So You Want to Teach Skating?

A few years ago, I received a call from a young man. He wanted to apply for a job as a skating instructor at the rink where I was co-directing the skating class program. At that particular arena, I also directed a learn to skate to play hockey program in addition to the figure skating classes.

I asked the young man about his skating background. He explained he had played hockey since he was four years old, but had not skated in awhile and was a bit out of practice.

I set up an appointment for an on-ice meeting at the rink so I could observe his skating abilities. I thought he might be able to assist with the rink's learn to skate to play hockey classes, but I did want to check out his skating abilities first.

Anyway, the young man showed up for our "interview-appointment" in rental skates. He then took to the ice. To my surprise, he didn't know how to skate! He held on to the rail and took about twenty minutes to get around the entire rink.

When he finally returned to the rink's entry door, I suggested to the young man that he first learn how to skate before considering coaching skating.

This is a very amusing story; however, many people believe that just wanting to teach figure skating or watching figure skating or being able to skate across the rink better than someone else, qualifies individuals to teach skating.

In reality, it takes years, sometimes decades, of skating to qualify to teach skating. Before you consider becoming a figure skating coach beome an excellent skater.

• Become a Figure Skating Coach

_{Photo of Figure Skating Guide, Jo Ann Schneider Farris, Coaching a Student
Copyright © Jo Ann Schneider Farris}