Skill Development Program (SDP) »

 

Skill Development Program (SDP) for Children

The Kal Tire Skill Development Program is a modern, state-of-the-art progression of skill development programs for children.  This exciting program conforms to the Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) Model and provides a vertically integrated continuum of development opportunities for children in the first three stages of skier development. 

KAL TIRE BUNNYRABBIT PROGRAM

The first level is the Bunnyrabbit Program which is directed at children in the “Active Start” stage of athlete development (children five years of age and younger). Program materials include: an enrolment kit, a kid-friendly age-appropriate booklet and skill award stickers. It has been developed in parallel with the first level of the Coaching Association of Canada’s new competency-based National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), which now provides coaching materials specific to the needs of this age group.  The objective is to introduce cross country skiing and the healthy lifestyle associated with it through organized activity and active play. In addition, the program is designed to:

  • Help children develop a positive self-image.
  • Be fun.
  • Provide children an opportunity to make ski-friends.
  • Develop fundamental movement skills.
  • Help children develop an awareness and appreciation of our natural environment.

BunnyRabbit Booklet (Click Here)

KAL TIRE JACKRABBIT PROGRAM

The Jackrabbit Program, which is directed at skiers in the "FUNdamentals" stage of athlete development (children six to nine years of age), is the second level of SDP.  It has been developed in parallel with the second level of the new competency-based NCCP, which provides coaching materials specific to the needs of skiers this age.  Program materials include an enrolment kit; an age-appropriate booklet/poster that provides a comprehensive record of the young skier’s ski career; and “technique” and “program” award stickers to chart the different levels of achievement.The objective is for children to learn basic cross country ski skills (both classic and skating) and to instill a lifelong interest in the sport, thereby enhancing their quality of life and health.  In addition, it is designed to:

  • Help children develop confidence.
  • Be fun.
  • Provide children an opportunity to ski and socialize with their ski-friends.
  • Build overall motor skills.
  • Help children develop outdoor winter safety skills.

Ski equiipment and ski preparation tips for Jackrabbits - click here. 
Winter Safety for Jackrabbits - click here.
My Trail Etiquette Promise - click here.

JackRabbit Booklet (Click Here)

KAL TIRE TRACK ATTACK PROGRAM

The Track Attack Program, which is directed at children in the “Learning to Train” stage of athlete development (children 10 to 12 years of age), is the third level of SDP.  It has been developed in parallel with the third level of the new NCCP system.  Program materials include a program-specific enrolment kit, an age-appropriate booklet and coaching materials specific to this stage in the skier development progression. The objective is for the participants to become technically competent cross country skiers and to utilize their skills to explore a wide range of cross-country ski activities, from back country excursions to Ski Tournaments.  In addition, it is designed to:

  • Develop fitness through active play, games and other activities.
  • Be fun.
  • Provide children an opportunity to be part of a sport “team”.
  • Develop competence in cross country ski skills.
  • Expose children to a variety of “adventure-based” cross country ski activities.

TrackAttack Booklet (Click Here)

SKI PLAYGOUNDS

A ski playground is a designated location which has been developed to assist children to learn to ski naturally.  It provides them with a variety of skiing discoveries that use terrain to help them develop balance and coordination skills.

A ski playground could be set up almost any place there is snow.  Although an established ski area is preferable, a snow-covered school playground, golf course, community park or pasture will also work. 

To learn more about ski playgrounds and how they are used, click on the link to this Swedish Ski Federation video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/a9zpaee8hwzhdk1/Ski%20Fun%20-%20Playground%20video.VOB?dl=0 

For additional information about ski playgrounds, including illustrations, click here. 

GETTING STARTED

The SDP Programmers Guide has all the information that you need to start up and deliver a skill development program in your club. To view the guidebook click here.

FAQ

To find answers to a summary of Frequenty Asked Questions, click here.