Recommended Questions To Ask Of Prospective Skating Coaches

By Juliet Newcomer, Manager of Coaching Programs for U.S. Figure Skating
• What is your coaching philosophy?

• How long have you been coaching? (Keep in mind, just because a coach is new, that doesn't mean you shouldn't hire him or her. Still, you should at least be familiar with the coach's experience.)

• What are your greatest coaching accomplishments?

• What is your skating background? Do you specialize in coaching certain disciplines (singles, pairs, dance, synchronized skating)? What levels have you passed? Did you skate competitively?

• Are you a member of U.S. Figure Skating and the Professional Skaters Association (PSA)?

• Are you a registered coach with U.S. Figure Skating?

• Are you PSA-rated or ranked?

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

• 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 if we have to cancel a planned lesson?