Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1090114
USICERINKS.COM MARCH.APRIL.2019 / 19 particular coach's students and apprentice and intern means that they are in training or mentoring with a master-rated coach. Unfortunately, there are many instances of unethical coaches embellishing their resumes with impressive titles and bogus credentials. Seeing any of these terms or designations on a resume is easily checked by calling either U.S. Figure Skating or the PSA. The PSA also has in place an official rat- ings system for skating coaches. The PSA official ratings system is for coaches who not only want to validate their skating skills and teaching experience, but also to affirm that they are updated and knowledgeable with the current standards for ethics, cur- rent rules of the sport, and SafeSport com- pliance. A rink manager or skating director can be assured that a PSA-rated coach has been through a comprehensive process for that validation and affirmation. As a side-note, all coaches participat- ing in U.S. Figure Skating events and activities must meet the coach compli- ance requirements. Those requirements include organizational membership, background checks, SafeSport training, liability insurance, and agreement to follow the Coaches' Code of Conduct. 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. Typically, coaches who take the time, expense and effort to obtain a PSA rating are highly invested in the quality of their instruction. The ratings process is long, challenging and is financially expensive for the coach. There are five (5) different levels that can be obtained through the "HAVING AN UNTRAINED PROFESSIONAL STAFF IS LIKE HANDING OVER THE KEY TO THE ICE RESURFACER TO SOMEONE JUST BECAUSE THEY HAVE A DRIVER'S LICENSE."