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Selecting a Figure Skating Coach
   
  At some point you may want to suppliment your group skating lessons with private lessons. Be careful not to pick a less qualified coach to start out. You may be thinking anyone can teach the basics so I can go with a cheaper less experienced coach however if the basics are not correct it will be hard to unlearn bad habbits. Something a simple as a three turn is the entrance to many of the jumps. If these basics are not in good form, the jumps and footwork later on will be a struggle.
   
  The instructors who teach learn to skate programs and camps almost always give private lessons. These lessons will range in price depending on the skill level of the instructor. Since some coaches specialize in certain aspects of skating (moves, dance, spins,,,) it is a good find a coach that works well with other coaches,
   
Professional Skaters Association (PSA) Ratings
 

The PSA Official Rating System is for coaches who want to validate their skating skill and teaching experience. Ratings are an assurance to clubs, rinks, skaters, parents and the general public that the coach they hire is technically qualified to instruct at the level in which they are rated regardless of background and skating achievement. Ratings consist of both written and oral examinations. Once a rating has been earned, a coach must maintain at least 28 educational credits over a three-year period through attendance at educational events.

Ratings are offered in the following disciplines
  • Free Skating
  • Figures
  • Pairs
  • Dance
  • Group
  • Program Director
  • Synchronized Team
  • Free Dance
  • Choreography and Style
  • Moves in the Field.
   
These ratings are offered at the following levels
   
 
Registered FS
  • Attendance at PSA seminar, conference, etc or completion of PSA Apprentice program at "Registered" level within 1 year of application
  • Must have passed written exam
  • Must have passed Juvenile skating test (or ISI 5, or international equivalent) or have coached a pupil through this level.
  • Minimum one (1) year teaching experience
  • Must pass oral examination for "Registered" rating
Certified FS
  • Attendance at PSA seminar, conference, etc or completion of PSA Apprentice program at "Certified" level within 1 year of application
  • Must hold valid "Registered" rating
  • Must have passed Novice skating test (or ISI 7, or international equivalent) or have coached a pupil through this level.
  • Minimum two (2) years teaching experience
  • Must pass oral examination for "Certified" rating
Senior FS
  • Attendance at PSA seminar, conference, etc or completion of PSA Apprentice program at "Senior" level within 1 year of application
  • Must hold valid "Certified" rating
  • Must have passed Junior skating test (or ISI 8, or international equivalent) or have coached a pupil through this level.
  • Minimum three (3) years teaching experience
  • Must pass oral examination for "Senior" rating
Master FS
  • Attendance at PSA seminar, conference, etc or completion of PSA Apprentice program at "Master" level within 1 year of application
  • Must hold valid "Senior" rating
  • Must have passed Senior skating test (or ISI 10, or international equivalent) or have coached a pupil through this level.
  • Minimum five (5) years teaching experience (must have taught for minimum 15 hrs/week at least 48 weeks per year during this period)
  • Must pass oral examination for "Master" rating
   

For each discipline, achieving a ratings level requires a set of accomplishments. For example here is a list of requirements for the free skating ratings.

For more information see the Professional Skaters Association web site.
   
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