THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF PSIA- CENTRAL

EARLY WINTER 2004

Coaching the Customer;
Coaching the Coaches IN THIS ISSUE
2 ASEA News
By Wm. “Skip” Dickel, PSIA-C President
3 On-Line
Pro-Representative
A New Era for Instructor Training List
Consider the professional athlete who earns a million dollars per event.
Does that athlete have a coach? More likely, that athlete has several 4 The 2004 National
coaches, even teams of specialized coaches. Academy
Does that professional athlete “take lessons”? What is the difference
between “taking a lesson” and “being coached”? 6 Beginning Funbox
Progression for
In snowsports, “taking a lesson” sometimes feels like what a rank novice Skiers
might do, “take lessons” in the very beginning to “learn how”. In truth,
snowsports “lessons” range from flatland introduction for the “never- 9 Snowball Toss
ever” rank novice to techniques in double diamond chutes for only the
accomplished expert.
10 PSIA-C Nomination
PSIA and AASI instructors are teachers, coaches, and clinic leaders. They Information
deliver beginner lessons to customers who are new to the sport; they coach
customers who already “know how”, or are even very accomplished; and 11 PSIA-C Election
they train each other with instructor clinics. Ballot
The broader concept is simply this: from day one until beyond the season
in which our elite expertise earns a million dollars per event, snowsport 12 Education Based?
guests and snowsport instructors all perform best, and enjoy the sport most,
when they experience the luxury of good coaching.

PSIA and AASI instructors are good coaches. PSIA and AASI instructors Check out
are the best snowsport coaches in the nation, and provide the greatest
opportunities for success and pleasure to the snowsport public. A true the Event
enthusiast will get the most from equipment, will overcome the greatest
challenges, and will experience the highest thrills of snowsport pleasures Calendar
when talent and skills are honed by coaching. A match made in Heaven.
Snow Heaven. changes on
page 8
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3)
 THE CENTRAL LINE
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL
SKI INSTRUCTORS OF AMERICA - CENTRAL
ASEA News
PSIA-C
3225 West St. Joseph
2004/2005
BOARD OF DIRECTORS By John Peppler, ASEA Executive Vice
Lansing, Michigan 48917 President
Wm. “Skip” Dickel President
Phone (517) 327-0601
Fax (517) 321-0495 Executive Vice President
info@psia-c.org Michael Bell Inspiring lifelong passion for the mountain
Education Vice President
General Information Members should Brent Heimann experience . . .
contact their board representatives to
Financial Vice President
share concerns or opinions on policies
David P. Kamke
or procedures in order that they be more Ski and snowboard season is here and, if this year is
effectively represented. Marketing Vice President
Submissions: Submissions of articles,
Mindy Covington as busy as last year, everyone in the snowsports world
Alpine Directors
photos, and other items for publication
are welcome. All documents that are 1 Wm. “Skip” Dickel
should be jumping for joy come April 2005. Skier days
submitted will be published on the web, Jeff Lewin were up across the country and ski areas in Central
therefore they should be submitted in 2 Brent Heimann
Microsoft Word Format (7.0 or higher) David P. Kamke were very busy as well.
with the following header: article name,
date and author. Documents can have 3 Robin K. Roberts
minimal graphics (GIF/BMP) small size - Thomas L. McIntosh I just returned from an ASEA Board of Directors meeting
no photographs (for website). Photographs 4 Kris Agnew
may be submitted to the office and will be Walter B. Sappington in Denver. ASEA is the American Snowsports Education
published in the Central Line but will not be
published on the web. Please send to the 5 Douglas Wren Association doing business as the Professional Ski
PSIA-C office at the above address. Articles Mark D. Foyteck
are accepted on the condition that they are 6 John F. Cole
Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American
released for publication in all PSIA and
PSIA division periodicals. PSIA-C reserves
Gary D. Kepler Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI). Several
Nordic Director
the right to edit all articles.
Michael Bell important pieces of legislation passed including:
The Central Line, copyright © 2003,
Snowboard Directors
is published four times per year by the
Professional Ski Instructors of America- 1,2,3 Chuck Ankeny Congratulations Dave!!!
Central. Permission is hereby given to 4,5,6 Mindy Covington
the Professional Ski Instructors of America Ex-Officio PSIA-N Director
and other divisions to copy original ma- John Peppler PSIA-C member David Nelson, former PSIA-C Alpine
terial from this newsletter providing credit
is given to the Professional Ski Instructors Examiner, former PSIA-C Alpine Education/Certification
of America-Central and the material is 2004/2005
not altered. Articles that contain specific EDUCATION FOUNDATION Committee member and former PSIA National
copyright notices may not be reprinted
unless written permission is obtained from
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Education/Certification Committee member was
President
the author. It is requested that a copy Wm. “Skip” Dickel granted PSIA Lifetime Membership status. This is the
of any publication containing reprinted
material from this newsletter be sent to Executive Vice President
Brent Heimann
highest honor given to PSIA-C members. I have had
the editor at the address above.
Subscriptions: Persons who are not
Financial Vice President & the privilege of working with Dave over the years and
members of PSIA-C can purchase a
one-year (four issues) subscription to The
Secretary
David P. Kamke
know he is very deserving of this high honor. Truly
Central Line for $15. Send your name and Alpine Directors Dave has been an inspiration to all of us.
address, along with your check, to PSIA-C 1 Wm. “Skip” Dickel
at the above address.
Jeff Lewin
Note: Materials published in The Central 2 Brent Heimann
Two Classes of Snowsports Schools
Line that have been provided by persons David P. Kamke
who are not writing as PSIA-C officials are
the responsibility of the author and are 3 Robin K. Roberts The ASEA Presidents Council presented a motion to
not necessarily endorsed by PSIA-C. Thomas L. McIntosh
4 Kris Agnew
the ASEA Board of Directors to provide for two levels of
PSIA-C STAFF Walter B. Sappington ASEA snowsports schools: A Certified Member School
Executive Director 5 Douglas Wren
Donnelly K. Eurich Mark D. Foyteck
that teaches snowsports as a primary business and has
Director of Continuing 6 John F. Cole a Level III PSIA or AASI member on the staff. And, a
Education/Member Services Gary D. Kepler
Katie HC Poindexter
Adaptive Directors
Registered Member School that teaches snowsports as
Administrative Services David Henderson a primary business that has an ASEA member in good
Donna Devereaux
Nordic Director
Kari Brandel
Michael Bell
standing on staff.
Government Relations/ Snowboard Directors
Education Coordinator
Kelly Johnston
1,2,3 Chuck Ankeny Your ASEA President, Skip Dickel, crafted this motion.
4,5,6 Mindy Covington
Publications Coordinator The primary purpose of this motion is to open up the
Nancy Hawkins Ex-Officio PSIA-N Director
John Peppler opportunity to be in contact with all snowsports schools
Administrative Support
Kelsey Gregory and to be in contact with all potential members. PSIA-C
Graphic Designer Contact information can be found
Erich Reich at www.psia-c.org/whoswho

2
(COACHING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)
New Coaching pathways
This season Central Division instructors – coaches
– have several pathway choices. An instructor may
seek clinic coaching in teaching, in technical riding or
skiing, a combination of both, a validation pathway to
certification, or a specialty pathway to such goals as
becoming an examiner or to return to instruction after
years of absence.
Central’s 2004-5 Events Calendar is organized by
pathway categories. Within pathway categories, events
are organized by level of development. An instructor
may seek coaching in fundamentals, or may seek
coaching in advanced instructor levels. Clinics at the
various levels are intended to provide coaching at an
appropriate development level, to refine and continue
personal development or, if desired, to pursue
certification to validate a development level.
Refinement and continued development are the
philosophic, and primary, goals of Central’s clinics.
Certification to validate development is a benefit that is
offered, but is not a dedicated or mandatory outcome.
Like the million-dollar athlete, Central instructors want
to perform at their best. The winners are everybody
in the sport, particularly Central’s members and the
guests they coach.
New National Team Coaching
Nation D-Team tryouts, conducted this past April
at Snowbird, reflected the importance of coaching
skills. More than sixty alpine skiers tried out for
fifteen positions. Although “best of the best” skiing
skill was essential, the primary quality required of
Area Pro-Representative List To Be Offered On-line
To better serve our membership, PSIA-C is compiling a
list of area pro-representatives, including their contact
information, home ski areas and product lines they
represent. The information will be made available on-
line through a link on the PSIA-C Web site.
The contacts should help members to find out more
about products that interest them. It will also provide a
quick and easy way for certified members to get pro-
pricing information in areas where shops do not offer
professional discount programs. We hope this service
will also benefit newly certified members searching for
pro-representatives.
3
every successful candidates was “people skills” that
define “best of the best” coaches for a paying guest.
Candidates were interviewed indoors, off the snow
and without gear. Clear communication, pleasant
personality, focus on guest interests, and positive
enthusiasm were tested by use of professional interview
techniques.
Who coaches the best of the best coaches? They
do. They have clinic leaders from among themselves.
There may be curricula objectives to deliver, but the
point is that the best of the best are constantly involved
in being coached as well as providing coaching.
The “best of the best” nation-wide, division-wide, or
school-wide continually train by being coached and
delivering coaching. This season, clinic development
in the National D-Teams focuses on our coaching.
Five of Central’s coaches attended a National Alpine
Examiners College in late October, at Copper
Mountain, conducted by National D-Team coaches.
The benefits of that college will be delivered locally to
all of Central’s Ed Staff members (Clinic Leaders and
Examiners) prior to Central’s first on-snow clinics.
Snowboard coaching started last season with a similar
college. The new Snowboard D-Team will continue
to share this coaching philosophy. This season, and
in future seasons, Central’s Snowboard instructors
– coaches – will provide positive coaching for guest
riders.
Snowsport enthusiasts, customers on the snow, are
the intended beneficiaries of PSIA and AASI coaching.
New enthusiasts will benefit from “lessons”, or
coaching for beginners. Experienced enthusiasts will
be thrilled to be “on their game”. Central Division
instructors – coaches – are leading that industry focus
on customer fun in excellence!. PSIA-C
If you are a pro-representative and wish to have your
information listed on the Web site, send the following
information. Either log on to www.psia-c.org and click
on the following link: mailto:info@psia.org. Or mail
the information to 3225 West St. Joseph, Lansing, MI
48917. Attention Katie.
Name: Address:
E-mail address: Phone Number:
Home Ski Area: Brands Represented:
Discipline(s): (i.e. Alpine, Snowboard, Nordic,
or Adaptive)
The 2004 National Academy
By Mike Goldfield
This year at the PSIA national
Academy at Snowbird, Utah, it
snowed, and it snowed, and it
snowed, and then it snowed some
more -- not the wet, heavy spring
snow that is typical of mid to late
April in Utah, but light and medium
powder.
The conditions were different
when I arrived at Snowbird Friday
afternoon, three days before the
event was scheduled to start with
“Skiing in powder also requires a narrower
Subtle movements come from the ankles.”
a dinner on April 19. It hadn’t
snowed at the “Bird” in more than
six weeks, leaving bare spots,
exposed rocks, ice and junk.
Those conditions prevailed when I
ventured out Saturday with Central
Division skiers Joe Dasin and
Walt Sappington. I hadn’t skied in
almost seven weeks, so we took it
easy.
It didn’t snow during the day on
Saturday, but the temperature
dropped, and 2-3 inches were
predicted Saturday night. Everyone
knows it never snows 2-3 inches
at Snowbird. At 6 a.m. Sunday
morning, 8-10 inches of snow had
accumulated on the sidewalk in
front of the Cliff Lodge, and it was
still snowing hard. We took the
first tram up from the Plaza (8,000
feet) to Hidden Peak (11,000) and
found more than a foot of light,
fluffy snow.
We started with a group of about
10 and left two behind after the
first run. By the second run, the
rest of us had rediscovered our
skills and the joys of deep-powder
of Central Division events. Sean
skiing. The third time up, seven teaches at Crested Butte, Colo.
of us decided take the lift to Alta,
and directs an international ski-
which was about to close for the training program. He has also
season. We spent the rest of the produced a video on contemporary
day in the steep and deep at the ski technique. Sean emphasized
fabled resort. It snowed the entire
that skiing is about feeling and
day. The next day, it snowed somedesire. Powder calls for an early
more. We skied Snowbird all day. edge shift and smooth movements
After three days, we were beginning
through the fall line, without
to feel comfortable in the deep twisting motions. Skiing in powder
snow and steeper terrain. also requires a narrower stance.
Subtle movements come
from the ankles. We did a
lot of exercises to develop
stance. and feel ankle movements.
Two members of our group
from Central Division arrived
with only their slalom skis,
Monday evening the Academy a recipe for doing headers on the
officially began with a banquet and steep and deep. The afternoon of
talks from the retiring Demo Team the first day, they borrowed fat skis
coaches, David “Razor” Merriam from one of several prominent ski
and Shawn Smith. Katie Harvey manufacturers that had demo tents
Fry will replace Merriam as head where instructors could try next
coach and Rob “Robo” Sogard will year’s models. Once they switched
replace Smith as alpine coach. to fat skis, they were having as
much fun as the rest of us.
Then came time for the group
splits. This was no time to let ego The next morning the two women
get in the way. Six of us formed from Snowbird and Alaska moved
a group, including Walt, Joe, to a more aggressive group. Maria
Allen Parkes and me from Central Zachary, an instructor from Central
Division and two instructors from Division who taught at Park City,
the east. We picked up four more
instructors,
including Steve
Smith and Lou “It’s not that you can’t ski bumps,
Porter from but that you can’t ski!”
Central and
two excellent
Utah last spring, joined us. Sean
women skiers from the west. One
informed the remaining guys that
of the women is a former racer and
we had been “chicked.” Although
30-year Snowbird instructor. The
he was generally supportive and
other is a ski school director from
compassionate, Sean occasionally
Alaska.
had other “kind” words. He told us
Our clinic leader was Sean that off-piste terrain tends to bring
Warman, who has led a number to the fore problems in one’s skills.
4
Often people will say they have uttered various sounds and As always, much of the fun at the
problems with powder or bumps or phrases, such as “whoosh,” “whee” Academy was informal, taking
junk or ice, when the real problem and “all right!” A third exercise place in hot tubs, at meals and
is that they have problems with
their skiing in general. “It’s not
that you can’t ski bumps, but that
you can’t ski!” he said. Thanks, It hadn’t snowed at the “Bird” in more than
Sean. six weeks, leaving bare spots, exposed rocks,
The snow continued to fall as ice and junk.
temperatures went through
typical spring cycles -- warm by
late morning and cooler in the was to identify a technical point at the banquets. This Academy
afternoon, causing the snow to set we consider our best and say it preceded the selection of the new
up later in the day. By Wednesday, ourselves or yell it out loud during
PSIA National Demo Team, so I
another 12-18 inches fell, leaving the critical part of each turn: “tip,”
noticed an interesting dynamic.
bare spots and old snow a distant “lunge,” “patience” or whatever. Many participants became
memory. It continued to snow on more relaxed as they adjusted
Katie also suggested that we share to the challenging terrain and
Thursday, which was a day off from
with our students concerns about massive snowfalls. But current
our regular groups. While some
our own skiing so they realize even D-Team members and the several
opted for learn-to-snowboard and
experienced skiers have similar dozen aspirants who were either
learn-to-telemark clinics, Lou and
fears and hesitancies. As we stood participating in the Academy or
I found some nice powder and
on top of a relatively steep slope had arrived early to
warm up for the tryouts,
became progressively
She talked about the type of apprehension usually more nervous as the
associated with women learning how to ski. It’s a week proceeded. It
shows how nerve-
problem that also affects some men, especially on wracking the eight-day
big mountains. competition is for the
top ski instructors in the
country.
worked on skills Sean had stressed. covered with deep muck, Katie,
an exceptionally talented skier The Academy is an incredible
The Academy offers numerous who appears solid in virtually all experience for any instructor,
workshops, clinics and talks in the conditions, told us she was worried but particularly those of us from
afternoon and evening. Among the wet snow would be grabby and the Central Division who do not
the afternoon electives I attended knock her over. Katie urged us to regularly ski big mountains. The
was Men Teaching Women, led encourage and support people. relatively modest price for the week
by Katie Harvey Fry of Aspen, Softer words, such as “tip more” includes a six-day lift ticket, luxury
Colo. She talked about the type of and “be patient” put uneasy skiers accommodations, breakfasts, three
apprehension usually associated more at ease than demands such dinners and world-class clinicians.
with women learning how to ski. It’s as “toughen up” and “bite the What’s not to like?
a problem that also affects some bullet.”
men, especially on big mountains. Mike Goldfield is an alpine
And some women are as fearless Although a wide range of electives instructor at Pine Knob Resort,
as the most aggressive men. With was offered, this year’s Academy Mich.
this understanding, we discussed did not offer as many talks
relaxation strategies. They included and lectures that I have found
breathing exercises, such as taking interesting in past years. Also
deep, calming breaths before missing this year were the popular
starting and exhaling forcefully strength and flexibility clinics by
during each turn. Another involved Adrian Crook.
making noise while skiing. We
5
FUN BOXES ARE FOR SKIERS TOO
By Chuck Roberts, Level III Alpine, Level II Snowboard, Wilmot Ski School
Skiers are interested in learning
how to use the terrain park and
enjoy the thrill of performing. Ski
Flat Box instructors have an opportunity to
introduce students to basic skills
that will help insure a successful
outcome in the terrain park. It
isn’t necessary to be a former
Kink Box
Olympian capable of performing
a “cork 5 tail” or “alley-oop.”
Like a football coach who fields
a winning team, without actually
Rainbow Box playing, we can demonstrate
relatively easy basic principles that
will assure success.
There are several types of terrain
Battleship Box features, called fun boxes,
available now (as shown to the
right). Fun boxes are relatively
easy to ride on and are good for
C - Box the first lesson. When setting up
a progression, the flat fun box
(Figure 1) is perhaps the easiest to
Figure 1
master.
Figure 2
Figure 4
Figure 3
6
BEGINNING FUN BOX
PROGRESSION
50/50 SLIDE (Straight Run) - As
with most progressions, start simple
and ratchet up in small increments.
Figure 2 shows a portable training
aid, designed to be used only in
lessons. If a portable training aid is
not available, substitute a beginning
fun box that is not very busy.
Assemble the training aid and place
it on the snow, aligned carefully
down the fall line. The lesson goal
is to perform a 50/50 (straight)
slide, the most elementary fun box
maneuver (Figure 3).
Begin by approaching with a slight
wedge that will help with line and
speed control (Figure 4). Mount
the feature in a parallel straight run
position with weight slightly back,
as most box surfaces have a little
more drag than that of snow (Figure
5). Run straight over the box and
exit with a slight flexion to simulate
jumping off the end.
It’s good to practice lining up with
the feature. A bad line usually can’t
be corrected on top since
edging and pressure control
are ineffective on the box
surface.
Once the student appears
to have mastered the
training aid, it is now time
for the first “walk” in the
Figure 5
park. Pick an easy flat box for the
first run as shown below.
Approach from above, adjusting
line and speed with a wedge. Once
satisfied with the speed, narrow the
wedge to parallel with center of
mass slightly back to counter the
drag from the box surface. (TIP:
The drag on all boxes varies with
manufacturer and temperature, so
take it slow the first time.) Mount
the box and straight run along the
long axis looking at the exit. Move
along the surface with moderate
flexion for balance and with feet
shoulder width apart. Hop off the
end with leg and ankle flexion and
absorb the landing.
If the skier has set up with a line
that is not along the long axis of the
box, they should simply travel along
that line and jump off the side.
Remind the student that attempting
to correct a bad line usually doesn’t
work and often leads to a fall. Then
go back and try again.
BOARD SLIDE - After mastering
the 50/50 slide (straight run) over
the fun box, the next maneuver to
try is the board slide (as shown in
Figure 6). Static positioning helps
students learn the sweet spot,
where the feature is just under their
boots. Practice hockey stops on
the snow, with and without counter
rotation. These should also be
practiced with and without a jump
to a flat landing. This is needed
to mount some of the terrain park
features. The student should
practice jumping onto the training
aid (or small training box), landing
first at 45 degrees to the direction
of travel, and then landing at 90
degrees.
For 50/50 slides, and board
slides without spins, the countered
position of Figure 7 is utilized. For Figure 6
spins on a terrain park feature, the
non-countered position is used for
better rotation (Figure 8).
Students should practice using the
portable feature by approaching
with a wedge (Figure 9). Then jump
onto the feature and simultaneously
counter-rotate the lower body 45
degrees, keeping the upper body
facing the direction of travel.
Stand over the skis and adjust Figure 7
the body angle to the degree of
slipperiness of the feature. Edging
will often be ineffective, so keep the
center of mass between the skis.
Exit by rotating the lower body back
to the straight run position. The 45
degree slide is often less difficult
to achieve than the 90 degree
slide. It’s fine if the student doesn’t
return to a straight run. Landing in
a side slide position is acceptable.
Figure 8
After several passes on the straight
box, the student should be able
to perform the 45 degree and 90
degree board slides.
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 8)
Figure 9
Figure 10
7
 (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7)

RECAP Pick a flat box and use the following to perform the
180 degree spin: Approach the feature adjusting
speed (Figure 14). Hop onto the top with rotation.
The following is a recap of the Continue to rotate along the feature.
progression: Beginning Terrain Park Dismount off the end and land in a backward skiing
Teaching Progression position (called “switch skiing.)” Perform this only
with twin tips. Arm positions of your students may
1. Fun Box vary depending on the degree of counter rotation
(50/50 slide, straight run) or rotation utilized. Avoid critiquing arm movements
a. Practice lining up with straight runs over until the student attains sufficient skill to perform the
the portable terrain feature (or small maneuver. Instead, focus on line-up and positioning.
training box). PSIA-C
b. Teach students how to adjust their speed
with a wedge prior to mounting a feature.
c. Make sure they keep a neutral stance
while performing the 50/50 (straight
run) and adjust body position for the slip-
periness of the feature.
d. When ready, tour the terrain park and in-
spect the easiest fun box to be mounted.
e. Ride up the lift and have them try the fea-
ture, slowly at first.
2. Fun Box
(board slide)
a. Practice hockey stops on the snow in both
countered & non-countered positions.
b. Practice jumping to a hockey stop or jump
90 degree turns.
c. Practice on a portable terrain park fea-
ture (or small training box) and statically
stand in the board slide position on the
feature.
d. Hike up the hill and try a 45 degree board
slide on the portable feature and then a Change in Dates
90 degrees. Remember that to mount this
feature requires a slight jump onto the The Women’s Seminar at Wild
feature at the beginning. Trying to steer Mountain, MN on Thursday & Friday,
onto the feature will be difficult. After January 27-28, 2005 has been changed
movement analysis, correct positioning by to Monday & Tuesday, January 31 &
making sure the students stand over their February 1, 2005
skis while on the feature.
e. Enter the terrain park and try a 45 degree
slide first and then a 90 degree slide on a
We apologize for any inconvenience
straight fun box.
General:
Teach terrain park etiquette:
1. Look before you jump.
2.

3.
Take an observation run to check out the fea-
tures.
Call out (“dropping in,” etc.) before you take
CORRECTION
a jump to warn others not to try until you Snowcrest Ski & Snowboard
complete your maneuver.
4. Get up as soon as possible after a fall and move
Center of Crestwood, IL website
down the park. is www.snowcrst.com
8
Snowball Toss
by Lydia Roberts, AASI Certified Level 2,
PSIA Certified Alpine Level 3

This tip improves the student’s stance and facilitates

transitions for the beginning snowboarder or beginning
switch rider. It is especially useful when the snow packs Figure 1
easily. Static snowball
Static: Make a snowball or select a lump of snow from toss
the surrounding area. Stand in a natural stance on
level ground. Holding the snowball with both hands,
toss it in the air (Figure 1) and catch it with both Figure 2
hands. Catch snowball
Pretend the snowball is an egg and flex the knees and gently with
ankles as you catch the snowball (Figure 2). flexion
In a traverse: Begin a toe side traverse on a gentle
slope. Toss the snowball repeatedly as you cross the
slope (Figure 3). Keep the knees and ankles flexed and Figure 3
the body in a relaxed, centered position, while catching Toe side
snowball with both hands. The upper body should be traverse
square with the snowboard. Align the snowball toss
with the center of the rider’s toe edge so you continue
in a traverse rather than initiate a turn. Repeat on a
heel-side traverse. Figure 4
Transition to
Transition from toe side to heel side: Toss the heel side
snowball as described above in a toe-side traverse.
As riders prepare for the turn, they should toss the
snowball closer to the nose of the snowboard. The
accompanying shift in body position (forward pressure Figure 5
with rotation) will facilitate the beginning of the turn to Transition to
the heel side (Figure 4). toe side
Transition from heel side to toe side: Toss the snowball
as described above in a heel-side traverse. As riders
prepare for the turn, they should toss the snowball
toward the nose of the snowboard and toward the
inside of the intended turn (Figure 5). It helps if the
rider has to reach to catch the snowball as it falls.
Again, the accompanying shift in body position
(forward and to the inside of the turn) will facilitate the
beginning of the turn to the toe side. PSIA-C

If you would like to

receive an electronic
version of the newsletter please email this
request to: info@psia-c.org
9
 PSIA-C Election
Nomination Instructions

Board of Directors terms are for two years. Each of the

six Sections are represented by two Alpine Directors, one
with a term expiring on an even numbered year and one
with a term expiring on an odd numbered year. Western
Sections (1, 2 & 3) are represented by one Snowboard
Director. Eastern Sections (4, 5 & 6) are represented by
one Snowboard Director. All sections are represented
by one Nordic Director. Present bylaws limit consecutive
terms to three.

A member in good standing who is Certified Level I, II

or III may nominate and vote for director representation
from that member’s geographic area for all disciplines in
which that member is certified.

Nomination Forms must be received in the PSIA-C office

PSIA by December 31, 2004. Nomination Forms that are not
received by the stated deadline, or are incomplete, or
Central Division are otherwise improper will not be recognized.

Section Map Only Alpine certified or adaptive certified instructors may

nominate an Alpine Director. Only a Snowboard certified
instructor may nominate a Snowboard director. Only
Nordic Track or Nordic Downhill certified instructors may
nominate a Nordic Director.

Election Schedule A director nominee must meet the following qualifications:

1. Be a current, active, primary member of PSIA-C in

November 2004 good standing, at least 18 years of age, Certified
Level I, II, or III in the represented discipline, and
Nominations instructions and forms are lawful resident of the United States. (U. S. citizenship
mailed, and posted online. is not required.)
2. An Alpine Director nominee must reside within the
December 31, 2004 same Section as the nominating member, and may
be nominated only to represent that member’s
Nominations closed. Resume requests are Section.
mailed to all nominees. 3. A Snowboard Director nominee must reside within
the same Eastern or Western Sections as the
January 10, 2005 nominating member, and may be nominated only
to represent that member’s Eastern of Western
Deadline for receipt of resumes. Sections.
4. A Nordic Director nominee must reside within
January 2005 Central Division.

Note: The candidate’s place of residence is considered

Election Issue is mailed, and posted online.
March 15, 2005
Polls close. PSIA/AASI-Central Election
Committee counts the ballots. Elected
directors notified.
to be where the candidate resides during the snowsports
season.
A current Director who presently is classified as “Not Eligible”
may not be nominated or reelected because three consecutive
two-year terms have been served on the board, or because
one or more other qualification is no longer met.

10
 SIX OPEN ALPINE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SEATS
Alpine Directors: Six alpine directors will be elected each year, one from each section.

Section Incumbent Status Section Incumbent Status

1 Wm. “Skip” Dickel Eligible 4 Walter Sappington Eligible
2 - Open Seat 5 Doug Wren Eligible
3 Tom McIntosh Eligible 6 John F. Cole Eligible

ONE OPEN SNOWBOARD BOARD OF DIRECTORS SEAT

Sections Incumbent Status
4,5,6 Mindy Covington Eligible

ONE OPEN NORDIC BOARD OF DIRECTORS SEAT

Sections Incumbent Status
All sections - Open Seat

OFFICIAL NOMINATION FORM FOR PSIA - C BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Professional Ski Instructors of America - Central

3225 West St. Joseph • Lansing, Michigan 48917
Phone: (517) 327-0601 Fax: (517) 321-0495
E-Mail: info@psia-c.org

Nominate only one candidate (Exception: dual & tri- certified members see**). An Alpine member can only
nominate one Alpine candidate, Snowboard can only nominate one Snowboard member, and Nordic can
only nominate one Nordic member. Candidates must live in the section in which they are being nominated
for. Deadline for nominations is December 31, 2004.

This Ballot is for: ❏ Alpine Director ❏ Snowboard Director (Sections 4, 5 & 6 only)
(Includes Adaptive)
❏ Nordic Director

PRINT CANDIDATE’S NAME _________________________________________________ SECTION ___________

YOUR ZIP CODE _____________________ YOUR MEMBERSHIP: ❏ Alpine ❏ Snowboard ❏ Nordic

(Includes Adaptive)

I live in section number, and I am a current, active, Level I, Level II, Level III, or Lifetime Honorary
member of PSIA-C.*

YOUR SIGNATURE __________________________________________________________ DATE _______________

PRINT YOUR NAME ________________________________________ YOUR MEMBERSHIP # _______________

Late, Incomplete or Incorrect Ballots will be Invalid.

*Note: Only active Certified Level I, II, and III, and Lifetime Honorary members may nominate members for the board of directors. Affiliate,
Basic, Registered, Inactive and Alumni members are not eligible to nominate or be nominated.
**Note: If you are dual certified and would like to make nominations in both of your disciplines, please reproduce this form and submit one
for each discipline’s nomination.

11
PSIA-C
3225 West St. Joseph
Lansing, Michigan 48917
What Does It Mean To Be
Education Based?
By Brent Heimann, Education Vice President
The last issue of the Central Line was littered with the
term “education-based,” but what exactly does that
mean? PSIA credentials have traditionally centered
on becoming certified. The way a member became
certified was through examination. Because exams
are the tenants of a certification-based system,
education events were geared toward exams.
In an education-based system, the emphasis shifts.
Certification is merely a way of validating a level of
knowledge or education. Certification becomes just
one gague, the level of a member’s education is also
important.
PSIA-C officials also realized the organization should
be working to provide as much education as possible
while continuing to validate that level of education
through certification.
This change in philosophy, from certification-based
to education-based, may have a ripple effect on
the way the membership is valued, evaluated and
credentialed in the future. The education-based
philosophy allows consideration of many options
12
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CLEVELAND OH
PERMIT 2180
for educating its members. Some ideas already
suggested include:
· Establishing a series of required courses to
become certified -- perhaps certification would
become more like a earning a degree;
· Offering additional accreditations that add to
instructor credentials;
· Building educational portfolios as credentials;
· Encouraging or requiring cross-discipline
education for credentials;
· Encouraging or requiring contribution to the
profession (i.e. publications, industry service, etc.)
for credentials.
An education-based system offers options.
Increasing the types of programs offered, it gives our
members the option to customize their education. By
transforming what qualities the organization values,
PSIA offers more options for its membership. PSIA-C