From Jo Ann Schneider Farris,
Your Guide to Figure Skating.
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It is rare for a skater to just jump immediately into competitive skating. Usually a child has found group lessons, Basic Skills events, and recreational skating quite enjoyable, and then has a desire to be the best and do more. Watching skating on television can really excite a child and may light a “spark” that gives your child a reason to wish to excel at skating. Don’t let this spark go out if possible, but be realistic and be sure you and your child understand that success won’t happen instantly.

Now, once you desire to join the world of competitive figure skating, first ask your existing coach if he or she can “take your child all the way.” It is not uncommon for skaters to make “a switch” in coaches when the time comes to enter the competitive skating world, but it is possible that even someone who has just begun to coach can train champions. 1988 Olympic Champion, Brian Boitano, was trained by the same coach throughout his skating career.

It is not necessary to make a “drastic switch” or change rinks or change everything immediately. Taking your time is perfectly okay. You may find that staying with the coach your child first began lessons with for recreational skating is the best route to take, especially when you first enter the competitive skating world.

How to Switch Coaches

Parents need to be aware that there are some guidelines all skating coaches follow. The most important guideline is that coaches DO NOT teach a private student that is already working with another coach without permission. It may seem sensible to you as a parent to try out another coach before making a complete break from your existing coach, but that is just not acceptable in the skating world and will cause problems for all parties involved.

There are many “don’ts” when the time comes to make a switch. Don’t start working with someone else before telling your existing private lesson coach that you are going to make a switch. Don’t tell your existing coach you are going to take a break from lessons and then start working with someone else. Don’t leave a message on an answering machine or send an email saying you are changing coaches; you must make the effort to notify the coach you are leaving either by phone or in person. Once you do make personal contact, don’t make your coach feel bad by trying to explain or justify the reasons for making a change; that is not necessary.

Be aware that your coach may be very hurt and may not take losing your child as a student lightly, so thank your coach for all they’ve done for your child’s skating so far. Make sure all bills are paid before beginning lessons with someone else.