RATINGS Cheryl Faust MFS, MM
There Is So Much More to Ratings Than Exams A
s I sit here with a warm cup of coffee, I am wondering why I’m feeling so anxious to get away, and feeling a little burned out. Maybe you are like me, back to working full tilt, full steam ahead, with no breaks. Then it dawns on me… I haven’t travelled to PSA events! In all the chaos, I had forgotten how much I miss live events. In recalling some of my favorite events and ratings experiences, I recognize that they all have several things in common. First, many of my examiners were idols of mine. These high-level coaches presented for PSA at the seminars and conferences as I prepared for my exams to further my coaching career. I was honored for them to be on my panel and receive their feedback. Secondly, I was delighted to meet new coaches from all over the country who are now dear friends. I was in a small skating market at my home rink and communing with other like-minded, supportive coaches made getting through some of the difficult parts of coaching easier. Finally, I love to travel! I know it can be cumbersome at times, but it was always a nice getaway from the 4:45am grind and coaching lesson after lesson. The fun atmosphere of the PSA events, the camaraderie, the sharing of ideas, and furious note taking so I don’t forget any details all made me feel reenergized when headed back to the rink. I think some of the best coaching tips, as well as philosophical and technical discussions, happened in the evenings when we all got together after the events. Hearing how other coaches solve problems and getting new ideas to help athletes learn is very exciting to me. All of this discussion and sharing ideas helps build who you are as a coach and makes you and your athletes stronger and better each day. You never know when you may use a tip someone shared with you to help a skater! As the PSA Ratings Chair, I am so proud that we have been able to make a pandemic pivot and offer so many
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wonderful events virtually. But it’s been almost two years now and I’m ready to get back and see my friends, colleagues, and idols again to be reenergized and share ideas. There is so much more to the ratings exams than just the exams themselves! The PSA coaching community is strong, supportive and successful and I can’t wait to see you all again soon in Las Vegas for Ratings Prep and Chicago for live rating exams and Summit! Please reach out to me at any time if you need guidance on your ratings or coaching journey!
