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Title / Instruct in skills for risk management for outdoor recreation
Level / 6 / Credits / 4
Purpose / This unit standard is intended for instructors in outdoor recreation who are responsible for instruction in risk management.
People credited with this unit standard are able to: prepare for instructing in skills for risk management; teach risk management; demonstrate effective instruction techniques for risk management instruction; and evaluate the effectiveness of the instruction provided.
Classification / Outdoor Recreation > Outdoor Management
Available grade / Achieved
Recommended for entry / Unit 451, Manage risk for an outdoor activity; Unit 20145, Demonstrate knowledge of theories and processes associated with instructing in the outdoors; and any one of the following unit standards; Unit 14222, Instruct in multi-night on-track tramping; Unit 14224, Instruct kayaking on Grade II whitewater; Unit 16633, Instruct in basic mountaineering skills; Unit 20131, Instruct in horizontal caving; and Unit 20154, Instruct in single-pitch rock climbing; or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.
Guidance Information
1In order to be assessed against this unit standard the candidate must have logged a minimum of ten instruction sessions, three of which must be in risk management. A session involves a minimum of two hours instruction. When gaining the instructional experience the candidate must be directly supervised whilst engaging in role of the instructor. The candidate must not have any responsibility for clients, although he or she must be responsible for him or herself.
2For information on risk management refer to Haddock, C. (2004) Outdoor safety – risk management for outdoor leaders. Wellington: New ZealandMountain Safety Council .
3All activities must comply with any relevant environmental, legislative and/or regulatory requirements set out in the New Zealand Environmental Care Code, Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Compensation Act 2001, and their subsequent amendments. The New Zealand Environmental Care Code is available from the Department of Conservation, Head Office, POBox10420, Wellington6143or at
Outcomes and performance criteria
Outcome 1
Prepare for instructing in skills for risk management.
Performance criteria
1.1The instructional objectives and requirements are identified.
1.2Lesson plans are prepared to meet the learning objectives, taking into consideration the needs of the group, and people, equipment and environment issues.
Rangeplans may include but are not limited to – content, progressions, resources, environmental factors, contingencies, current professional technical information, balance of theory and practical components, retaining a positive learning experience.
1.3Evaluation methods and requirements are identified.
Outcome 2
Teach risk management.
Performance criteria
2.1Instruction in risk management theory is provided.
Rangeinstruction includes but is not limited to – types, outcomes and causes of risk; strategies to manage risk; key components of an emergency action plan.
2.2Instruction in identifying, comparing, and evaluating leader and personal competencies for outdoor activities is provided.
2.3Instruction in demonstrating and evaluating risk management skills whilst leading an activity is provided.
Rangeinstruction includes but is not limited to – identifying risk and causal factors, managing risk whilst leading an activity, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, risk management skills, identifying strategies for future improvement.
Outcome 3
Demonstrate effective instruction techniques for risk management instruction.
Performance criteria
3.1Instruction skills and techniques are demonstrated that are relevant to the needs of the group and enable them to achieve the skills.
Rangeskills and techniques may include but are not limited to – different teaching styles, teaching progressions, checking for individual understanding after presenting skill progressions, adapting plans to suit needs, responsiveness to group dynamics, maintaining a positive environment;
needs may include but are not limited to – individual’s initial skill and understanding, different learning speeds, different learning styles, different communication styles.
3.2Rapport and/or a learning partnership is effectively established with the participants.
3.3Progress of each participant is evaluated and accurate feedback is delivered in a manner that matches the needs and learning styles of each participant.
Rangefeedback manner may include but is not limited to – constructive, timely, verbal, visual.
3.4The instructor projects and communicates enthusiasm and enjoyment for the activities and environment throughout the sessions to the satisfaction of the participants.
Outcome 4
Evaluate the effectiveness of the instruction provided.
Performance criteria
4.1The plans and objectives are evaluated against actual outcomes and reasons for changes are provided and justified.
4.2The instructional components of the sessions are evaluated for strengths and areas for improvement.
This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by the last date for assessment set out below.
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for AssessmentRegistration / 1 / 29 October 2004 / 31 December 2021
Rollover and Revision / 2 / 20 August 2010 / 31 December 2021
Review / 3 / 23 November 2017 / 31 December 2021
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0099
This CMR can be accessed at
Skills Active AotearoaSSB Code 101576 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018 / / New Zealand Qualifications Aut