President's Message: What’s in it for you?

What’s in it for you?

Rebecca Stump, MS, MG, MM, MTOI, CPD, CFF

As I am writing this, I want to say I am so honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as your next PSA President.

As I was approaching the transition of becoming President, I reflected on the value PSA can be to any coach and why a coach would want to become an active member of PSA. The obvious answer could be that PSA offers coaching education in a variety of topics that will aid in the development, growth, or motivational longevity for coaches at any level and discipline. We offer educational opportunities through seminars, webinars, online courses, and our annual Summit. The PSA Ratings System is a valuable tool for any coach who wants to validate their skating skill and teaching experience.

In fact, the Professional Skaters Association is interactive in building the coaching educational presentations at all U.S. Figure Skating events where coaching education components are offered. PSA works collaboratively with the USOPC and U.S. Figure Skating to bring timely and quality presentations to PSA coaches. In addition, PSA has been working with the ISU in building the ISU Coach Education Qualification Framework.

But there is more value to being a Professional Skaters Association member. PSA is the organization where coaches can have a voice. Coaches have a working knowledge and experience with the athletes. We have opinions on the direction our sport is going and we want to share these thoughts to make a difference. As PSA leadership, we will continue to take your thoughts and ideas forward to the appropriate place. Through PSA, your coaching voice can make a difference. The PSA Board of Governors consistently takes what they hear from membership in consideration when making decision on behalf of the membership.

President Stump with Carol Rossignol, previous PSA Education Director, and Past President Alex Chang at the 2022 PSA Summit and Trade Show.

Your voice can make a difference in the education the PSA offers. What do you want to learn more about? What presentations would be helpful to you? Reach out to leadership and let us know what your needs are. We want to hear from you. We want to support you and your athletes on your journeys to success.

The Professional Skaters Association is your organization. It is a place where all coaches can contribute to the sport. This is where we, as coaches, can collaborate with each other at unique networking opportunities such as seminars and the Summit. We share coaching experiences and technique ideas. And the networking you build will help you throughout your career.

At this year’s Summit in Chicago, many coaches commented on how excited they were to be around other coaches who were willing to share and talk and collaborate. It was a wonderful experience, one that many of us have missed through the isolation of living through a pandemic. Many of us came away from the Summit with a renewed excitement and many tools to put into effect to help build our athletes to be the best they can be. Next year’s Summit will be in Orlando, Florida and I am already looking forward to seeing many of you there!

What’s in it for you? A place of belonging. Being a member of PSA can give a coach a sense of belonging. We are a diverse community made of expert coaches in many fields. If you are a coach who works with singles, pairs, ice dance, synchro, or Theatre On Ice athletes, you belong. Coaches who are group instructors or Program Directors or work with hockey skaters, there is a place and value for you with PSA. If you are a new coach trying to find your way in your new coaching career, PSA and our members will help you. PSA members are willing to share with each other.

For all, it will be a pathway of give and take. You can give by getting involved. And you can take by jumping on board with the PSA.

PSA is here for you!