunnyrabbits (and Jackrabbit Level 1)

  • Limit formal instruction, and mix play and discovery into your plans
  • Teach herringbone right away; Nakkertok is rolling terrain
  • Don’t go too far away from the stadium as you have to make it back
  • Bring extra mitts that fit over cold hands, hand warmers, large wool socks with the toe cut out to act as over-boots (hand warmers will also fit under the sock)
  • Snackertok encourages the use of treats for motivation (example, one Smartie each at the top of a hill)
  • Lessons are two hours long but thirty minutes can be spent indoors (more in very old weather)
  • Snack time can be inside or outside, depending on the age group and the weather

Class Cancellation

Coaches cannot cancel lessons, but they can choose to spend more time indoors in very cold or wet weather. The decision to cancel lessons is made by the day coordinators and learn-to-ski director. If classes are cancelled, the lead coach will receive a call from the day coordinator by 8:00 am (for morning lessons) or 10:30 am (for afternoon lessons). It will be your responsibility to call (not email) your co-instructors and the team members. Classes may be cancelled for the following reasons (but are not limited to):

  • Too cold (below -25C without wind chill)
  • Too icy and therefore too dangerous to ski or drive
  • Too much snow and therefore too dangerous to drive

If you are unable to coach a lesson, it is your responsibility to find someone to replace you (in addition to other coaches on your team). At least two coaches per class are always required.

Nakkertok Val-des-Monts

When classes are held at Nakkertok Val-des-Monts, please remind people of the following:

  • Bring your classic ski equipment for some backcountry fun!
  • Please leave additional time to get there (add 20 mins to drive time from Ottawa)
  • Please look for your instructor near the main chalet because there will be no class signs
  • Be careful as there is a snowmobile trail that runs along the highway and the parking lot
  • If you’re the first on site, please open up the cabin and start a fire in the stove