How do I select a coach for my child?How do I ensure a good skate fit for my child?What is proper figure skating attire?How do I select a coach for my child?
The coaching of figure skating in Canada and most other countries is done on a professional basis. Individuals make their coaching services available for a fee. Skate Canada member “professional” coaches normally coach as their vocation, either on a full or part time basis.
When hiring a coach, your club will be able to provide information about the coaches available to teach your son or daughter.
The coach should be one the skater feels comfortable with, and one you both respect as an individual as well as a teacher. You want a coach who treats your child with respect and who is interested in your child’s development as a person as well as a skater.
Regular meetings and planning sessions between the coach and parents are important. You should keep the coach informed about the skater’s educations commitments, financial constraints and other information that may impact on your skater’s training. This is a good time to discuss any concerns and ask questions about your skater’s progress.
All coaches working in a Skate Canada member club are required to have at least Level 1 certification within the National Coaching Certification Program. These courses provide coaches with coach training for a variety of skating levels and programs.
Ask the coach about their NCCP qualifications as well as their own personal test and competitive record. Ask about the accomplishments of their pupils and how long they have been coaching to gain a good indication of their coaching ability.