OUR COACHES

When choosing a coach for your child here are some things that you may want to consider:

 

Certification of Professional Skate Canada Coaches:

 

To teach Skate Canada programs at the Guelph Skating Club, coaches must be National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) trained and/or certified and they must also be a current registered professional coaching member of Skate Canada.  They must have completed a Skate Canada approved clearance check and positions of trust check, and hold a valid First Aid certificate.  These qualifications ensure that our members are getting very qualified skating instructors.

 

How to choose a Private Coach:

 

Hiring a coach for individual instruction typically begins at some point during PreSTAR when the fundamentals of skating are well established.  Some factors to consider when choosing a coach include:

• Level of NCCP certification

• Years of coaching experience

• Skating background (years of skating experience; highest tests passed; competitive accomplishments)

• What levels of skaters do they work with? (beginners, recreational, competitive, adults)

• What skating disciplines do they specialize in? (freeskating, ice dancing, choreography, power skating, synchronized skating, Special Olympics)

• When are they available? (which day(s), which session(s), would lessons outside of club times on private ice be a possibility?)

• Private, semi-private (2-3 skaters), or group lessons 

• Fee rate per lesson; frequency of billing; policies regarding payment (fees for private coaching are determined by the coach, not the club)

• Fees for related services (music editing, dance partnering, coaching at competitions, etc.)  

• Does the coach work as part of a coaching team? (will skaters receive lessons from other coaches on the team?)

• Does the coach have training in related areas? (examples – fitness instructor, dance instructor, nutrition, physical education, physiotherapy, biomechanics, sport psychology)

• What successes has the coach had with skaters? (gold tests passed, high level placements in qualifying competitions)

• Coaching style and philosophy (observe some lessons and talk to the coach)

 

Feel free to discuss your goals and needs with several coaches before making decisions to hire.  Some coaches may be willing to teach skaters on a trial basis.  

 

Etiquette for Changing Coaches:

 

Skaters’ needs change over time; thus, there may come a time that coaching arrangements may need to change.  This can be an awkward and difficult experience for coaches, skaters and parents alike.  When handled in a professional manner, the transition can be less disruptive for all involved.  If you intend to switch coaches, your present and prospective coaches should be informed and all outstanding fees to your present coach must be paid prior to the change.  It is considered unethical for coaches to offer lessons to skaters who have established coaching arrangements.

 

What are Program Assistants?

 

Program Assistants are typically skaters from the club’s STARSkate, Competitive or Adult programs who volunteer their time to assist professional coaches in the club’s PreCanskate, CanSkate and/or Adult programs.  All Program Assistants work under the supervision of the Group Programs’ Coach in Charge.