Coaches

The famous Fritz Dietl – a remarkable skating coach and legend.

Choosing a Coach

For parents who are new to the sport, finding a coach can be intimidating. Figure skating coaches can spend hours of training and social interaction with your child. Do you really know who they are? The relationship can last a lifetime. At the North Jersey Figure Skating Club, we are often asked about hiring the “right” coach. We agree that this is a major decision for you to make and we emphasize that you need to research the various coaches who are available. It is important for you to know that all coaches are independent contractors, and not employees of the North Jersey Figure Skating Club. We do not endorse any particular coach. We do suggest that your coach is a “registered” US Skating coach (those who have passed background screening and shown evidence of insurance). A list can be found at http://www.usfsa.org.

Determine Your Coaching Needs

In order to find a figure skating coach, you really need to determine what type of person your child responds favorably to. A good guide here will be favorite teachers or family members whom your child interacts particularly well with. Does he or she feel more comfortable with older or younger adults, males or females?
Not all figure skaters respond to the same type of coach. Some need disciplinarians, while others might respond better to coaches who are very reserved. We suggest that you watch coaches work with other students for you to determine whether the coach will be a good fit with your child.

Options

Make a list of your options. We then suggest that you meet with the prospective coach so that you have a chance to ask questions and find out how your child will interact with this person. Here are some of the questions you may want to ask:

What is your coaching philosophy?
How long have you been coaching? (New coaches or fine as long as they have good skating experience).
What are your coaching accomplishments? Highest test levels? Competition results?
What is your skating background?
Are you a member of the US Skating and/or the Professional Skaters Association? Are you an ISI coach?
Have you passed US Skatings background check?
Do you have insurance?
What rating do you hold?
What are your rates for lessons, competitions, cutting program music, etc.? How often do you bill for charges? When do you expect to be paid?
What is your policy on cancellation?
Are there any other policies that we should be aware of?

Other Resources

Seek other parents’ opinions on coaches. Learn as much as you can about figure skating, the testing levels, and how competitions are run. A great resource is right here at North Jersey Figure Skating Club. Feel free to contact us with any questions that you may have.

Rosie Tovi

“Young” Rosie Tovi with Maestro Vincenzo Celli in his ballet studio NYC during office training

Your Observations and Follow-Up

Once you determine your child’s needs, interviewed coaches, selected the one that you believe can take your child to the next level, have verifiable credentials, you’re really not finished.

You need to observe lessons (from the lobby) and continue a respectful and open dialogue. This will prevent future problems and always leads to a better relationship.

Remember, always be respectful of coaches and of other skaters/parents in the interactions that you have.

Safety

Safety is always our primary concern: we know it is yours too.

Before your child starts a figure skating training program, take him or her to the doctor for a physical exam. The doctor can help assess any special injury risks your child may have.
Make sure your child wears all the required safety gear every time he or she competes or practices. Figure skaters may need helmets, wrist guards, “crash pads”, etc.
Teach your child not to skate through pain. If your child gets injured, see your doctor. Follow all the doctor's orders for recovery, and get the doctor's OK before your child returns to skating.
Talk to and watch your child's coach. Coaches should emphasize safety and understand the special injury risks that young skaters face.
Inspect the facilities where your child trains and competes. The ice should be in good condition and floors should be padded. Safety harnesses should be used when your child does new or difficult moves or jumps.
Encourage your child to express concern about doing difficult moves or jumps. Don't let the coach push your child to do things he or she is not ready for.
NEVER allow your child to be alone with the coach in the rink, car, competition, etc.. Never agree to share a hotel room at competitions. Teach your child about respectful dialogue and touching. Encourage a safe environment where your child can report anything that makes him/her feel uncomfortable.
Above all, keep skating fun. Putting too much focus on winning can make your child push too hard and risk injury.