Things You'll Need:
- Time
- Credentials of Professionals
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Step 1
As a first step, check the credentials of the professionals who are offering their services at the rink you want to skate at. Viable candidates will be members of the Professional Skaters Association (PSA) and will also carry liability insurance as well. After establishing PSA membership and proof of insurance you'll want to check their personal skating credentials -- skating tests passed, personal competitive level, student accomplishments as well as their rating through the PSA. Keep in mind that a coach who looks perfect on paper may be a less than perfect fit for you or your child. Tests, ratings and accomplishments are important, but not everything.
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Step 2
Make time to speak with the coaches you are interested in based on their credentials. Be sure to let them all know you are talking with several coaches to find the best fit for your skater. Find out their availability for lesson times, rates and ask for specifics regarding their absence, billing, testing and competition policies. Let the coach know what skating/testing level your skater is performing at, your coaching needs and your level of commitment to skating. They'll also want to know if your child plans on competing and/or testing and at what levels.
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Step 3
By now you may have a very good idea about who you'd like to use. Take some time to sit on the side lines and watch as the coaches give lessons to a few skaters. Watch how they interact with their athletes, how the skaters react to their coaching style and how if they are efficient and productive. Be sure to watch more than one skater with each coach on your short list.
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Step 4
Ask each coach you are considering to give your child a 15-minute lesson so that you can observe and your child can have one-on-one interaction with each instructor. Be prepared to compensate each coach for their time. A trial lesson is valuable for both you and your athlete to become more comfortable with each coach and their teaching style. Take both your own opinions and your skaters into consideration when making your final choice.
