CSPA recognizes that coaches and instructors from other countries bring FAI certifications and valuable experiences to Canada. To facilitate conversion of those ratings to their CSPA equivalencies, the following process has been established.

The challenge process is much more than recognizing flying skills. Coaches and instructors will demonstrate the ability to teach skills, evaluate performance, plan skydives, safely supervise inflight procedures, and debrief. Knowledge of the coaching and instructor system and CoP certification requirements will also be evaluated.

Recognizing the skills from another country is one thing but to educate to the Canadian standards is quite another. The CSPA wants to facilitate the transition and integration of experienced foreign instructors without creating a parallel system that would encourage Canadian skydivers to go across the border to take courses.

The CSPA system is based on the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) model. The NCCP model distinguishes between training and certification. To become "certified" in a coaching context, coaches are evaluated on their demonstrated ability to perform in areas such as planning a jump, skill analysis, and support to participants during training.

In order to start the process, contact a Learning Facilitator in your area to arrange a time and location. The LF will obtain a challenge package from the CSPA office and will evaluate the candidate’s coaching, instructing and flying abilities. There is a $45 ratings fee per rating converted, payable to the CSPA office. There will also be a fee for the Learning Facilitator’s time and jumps.

Once converted, all certification requirements per the ratings Portfolios apply and must be completed prior to receiving a certified rating.

Unsuccessful challenge attempts

Unsuccessful candidates will not become temporary instructors or coaches. The evaluator should direct the candidate to the next course for that rating, and request that the candidate take the complete training. The candidate can appeal the outcome of the unsuccessful evaluation in a letter to the Chair of the Coaching Working Committee ([email protected]).

Pre-requisites

• CSPA affiliation
• CSPA C CoP
• Proof of equivalent FAI coach rating
• Complete the CSPA endorsements and CSPA CoP evaluation training modules
• Complete the Making Ethical Decisions online module

Challenge process

• Complete minimum 2 evaluation jumps (Jumps # 3 and 4 per Coach 2 course)
• Teach (PAF) minimum of four skills from different areas of the skills grid
• Pass the evaluation jump criteria with a score of at least 80%
• Pass the Coach 2 course exam with a score of at least 80%
• Pass the CSPA Endorsements and CoP evaluations with a score of at least 80%

If successful, the candidate will receive a Coach 2 Portfolio.

Post-challenge

• Complete and submit Coach 2 Portfolio