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Member Sacramento
Bee
Sacramento
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Choosing A Coachby Jayne Meyer Throckmorton IntroductionNo one coach is a perfect fit for every student. Not only do students have differing interests, abilities, and personalities, they don't all learn the same way. An adult skater with recreational interests and little athletic experience processes ideas and information differently than a senior level teenager with Olympic aspirations. Someone interested in figures has dramatically divergent needs than someone learning ice dance. Figure skating coaches, of course, have widely varying degrees of knowledge and experience, all of which are important to understand when making a decision. Just as important as your coach's qualifications, however, is his or her style or method of teaching. Some teach by example, others by explanation, and others still through intimidation. The question is not so much "Which method is right?" as it is "Which method is right for me or my child?" This is not intended to make the job of choosing a coach sound impossible, because it's not. It is intended simply to encourage you to be diligent in making the choice. The goal of this article is to provide some suggestions with respect to this effort. QualificationsInformation about a given coach's personal achievements, education, and experience can provide valuable insight into their ability to provide quality instruction. However, this information can occasionally be misleading and therefore must be balanced with and against the other factors mentioned within the scope of this article. Qualifications can be examined in a number of different ways. For our purposes here, I will use the following categories and definitions:
A coach's level of Personal Achievement is an important indication of his or her knowledge and experience with respect to certain disciplines within the sport. Obviously, the higher the test a coach has passed, the more experience she has and the more likely it is she will have sufficient knowledge to coach a skater up to or beyond a given level. It is indeed rare to see a coach
It is also occasionally suggested that a coach who has passed higher tests is better suited to coach the more ambitious young skaters, because their experience at higher levels enables them to build a stronger foundation for future growth. Again, on the surface this makes sense, but it is far from being an absolute. There are many low-test coaches who do an outstanding job preparing skaters for advancement to higher levels. Whatever your interests or ambitions, don't be shy about asking a coach about his or her level of personal achievement, and if the answers you get seem vague, be cautious. A good coach will not be the least bit reluctant to provide you with a copy of his or her résumé or C.V.. Of course, if you're relatively new to the sport of figure skating, it might be helpful to have some understanding of the various test structures of the key skating organizations. For example, the dominant governing body for most competitive skaters is the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA). Their test structure looks something like this:
The requirements for each test are too detailed to go into here, but this table may give someone new to skating an idea of where a given test falls on the ladder. For more information on the various test structures, you can speak with a local club official, your prospective coach, or contact the USFSA, ISI, ISU or other skating association.
Another element worth noting in the area of Personal Achievement is competitive experience. A skater with National, World or Olympic experience is certainly someone to be respected. Be cautious, however, of those who claim "gold medals" or other awards in lesser or even unknown competitions. Also, realize that a very, very small number of talented skaters actually make it to National, World and Olympic competition, and that sometimes the difference between those who do and those who don't is one particularly great (or terrible) performance in competition. More importantly, remember that being able to skate at a very high level, and being able to teach skating, are not one and the same thing. Some skaters are incredible performers, possessing the passion and ability to enthrall us with their grace and presence on the ice. Not all of those who perform well, however, have the knowledge, experience, ability, or desire to instruct. Skating is one set of skills; teaching another. The knowledge may be the same, but the way in which that knowledge is applied is very different. Look at the coaches of many of the top skaters in the World today; how many of them ever had actual experience themselves as a skater in top competitions? Some have; but many haven't. That's why Personal Achievement should never be applied as a litmus test in choosing a coach. It is an important factor in your decision, but not the only one. One final caution: Unfortunately, as with the jobseeking population at large, misstatement and exaggeration are not unheard of among the coaching ranks. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that many arenas and clubs fail to check their coaches' backgrounds or adequately vet their résumés. In some arenas, the employee handing out skates for the public session will have undergone a drug test and criminal background check to gain his or her position, while the coach who is spending time privately with your son or daughter has done little more than pass a simple interview and lace on a pair of skates. If in doubt, check with the arena or the local skating club to see what information they have. The skating associations themselves may also be able to provide some assistance in verifying credentials.
One of my personal hot buttons is Education. Education is important in virtually any endeavor, and skating is no exception. Of course, many
Better coaches, however, recognize that there are limitations to this type of education and move beyond it in one form or another. An academic background in any one of a variety of disciplines can strongly complement and strengthen a coach's knowledge and his ability to apply that knowledge effectively. Given all of the responsibilities a coach has, who wouldn't benefit from further education in psychology, kinesiology, physics, sports medicine, nutrition, dance, music, weight training, finance, or even business law? Moving beyond academics, there is the matter of continuing education in the sport. Organizations such as the Professional Skaters' Association (PSA) offer conferences, symposiums, and seminars where coaches have a chance to learn from top professionals and experts from around the world. There are USFSA schools for skating judges, which professionals are usually invited to attend. At one of these, a coach may learn exactly what the judges are looking for, what the latest rule changes are, and other tips that will help their skaters excel on tests and in competition. Most coaches, of course, are independent contractors, which means that they have no vacation or other benefits, and every hour, day or week they spend away from their students represents lost income. Consequently, the actual expense of attending conferences well exceeds their apparent cost. Ultimately, however, the dedicated professional recognizes that this is a cost of doing business-an investment, if you will-and that the long-term benefits that accrue to their skaters and their business outweigh the cost. What is the right amount of education? It depends. Coaches who want nothing more than to teach fundamentals in group class probably don't need invest too much time or money in furthering their education, while coaches working with more serious and competitive youngsters should never stop trying to learn more. So again, don't be shy about asking a prospective coach about their continuing education. Experience, of course, is a form of education. How long has the coach been an instructor? Are they full-time, part-time, or ???? What success have his or her students had? There is no right or wrong number here. To use an extreme example, would you prefer a coach with (a) thirty years of experience who has never had a student pass her Juvenile Freestyle test, or (b) three years of experience and five students in the World Championships? Surprisingly enough, the answer isn't always obvious. It still may depend on what the goals are for you or your child.
Ratings are another valuable measure of a coach's knowledge and ability. The Professional Skaters' Association (PSA) has a comprehensive system of rating examinations for coaches. The
PSA Rating System is intended for "professionals who want to validate their skating skill and teaching experience." The ratings are based on both written and oral exams. The oral exams are difficult and intimidating, as the coach must stand before a jury of highly qualified coaches and answer detailed technical and philosophical questions about skating technique and coaching. The Rating Examiners are other coaches who have already achieved a
The PSA states that "Ratings are an assurance to clubs, rinks, skaters, parents and the general public that the professional they hire is technically qualified to instruct at the level in which they are rated regardless of background and skating achievement." What's interesting and important about the ratings system, however, is that ratings are not earned once and held forever. In order to maintain a rating, a professional must continue his or her education and earn at least 24 educational credits over a three-year period through seminar and conference attendance. So not only do ratings provide some assurance of a coach's ability, they ensure that the coach is participating in continuing education. Personality & FitSo now you've identified a coach who has solid qualifications, what's next? Well, now the decision becomes more personal and therefore subjective. You will want to try to determine whether the Personality & Fit is right.
This is an area that almost defies definition. People, and especially children, tend to react and express themselves in very individual ways. Perhaps you think your son or daughter will work better with a female coach rather than a male one, or vice-versa. Perhaps one coach seems First and foremost, take the time to observe. Watch the coaches' lessons. Depending on your interest, you may want to attend at different times to see coaches during freestyle or dance sessions. If your interest is recreational, find out who teaches during public session times. Watch both the coach and the students carefully. What is the nature of the interaction between them? What are the relative moods of the coach and the skater? How much energy does the coach appear to put into the lesson? Secondly, talk to other parents and skaters to gain their impressions. Be cognizant, however, that few parents will ever tell you they've chosen a poor coach. Moreover, because the sport is competitive, people may be highly biased for or against certain coaches for reasons that have nothing to do with a coach's ability. Listen carefully and form your own opinions. Third, interview the coaches that interest you. Try to gain some insight into their personality, as well as their philosophy and practice. How well do they listen to you when you describe you child's goals? What is their level of confidence? Their enthusiasm? Ask them about their qualifications. Find out what times they teach (the coach you want may not teach during the times you have available). What do they charge? Personality & Fit is one of the toughest areas to evaluate, and you may not be certain whether you've made the right choice until after you or your child has had a few lessons. If something doesn't feel right, talk to the coach. If you can't resolve the issue to your satisfaction, make a change. BackgroundAs I mentioned before, in some arenas, the employee handing out skates for the public session will have undergone a drug test and criminal background check to gain his or her position, while the coach who is spending time privately with your son or daughter has done little more than pass a simple interview and lace on a pair of skates. Because of legal concerns, however, it is more and more common for arenas and club to perform some form of background check. The extent of such a check, and whether or not the arena can release any portion of the results to you, may vary by state or locality. You may not be able to learn anything at all, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
If you have either general or specific A Word About RatesOne area that I haven't mentioned with regard to choosing a coach is what he or she charges. The reason is simple: while what a coach may charge for lessons may influence your decision on a financial level, you can't always assume that you'll get what you pay for. Coaches in many arenas set their own rates, and there are some coaches who are determined to charge the highest rate no matter what-as if this suggests they are worth more. The reality is that the rate a coach charges may or may not reflect their worth. Remember, you are the customer and must judge the value of what you receive for what you invest. ConclusionChoosing a coach can be simple or complicated. Remember, however, that you are not making a lifetime commitment. The coach that is right for you today may not be be right for you tomorrow. Skaters at all levels occasionally change coaches. When it comes to coaching, one size doesn't fit all. Nevertheless, with the right measure of diligence and patience, you'll find the coach that's right for you. ### |
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Personal achievement - The coach's level of success in term of organized testing and competitions, plus any experience in professional shows. 
with only a Juvenile Freestyle test take a student through a Junior or Senior Freestyle test. That is not to say it can't be done-and there are some notable exceptions proving that it can be-but it is less likely. 
Remember that test requirements are not forever set in stone, but are instead ever-changing as both the sport and its athletes evolve. This is one of the reasons that I am a strong proponent of continuing education. A coach who chooses to "rest on his laurels," may find himself out-of-date in any number of areas. It is both sad and frustrating to watch an eager young skater jump onto the ice and perform beyond their own expectations in a competition or test, only to be scored low because required elements were either missing or not accomplished in accordance with current standards. 
coaches claim-and not without some degree of merit-that they received their education over many years on the ice as amateur competitors.
more interested in his or her students than another. How do you evaluate a coach in these areas? 
concerns about sexual abuse, harassment, or exploitation, you may wish to review the information available from
