2015-16Employee Handbook
Updated 11/15
Ed Staff Employee Handbook
PSIA-AASI Western Division
Dear Snowsports Professional,
Welcome to the Educational Staff of PSIA-AASI Western Division
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we present your Educational Staff Manual. This manual is designed to provide you with the direction and answers that you will need to perform your job as a professional snowsports educator with PSIA-AASI WESTERN DIVISION by describing, in general terms, our employment guidelines and policies. You are responsible for becoming familiar with, and complying with, the policies set forth in this Manual. Additionally, nothing in this Manual should be construed as creating any type of employment contract, or as a promise or representation of continued employment. As set forth in greater detail below, employment with PSIA-AASI WESTERN DIVISION is at-will and may be terminated by you or PSIA-AASI WESTERN DIVISION at any time, with or without cause or notice.
You should also be very familiar with your discipline Exam Guide and/or Study Guide in order to be 100% informed for yourself and the membership. In addition to this you will want to review the By-laws of PSIA/AASI-W and other important staff info which can be found at
Our mission of “working to inspire lifelong passion for snowsports” should be enthusiastically delivered by you to our nearly 3,500 members. By sharing our experience and knowledge we can have a positive impact through our members and member snowsports schools on literally millions of people from all over the world.
It is my job to provide you with the tools that you need to serve our members well and to perform at your highest level. If there is anything that I can do to help you in this mission please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes for a great season!
Mitch Dion
PSIA-AASI WESTERN DIVISION
Executive Director
PURPOSE
The PSIA/AASI-W Education Staff actively contributes to the professional growth of the Western Division by conducting ski instructor training and certification. In general, Staff members represent to top of their profession in terms of on-snow skill and knowledge and the ability to teach and deliver information to the widest range of the skiing public. The guidelines set for these events are developed by the Committee Vice President and chairpersons. Education Staff members report to their discipline VP or designated head clinic/module leaders for supervision, clarification of job duties, or questions regarding the functions of their job.
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT
Your Membership and Education are current
All required documentation (offer letter, W-4 tax form, I-9 Form has been received by the office)
PROFESSIONAL GUIDELINES
COMMUNICATION
It is essential that members of the Ed Staff assume significant responsibility for effective communication. If you receive a memo in the mail or an email that requires an immediate reply, either by email, phone, or post, please handle it promptly.
Daytime communications accessibility is essential for a smooth operation. It is your responsibility to provide and update a dependable, accurate means of reaching you during regular business hours.An answering machine or voice mail and an active email address is a must for our communication needs.
We encourage you to express your ideas, concerns, suggestions, or personal/professional needs with the Executive Director or your discipline coordinator as they occur (and not wait until just before an event or the end of the season). An e-mail or phone call during the day to the office would be an ideal approach. If more than a phone conversation is needed, a personal meeting can always be arranged.
It is important that members of the Ed Staff are familiar with Division Newsletters, staff webpage ( and Publications created by the Western Division, PSIA and AASI.
CONDUCT
While attending any Association function or representing PSIA-AASI WESTERN DIVISION in any way, as a member of the Ed Staff you must be aware of your high visibility and act in accordance with the guidelines set forth in this manual.
When working at an event, you are representing PSIA-AASI WESTERN DIVISION from the moment of arrival at the area or hotel/motel, until departure from the event. Ed Staff members are expected to be neatly groomed, with professional attire, including the required discipline uniform (where required).
You should demonstrate the highest professional standards, reflect and teach the philosophies of the Association, and positively promote PSIA-AASI WESTERN DIVISION in general.
Your conduct should also, at all times, be in compliance with the Code of Ethics as stated in the PSIA-AASI WESTERN DIVISION association by-laws.
Team members are responsible for the safety and functionality of the Snowsports equipment they use in the performance of their job.
IT IS NOT APPROPRIATE OR ACCEPTABLE TO CHANGE CLOTHES IN PUBLIC. Even if you are wearing Lycra tights or similar wear, the act of undressing in public creates a negative professional image.
Smoking anywhere on the premises of an event is not allowed, indoors or out.
SAFETY & CLASS HANDLING
Safety and good class handling should be primary considerations at all times when skiing or riding with a group.
All staff members should be familiar with and follow the NSAA Responsibility Code at all times. A copy of the code is provided at the back of this manual for your reference.
When leading a group always consider “safety first.” Even in a "homogeneous" clinic group there are individuals with different abilities, needs and goals. Do not impose your level of skiing or riding ability on the group.
Be aware of the goals of all individuals in your group and tailor your clinic accordingly.
All personnel representing PSIA/AASI-W are encouraged to wear a helmet and other appropriate protective equipment. Helmets are required where a resort policy mandates helmet use by our staff (Vail Resort properties).
Never leave your group. As a clinic leader you are expected to stay with your group until the event is finished.
INJURIES TO PARTICIPANTS
If a member of your group is injured, you mustfill out an incident report form completely; no matter how insignificant the problem. This should be done immediately, or the first time off the hill, after the injury occurred. For example, if a participant hurts himself at 10:30 AM and keeps skiing or riding until noon, the accident report should be completed before the end of the lunch break. If the ski patrol removes the person to the first aid room, you need to follow up as soon as possible, keeping in mind the best interests of the rest of the group.
If further assistance is needed, call the office immediately at 530-587-7642, or call Mitch Dion, Executive Director at (cell) 530-214-0802.
STAFF INJURIES
If you or one of your coworkers is injured, an incident report form must be filled out completely; no matter how insignificant the problem. Please contact the office immediatelyat 530-587-7642, or call Mitch Dion, Executive Director at (cell) 530-214-0802. In the case of serious injury, an employee's reporting obligation will be deferred until circumstances reasonably permit a report to be made. Failure to report an injury or illness may preclude or delay the payment of any benefits to the employee and could subject PSIA-AASI WESTERN DIVISION to fines and penalties
Most injuries can be looked at by the area's first aid team (if available). State Workers Compensation Fund of California is the provider of medical and workers compensation for PSIA/AASI-W. Our staff is required to get treatment at State Fund approved providers. Please contact the office for treatment options.
Free skiing is on your own time. An injury that occurs before or after a clinic, during lunch or at a time when the instructor has left his group will not be submitted for Worker’s Compensation.
ED EVENT WORK DAY
Event work days are normally 8:00 am – 4:30 pm with a half hour break for lunch.
Your ‘dress time’ is 8:00 -8:15 am. AnEducation Staff Safety meeting will be held at 8:15am for events with two or more clinicians. This meeting is mandatory, and must be attended by each Instructor who is staffed for the event.
Event attendees are instructed to arrive at 8:30 am. It is imperative that you never leave the meeting place until the event Lead Instructor or the Ed Staff member in charge at that location gives the O.K.
You are expected to take a half-hour lunch break. This should be scheduled while the clinic attendees are having their lunch, and should be taken before the fifth hour of work (i.e., before 1:00 p.m. on a typical event day). If your work day exceeds 10 hours in one day, you are entitled to take a second half-hour meal break as well (unless you and PSIA-AASI WESTERN DIVISION have mutually agreed to waive this second meal break). .
10 minute rest breaks are your right as an employee. During a typical eight-hour event work day, you are entitled to 20 minutes of rest break time, which should be split into one 10-minute break in the middle of your work shift before lunch, and one ten-minute break in the middle of your work shift after lunch. If you work day exceeds 10 hours in one day, you are entitled to take a third 10-minute rest break as well.
You should remain with your group until 4:00 P.M. If adverse weather, snow conditions, or group fatigue warrant stopping earlier, have a contingency indoor plan. Be available to answer questions, if necessary.
On time dependability is essential. Please do not accept an assignment unless you can ensure this. Our members and division staff are relying on your dependability and promptness.
SPRING CONVENTION
The following special rules will apply to Spring Convention. In addition to these special rules, the policies and rules outlined in the Employee Handbook also apply:
Your work at the annual Spring Convention will be paid as follows:
Full Day: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (7.5 hours for both AM and PM clinics)
Half Day (AM clinic): 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (3.5 hours)
Half Day (PM clinic):12:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (3.5 hours)
No standby or call in pay will be offered for work at the Spring Convention. Generally, no overtime work will be offered at the Spring Convention, and any overtime worked must be approved in advance. Any employees working unauthorized overtime may be subject to discipline. If you work overtime, you will be compensated according to the overtime policy in this Employee Handbook.
Rest Breaks—Employees working a Half Day are entitled to a 10 minute rest break in the middle of your work shift. Employees working a Full Day are entitled to 20 minutes of rest break time, which should be split into one 10-minute break in the middle of your work shift before lunch, and one ten-minute break in the middle of your work shift after lunch.
Lunch Break—Employees working a Full Day are expected to take a 30 minute lunch break during the Convention lunch hour (12:00-1:00-p.m.). For the portion of the Convention lunch hour when you are not on your own lunch break, you are expected to use that time to interact with our membership. The social aspect of this event is a key to its success.
Per Diem—$ 60 per day for a Full Day, or $ 30 per day for a Half Day.
Lodging:Convention lodging may be provided PSIA-W, depending on the Convention venue. We will provide detailed instructions for arranging lodging prior to the event. No family members or pets are allowed at PSIA-W arranged lodging without prior permission from the office or Event Organizer.
Mileage- The normal mileage reimbursement policy applies. In addition, carpooling will be encouraged by a $10 stipend for carpooling for each direction you ride with someone else ($ 10 to the driver, $ 10 to the rider.)
Staff not working but attending: Current staff members who are not needed to work the event are welcome to attend the Spring Convention at their own expense:
1)You may ‘shadow’ clinics at no charge, if there is room.
2)You are not eligible to stay in lodging that is provided for working staff. You must make your own lodging arrangements
3)Expect to pay full price for the parties and lift tickets. There may be times in which discounts are available for a specific event, but that is not guaranteed.
4)No travel, lodging expense will be reimbursed if you are not working the event.
EXAM/ACCREDITATION EVENT WORK DAY
Exam work days are normally 8:00 am – 4:30 pm with a half hour break for lunch.
Your ‘dress time’ is 8:00 -8:15 am. An Education Staff Safety meeting will be held at 8:15am for exams with two or more clinicians. This meeting is mandatory, and must be attended by each Instructor who is staffed for the exam.
The expectation is that Certification events should take no more than 8 hours each day of the event. If there is a compelling reason (group size, unanticipated problems) that require you to submit overtime, an explanation must be provided IN WRITING on comment section of the payroll submission form. Overtime must be approved, preferably in advance, by the Event Captain or discipline Chair. Be prepared to work from 8:00 AM until as late as necessary to complete score-cards and paperwork. You are entitled to overtime pay for more than 8 hours of work in any single work day (or 40 hours of work in a work week).
You are expected to take a half-hour lunch break. This should be scheduled while the clinic attendees are having their lunch, and should also be taken before the fifth hour of work (i.e., before 1:00 p.m. on a typical exam day). If your work day exceeds 10 hours in one day, you are entitled to take a second half-hour meal break as well (unless you and PSIA-AASI WESTERN DIVISION have mutually agreed to waive this second meal break).
10 Minute rest breaks are your right as an employee. During a typical eight-hour exam work day, you are entitled to 20 minutes of rest break time, which should be split into one 10-minute break in the middle of your work shift before lunch, and one ten-minute break in the middle of your work shift after lunch. If you work day exceeds 10 hours in one day, you are entitled to take a third 10-minute rest break as well.
On the final day of the exam, it is the examiner’s responsibility to remain and speak with candidates for a reasonable period of time. Exam Instructors should not leave the exam site before the exam results are delivered or before candidates have had a chance for feedback if needed. Any special situations requiring leaving before this time should be discussed with and approved by the event Lead Instructor.
Care should be taken in writing score cards. Comments should be specific, directive, meaningful, and positive. Part of an examiner’s job is to provide candidates with written feedback that is helpful for future efforts by the member.
Failure to comply with the policies described in this section, including the meal and rest period policies, may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
EVENT PAPERWORK
Event Rosters and scorecards are critical for confirming attendance and attendees pass/fail. Make sure an accurate roster has been returned to the office online, or by email, fax or regular mail. Your paycheck will not be issued until all event paperwork has been returned to the office.
Expense sheets can be filled out online at or can be filled out at each event and given to the event Lead Instructor before you leave the event. (seereimbursement policies).
Any expenses incurred traveling from the event, such as mileage that needs to be calculated, should be noted on the expense sheet as INC (incomplete), indicating that you will send or call the information in.
We issue paychecks on a bi-Weekly basis. Expense reports must be submitted by the end of business day of that pay period to be included in that pay period.
Hours must be clearly and accurately indicated on the time sheet/expense report.
Paychecks will be issued on a bi-weekly schedule.
COMPENSATION
The PSIA/AASI Western Board of Directors will review compensation policies on an annual basis. We recognize that some of our staff may receive higher compensation at their home resorts. We are continually balancing the need to fairly compensate our valued employees against the desire to provide services at the lowest possible cost to our members.
It is the policy of PSIA-AASI WESTERN DIVISION to compensate employees for all regular and overtime hours worked, in accordance with state and federal law. In order to provide employees with accurate pay, it is essential that time sheets are timely and accurately completed.Compensation rates for this season are:
- $ 17.50 hr.
- $ 60 per diem per day
- Overtime will be paid at $ 26.25 for hours worked in excess of eight hours and up to and including 12 hours in one day; in excess of 40 hours in one week; or the first eight hours worked on the seventh consecutive day of any work week. For hours worked in excess of 12 hours in one day or in excess of eight hours on the seventh consecutive day of work, overtime will be paid at $35.00
REIMBURSEMENT FOR EVENTS WORKED