There are many reasons to consider hiring a private coach: To excel at a faster pace than in group lessons, to supplement your group lessons with an occasional private one for more focused attention, to obtain assistance developing a difficult skill, to increase your commitment to skating, or to pursue a competitive path.

Think of why you want a private coach. Do you want to compete? Do you want to just skate for recreational purposes? Share this info with some potential coaches and see which one is the most interested.

Finding the best coach for your needs will be a highly individual decision. As a starting point for your evaluation, we recommend you review the list of coaches, and read the information provided for each coach. (Please note that this information has been provided by the coach and not the Club, and is intended to be a starting point for learning more about each coach. The Club does not employ any private lesson coaches on behalf of its members, nor does it make professional recommendations as to which coach may be best for any member. It is up to each member to choose their own coach, as well as make arrangements for their services.)

After reviewing the Club coaching staff’s profiles you may also want to ask parents of other skaters who is their skater’s coach, if they are satisfied with their services, and if not, why. Keep in mind however, that not every coach is the right fit for every student: What works for one skater may not be the best fit for you.

Some things to Consider:

• Personality
• Cost
• Coach Availability

Take Your Time

If selecting a coach for your child, keep in mind that even if your child only skates a few days a week, your skater’s coach will have a significant influence on his or her life. Therefore, it is important that you and your child be comfortable with the person you choose. Take as much time and talk to as many people as necessary until you are satisfied that you are making a good choice.

Observe the Coach

As a follow up, after you have selected a coach and they have begun working with your skater, you should observe some of their lessons with your child. It is important to make sure that the coach/skater relationship you have invested in is what you want it to be. If after observing a few sessions you have questions or concerns, set up a meeting with the coach. Never interrupt the lesson. A respectful and open dialogue will likely prevent problems down the road.

Changing Coaches

Once you are working with a private coach, you may reach a point in which your coaching relationship may no longer be working out for whatever reason, and you may conclude that a change is necessary. Should this happen, please talk to your coach about your interest in making a change. They should understand your reasons and support you in your decision. You must of course make sure all your financial commitments have been met before making a change in coach. Club coaches are independent contractors and not employees, but they are still expected to be reasonable professionals. Please keep in mind too that there are always differences in understandings when there are differences in opinions and conclusions. Skating is a small community, and our Club is an even smaller community. We ask that you please address any issues directly with the parties involved, and avoid openly disparaging any of the Club’s professionals, whose business depends on their reputations.