How to Become a Figure Skating Coach
Many people want to teach figure skating. In United States, the process of becoming an instructor in the sport has not been defined until recently and really is still not quite defined.
Therefore, there are many individuals teaching skating in our country that are not really qualified to coach.
The Professional Skaters Association (PSA) has worked hard at creating a program to certify coaches and coaches that hold a rating with the PSA have spent some time learning how to coach.
Many ice arenas will now only hire coaches that hold a PSA Rating.
It is important to understand that much training is required before an individual is qualified to teach skating.
Don't expect to become a coach of figure skating instantly.
There is a misconception that it is okay for beginners and tots to work with someone who only knows the beginning skating skills.
Actually, the beginning basic skills of skating should be taught by the most qualified instructors since what is learned in the beginning stages can affect a figure skater later on.
Before you consider teaching skating, become an excellent skater.
Read the U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook and pass standard U.S. Figure Skating tests. Get excellent instruction and get some competition experience. Compete in qualifying competitions.
After you have spent years training and perfecting your own skating skills, ask someone who is Master Rated with the Professional Skaters Association to consider mentoring you as you learn about coaching.
Next, join the Professional Skaters Association and attend PSA Seminars.
Ask your PSA Mentor about what is involved in teaching group lessons.
Attend U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills seminars or Ice Skating Institute Instructor Workshops. Assist with classes in your ice arena. Learn from experienced instructors.
Almost all ice arenas in the United States require coaches who teach private lessons to obtain liability insurance.
The PSA offers a liability insurance policy that can be purchased by PSA members. U.S. Figure Skating and Ice Skating Institute have similar options available.
Learn about the PSA Code of Ethics.
One of the most important guidelines all new coaches must follow is that soliciting figure skating students that are already working with another coach is not acceptable.
The best way to obtain private figure skating students is by first teaching group lessons.
Teaching group lessons gives new instructors exposure to many talented and young skaters. Your private lesson clientele will eventually come out of group lessons or through referals.
Don't push skaters who are in group lessons to switch to private lessons before they are really ready.
If you do recommend private lessons for a talented group lesson participant, consider first recommending supplementing group instruction with a weekly private lesson.
Realize it will take time to build up a private lesson clientele.
It is difficult to make a living today by just teaching skating. If you do decide to make coaching a career, understand that building up a private student base may take time. It might be necessary to have another source of income to make ends meet.