 |
The sport of figure skating is very specialized and requires the knowledge and expertise of a professional coach. STAR 1+ skaters are required to choose a private coach within 3 weeks of starting their program to provide them individual or semi-private instruction. Delaying any longer will mean the skater will not progress as well as their peers and will feel left behind. Private lessons are invaluable as they allow a skater to work on specific skills that need to be improved or obtained to move on to another skill as opposed to waiting for that lesson focus to cycle back into the group lesson. Private coaching speeds up progress by helping skaters focus on individual goals and challenges such as preparing for competitions or working through Skate Canada assessment / test levels. If your skater wants to try competing or assessing/testing, Skate Canada dictates that you must have a coach. To help you make this decision, consider the following points: |
Choosing a Coach
Who does my child enjoy working with??
Your child will be spending time one-on-one with this person. Your private coach should be someone the skater is comfortable with. Your skater has participated in Canskate and in the group lessons therefore she been exposed to most if not all of our coaching staff. Ask your child who they have enjoyed working with most. Ask them to give you their top two picks.
Whose coaching style do I like?
Since your skater has been in the PreJunior program, as an observer, you have had the opportunity to see how our professional coaches conduct their lesson and interact with skaters.
How many lessons a week do we need?
The number of private lessons per week will depend on the skater’s goals. Naturally, the more lessons a skater has the faster they will progress. However, remember that skaters also need to learn to work independently. In general, skaters usually book one 15minute private lesson per skating day with their coach. Additional or less lesson time can be negotiated with the coach. Semi-private lessons (lessons where skaters of similar ability share a private lesson) are also an excellent option that can be discussed with the coach.
What is my budget?
Estimate how much you are willing to spend per week on lessons. Your budget will determine which coach you choose and how many lessons per week you will purchase for your skater. All coaches have their own rate based on their coaching level, personal skating level, education and experience. Coaching fees are paid directly to the coach on a monthly basis (usually). For specifics on coaching rates and billing you must contact the coach directly.
Tip!
Coaches get booked quickly – don’t wait until the last minute – book yours early!
About our Coaches
Developing an athlete’s skills
Coaches are invaluable in the development of an athlete’s skills. They are teachers and mentors thousands of young athletes they interact with in their day-to-day work.
They work not only with athletes but also the athlete’s parents in setting realistic goals and the training required to reach their potential and their goals.
All Skate Canada coaches are required to be trained and/or certified in the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).
Committed and dedicated
Becoming a Skate Canada Professional Coach requires planning and commitment to the profession. A certified coach is an experienced, skilled and dedicated professional.
Coaches have a huge impact on the lives of their skaters and coaches always need to be aware of this fact and conduct themselves in a professional manner. Please refer to the Skate Canada Code of Ethics. Coaches need to constantly educate and update themselves in order to be effective.
What are my next steps?
The Georgetown Skating Club offers its members a roster of professional coaches. The club retains these coaches and their coaching expertise meets the standards as set out by Skate Canada.
Please refer to our Coaches page to review the coaching qualifications, areas of expertise and contact information. Talk to your skater, establish a budget and then contact a coach for availability.
Georgetown Skating Club Refund Policy
If you have registered and not yet submitted your payment, please contact us by email here: 
Georgetown Skating Club can not be responsible for missed sessions due to last minute and/or unpaid registrations resulting in a delay in obtaining confirmation of your child’s insurance.