Starting a new figure skating journey is an exciting time for both young skaters and their parents. Whether You just want a few lessons,  want to start a competitive career or anywhere in between, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting the right coach to guide your child. Coaches come with different personalities, diverse levels of expertise and coaching styles.  Finding the perfect match can significantly impact your child’s skating experience. As a U.S. Figure Skating Senior Coach, I offer the following insights to assist you in this important choice.

Understanding Coaching Roles and Expertise

In figure skating, coaches have different roles and often specialize in different areas of skating:

• Junior Coaches: Are newer to coaching or may be learning to coach from Senior Coaches, while teaching beginners the basics.

• Learn to skate Instructors: Focus on teaching fundamental skills to beginners, emphasizing basic techniques and safety. They often coach alongside Directing Coaches as part of a Coaching team.

• Coaches: Work with skaters to develop more advanced skills, preparing them for tests and local competitions. They may coach their students on their own or as part of a coaching team.

• Directing Coaches: Oversee a skater’s comprehensive training program, guiding athletes of all levels through the sport. Directing Coaches usually have additional coaches that coach their students in different areas of the sport. Directing Coaches also vary in their experience.

• Elite Coaches: Have trained National, International and/or Olympic champions and have extensive experience in managing elite Competitors.

It’s important to align the coaches level of expertise and coaching style with your child’s current level and future aspirations.

The Importance of Personality Compatibility

A harmonious relationship between coach and skater is vital. The coach’s teaching style should match your child’s learning style and foster a positive and productive environment. Observe potential coaches during lessons to assess their interaction with students and determine if their approach aligns with your child’s temperament. Your coach shouldn’t just teach, but also, act as a role model, support system and mentor, and most importantly they should aim to foster a love of skating that results in a career filled with the positive life lessons learned in our sport.

Questions to Ask During the Interview

When meeting with prospective coaches, consider asking:

1. What is your coaching philosophy?

2. What experience do you have with beginner skaters?

3. What do you believe are the responsibilities of a good skating coach?

4. How do you stay current with the sport and the profession of coaching?

5. How do you handle progress and setbacks?

6. What are your expectations for skaters and their parents?

7. How much input may I have in how you coach my child?

8. How do you communicate with parents about their child’s progress?

9. Do you offer individual goal setting and annual development plans for your students?

10. What are your rates for lessons, competitions, cutting program music, etc.?

11. How many lessons per week do you recommend for my child, and why?

12. Are there any policies that we should be aware of in advance?

    These questions can help you gauge the coach’s methods, experience, and communication style.

Navigating the Emotional Dynamics of Coaching Relationships

Coaching relationships often become emotionally significant for both parties. It’s important to recognize that:

• Long-Term Commitment: Some more experienced coaches prefer to start with beginner skaters and guide those skaters throughout their entire journey, teaching them a progressive technique that grows with the skater while building deep bonds over time.

• Transitional Approach: Others acknowledge their limitations and may recommend transitioning the skater to a more experienced coach as they progress.