what can a coach sign versus what can an instructor sign

[azureriders 0]

Ok, I guess this is almost a direct thread hi-jack although not meant to be. It has been mentioned a few times here that coaches are expected to work for free. I would like know exactly what is meant by free. Our coaches have their slots covered plus $6. They can put the $6 bucks in their pocket, or pay a packer with it. I find most coaches to be very happy with this, and I still do coach jumps as often as I have time for this same pay as well. Is this online with what you call free, being that they really make no profit, OR, are you saying that they are expected to cover their own slots where you jump??

[redramdriver 0]

I wasn't insinuating any specific DZ, and what each one pays or doesn't pay. There seems to be, evident even through these threads on dizzydotcom, that there are a lot of coaches that are expected to "teach" for free. If teaching is in the form of giving a class, or jumping with a student, there are a lot of places that expect the coach to just suck it up and do it. Lots of places pay for the slot, but thats it. Rack it up to experience.

I'm not that hard up for the cash believe me, so thats not a motivational factor when I jump with anyone. It is the young coaches that are really attempting to break into this sport and help defray some of their expenses that are being taken advantage of here.

Hell, I didn't even want to take the course when it was offered but decided that since I knew the Instructor, and their was an empty slot to fill, what the hell I was in.
I surprised myself and passed. Guess my mad skillz were ok for an old duff. Because I was the student in the course who said he would never pass.

But, back on track for a moment. If I teach a student a lesson, and that student has "gotten it" and passed that part of their proficiency to move upward, then I should be allowed to sign off on that part of their card. Period, thats my entire point.

If my signature on that card isn't required, asked for, or even allowed, then my "lesson" doesn't need to be given by me or any other coach. Leave it up to the "I" rating holders who are OK'd by USPA to sign those blanks, and give all those lessons and classes. Rant over (I hope).
'Mark

So, you bring your beer?

Its 5 o'clock somewhere
POPS #9344

[ozzy13 0]

im not saying I agree or disagree with this thread.

Look at it this way. If you want to become a electrician or carpenter. You need to start at a entry level. (coach) All your work is supervised by a licensed electrician or carpenter. Once you have proven yourself you go and take the test and you get licensed. Now you can sign off and supervise others.

Not sure why this is such a hard concept. Its done in just about every field.

Coaches can only teach non specific skydiving topics in a first jump course. They are only supervisors in free fall. Yes they teach on the ground and yes they debrief afterwards. But they are suppose to be under the DIRECT supervision of a AFFI. That is why on the two part card the AFFI is the one to do all the signing

just my 2 cents on this

Never give the gates up and always trust your rears!