French Embassy Issue Statement of British Ski Instructing in France
French Embassy Issue Statement of British Ski Instructing in France
Published : 28-Feb-2014 08:26
The French Embassy in the UK have issued a statement on the current publicity about French police action against a British ski instructor.
The statement is headed, referencing the headlines in recent reports in the Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph is entitled: "Piste war? No, France loves British skiers and British ski instructors" and begins,
"Recent articles have suggested it was wrong of French officials to arrest Simon Butler, despite his operating illegally as a ski instructor in France. This has led to accusations that France was flouting European law and being protectionist in so doing. This is erroneous and misguided."
It continues, "Under the current French system, any foreign instructor with qualifications that are deemed to fall short of the required standards can rectify this in one of two ways: by taking an examination or undergoing training.
Mr Butler was informed, as acknowledged by the British Association of Snowsport Instructors, that he did not have the appropriate credentials (Eurotest). Mr Butler was offered the chance to take the examination but has to date been unwilling or unable to complete it.
In 2004, the local Criminal Court in Bonneville ruled that Mr Butler could not practise in France, given his inadequate qualifications and subsequent failure to obtain the Eurotest.
He was fined €10,000. In 2005 the Chambéry Court of Appeal confirmed the original ruling.
Mr Butler has nonetheless continued operating illegally as recently as this year, and in doing so he continues to defy French law. In 2013 he received another sentence, against which he appealed.
In February 2014, in order to ensure skiers were protected and in the face of his persistent disregard for the law, the local police placed Mr Butler under investigation for operating without a licence, failing to declare sporting activities and failing to declare the employment of foreign nationals. The investigation is ongoing."
The statement continues by pointing out that although the position is clear, changes to the current system are moving forward across Europe.
The UK, France and nine other member states have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create a professional card for European ski instructors. The first professional cards are expected to be issued in 2014/2015. This, the Embassy statement says, will go a long way to helping standardize practice for ski instructors while also helping to guarantee the sort of professional teaching everyone should be free to enjoy.
"It is worth remembering that most British tour operators and ski schools in France have happily adopted the current standards and are thriving. 19 different British run ski schools operate in France," the statement continues,
"We will not allow the regrettable behaviour of one repeat offender to obscure the fact that the vast majority of British ski instructors flourish in France, while respecting the law. We will continue to ensure that British skiers are made to feel safe and welcome in our resorts."
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