APUL Race Coach 1Introduction to ski racing and coaching

APUL Race Coach 1 course is an introductory 5 day course to ski racing temes.  It can be attended by a skier older than 17 years, who has successfully completed the course APUL „C“. A successful graduate becomes APUL Race Coach 1 license holder who is competent to build simple training trails for giant slalom and to prepare a training program for clients of ski schools. A completion of the course APUL Race Coach 1 is also prerequisite for obtaining ISIA stamp.

APUL Race Coach 1 course consists of three basic parts. The first part is the training of giant slalom itself (technique, tactics, training, rules and organizing races, age groups, etc.). The second part of the course is the training and education towards coaching job, focusing on building simple training trails using training aids of various kinds (brushes, stubbies, cones, full gates, etc.). The third part of the course is a "Slalom Test" which is a necessary requirement for completing the course.

The major part of the course APUL Race Coach 1 consists of practical training of techniques and skiing giant slalom, but also a continuous testing of the quality of acquired knowledge and skills. Practical workshops on, as well and off, the slope will emphasize the following key points of the course APUL Race Coach 1:

• Improving personal skiing techniques towards skiing the giant slalom.
• Training of skiing in the designated track (corridors, etc.).
• Tactics and skiing principles in the giant slalom.
• The essentials of sports training of alpine skiers.
• Maintenance and preparation of equipment and gear of racing skiers.
• FIS rules of alpine disciplines, principles of organizing ski races, safety.
• Material handling and principles of building the training trails.
• Passing APUL Slalom Test.

• Applicant must be 17 years and older on the opening day of the course.
• Applicant must be - at least - APUL "C" license holder.
• Previous experience in race skiing is not required, but prior experience with skiing the gates is recommended.

The course is divided into practical part on the slope and the theoretical part in the form of lectures and workshops. The daily program will be adapted to the weather and local snow conditions. The course leader is responsible for editing the course program. Changes in the program are the responsibility of the course leader. The last day of the course is reserved for APUL Slalom Test. Passing the test is essential for completing the course. 

License APUL Race Coach 1 entitles its holder to build GS training trails and organize giant slalom races for the purpose of commercial ski schools. A graduate of this course is also competent to lead a training towards participating in the giant slalom race.

Successful graduates of the course APUL Race Coach 1 is competent to:

• teach the techniques of skiing the giant slalom,
•  build the training trails using training aids,
• organizing a race for clients of ski schools.

The final exam of the course APUL Race Coach 1 consists of three parts: skiing, coaching work, theory

1. Ski exam: slalom test

Ski exam is conceived as a GS race. Each candidate must complete the slalom test in a given time according to the following key:

If the resulting reference time of the forerunner(s):

• is 36 seconds or less, the time limit for passing the test will be + 10% for men and 13% for women
• is more than 36 seconds, the pass limit will be + 12% of the time for men and 15% for women

2. Coaching exam

Coaching exam is conceived as a practical preparation and construction of a training trail or number of full gates of the giant slalom according to a preplanned script. Criteria: proper use of the terrain and work with the material, showing the knowledge and skills to build a training track (gate spacing, timing, security, etc.).

3. Theory exam

A final exam of theoretical knowledge and analysis takes the form of a written test. The test includes questions related to the topics of the lectures and workshops.

Assessment:

A succesful candidate needs to correctly answer 75% of the test questions for successful completion of the test. In case of unsuccessful completion, the candidate is invited to an oral examination in front of the board of minimum of two lecturers.

A candidate who fails to meet the criteria for successful completion of the APUL Race Coach 1 course in front of the exam committee, has not met the requirements for successful completion of the course and must repeat the whole course.

• Adequate ski equipment. We recommend serviced race skis with a radius of 21-27 meters.
• Ski helmet as part of the basic equipment of each APUL instructor.
• Racing suit, spine protector, forearm protectors, etc. (recommended).
• Servicing aids for the preparation of the skis (recommended).
• Sportswear (to the gym as well as outside).
• Money for the ski pass (a significant discount will be arranged).
• Money for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (or self-catering)
• Notepad and pen for making notes and information from workshops.

The basic source of information on the course is:

• Information obtained from various lectures and workshops.

All APUL courses are very intensive educational experience and are held in a mountain area and in all weather conditions. Therefore, they are physically and mentally demanding so it is recommended to dedicate sufficient attention to physical preparation few weeks before the course.

All participants of the APUL course are obliged to comply with the so-called "Ten Rules of conduct on the slopes." If any participant of the course will be systematically violate the rules of conduct on the slopes by his behaviour, threatening other course participants or other skiers, he will be asked to quit and leave the course. 

Since skiing is a risky sport, we recommend arranging the appropriate accident insurance in case of accident or injury. Participation in the course is voluntary and at your own risk. APUL does not bear any consequences for possible injuries. We recommend Alpenverrein insurance for all APUL courses organized outside Czech republic.