Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1090114
20 / MARCH.APRIL.2019 USICERINKS.COM Ratings process: (1) Basic Accreditation, (2) Registered, (3) Certified, (4) Senior, and (5) Master levels. In order to claim to be a "Rated PSA" coach, the candidate is required to successfully complete two (2) components to each level. Each level requires a written Sport Science and Medicine exam, as well as 60-minute oral exam that is facilitated by a panel of three (3) Master rated Coaches in that par- ticular discipline. When time and travel are factored in, the financial impact for a coach to take just the exam portion is sev- eral hundreds of dollars. In order to prepare for an exam, coaches attend educational events, and study for hours. Many coaches who pursue their ratings form study groups to help each other succeed. Especially if the coaches are in the same rink or club, this forms a "community of coaching" in which the coaches bond and support each other long after the exams are over. This can create a positive environment within the rink or the club. Each coach is required to maintain 28 educational credits every three (3) years in order to retain an active rating. It says a lot about the person that you are hiring if that coach has the dedication to prepare for and absorb the fees that are associ- ated in obtaining a rating. It shows the employer and the skating parents the coach is pro continuing edu- cation, trying to always improve on what they teach, believes in pushing forward, learning new things and staying on the cutting edge of this ever changing sport. They are truly a role model to the ath- letes they work with. U.S. Figure Skating, PSA, and rink management hold rated coaches to a higher standard in terms of their ethics, professionalism, and support of the rinks and clubs in which they teach. Simply put, we all expect more from them in terms of compliance, leadership within the rink and club, and in a role to facili- tate a good working relationship with rink management. The PSA Ranking System is becom- ing recognized world-wide. The criteria to qualify for this program is directed toward the career accomplishments of PSA coaches based on the performance of their athletes. Seen as a distinguished honor, the PSA ranking is a recognition of a lifetime achieve- ment by the entire skating community. The distinction is awarded each year at the PSA International Conference, where each recipient is presented with an official proclamation of his or her ranking level. There are 10 different levels of Rankings ranging from "Level 1" which is a coach who has coached at least at a non- qualifying or invitational U.S. Figure Skating Compete USA or Learn to Skate USA, all the way to a "Level 10" which a coach has had multiple World or Olympic champions in any discipline. The PSA takes great pride in its Rated and Ranked members. It is evident that these coaches truly believe in being the best coaches they can be in order to pass their knowledge onto the athletes. Parents should feel better knowing that their coach continues to dedicate them- selves to education, new techniques and rule changes. The coaches that are able to advertise that they hold a Rating or Ranking continue to evolve through edu- cation and give back to one of the greatest sports there is. Your coaching staff is the link to your customers so keep them informed of facility policies, schedules, upcoming events, busi- ness strategies and profit targets. The more they understand your overall business plan, the better they can assist. The staff will feel a part of your business and the lines of communication will be kept open. They can also relay important feedback to you from their clients, your facility customers. Taking the time to hire a qualified coach is going to be an asset to your facil- ity in the long run. They will keep skaters in your programs longer and provide a professional level of stability that will cre- ate a consistent revenue stream during prime and non-prime hours. If you are interested in more informa- tion you can visit skatepsa.com and usfigureskating.org. J Angie Riviello is the Arena Supervisor for the City of Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department , Professional Skaters Association certified skating instructors left to right: Andrea Kunz-Williamson, Grant Huang, Michelle Lauerman, Carrie Greene "YOUR COACHING STAFF IS THE LINK TO YOUR CUSTOM- ERS SO KEEP THEM INFORMED OF FACILITY POLICIES, SCHEDULES, UPCOMING EVENTS, BUSINESS STRATEGIES AND PROFIT TARGETS. THE MORE THEY UNDERSTAND YOUR OVERALL BUSINESS PLAN, THE BETTER THEY CAN ASSIST."