303-987-9390
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Central Event Policies & Procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

How is COVID-19 affecting the season?

COVID-19 Operating Procedures, 2021-2022 Season

***Please note — it is likely that operating procedures will shift as the pandemic situation changes throughout the season.  Please read each event individual description carefully and watch your email for regular updates if registered for an event.

PSIA-AASI CENTRAL MEMBER COVID POLICY, 2021-2022

PSIA-AASI Central is excited to return to on-snow events for 2021-2022. It is our ambition to stay safe, to serve as a responsible image for the skiing and riding community, and to be the reason we continue to be able to “have a season”. For the 2021-2022 season, Members should be aware of the following rules and protocols surrounding Covid-19 for in-Person Events.

  1.       Members who experience Covid-19 Symptoms or have tested positive  (without subsequent negative test) should not attend an event. Cancellations due to suspected Covid-19 symptoms will be refunded as a member credit good for the remainder of the season. All members are encouraged to maintain familiarity with on-line offerings to ensure CEU’s are current. 

  1.       Unvaccinated members must wear a mask when closely interacting with their group, when indoors and/or State, County, or Resort guidelines mandate mask wearing. Vaccinated members are strongly encouraged to wear a mask regardless of requirements, and must observe protocols as stated in 3. below.  PSIA-AASI education staff does not currently request proof of vaccination of members–this is an honor-system approach.  Members who have concerns about risk of exposure should contact the office.

  1.       Host resorts may have differing policies regarding mask wearing, vaccinations, lift riding protocols, lift lines, dining, restroom access, and myriad other touchpoints. Participants should come prepared to show their vaccination card to resort personnel if required, and to wear a mask. Participants are reminded that Federal, State, County, and Resort protocols must be observed, and any violation including misrepresentation will be considered a violation of the PSIA-AASI Code-of-Conduct. 

  1.       When a mask must be worn, it must be a 2-layer (or more) design, worn properly over the nose and mouth. For the safety and consideration of others, this policy is non-negotiable, and repeated failure to comply may result in expulsion from the event without refund. 

  1.       PSIA-AASI Central Education Staff and Independent Contractors (e.g. National Team Members) provide proof of vaccination at the opening of the season OR are subject to strict protocols regarding testing, contactless teaching, distancing, and mask wearing. PSIA-AASI Central will not share individual staff vaccination status other than to cite the above requirements. PSIA-AASI Policy is to prioritize vaccinated employees in making assignments. 

  1.       In a situation in which an event is subject to unexpected circumstances (e.g. rain, extreme cold, lift hold or other delays) on the day of the event, such that both participants and education staff are present, State, Local and resort ordinances and rules permit indoor gathering, and space is sufficient to gather at 50% of room capacity or less, Vaccinated and Masked Education Staff members, and Masked Participants may opt to transition their event (non-exam) to a Professional Development Seminar (PDS) indoors- following State, County, and Resort mandates. Members may opt out of this alternative and receive an event credit. 

  1.       Members who wish to maintain their Continuing Education, yet feel at-risk in person may opt to take on-line events with no restrictions (regarding on-line versus in person CEU’s) enforced. 

This policy is subject to change in accordance with ongoing laws and guidelines.  

For more information on Navigating Snowsports Instruction during COVID, check out this resource from PSIA-AASI National: https://www.thesnowpros.org/education/covid-19-updates/

Online Learning Opportunities, 2021-2022

Historically, members have been limited in the number of online courses they could take for continuing education relative to on-snow courses. In light of COVID-19, the constraints we face, and both the range and quality of virtual offerings, this limitation will not be enforced. Members are encouraged to pursue on-line education opportunities across all divisions and disciplines. Webinars are posted on the PSIA-C.org and TheSnowpros.org websites, and updated regularly. 

Standard/Hybrid Educational Clinics and Certification Exams will also incorporate more online learning, to continue to provide adequate instruction and feedback time in support of more limited face-to-face interaction.
Online learning will allow our members to benefit from exposure to a wider range of education staff, along with individualized instruction and feedback.

What are my education requirements this season?

CEUs are still required (12 CEUS minimum over the course of 2 years.) Because of the pandemic, many members are in need of CEU courses to fulfill their annual requirement, which places an additional burden on our education staff and events in the 2021-2022 season. In an effort to relieve this potential bottleneck, PSIA-AASI Central will not enforce a limit of on-line courses employed to achieve continuing education for the 2021-2022 season. You may achieve all required CEUs through online courses this season, and you are allowed to take webinars through any division.

Where can I learn more about snowsports instruction during the pandemic?

For more information on Navigating Snowsports Instruction during a pandemic, check out this resource from PSIA-AASI National: https://www.thesnowpros.org/education/covid-19-updates/

Registration & Event Fees:

I tried to register for an event online..and it had a late fee…

Typically event registrations made before the late period receive a discount. Registrations made less than 14 days from an event will include a $25 non-refundable administrative late fee, to cover costs for reassigning or assigning more education staff and other administrative last-minute required changes.

The online on-snow event registration will close at the end of the day (11:59 PM), seven days before the event. Event registrations made after the seven-day deadline will be reviewed on an individual basis by the event coordinator and the Central Office.

All registration made after the seven-day date (Online, Phone, or Mailed) will include an additional $25 “walk-on” (Closed) registration handling fee ($50 total Non-Refundable administrative fees).

Event is Closed/Not Found/No Registration Link
Most on-snow event registrations will close at the end of the day (11:59 PM), seven days before the event. Event registrations made after the seven-day deadline will be reviewed on an individual basis by the event coordinator and the Central Office.
Why did my event cancel?!?
All events require a minimum number of participants. Waiting to register could mean a session (event, topic, etc.) you want to attend may cancel due to an apparent lack of participation. Register on time!

Cancellations/Closed:

What if I cancel/can’t make my event?
  • A full refund or transfer of payment to another event will be made if you notify the office of cancellation by the Regular Registration deadline (generally 14 days before the event).
  • Webinar Cancellation Policy – A full refund or transfer to another event or webinar will be made if you notify the office of the cancellation by the Registration Deadline (Typically 7 Days before the webinar start date). Cancellations made after the deadline will be subject to central standard event policies. After the deadline but up until 72 hours prior to the start of the event – 50% or transfer fee. No refund after the start of the event. 
  • If the office is not open when you cancel, you are responsible for leaving a voicemail or email stating your first and last name, member id #, and the event you are canceling. 
  • A 50% cancellation OR transfer fee will apply if you notify the office after the Standard Registration deadline up until 72 hours prior to the event’s start time. If the office is not open the day of the event, you are responsible for leaving a voicemail or send an email, and the time stamp on either will be used to determine timely cancellation. Cancellations made after the registration deadline date will be refunded as a “Central Event Gift Certificate” which will be good for the current season and upcoming season. 
  • If the office receives no cancellation notice by the event’s start, you will be considered a “no-show,” and no refunds or transfers will be made. Typically event start times are at 8:30 am. 
  • Cancellation and transfer fees will be waived for medically necessary cancellations provided a written doctor’s certification and request for a refund are received in the office within two weeks after the event. Please note that unexpected medical instances preventing a member’s attendance will be accepted with a doctor’s note.
  • Cancellation and transfer fees reflect costs incurred by the office to registrations, records, and staff assignments and potentially travel plans, lodging, etc. When changes are made beyond the registration deadline, the cost escalates due to the fact that virtually all costs and commitments are fixed and paid by that time.
I want to change what event I’m in! Is there a fee?

Participants who request an event transfer after the registration deadline (14 days before the event or 7 for webinars) will incur a $25 fee. If the Central office has canceled the member’s event, no fee will be added to transfer to another event.

My event was canceled…now what?
It’s rare that we cancel an entire event unless the resort/area is closed, but we often find it necessary to cancel or combine sessions at an event because the session minimum has not been met.  When this happens, we will contact you as early as possible and offer other session options at the same event or transfer you to another event.  Cancellation and transfer fees do not apply under these circumstances.  If we cancel a session you are registered for, and it is not possible for you to attend another event by the end of the season, your registration fee sub any administrative fees will be refunded. If you are in need of education credits for this season then all possible pathways must be exhausted before a waiver is granted. (Webinars, Non-ASEA Events, etc.)

Helmet Policy:

Do I have to wear a helmet at my Event?

PSIA-AASI Central Division Education Staff members are required to wear a helmet at all lift-served events. Due to the large and increasing number of resorts requiring helmet use by employees and/or snowsports participants, PSIA-AASI Central now requires all participants to wear a properly fitting helmet during PSIA-AASI Central lift-served events. This policy serves to limit the risk of non-compliance at host resorts—participants who arrive without a helmet may be required to procure one before event admission.

Day of Event/Assessment – What Can I Expect?

What information should I receive after I register? (You should get an email!)

Pre-Event:
It is VERY important that you check your email (including spam folder) for a confirmation email that you are registered successfully for the event.  This confirmation email may often contain information needed prior to the event (such as meeting time, lift tickets, prerequisites, etc.). You will likely also receive an email from the PSIA-AASI Event Coordinator or your event instructor closer to the time of the event — which includes more detailed information not included in the confirmation email. These emails may come from a staff member at @psia-c.org and/or directly from a clinic leaders personal email. Look carefully! 
 ****It is strongly recommended that you whitelist the emails and domains for PSIA-AASI Central and National, in order to avoid missing emails. Add the following: psia-c.org and thesnowpros.org. 
If you need instructions, check this out: https://contenthacker.com/how-to-whitelist-in-gmail/

Lift Tickets and Lodging Discounts – What’s Up?

PSIA-AASI Central operates at the discretion of the hosting ski area re: discounts on lodging and lift tickets.***  You typically will receive information on these items in the event registration confirmation or on an email from the event coordinator or Central Admin in the week prior to the event.  (Be sure to check spam folders.)

***We encourage hosting resorts to offer lodging discounts and reduced-rate lift tickets for our members. Some resorts offer discounted lift tickets based on certification level, so we do encourage you to ask the resort in order to take full use of your membership benefits (show your digital or print membership card as proof).  

Central administration actively negotiates to pass on discounts to our members, as ski instructors create happy, return guests for resorts.  We do attempt to schedule events at ski areas that pass on savings to our members.

What can I expect event/assessment day to look like?

Event Day:

Arrive at area no later than 30 minutes prior to start time. This allows you time to find your meeting location and check in, get lift tickets. (Events can be crowded and busy. Have patience and give yourself time!) There may be a short informational meeting prior to breaking into groups. Anxiety/excitement is normal and everyone else feels the same way, group leader too, so channel the energy for positive results!


You will break into groups and meet your group leader, who will outline the procedure for the day and answer questions. Your group leader will suggest a meeting place and a time and release you to boot up and get ready for on-snow.


Feedback: Your group leader(s) may separate themselves from the group from time to time to take notes on various observations made throughout the day. If this happens, continue on and the group leader will catch up. For exams, please be patient following the event as your examiner thoughtfully prepares your formal feedback.


LOGISTICS  FOR THE DAY:
Meals: Clinicians schedule breaks and lunches based on the needs of the entire group and flow of teaching. There is no set break or lunch time. Please inform your leader if you have specific needs. It is a good idea to pack lunches and/or snacks, due to limited time availability and possible limited food-offerings at different resorts (over which PSIA-AASI has no control.)


Lift Tickets/Lodging: You likely received information via email on whether lift ticket/lodging discounts are given to participants by the resort, but it is a good time to clarify this now with the event coordinator or clinic leader if you do not have your lift ticket.

 

Exams:  For more info on specific exams, visit the Education and Certification Discipline pages.

Meals & Breaks?

Clinicians schedule breaks and lunches based on the needs of the entire group and flow of teaching. There is no set break or lunch time. Please inform your leader if you have specific needs. It is a good idea to pack lunches and/or snacks, due to limited time availability and possible limited food-offerings at different resorts (over which PSIA-AASI has no control.)

Pre-webinar Technical Prep Guide (How to Join RingCentral Webinar)

Make sure you are all set to join and participate in an online webinar with the RingCentral Pre-Webinar Tech Check List

Read more

Injury:

What if I am injured at an event?

Your Group Leader will complete an Accident Report on the occurrence; indicating your level of attendance in order for administrative staff to complete the following:

  • If you completed most of day one, you will receive credit for one day. A refund will be issued for the difference between the one-day registration fee and the 2-day fee.
  • If the injury occurred at the beginning of day 1 we will issue a full refund and apply a waiver for the season.
What if an injury prevents me from taking an on-snow event this season?

Check out PSIA AASI Central’s online Webinar’s these courses are great ways to earn credit when you can’t make an on-snow event! Webinar registration can be completed online through our Event Calendar or by contacting our Member Services staff at 231-335-4627 ext 0.
Medical waivers are also available and are approved on a case by case basis. You can apply for a Medical Waiver using our “Online Waiver Request Form” on our Membership Forms page.

Non-Division Events:

Taking a National Event or an Event in Another Division

You may take a PSIA-AASI  education event in any division and Central Division will honor the education credits you earn.  Please note that this is true of any official, sanctioned PSIA-AASI education event, and you are responsible for meeting any event prerequisites imposed by National or the other Division. Education Credits received for this event will be added by the hosting division or National.

Taking an Assessment in Another Division

You must contact the PSIA AASI Central Division office prior to taking a Certification Event or Certificate-Based Specialist Program in another division.  The divisions require approval from your home division before they will let you register.  It is especially important that you check the prerequisites of the division in which you plan to take the assessment, as you must fulfill all of their requirements.  This may include prep clinics, written or online exams, testing in various modules at different times, and so on.

Requesting Continuing Education Credit for a Non-ASEA Event

Under certain circumstances, the Central Division will approve education credits for an event sponsored by organizations other than PSIA-AASI and its divisions:

  • Credit for non-ASEA events will be authorized only once every four years.
  • If approved, one-day events will provide education credit for the current season. Events of a two-day or longer duration will provide education credit for the current season and the following season.
  • The training must be an official formal education program offered to the public by an education organization such as a college, association, or company that normally provides training courses. Examples include USSCA coach’s clinics, ski racing camps, sports training education classes, Interski events, and group leadership training courses. Education programs from a specific organization will be authorized only once – for example, if you submit for credit for the USS 100, you cannot later submit for USSCA 200 or any other level.
  • Informal and/or private training such as conventional ski lessons and ski school clinics are not eligible for credit, even if the group leader is highly qualified – a certification examiner, D-Team member, etc.

In order for you to be eligible for credit for a Non-ASEA Central division event, you must complete the on-line application form below at least 4 weeks before the start of the event. Please note that the application must receive approval before a credit can be granted. Applications received during the peak season may take longer to be addressed so please ensure all required information is attached to the application.

Non-ASEA Education Credit Application Form

 

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info@psia-c.org

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