Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Participant's needs and characteristics may include:
age
cultural factors
previous experience
fitness level and physical capabilities
swimming skills
injuries and illnesses.
Readiness may include:
fitness levels
motor performance factors
compatibility between participants and team members
level of arousal which will enhance performance
psychologically prepared.
Flatwater canoeing may include:
flatwater racing over various distances
sprints
marathons.
Session's aims and objectives may include:
progressive skill acquisition
self-improvement
fitness targets
basic movements
individual and team tactics and skills.
Plan may include:
session's aims and objectives
date, time and duration
location
coach and participant ratios
equipment and resources
drills, activities and games
weather details
safety requirements.
Physical conditioning may include:
five components of fitness
development of physical abilities
techniques to prevent shoulder injury.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits from authorities
privacy
working with children
environmental regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
conflict resolution
communication protocols
use, care and maintenance of equipment
training and scheduling commitments
code of ethics.
Endorsed standards promoted by canoeing may include:
Australian Canoeing coaches code of conduct policy
accreditation of coaches throughout National Coaching Accreditation Scheme
Australian Sports Commission Harassment-free Sport policy.
Psychological needs may include:
visualisation
relaxation
centering
focusing
goal setting
motivation
process oriented versus outcome oriented
analysing strengths and weaknesses.
Safety procedures may include:
group management in emergency situations
symptoms, treatment and prevention of common flatwater canoeing injuries and risks
equipment checking and usage
clear communication systems
clear explanations of all requirements.
Drills, activities may include:
those described in:
Level 2 Flatwater Canoeing Manual
sequential progression of skills
practicing tactics and strategies used in games and competitions
individualised drills
strength training
psychological preparation
concentration drills
paddling drills.
Games may include:
modified games and competitions
focus skill or skills and or tactic or tactics
racing against other participants
sprinting
practice competitions.
Location may include:
flatwater rivers or lakes
marked out course or lanes for races
indoor facility.
Equipment may include:
canoe or kayak suitable for flatwater racing
single or double bladed paddle
spray skirts
personal clothing and footwear
rash vests.
Resources may include:
teaching and coaching tools
videos and video equipment
stopwatch
sports science testing equipment
food and water
first aid kit.
Set up and trim may include:
construction and characteristics of type of paddles and boats
equipment adapted to suit weather conditions
rig and steering mechanism
trim, nose high and nose low, for canoe or kayak
balance and seating and kneeling positions for team boats
team boat positioning.
Relevant information may include:
skill or skills focus
equipment and resource requirements, selection and use
safety procedures
aims and objectives
psychological preparation
rules and regulations of flatwater canoeing
responsible and safe behaviour.
Risks may include:

injuries
unstable canoe or kayak
capsize
exhaustion
dehydration.
Rules, regulations and policies may include:
Australian Canoeing Sprint and Marathon Racing Rules
International Canoe Federation Sprint and Marathon Racing Rules
Australian Canoeing anti-doping policy
Australian Sports Commission Harassment-free Sport policy
age restrictions.
Communication system may include:
calls
signals.
Teaching and coaching techniques may include:
demonstration
explanation
focusing on a single skill or tactic
breaking down skills and tactics into components
progressing through and linking skills and tactics
shaping and modelling approaches
reciprocal or peer tutoring
questioning, monitoring and observing progress
assessment and evaluation.
Required knowledge may include:
rules, regulations and policies of flatwater canoeing
flatwater canoeing skills and tactics
basic biomechanical principles
factors affecting skill acquisition
safety and risk management
equipment selection, use and maintenance.
Advanced skills and tactics may include:
the racing stroke:
four phases of the paddling stroke
posture
advanced marathon racing skills:
starts
wash riding
turns
portages
advanced racing tactics:
race plan
start
developing team boats
pre-race and race day preparation
advanced marathon racing tactics:
race tactics
race environment
team racing
water features
rescue techniques.
Participant's performance may include:
performance and accuracy of skills and tactics
attitude and behaviour
ability to link and perform the skills and tactics.
Stroke analysis and correction may include:
posture
trunk rotation
hand position
leg drive
boat movement.
Relevant aspects may include:
effectiveness of the teaching and coaching session
suitability of teaching and coaching methods
feedback provided to or by participants
initial and final assessment of participant's abilities.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
plans and delivers information, explanations and demonstrations for flatwater canoeing sessions to ensure activities are conducted safely, according to participant's needs
observes and monitors the progress of participants and provides constructive feedback and intervention to improve and develop the skills and tactics of flatwater canoeing to an advanced level
uses and modifies teaching and coaching techniques and drills, activities and games to cater for a range of individual learning styles
evaluates and reflects on own coaching performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure conduct of safe sessions that reflect the needs and characteristics of a range of participants and are of sufficient duration and breadth to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
rivers or lakes with marked out courses or an appropriate indoor facility
a group of flatwater canoeists to participate in advanced session or sessions
equipment such as flatwater canoes or kayaks, single or double bladed paddles, grip and spray skirts
rules, regulations and policies, legislation and organisational policies and procedures that impact on the conduct of drills, activities and games.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures, and rules, regulations and policies of flatwater canoeing to enable safe conduct of all drills, activities and games during the session or sessions
observation of safe coaching of advanced flatwater canoeing skills and tactics, and monitoring and adjusting instructional techniques according to participant's needs, characteristics and responses
portfolio of session plans and self-evaluations
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.