Comparative analysis of the legal system in the field of sports instructor certifications in winter sports in Spain

Abstract

Previous studies describe a height of outdoor sports and the consequent need to train qualified instructors. Even so, the educational system of instructors of these activities is still being ordered and structured. This article aims to compare the regulations in the professional certifications of winter sports (alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding) and analyze the differences in regulations of the autonomous communities of Spain. The content of the state regulations and the current regulatory development of each autonomous regions regarding professional certifications in winter sport modalities were analyzed. In 2018, eight communities developed specific regulations regarding professional certifications in winter sport modalities, 18 years after the publication of the country regulation. In general, heterogeneity is observed in the regulations between the different communities and also in comparison with the country regulations in aspects as important as professional capacities, exercise of the professional activity, subjects, time distribution, total teaching hours, and proportion of theoretical and practical hours. A homogenization of the regulations of professional certifications in winter sports is necessary among autonomous communities, with the aim of ensuring a convergent line for the professional practice of these modalities throughout the country territory.