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Category: CASI BLOG

Created: 14 October 2020

National Technical Team member, Adam Gardner, weighs in with some tips and tricks to help you prosper this season. These are some great tips for you to consider from one team member's perspective -- we encourage you to use them as a starting point, and experiment / research for yourself on ways to implement!

I am sure by now that all of us are aware of the benefits of starting the season in good physical shape. Some of us put some extra effort into pre-season training and some of us keep active enough over the off season to organically transition into sliding. 

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Category: CASI BLOG

Created: 25 September 2020

The team at CASI are always working hard to improve the association but often those changes aren’t immediately visible by the membership. Here are some things we’ve been working to put in place for 2020-21 that may not be as immediately noticeable as the course updates and reference guide improvements that we’re all used to looking for:

Eliminating Membership Cards:

We have finally taken the step to eliminate plastic membership cards altogether! Although I know a few of you will grumble and a few of you will shed a nostalgic tear, this move has a positive environmental and financial impact. Your membership card has been available through your member profile for a few years now and you can print it if you need it…but we’d encourage you to stick to the digital version and just display it when needed.

Streamlined Communication Channels:

All of your CASI staff and board members are now available through an @casi-acms email address. Simply use *firstname*@casi-acms.com and you’re there. Simple. You can also now reach any staff member through our toll-free number. Dial up 1-877-976-2274 and listen for their extension. 

Continued Reduction in Paper Use:

We have continued our effort to reduce the amount of paper we use, and ship all over the country and the world. Our course kits now contain far fewer items which results in smaller packages to ship, and less wastage.

Database Upgrades:

We continue to improve our database to better track all of the information in your member profile. You can print certificates, your member card and even look up candidate feedback forms from your courses (any course taken in 2020-21 and beyond).

NEW Evaluator App:

In order to support these database upgrades, course evaluators will now be working with an app to produce course results and feedback forms electronically. This helps us to reduce the amount of paper we use on courses and speeds up the processing time of results immensely. Everything will be available through your member profile within 2 days of the completion of your course.

Increased Access to Member Sessions:

You spoke and we listened. The demand from many members to take more than their one free allotted member session per year was loud and clear. You now have the option of attending 2 free sessions per season (1 QuickRide Update and 1 Topic Specific Session) AND you can sign up for as many more topic specific sessions as you like for only $50 per session. There are now more options than ever to get trained by CASI’s top pros. You can see all of the offerings HERE.

NEW Online Learning Modules:

Driven by COVID we have accelerated our move towards online learning. We have eliminated ALL indoor components of our certification courses and replaced them with online learning modules. Beyond the obvious necessity of this move we will now also be able to track all completed modules in your member profile and ensure that all learning is completed before certifications are granted. We have invested in a new online learning platform to develop these modules and I think you’ll really enjoy the look and feel.

The CASI Team

Over the summer CASI has undergone some restructuring and undertaken some operational efficiencies to better service our membership. So, we thought we’d take the opportunity to re-introduce the team that is here to serve you.

Regional Coordinators:

Historically looking after Level 1 and Park 1 courses, these folks now look after all of the courses and CASI programs running in your region. Their exceptional local knowledge within the various regions and the resorts we partner with will allow them to best meet the needs of the membership. This crew manages the course and member sessions schedule along with the evaluators who run those programs so if you’re looking for something specific, get in touch!

• Genevieve Pilotto – Quebec and Atlantic (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
• Andrew McCraney – Ontario - Manitoba - Saskatchewan (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
• John Smits – Alberta – Eastern BC (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
• Greg Daniells – BC West – Yukon – NWT (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

“Office” Staff

• Cathy Genge – Office Manager and Foreign Courses Coordinator (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Cathy is handing off the coordination of Level 2 and 3 programs to the Regional Coordinators but will keep more than busy managing our National office and Foreign courses. Cathy is also the only person that actually works in the office!
• Lewis Hopps – Courses and Membership Administrator (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Lewis is the man behind all of our registrations, membership payments and managing your member profiles.
• Jeff Chandler – Director of Education and Programs (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Jeff is the one behind all of our technical materials, course content and our new online learning modules. Jeff also oversees the Nation Technical Team.
• Simon Holden – Executive Director/CEO (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Simon works closely with the Board of Directors to set the direction and goals of our organization. Simon also manages the finances and supports the staff in the daily operations of the association.

Board of Directors:

Although not directly involved in the running of CASI, this volunteer team is responsible for the governance of CASI and helps to ensure that the staff are meeting the goals of the organization. These are elected positions and all current members are invited to run for a spot in their region during an election.

• Melissa Penny – Easter Board Rep (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
• Dom Smith – Quebec Board Rep – Vice President (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
• Adam Lowe – Ontario Board Rep - Secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
• Mike Bray – Western Board Rep (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
• Andrew Lunt – Alberta Board Rep - President (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
• Robert Joncas – BC Board Rep – Treasurer (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

On top of all of the more glamorous technical improvements and on snow content we hope that all of this work behind the scenes further reinforces the value of your membership dollars. Our goal is always to be the best association that we can be for you, the members. And we couldn’t do that without you so thanks for your ongoing support and for being a part of what we are striving for.

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Category: CASI BLOG

Created: 11 August 2020

As a member-based organization our primary mandate is to provide excellent value for our members. It also means that we rely on our members to support the organization. Without you we would not survive.

This has been a challenging year for everyone and what the future holds is still uncertain for many of us. Despite this we are working hard to ensure that we continue to provide great value for your membership dollars in the hopes that you will continue to support the organization through these uncertain times.

While the season ahead might look a little different, we are advocating on your behalf and working very closely with the resorts to plan for continued operations and sharing of our love of snowboarding. If you haven’t already checked out our summer update for all the latest news, you can view it here.

Remember that we offer a range of membership levels from student to foreign affiliate so no matter what your season holds we have a level that’s right for you. Click here for more information.

In previous years we would be sending reminders to pay your dues in preparation for the upcoming season, and this year is no different. We encourage you to renew your dues so you are prepared for whatever the season brings and can continue to take advantage of the many benefits of being a CASI-ACMS member and if you pay your dues before September 8th you will save the increase in membership fees for the upcoming season! Also by paying before October 31, 2020 you will be entered into our Early Bird Contest...so many reasons to renew. Your support will also help us continue to be leaders in snowboard instruction around the world.

This is an amazing global community or snowsports instructors and we hope that you will choose to continue to be a part of it. Click here and do the right thing!

Simon Holden
Executive Director & CEO

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Category: CASI BLOG

Created: 11 August 2020

We are excited to introduce Health Plus insurance and the excellent comprehensive health benefit plans now available to all CASI-ACMS members and families. When you’re active, on the slopes and off, year-round, at any life and career stage, good insurance for routine and unexpected expenses helps take care of your health and your finances. That’s why we’ve done our homework to bring you this new benefit of your CASI-ACMS membership.

Your Health Plus member plan starts where your provincial plan stops. In Canada we’re fortunate that government plans pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, and some drugs for some of us. Unfortunately, that’s not nearly enough even for everyday care, let alone injury or illness. Health Plus Insurance plans provide the more complete protection everyone should have. Due to RAMQ provincial regulations, plans for Quebec residents differ from the Health Plus plans for members in the rest of Canada.

Wherever you reside, with your CASI-ACMS member plan you can count on the same excellent service and plan advantages.

• QUALITY COVERAGE Health and Paramedical Services including physiotherapy, chiropractor and massage, Dental, Vision, Ambulance, Medical Supplies ,Travel Health Emergency and much more. Prescription Drugs to $30,000 per person per year
• FLEXIBILITY Cover just yourself, your partner, or whole family. Choose from two plan options to suit budget and needs. Take your plan with you if you change where you work.
• AFFORDABILITY Best value, superior coverage at lower rates, from $89 /month. With insurance you pay a small, monthly amount you can budget for instead of a crushing big bill that comes with accident or illness. Insurance is tax-deductible if you’re self-employed.
• SIMPLICITY Easy on-line claims. Simple health questionnaire to apply, no medical tests.
• OPTIONS If you need a no-medical-questions-asked plan due to health history or current high bills, Health Plus offers those too + Disability, Critical Illness and Life insurance.
• EXPERT.ADVICE and personal service from a family firm

The best time to buy insurance is when you’re healthy. We encourage you to take a look at your new CASI-ACMS Member plan.

Canada –wide (except Quebec)
healthplusinsurance.ca/casi-acms
1-877-218-0394
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Quebec Residents 
healthplusinsurance.ca/casi-acms
514-695-4775                                  
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Category: CASI BLOG

Created: 09 June 2020

We hope you are keeping well and keeping the stoke for snowboarding alive! Whether you’re getting your fix through snowboard videos, pursuing another sport, training towards next winter with a specific goal in mind or simply taking a break to refresh the mind and body so you’re ready to go when the snow flies again we know that snowboarding and CASI-ACMS are never far from your mind.

Summer time is never down time around here, and this year is no exception! All of our CASI-ACMS staff have been working hard planning for the 2020-21 season.

COVID-19

As you all know, COVID-19 is still front of mind and a concern for the snow industry as we look towards next winter. We have been working closely with our industry partners, and resort associations to ensure that we are ready to go when we are given the go ahead to do so. It is too early to know what we will be dealing with next season but we are preparing for various different scenarios so we can ensure that our members have the tools to be successful and that we can continue to meet the needs of the resorts. Look for more updates towards the fall when we hopefully have a clearer picture of the emerging landscape.

Member Services

As a member-based association, CASI is always working to provide great value to our members, and that work continues as the temperature rises.

• We are working with the CSIA to streamline the dues payment process for dual association members. The CSIA will be ready to start accepting membership dues payment for dual members through snowpro.com in early September.
• We are revamping our Member Sessions program to provide even more opportunities to train with our highest certified instructors and evaluators.
• We are communicating with our Pro Deal suppliers to ensure continued relationships and even more strong offerings (keep your eyes peeled for some off season deals also!).
• We are investigating ways to reduce our impact on planet earth by reducing the amount of paper and materials we produce and ship around the world each season. As a result of this we will no longer be offering plastic member cards. We realise that this will be an adjustment for some but it is simply the right thing to do in 2020. Current and paid up members will always be able to print a member card from their member profile page.
• Dues renewals for 2020-21 are now live on the website.
  • Note: Your membership dues are valid from June 1st to May 31st each year so if you are planning on teaching indoors or overseas before the Canadian winter gets rolling again you’ll need to update your dues before doing so.
  • Paying prior to August 31, 2020, locks you in with no price increase and means you’ll be ready when those pro-deals go live in the fall.
  • For CASI only members, don't forget about our 2-year option...and save more!
  • Paying early also means no reinstatement fees! So, if you know someone who has let their membership lapse, be a CASI champion and give them a friendly nudge. We want them back!
  • Paying before October 31, 2020 you will automatically be entered into our Early Bird Contest and a chance to win your membership dues free or a cool prize from one of our pro deal suppliers! If you have already paid your dues this season or paid for 2 years last season, you are automatically entered in the Early Bird Contest!

We recognize that these are uncertain times for some people so rest assured that there’s no pressure to pay your dues before you’re ready. Our goal is to make your membership such a great value that you’re better off with it than without it.

• It’s easy to save far more than your dues in Pro Deals…new board anyone?
• A free on snow member session is something that every full member should take advantage of every season
• And of course recognition as a paid up, certified member of one of the world’s leading snowboard instructing associations. Shout it from the rooftops! Be CASI proud!

Technical Updates

On the technical side, the National Technical Team has been busy planning and implementing program updates and improvements for next year:

Course Overview Tool

A course overview chart is being developed, providing a summary of all of our courses to act as a communication tool for staff, instructors, evaluators, and potential CAS I members regarding the process of moving from one course to another. Information will include prerequisites, standards, evaluation methods, components, etc.

Evaluator Training

Watch for a change in format on this year’s Evaluator Training programs, including an updated mandatory online component, as well as altered on-snow training requirements. New for this year, Evaluators will be required to attend one day of on-snow training for each level of certification they wish to teach that year (example: Level 1 Evaluators will complete a 1-day update, Level 2’s will be two days, etc.).

NEW! Trainer Update Days

New for 2020, in conjunction with Evaluator Training we will be offering course update days across the country for CASI members who may not be evaluators (yet) but still want to get the latest info on course content. These days will be open to all CASI members Level 2 and up.

Online Learning

A big focus for next season will be moving much of our theory information from all courses to an online platform, allowing us to spend the time on courses on the snow, working on practical skills. Watch for a new and improved presentation of online courses coming in the fall!

Mandatory Riding Maneuvers

Following the lead of the Level 3 and 4 exams, starting this year, Level 1 and 2 courses will also include mandatory riding maneuvers, as a means of evaluating riding skills in addition to the on-going overall skill evaluation. Specific maneuvers are still in development, but will align with existing course riding standards.

Reference Guide Updates

The CASI Reference Guide is undergoing numerous edits, updates, and a facelift. Watch for the new guide to be available via your member profile in late summer.

National Technical Team Selections

The current Technical Team’s term will expire at the end of the 2021 season. Team selection events will be held during the 2020-2021 season. Watch for details on the selection process coming in the fall.

Stay tuned to our social media channels in the coming months for updates on all the improvements for the 2020-21 season!

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

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Category: CASI BLOG

Created: 15 March 2020

UPDATE: APRIL 27, 2020

CASI continues to monitor the situation as it evolves around the world. Our primary focus is the safety of everyone involved in providing CASI programs from candidates to evaluators, and even resort staff. CASI certification courses are currently on hold in all of our locations around the globe. We will be following the recommendations of local authorities and will re-launch our programs when it is safe and responsible to do so. Stay safe, stay healthy, and we look forward to sliding with you again soon!

UPDATE: MARCH 14, 2020

Dear CASI-ACMS members,

The situation, as the world is dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19), is evolving very quickly. In light of today’s events, which include a number of resort operators suspending operations, we are suspending our CASI Operations and Events until further notice effective March 16, 2020. If we are able to resume operations during the 2019-2020 season, we will do so with an amended schedule.

For those of you that are currently registered for a course, or participating in a course currently running, we will be refunding your full course fees ASAP, please be patient as we process the large volume of refunds.

These are extremely challenging times. Please stay tuned to www.casi-acms.com for updates, as well as our social media channels. We will be posting Q&A’s and additional information as soon as we can. 

Thank you for your continued understanding,

Simon Holden
Executive Director & CEO

MARCH 13, 2020

As the world is dealing with the rapidly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situaton, we want to assure you, that your health and well-being is our highest priority. 

We are closely monitoring the situation via https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

At this time, all of our Domestic Programs are operating normally. Domestically, should the Health Authorities issue any changes in any region or issue any restrictions or recommendations, we will immediately adjust our operations and communicate those adjustments to you. As a recommendation, we are asking Evaluators to refrain from shaking hands going forward.

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC recommends the following:   

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough in your elbow or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask: CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

• CDC recommends that face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19, to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

It’s important that we all pay close attention to the above information and remain calm. We will be sure to communicate any changes in our operations to each of you, immediately, should this highly fluid situation change at any time.

If you are at all concerned about attending a course or event that you are registered for either because you think you may be exposing others to the virus or because you fear being exposed to the virus yourself please contact Lewis Hopps This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a full refund with no penalty fees.

In addition, should there be any questions about the CASI-ACMS response to COVID 19, please direct them to Simon Holden This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 519-624-6593 x101 or Jeff Chandler This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 519-624-6593 x104.

Thank you,

Simon Holden
Executive Director/CEO

Jeff Chandler
Director of Education and Programs