Figure Skating Involvement
-
Where Can It Lead...
Most children come into
the sport of Ice Skating by skating in a public session, show an interest in wanting to learn more and enroll in a "Learn
to Skate" course. These courses teach the skater the basics of figure skating.
A child may
be happy to stay in these group classes, and become a competent social skater.
However, some children show an interest in pursuing figure skating as a sport.
At this stage the rink management will help you to choose a coach that will suit the
needs of your child.
There are several different paths
that a skater can take;
- Figure
skating competitively (Singles, Pairs, Dance)
- Recreationally
- Basic Skills Competitions
- Local Competitions and Test Track Events
- Badger State Games → State Games of America
- Seriously
- USFSA Sanctioned Competitions
through the senior level
- Regionals → Sectionals → Nationals → Internationally
- Synchronized/Precision Team Skating
- Recreationally
- Basic Skills Competitions
- Local Competitions
- Badger State Games
- Seriously
- USFSA Sanctioned Competitions
- Regionals → Sectionals →
Nationals → Internationally
Each of these disciplines can lead the young skaters to skate at State level and even National and International
level.
It requires many hours of training on and off the ice.
Parents and skaters have to be prepared for figure skating to become a huge part of their lives if
the skater gets "the bug"!!!
Parent Etiquette and Advice
DEALING WITH COACHES
- If a parent wishes to seek
clarification or have a discussion with a coach, then the following guidelines should apply:
- Choose a time that does not interfere with another skaters time
with the coach.
- Allow high emotions to
subside before engaging in any discussion.
- Listen.
- Avoid interrupting.
- Clarify the issue.
- Obtain closure.
- Leave the door open for
future discussion.
- Parents should leave
the coaching to the coaches.
- Parents should find the
opportunities to recognise the effort their child's coach puts into developing their children and the sport.
- Avoid speaking negatively about the coach, especially in front
of your child.
DEALING WITH OFFICIALS
Parents should not question the decision of an official during the course of a competition
or test.
If a parent needs to seek clarification they should approach the official and apply similar guidelines as mentioned
above.
It is NEVER appropriate to question or abuse officials during
a competition or test.
- In most
instances, officials have received training and have a better understanding of the rules.
- Officials make mistakes, as do skaters and parents. Even officials aren't
perfect.
- Officials may have a different
view of the sport to those of spectators and so may see something that you cannot or vice versa.
- All officials are volunteers who give up their time to do the job. In fact,
many officials are out there because NOBODY else will offer to do it.
Your child
may be asked to officiate in the future. How would you feel if they are abused for making a mistake? Officials deserve your
respect and support.
Remember, without officials there would be no ice-skating.
Abusing officials will not change the outcome of a competition or test but it will lead to
fewer and less qualified officials.
Parents are role models for
their children - so your children will reflect your attitude towards coaches and officials. Have you ever offered to officiate?
