For some FFA advisors, the winter and spring months mark the beginning of competition season. To help you prepare for the countless early mornings, bus rides and hours of preparation that lie ahead, we chatted with Don Noorda, Wells FFA advisor and agriculture science teacher.
Throughout Noorda’s 31 years of teaching, Wells FFA members have competed in more than 225 Nevada FFA state career development events (CDEs) and leadership development events (LDEs). Wells FFA has also won three National FFA CDEs and has more than 20 gold emblem national-placing teams.
“I’ve tried to instill a work ethic in all my competing FFA members,” Noorda says. “I’ve taught them success isn’t just about winning; it’s about growing and improving, too. I want my students to constantly improve their skills and knowledge through the entire preparation and competition processes.”
8 Keys to Success
Help set your students up to succeed by staying updated on CDE and LDE rules, regulations and state-specific guidelines.
Noorda offers the following eight tips to help FFA advisors prepare for the upcoming contest season.
- Familiarize yourself with CDE and LDE rules and guidelines early in the year, then stay updated as changes are made. Refer to the National FFA Frequently Asked Questions Guide. You can also check with your state for their specific CDE/LDE guidelines.
- Identify potential scheduling conflicts for each student before CDE and LDE preparation starts on the state level. Students cannot compete in several different events if they are at the same time. Students can only participate in one CDE/LDE on the national level per year.
- Have a consistent, well-planned and written practice schedule. Noorda doesn’t ask his students to choose between a school sport and competing in an FFA event, so he also encourages advisors to be flexible and account for missed practice time.
- Learn what motivates each student and communicate regularly. Keeping students focused includes constant motivation from their coach, Noorda says.
- Be a lifetime learner of all the CDEs and LDEs your chapter participates in. You can’t have enough knowledge or experience as a coach, so don’t be afraid to reach out to experienced advisors and industry leaders to learn more about each competition.
- If the CDE or LDE has a provided rubric, make sure all coaches and students understand it and are familiar with how it will be used to score the event.
- Establish a strong team dynamic. Remind students to have confidence in one another and their preparation efforts, particularly during competitions.
- Practice using the specific electronic scoring sheets (also known as scantrons) throughout the entire preparation period. Make sure students are aware of any special marking requirements used by your state.
Take the Next Step
Learn more about all National FFA CDEs and LDEs, including contest handbooks, preparation resources and upcoming dates by visiting FFA.org/participate/cde-lde/.
