Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/726594
STARRINKS.COM SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2016 / 21 your facility as independent contractors, they should provide your facility with a copy of their certificate of insurances with your rink's name. The IRS (irs.gov) cites 20 different factors on whether an individual is an employee or an independent contractor. Know that it's not necessary for a person to meet all criteria. Consult with your state employment office to determine state rules and do make sure the tax status of your staff is correct! Learn to Skate USA Instructor Registration Every person who is performing as an instructor in any capacity (e.g., assistant, junior, senior, part-time, full-time and volunteer) will need to register every year as a Learn to Skate USA instructor member. Each instructor will register themselves through the registration portal on the learntoskateusa.com website. An instructor membership will include all membership benefits, secondary sports accident insurance, online training and certification, access to the management system to download program assets and all available resources. All instructors age 18 and older will also need to pass an annual background check. Hiring A good rule of thumb during the evaluation stage is to hire for attitude and train for skills. Directors can always train teaching skills and technique, yet personality and attitude are a whole different ball of wax. Ask yourself: • Will this person bring new skills to enhance our organization? • Is he/she qualified for the position? Will he/she fit in with staff and customers? Does this person have a history of teamwork? • Does he/she demonstrate understanding and alignment with our values and goals? Always have job descriptions and applications front and center at the arena and your website, even if there are no current openings. Staying alert of new talent and maintaining a hiring pool of qualified instructors leaves you in a favorable position, in case you suddenly need to add new programs, increase enrollment or replace an instructor on the fly. Writing Job Descriptions List expectations and essential skills for the position. Keep it simple and comprehensive, giving details during interviews. Written application questions can ask about the ap- plicant's skating, coaching and educational background, employment history, legal right to work in the United States, coaching phi- losophies, and any other topics relevant to the program. The director should request a re- sume and at least two non-family references. Municipalities or sports complexes may have standardized applications. Directors should create a list of standard interview questions to discuss in person after the applicant has completed a written application. The more commonly used topics: • Why the applicant is interested in the position • How he/she feels he/she can contribute to a team • Perceived strengths and skills most in need of development • Skating background—tests passed, competition history, training, honors received • Educational background—degrees, coursework, institutions, honors received • Coaching background—years coaching, training or seminars attended, ratings obtained, achievement records of athletes • Employment history—both skating/ coaching/otherwise • Attitudes toward children and coaching • Ability to work with others—children, parents, other coaches • Professional attitudes towards ethical and moral beliefs • Communication skills • Leadership skills Working with Staff Trust. It's one of the most important things for a successful working relationship. Your staff is your salespeople, your influential program reps. They are the eyes and ears of your program. Do whatever it takes to make your staff feel valued. Your leadership sets the tone as you cultivate a work culture with a good mix of integrity, strong communication and mutual respect. The mission of Learn to Skate USA is to provide a fun and positive experience that will instill a lifelong love of skating. For more information about the program, please visit learntoskateusa.com or contact Susi Wehrli McLaughlin at swehrli@learntoskateusa.com. J "TRUST. IT'S ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS FOR A SUCCESSFUL WORKING RELATIONSHIP."