November/December 2018 PS Magazine

NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER

2018

NEW BRONZE

"Du Monde" Taylor-Gebler Gallery PSA Headquarters | Rochester, Minnesota

The Professional Skaters Foundation was founded to expand the educational opportunities of PSA members through a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable foundation. The Trustees of the PSF have developed several scholarship programs for its members through a selection process based on established guidelines and criteria.

www.skatepsa.com

NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2018

COLUMNS 2

Over the Edge

4

President’s Message

6

Ratings

8

SafeSport

| Jimmie Santee | Christine Fowler-Binder

| Tim Covington | U.S. Figure Skating

12

Sport Science

14

Education

22

Best Business Practices

| Heidi Thibert

FEATURES 5

Concussion Update: CDC New Guidelines

11

NEW! Updated Website & PSA TV

18

Sports Psychology

24

2019 PSA Conference & Trade Show

28

Rinkblazer: Danielle Ostrower

| Terri Milner Tarquini

| Terri Milner Tarquini

| Carol Rossignol

DEPARTMENTS 7 26 30 32

CYBER MONDAY

Rating Exams Passed

395

Professional Skaters Foundation

$

New Members

11.26.2018

PSA Calendar of Events Don't miss out on this special, one-time conference rate!

Elizabeth Thornton | Editor/Advertising Carol Rossignol | Contributing Editor Amanda Taylor | Art Director

Find, Friend, Follow

Issue No 6 |

» COVER: A new bronze by Meghan and Douglas has joined the Taylor-Gebler gallery at PSA headquarters

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PS MAGAZINE

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OVER THE EDGE Jimmie Santee, MPD, MG PSA OFFICERS President First Vice President Second Vice President Third Vice President Treasurer Past President

Planned Program Content I

received this request from a very distinguished accountant: Next time you’re looking for an editorial topic for PSA magazine, how about asking coaches why they aren’t teaching their skaters to file PPCs for the competitions they do, and not following up to see if it’s been done? We’ve been using IJS since 2005; 13 years later, folks should know how the system works by now.

I can’t tell you how frustrating it is for accountants to try to get skaters to submit their PPCs on EntryEeze or EMS. We spend hours reminding them to file, then entering PPCs and reprinting paperwork that was completed up to a week earlier so the tech panel and judges can have the information in front of them. And it’s frustrating for the tech panel (and doesn’t put the LOC in a good light) when the assistant technical specialist is continually saying “there is no planned program” rather than calling off the next element.

I don’t blame the kids. It’s the coaches who should understand the importance of PPCs and make sure that their students submit them.

Why aren’t they doing so? Do they not know the disadvantage it places their students at when the tech panel is calling blind? Are they inattentive to detail? Isn’t this part of what the parents are paying for?

Just my $0.02 on the topic, but I hear it week after week from the tech panels at competition after competition.

Why aren’t we doing this? Really, it just comes down to paying attention to detail. For U.S. Figure Skating’s EMS system, the skater logs in to the Members Only site. Click on EMS; click on Competition Profile; click on Manage Non-qualifying Competition Program Content. Find your competition and click Add New Form. This really isn’t difficult and takes very little time.

Giving the technical panel and judges an idea of what is coming is important, especially when elements are choreographed seconds apart. Don’t leave any opportunity for lost points.

PSA BOARD OF GOVERNORS West Mid-West East Members at Large

Committee on Professional Standards Ratings Chair Seminar/ Webinar Chair ISI Rep to PSA U.S. Figure Skating Rep to PSA PSA Rep to U.S. Figure Skating Executive Director COMMITTEE CHAIRS Awards Coaches Hall of Fame Education Apprentice Program Area Representatives Hockey Skating Sport Science Endorsements Executive Executive Nominating Finance Nominating Professional Standards PSA Rep to ISI Ratings Adaptive Skating FCC

Christine Fowler-Binder Alex Chang Tim Covington Rebecca Stump Carol Murphy Kelley Morris Adair Phillip Mills Michelle Lauerman Teri Hooper Patrick O'Neil Cheryl Faust Janet Tremer Derrick Delmore Jason Dilworth Ben Miller-Reisman Kelley Morris Adair Tim Covington Patrick O'Neil Scott McCoy Kirsten Miller Zisholz Kelley Morris Adair Jimmie Santee

Teri Hooper Kelley Morris Adair Rebecca Stump Janet Tremer Angela Roesch-Davis Jordan Mann Heidi Thibert Jamie Lynn Santee Christine Fowler-Binder Kelley Morris Adair Carol Murphy Kelley Morris Adair Kelley Morris Adair Gerry Lane Tim Covington Mary Johanson Carol Rossignol

PSA AREA REPRESENTATIVES Area 1 Martha Harding Area Area 2 Kimberlie Wheeland Area Area 3 Andrea Kunz-Williamson Area Area 4 Tim Covington Area Area 5 Angela Roesch-Davis Area Area 6 Kevin Curtis Area Area 7 Robyn Petroskey Area Area 8 Melanie Bolhuis Area Area 9 Lisa Bardonaro-Reibly

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Stacie Kuglin Charmin Savoy Sharon Brilliantine Liz Egetoe Lisa Mizonick Don Corbiell Josselyn Baumgartner Karen Preston

DISCLAIMER: Written by Guest Contributor | PSA regularly receives articles from guest contributors. The opinions and views expressed by these contributors are not necessarily those of PSA. By publishing these articles, PSA does not make any endorsements or statements of support of the author or their contribution, either explicit or implicit.

THE PROFESSIONAL SKATER Magazine Mission: To bring to our readers the best information from the most knowledgeable sources. To select and generate the information free from the influence of bias.

And to provide needed information quickly, accurately and efficiently.

The views expressed in THE PROFESSIONAL SKATER Magazine and products are not necessarily those of the Professional Skaters Association.

The Professional Skater (USPS 574770) Issue 6, a newsletter of the Professional Skaters Association, Inc., is published bimonthly, six times a year, as the official publication of the PSA, 3006 Allegro Park SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Tel 507.281.5122, Fax 507.281.5491, Email: office@skatepsa.com © 2017 by Professional Skaters Association, all rights reserved. Subscription price is $19.95 per year, Canadian $29.00 and foreign $45.00/year, U.S. Funds. Second-class Postage Paid at Rochester, MN 55901 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER send address changes to The Professional Skater, 3006 Allegro Park SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Printed in the USA.

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The Joy of Coaching Book

How did you celebrate National Coaches Day?

C E L E B R AT E COACH

O

c t o b e r

6

Here are just some of the photos that were shared with us of coaches feeling the love!

PS MAGAZINE

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Christine Fowler-Binder, MPD, MG

Make Your Dream a Reality H

ere we are, back to the grind of school, fall competitions, and preparing for regionals, sectionals, nationals, and international competitions. Where did the summer go? Athletes and coaches tend to be over scheduled and stressed out. It can be a challenging time of year for skaters, parents, and coaches. Managing all of the demands can be difficult, but PSA is here to help you! Did you know that you can receive quality coaching education while sitting at home? Do coaches in your rink realize that figure skating education is so accessible? Well, if you can’t seem to find time to attend a seminar or workshop, the PSA webinars are here to save the day!

Our fall webinar series are live events, but these events can also be accessed long after the event has completed. In September, PSA offered two fall webinars: Rule Changes for 2018-2019 on September 13 and +5/-5 Overview for Coaches on September 27. Nancy Ruedebusch presented the rule changes for pre-preliminary through senior, and Peggy Graham Phillips presented on the +5/-5 GOE. Both webinars can still be viewed on the PSA website for only $10 each! So, take advantage of accessing quality education in your home and register for one of these informative webinars today.

In addition to these educational opportunities, the PSA staff and conference chairs are busy planning the 2019 PSA Conference and Trade Show in Palm Springs, California. This year’s conference will be May 22-25, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort. This may seem like a long time away, but it takes almost a full year to plan such a big event. I have had several meetings with U.S. Figure Skating, the United States Olympic Committee, PSA staff, and our conference chairs to help facilitate discussions and help PSA create the most comprehensive conference for our members. PSA, U.S. Figure Skating, and the USOC are working together to provide our coaches with the best coaching techniques and methodology, as well as information on the long term athlete development model. Providing our attendees with new ways to effectively communicate with their athletes and how to best train them from childhood to adulthood is just some of the material that will be covered during presentations. Speakers from the United States Olympic Committee along with World and Olympic coaches will be there to share their knowledge and passion. Plan ahead and save yourself a few dollars by registering on the PSA website during our Cyber Monday Sale on November 26, 2018. And tell a friend

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NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2018

what PSA can do for them—don’t miss out!

Lastly, I am looking forward to the 2018 PSA Fall Board Meeting. The PSA Board of Governors meets twice a year, once in November and again in May. At these board meetings, committee chairs and vice president oversights give reports on what each group is working on and what they are developing for PSA. It takes a room full of active volunteers to make our organization run well. As Yoko Ono once said, “A dream you dream alone is just a dream. A dream you dream together is reality”. Thanks to all of our volunteers for their countless hours of dedication and dreaming to help PSA further its mission of providing quality education to all of its members. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Happy coaching!

Thank you for a successful Super Site in Michigan!

Available PSA TV foon 12 credit r s!

Hosted by the Detroit Metro Council with presenters Doug Haw, Lynn Goldman, and Patrick O'Neil

Presented by

Y H O LIDA

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Stop by our Facebook page starting December 7th for a chance to win with our 12 Day Holiday Giveaway!

ProfSk8rsAssoc

CONCUSSION UPDATE:

CDC’s new guidelines for concussions in children What coaches need to know In September 2018, the Centers for Disease Control released new guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), namely concussions, in children.

These findings and guidelines enhance the information presented in the PSA CER “Concussion” and have been updated based on an evidence-based approach to treatment of concussion in the pediatric population.

In child athletes, concussion is typically characterized by the following: • Caused by a direct blow to the head or neck (including the face), or by another blow to the body transmitting force to the head, such a fall on the ice • Most concussions do not cause loss of consciousness. It is possible for an athlete so sustain a concussion and not realize it.

• Symptoms may manifest immediately or can take hours, days or even weeks to appear • Typically standard imaging (such as CT or MRI) does not show abnormality Symptoms of pediatric concussion can be physical, cognitive, emotional, or sleep-related. In sports, children are at an increased risk of concussion vs. adults and the recovery can take longer.

Bottom line • In case of concussion or suspected concussion, athletes, especially young athletes, should be removed from training or competition and not return the same day.

• Even if an athlete is seen at the ED or urgent care and “cleared,” parents and coaches should recognize that if any concussion symptoms are present, athletes should follow a graduated return to play plan under the care of a health care provider qualified to treat concussion.

Key Recommendations from the CDC Pediatric mTBI Guideline 1) Do not routinely image patients to diagnose mTBI. 2) Use validated, age-appropriate symptom scales to diagnose mTBI. 3) Assess evidence-based risk factors for prolonged recovery.

4) Provide patients with instructions on return to activity customized to their symptoms.

5) Counsel patients to return gradually to non-sports activities after no more than 2-3 days of rest.

More information on the Guideline and concussion, information about returning to school, and the return-to-play process can be found at www.cdc.gov/HEADSUP The information provided is not a substitute for medical or professional care.

Questions about diagnosis and treatment for a concussion should be directed to a qualified healthcare provider. Source: CDC

PS MAGAZINE

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RATINGS Tim Covington MFS, MM, RC

Big News for Oral Rating Study Guides

BY TIM COVINGTON MFS, MM, RC

W

ell, it’s arrived! My inbox flashes the monthly email reminder from the PSA office asking what the topic will be for my next PS Magazine ratings article. As always, I’m challenged to try to figure out what to write about that hasn’t already been said ninety-seven times. As Ratings Chair, my main goal is to use these articles in PS Magazine to help inspire coaches to start or continue their education and ratings journey.

That said, sometimes my articles need to be more practical. Some have been written to assist coaches in understanding and navigating the actual process of taking ratings.

I’ve shared with coaches how to start and be successful in the process, how to create a ratings plan of action, how to participate in the ever-valuable Ratings Prep course, and how to strategize their learning and examining.

While all of this information is very important, the question I am most often asked at my rinks and from coaches around the country is, “Can you help me understand what is on the exam?” My answer is always the samestart with the study guide.

Well, I have exciting information to share! The PSA and Ratings Committee has made a significant change regarding how coaches can access the rating study guides. But first, a little history. In the past, a coach could access the study guides in one of two ways. One approach was for the coach to select a discipline and sign up to take a rating. Once registered and paid, the coach would then receive a free copy of the study guide for that discipline from the PSA office.

The other option was to pay $10 to receive a particular discipline’s study guide in advance of registering in order to determine if and when to take an exam.

So what’s new? ALL study guides for ALL oral rating disciplines are now on the PSA website and they are FREE! They are there for you to see, to use, and to download at any time. Free! Yes, now you can window shop the study guides!

Select a discipline that interests you. Look it over. Download it. Examine your own teaching in light of the sample questions provided. Discover your areas of

All study guides for all oral rating disciplines are now on the PSA website and they are free!

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strengths and weaknesses. Attend educational events that will reinforce what you know or fill in the holes. Begin the journey! This change allows you to make a more informed decision about what rating/s to pursue and you can sign up with more confidence. And the study guides won’t cost you a dime!

All of the study guides are available for you to read, download, and print. And did I mention it’s all free?

These will always be the very latest versions of the study guides! As long as you keep checking the website, you will never need to worry about preparing using an outdated copy. So if you’ve been toying with the idea of taking the registered moves in the field exam or the certified choreography exam or the senior free skate exam or any exam, but you were not sure what it entailed and what you needed to study, now you can check it out online. By taking the mystery out of the decision making process, we are certain you will be eager to get involved with ratings! Please check it out. Knowledge is just a click away!

Once you’ve looked at the study guides remember that the PSA offers many types of educational events. If you need content, take advantage of the Foundations of Coaching Course, seminars, webinars, e-learning courses, and the annual conference. If you need practice answering questions, sign up for Ratings Prep. If you want a one-onone independent study mentorship with a master rated coach, check out the Apprentice Program. Search the Calendar of Events on the website for event information and stay aware of social media reminders.

Alert: We have one of our most economical Ratings Prep courses coming up on March 11-13, 2019, in Las Vegas, NV. Flights to Las Vegas are usually inexpensive from everywhere in the country. In addition, our PSA host hotel rate is $45 a night plus tax. If you want to stay on the Strip, no problem. The hotels are traditionally lower priced that time of year. Ratings Prep will take your study guide preparation to a whole new level. Shake out your nerves and have fun with other candidates by putting yourself into the role of “candidate” in two days of discipline-specific mock exams.

You’ll be asked questions just as in an exam. Experienced examiners in each discipline will listen to your answers and provide feedback and guidance for future preparation.

It’s FREE study guide time! Ready. Set. GO!

Recently Passed

RATING EXAMS Congratulations to the following coaches who passed the Basic Accreditation (BA) written rating exam in the PSA E-learning Academy: Denise Cahill Gabrielle Friedenberg Brittany Layton Felicity Lothrop Kera Parker Alexandra Vargo

Congratulations to the following coaches who recently completed and received the Foundations of Coaching Certification (FCC) at the Westminster, CA site held September 9th, 2018:

Ashleigh Bauer Diana Bosetti Tiahna Bowan Andrea B. Brett Tiffany Chung Nhi Do Devon Feicht Marina Guterres Carrie Harris Stephanie Horton Sophia Jedrysik Kristine Kerr Skye Koachway Veronica Le Rette Jennie Lee Christine McGuern Ashley McMahan Jami Mitchell Victoria Muniz Nha-Quyen Nguyen Vitaliy Novikov Jacqueline Palmore Lisa Parisi Shannon Pecca

Paula Rankin Ashley Roche Shannon Sheppard Angela Vu Laura Wishart Charlene Wong Thank you to course conductors Michelle Lauerman, Alex Chang, Carey Tinkelenberg, Kevin Wu (Jackson Ultima), and Carol Rossignol.

Are you looking for additional PSA credits? Do you have an idea for a seminar or education event in your area?

Good news! The PSA offers the opportunity to broaden our outreach for educational credits and coaching seminars and is looking for educational partners and events that we can put a stamp of approval on and endorse.

We recognize that you are always looking for ways to obtain PSA educational credits. This venture will help us partner with educational events in your area for PSA credits. Event coordinators will be responsible for finding speakers and setting their agenda, which will be reviewed by PSA as part of the endorsement application. PSA will help with marketing and promotion of endorsed events.

If you have an idea for an event or are interested in an endorsement, please contact office@skatepsa.com or visit skatepsa.com for more information.

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YOUR VOICE IS POWERFUL

Team USA Wants You to Speak Up B Y B A R B R E I C H E R T, U.S. FIGURE SKATING SENIOR DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

The U.S. Figure Skating SafeSport Program has launched a new campaign that has already been a huge hit on social media. It began earlier this year in May in Phoenix where TEAM USA athletes gathered to film promotional videos for the new look and name. The campaign was officially launched at the 2018 Champs Camp in Colorado Springs in August, and the message is clear…

PHOENIX — Jason Brown bursts into the makeshift video studio carrying an armful of shirts.

“Which one do you like?” he says, trying to flatten out the wrinkles with his hands.

“Black is so dark. … How about the orange one?”

And with that, Brown has set the tone for the day, a day in which busy Team USA athletes make time to be a part of U.S. Figure Skating’s “Your Voice” SafeSport campaign, which launched at Champs Camp on Aug. 18 with Team USA athletes wearing “Your Voice” shirts.

“Your Voice” taps into the power we all possess. It doesn’t matter if you can land an Axel yet, if you’re a novice skater or a World contender; your voice can bring a dangerous problem to light, stop someone from hurting another skater’s feelings and be the inspiration that keeps others on the ice.

That’s the message Team USA brought just hours before performing in Phoenix with Stars on Ice in May. With limited sleep, Karen Chen, Nathan Chen, Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue, Maia & Alex Shibutani, Bradie Tennell and Vincent Zhou joined Brown in lending their celebrity to advancing the message of SafeSport.

And speaking of celebrities, 2014 Olympic champions Meryl Davis & Charlie White were the first to agree to help the “Your Voice” campaign.

“This is such an important topic,” White said as he was getting mic’d up for the video shoot. “We’re happy to help.”

Speaking directly to the camera, Davis got right to the point: “Victims of abuse, whether it is sexual or physical, oftentimes feel as though it’s their fault. They feel guilty and this results an inability to reach out. If you are being abused in anyway, please remember it is not your fault. So, if you can, reach out to a parent, a guardian, a coach, a

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trusted adult in any way, tell them your story, because it’s something that they can help you resolve.”

Many of the athletes shared personal stories from the rink.

Tennell said as her skating skills improved and she became more successful, one girl in particular started treating her badly. Tennell’s solution? She brought the problem to her mom, Jean, who told her to “be the bigger person.” Instead of letting the problem fester, Tennell stood up for herself and approached the girl directly.

Hubbell recalled what it was like watching her brother and former dance partner, Kiefer, get bullied at school in part because he was a figure skater. Hubbell spoke up, supported her older brother and was by his side on the ice for 11 years.

“Bullying in any way, shape, or form is never something that should be taken lightly,” Hubbell said.

Donohue, Hubbell’s Olympic partner and reigning World

Make a report: The U.S. Center for SafeSport • Sexual abuse or misconduct www.safesport.org or 720.524.5640 U.S. Figure Skating • Emotional or physical misconduct, bullying, hazing or harassment safesport@usfigureskating.org or 719.635.5200 Learn more: www.usfsa.org

SEE THE WORLD and BE ON THE CUTTING EDGE of the skating world Team up with world-class skaters in a show that warms hearts around the world!

silver medalist, agreed, but sees a deeper root of the trouble.

“Keep in mind also that the person doing the bullying is most likely struggling with a lot of their own issues, whether it is self-acceptance or any kind of persecution they are going under as well,” he said. “A lot of understanding and a little bit of support can actually have a pretty awesome effect.”

Which brings us back to Jason Brown: “I empower you guys out there to be one of those friends. I am so lucky to have been surrounded by so many awesome people and please, please be one of those people to your friends.”

Please send a skating resume, photos, a current video (3 – 6 min.) and all contact info to: Judy Thomas, Talent Director and Production Coordinator, Feld Entertainment 2001 U.S. Highway 301.

Palmetto, FL 34221 USA Phone: (941) 721-1234 Email: jthomas@feldinc.com ©Disney

The U.S. Figure SafeSport program strives to provide a safe environment that is free of harassment, misconduct and abusive practices. To learn more: www.usfsa.org

Feld Entertainment ® is seeking male and female skaters for U.S. and International tours of Disney On Ice. It is your opportunity to truly shine.

Did you know?

E-LEARNING ACAD EMY

PSA offers technique-based courses in the E-Learning Academy.

The courses and exam scope and content for the PSA E-Learning Series are “technique-based” with the how’s and why’s of basic theory woven into each course.

PSA EL 105 Principles of Jumping

PSA EL 106 Principles of Spinning

This course will address determination of rotation direction, utilizing correct weight distribution over equipment and fundamental knowledge outlining proper technique for all aspects of jumping.

The importance of proper alignment on preparation, takeoff, air position and landing will be discussed.

This course will address the preparation, entrance edge, inception of the spin, spin position, and exit. It will discuss the fundamental knowledge outlining proper technique for all aspects of the following basic forward spins: two-foot spin, one-foot spin, sit spin and camel spin.

Enroll at skatepsa.com

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NEW! PSA Website & Coaching Resource Launch

We're excited.

Very excited.

Have you visited us lately?

PSA invites you to explore our newest coaching resources! In addition to the new and improved skatepsa.com, we've created PSA TV: an on-demand video library of past conferences and seminars presented by the Professional Skaters Association. This rich and valuable resource also includes tips from master rated coaches, webinars, and podcasts. PSA TV is an ever-growing collection of educational assets to explore at your own convenience. We proudly offer a selection of free content, videos for purchase, or subscribe for only $4.99/month for on-demand access to the full catalog. Keep an eye out for new content being added often!

www.skatepsa.com PS MAGAZINE

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SPORT SCIENCE Heidi Thibert, MFS, MM, MC

Identify and Select an Off-ice Strength and Conditioning Practitioner for Your Athletes

BY BRANDON SIAKEL, USOC STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PHYSIOLOGIST

Article Purpose: Provide coaches and parents of figure skaters with a basic template for identifying and selecting an off-ice strength and conditioning practitioner.

Definition of Off-Ice Strength and Conditioning Practitioner: One who has the education, knowledge, certification(s) and practical experience to apply training methods that facilitate the general physical needs of a figure skater (i.e. movement quality, stability, proprioception, relative strength, endurance, etc.).

Off-Ice Strength and Conditioning Practitioner is not to be confused with: Dance instructor, ballet instructor, or Pilates instructor. These are all different techniques and methods that can address various physical needs of individual figure skaters along with the demands of the sport. It is important to understand different methods require different educational routes, certifications and outcome goals. When all are cohesively integrated into a skater’s training plan, optimal performance outcomes are more likely to occur.

I

t can be quite simple for coaches, and even parents, of pre-adolescent and adolescent figure skaters to identify physical qualities their skaters are lacking. If a skater struggles to get through a long program, then it is safe to say they need to enhance their endurance qualities. If a skater struggles with completing jump elements due to not being able to hold proper arrival technique, then they need to enhance their strength and stability. Identification of needs is often not the issue. Where the issue arises is in the lack of knowledge for why the issue is occurring and how to properly fix it. Let me provide you with two examples to set the stage for the remaining content.

Example 1: A parent who has no educational background or experience in devising, implementing and coaching a training program to develop physical qualities, determines that their skater needs to increase power to enhance on-ice jumping. The parent searches the Internet on ‘how to increase power’ and implements various techniques with their skater without knowing: 1) if power is the limiting factor needing to be trained, 2) if the techniques are the most appropriate to develop power in their skater, and 3)

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how to effectively implement the techniques so positive adaptions occur while mitigating injury. As a result of the parent’s intervention, the skater developed chronic shin pain and showed no improvement in their on-ice jumping abilities.

Example 2: An individual approaches a figure skating coach saying she/he is an off-ice trainer and can help improve the skaters’ on-ice performance. The coach has a need for off-ice training and agrees for the trainer to train the skaters. What the coach does not know is that the off-ice trainer knows nothing about figure skating and decides to implement the training program she/he uses for ice hockey players, since both sports are ice-based. As a result, the skaters begin to gain muscle mass, negatively impacting the physical needs required for positive performance outcomes in figure skating.

To avoid a situation as presented in Example 1, answer the four questions listed below. If you answer ‘No’ to one or more of the questions, then you may need to re-examine if you are qualified to implement off-ice training practices with a skater.

1) Do you hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology or related field?

2) Are you a certified sport performance coach or personal trainer through an accredited organization?

3) Are you CPR and AED certified?

4) Have you practiced with and been mentored by competent sport performance coaches?

To avoid a situation as presented in Example 2, the following template is provided to help with the identification and selection of a competent and qualified off-ice strength and conditioning practitioner.

Questions to ask during the interview process: Yes, this is an interview process. Just as it would be ill-advised to invest your income in stocks that you know little about, it also would be ill-advised to allow your skater’s body to be

Organizations and Certifications

trained by a practitioner whom you know little about.

• Why should I hire you to train my skater/child?

Red Flag — struggles to find an answer or provides vague answers • How many years have you been an off-ice practitioner?

Red Flag — less than three years • What sports and/or athletes have you previously trained?

Red Flag — none or very few sports and or athletes • How many athletes do you currently train?

Red Flag — none or very few athletes • Do you have knowledge of figure skating and the physical demands of the sport?

Red Flag — minimal experience and minimal willingness to learn the sport • Do you have a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree?

If yes, what is it in?

Red Flag — no degree in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology or related field • What certifications do you hold?

Red Flag — no certifications held in one or more of the suggested accredited organizations • Are you CPR & AED certified?

Red Flag — no certification

Suggested certifications: The National Commission for Certifying Agencies is considered the gold standard for how fitness organizations should conduct certification. The organizations listed below (italicized) are all accredited by the NCCA and encompass multiple certifications that could be deemed appropriate for an off-ice strength and conditioning practitioner.

Suggested information provided to the off-ice strength and conditioning coach post-hiring: Many off-ice strength and conditioning practitioners in the United States have not been exposed to the sport of figure skating. Providing information about the sport, practice structure and the skater’s background can enhance the off-ice training process. The following pieces of information are suggested, but not limited to, for providing to off-ice practitioners.

1) Head coach’s contact information (if parent is conducting hiring process for athlete) 2) Skater’s current and previous injury history, and

National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

• NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) • NSCA Personal Trainer • NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist • NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist • NASM Personal Trainer

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) American Council on Exercise (ACE)

• ACSM Personal Trainer • ACE Sports Conditioning Specialist • ACE Personal Trainer

physical therapist’s contact information (if applicable) 3) Basic information on the demands of figure skating: • Short and long program durations • Video links of top figure skaters • Weekly on-ice training schedule (number of sessions; hard vs. light sessions/days; etc.)

4) Competition schedule (when known) 5) Additional off-ice training obligations (jump rotation class, ballet, dance, etc.)

6) Off-ice training instructor contact information Off-ice training methods can be effective in enhancing performance potential and mitigating injury risk if applied in an appropriate manner. Understanding the basics around selecting an off-ice strength and conditioning practitioner can significantly enhance the odds for identifying a competent practitioner. The provided information is intended to be shared, adapted and applied to fit the context of individual environments, with the ultimate goal of providing skaters with competent practitioners.

Brandon Siakel is a strength and conditioning physiologist for the United States Olympic Committee in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is responsible for designing, implementing and leading sport-specific, individualized training programs for assigned Olympic, world and national team athletes for various winter sports, with an emphasis in figure skating. Under the USOC’s integrated approach to high performance, Brandon collaborates with USOC sports medicine practitioners regarding pre-habilitation and re-habilitation protocols; sports dietitians on complementary dietary and training plans; sports physiologists on metabolic testing and conditioning periodization strategies; and with sports psychologists on effective strategies to optimize training and performance based on individual athlete mental needs. He also implements athlete monitoring to optimize sport training and minimize under performance.

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EDUCATION Carol Rossignol, MD, MS, MG, MPD, MFF

The Importance of Plié -

A Tutorial for Skaters and Dancers Alike B Y A N N E T T E T. T H O M A S

I

f there is one underlying movement which connects figure skating and ballet, it is certainly the “Plié”. One can hear both coaches and ballet instructors around the world imploring their students to produce a deeper, springier, more dynamic bend of the knee. Every other movement in both dance and skating vitally depends on the quality of execution and timing of this one seemingly trivial movement.

Good use of plié is what enables a dancer to appear to float across the floor and a skater to flow seamlessly across the ice. A strong, well supported plié gives a skater deeper edges, higher jumps and more solid landings with less risk of injury. Plié helps to center spins, improves carriage and increases the capacity to breathe properly. Good plié provides the control for more precise timing and more expressive musicality.

Unfortunately the intricacies of this deceptively simple and yet so fundamentally important movement are often overlooked or taken for granted: “Well, everyone knows how to bend...they just need to do it more!” is often the attitude. And with the ever increasing social media “stars” demonstrating how to do just about everything, amateurs and professionals alike are taking a stab at sharing their own perspectives—which can be confusing at best.

A closer look at the Plié Most beginning skaters tentatively move about with very little plié as the fear of falling prevents them from feeling that the ice is to be pressed into rather than to be avoided.

This stiff action actually causes less stability and more uncertainty, as they are not “appreciating” their surface medium. I once had a ballet instructor tell me that I must learn to love the floor. She said “The floor is your friend; it is your canvas—push into it, feel it, and learn to use it”.

From the very first lesson, the skater should apply these same suggestions: learn to love the ice, press into it, and learn to use it.

Let’s take a look at some of the fundamentals of plié from a methodological and biomechanical perspective so that we can begin to feel it from the “inside out”.

Whether in turn out or parallel, on two feet or one, it is important to understand that a plié is an action (not a

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Photo by Dr. Peggy Willis-Aarnio used with permission

position) that goes in two opposite directions at once.

While pushing down into the ice or floor from the hips and lumbar vertebrae down, the plié simultaneously lifts from the thoracic vertebrae (bottom of the rib cage) through the top of the head and up to the ceiling. This stretch of the spine in two opposing directions, when combined with constantly drawing the deep abs in to the spine, creates a stable torso enabling us to find and keep our “center”. It also strengthens all of the muscles in the pelvic girdle to cushion against back injury especially during jump landings.

In “demi-plié” (meaning “half-bend”) the foot should feel the floor at all times constantly exerting equal pressure on the big toe, the little toe, and the heel. This means that in both parallel and in “turn out” there will be no rolling of the foot either inward or outward (a stable ankle), producing well aligned “tracking” of the knee over the toe. In demiplié everything depends on the foot being flat, firmly placed but no curling of the toes, rocking, or lifted heels. This foot

and ankle stability is the basis for feeling your surface and “building” total body alignment. Since correct body awareness and alignment (what Joseph Pilates calls “imprinting”) is so important to executing good pliés, they should be practiced on a regular basis off-ice so that it becomes second nature there first without the distraction of velocity.

In Vaganova Methodology (which is what I teach and is the basis for all my classes), beginning level demi-pliés are practiced facing the ballet barre in eight very slow counts each: four counts down and four counts up, which is actually half of the original 16 counts—so be happy or not that it has been reduced! This is to imprint the entire movement correctly into the mind-body connection, and to actually form the body—just as physical therapy corrects alignment issues.

As a skater, you can first begin to feel the proper action for demi-plié in parallel Hold on lightly either facing a ballet barre or the back of a chair, and stand about six to eight inches away from it with feet together in parallel. Draw in the center of the body (located approximately two to three inches below the navel) to the spine, aim the coccyx to the floor, and stretch from the back of the ribs (thoracic vertebrae) to the top of the head up toward the ceiling. Keep your shoulders gently pressed down and open at all times. Now bend your knees directly over your toes while keeping the spine engaged in the “two way spine stretch”. Bend to the deepest point possible while keeping the heels and little and big toes equally pressed against the floor. This stretches the Achilles tendon, which is very important in executing high jumps and fluid movement.

The deeper your demi-plié the higher your jump potential Now, instead of merely straightening knees, push off the floor, using the hamstring and glutes to straighten— because plié is an active part of a jump (not merely a “random” ballet exercise). When your knees have completely straightened, squeeze the legs together in an isometric manner to complete the action. This strengthens the knees, increases the ability to pull the legs together quickly for jumps, and is the “balance” in the stretch/ strengthen equilibrium of all Vaganova exercises. And remember—your buttocks and lower spine must never stick out as you will lose the power of your push.

Repeat this exercises eight times slowly and smoothly with eyes closed to begin to feel it internally. Now open your eyes and try it again eight times with hands off the barre/ chair but keeping everything else in place.

Demi-plié in first position with “natural turn out” The easiest way to find your natural turn out without taking my courses is to stand in parallel facing the barre lift your

toes off the floor and using only your gluteals and deep rotators and inner thigh muscles turn out both legs simultaneously (keeping heels together) and drop the toes back onto the floor. To maintain this turn-out you must constantly engage your gluteals and inner thigh muscles. Always keep your abdominals engaged and the two-way stretch of your spine active.

To begin plié in natural turn out, keep both hands on the barre and continue to feel the two-way spine stretch and the deep abs pressing toward the spine. As you begin the plié, contract the buttocks muscles to rotate the legs within the hip socket and rotate the inner thighs toward the front (without tucking the coccyx). Smoothly continue to bend knees over toes and stretching spine. Keep shoulders down and open, and feet firmly planted on the floor. At the lowest point, your back should still be completely straight with knees directly over toes and your coccyx pointing downward to the floor (again, not tucked and not tilted out). Feel the stretch in the inner thighs and the Achilles tendon.

To straighten, push with stable feet and ankles from the floor and smoothly begin to straighten legs. Be aware that keeping the knees over the toes is even more important during the rise as this is where problems arise in jump landings—the supporting knee turns in and the whole skeleton is then thrown off kilter.

End with the knees pulled up (quadriceps engaged) and employ the isometric squeeze for at least two of the eight counts.

Both going down and coming up should feel like one smooth and continuously aligned action. Practice this exercise with eyes closed to feel your center, the rhythm of the action, and to become aware of every part of your body executing it properly.

Remember to have someone who knows what to look for watch you because poorly practiced fundamentals are the hardest to break!

This exercise should be repeated eight times in first position always including the isometric squeeze and the end of each one. Keep the practice slow and do not Continued on page 17 PS MAGAZINE

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EDUCATION Continued from page 15

allow the inner thighs or buttocks to disengage, especially on the way up as you will lose proper turn out and alignment.

Grand plié in natural first position

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Grand plié is also practiced in eight slow counts facing the barre and is only introduced after the demi-plié has been mastered with proper alignment—this is the way real classical ballet is taught so that it is 100% effective without injury. For grand plié in first position, the heels come off the floor only when they cannot stretch any more while keeping correct alignment of whole body posture. You should also never allow the thighs to completely touch the calves as this over extends the knee joints and weakens them—something you really do not want if you want high jumps with many rotations!

With heels forward, turn out is always initiated from the gluteals, deep rotators, and upper thigh muscles. The calves do not touch the inner thighs.

The eight counts for grand plié are as follows: two counts to demi-plié—one count to grand plié—one count back to demi-plie (w/completely accurate alignment) —two counts pushing to straighten and two counts “isometric squeeze”.

No more than two grand pliés in each position of first, second, and third (not fourth or fifth) should be done in the first year of ballet training for skaters, as more will tend to weaken the movement not strengthen it. More is not always better!

When the student masters this off-ice, on-ice stroking and cross over exercises will be MUCH more effective as whole body awareness and a fundamental understanding of “Ballón” will have been effectively incorporated into the mindbody connection.

Article and photos are copyright (c) 2006 -2018 by Annette T. Thomas and Prime Radiant Press LLC. Book excerpts are from my book “Fundamentals of Alignment and Classical Movement for Figure Skaters” This material may not be copied or distributed without the prior consent of Annette T. Thomas.

Annette T. Thomas is the Education Director of American Ice Theatre and author of Fundamentals of Alignment and Classical Movement for Figure Skaters”, “Lessons in Classical Ballet for the Figure Skater” and instructional video “Lessons in Ballet for Figure Skaters Level -1”. She currently teaches on-line certification courses in conjunction with American Ice Theatre, and The Ohio Conservatory of Ballet, and conducts workshops worldwide in her exclusive “Ballet for Figure Skaters”. Floor-Barre, and Russian Method Classical ballet.

For more information on teaching resources, books and video, please visit: http://www.balletforfigureskaters.com/store/

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Sports Psychology

By Terri Milner Tarquini

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all it the danger zone: The fourteen days before competition.

Suddenly, in what is often this critical time, a skater can’t land a thing in their program, or they get stuck on one element that they’ve had consistent forever and now they “can’t do it.”

Sound familiar?

“Panic sets in because they are totally focused on the outcome and they let the ‘what ifs’ really flood them,” said Pomai Miyata, a certified mental coaching professional and PSA and U.S. Figure Skating member. “If coaches can get their students to switch gears sooner, before they reach the level of a full meltdown, everyone benefits.”

Nerves happen. They can’t be eradicated, but they can be mitigated.

Alleviating a skater’s panic can come in a single word: routine.

“The more you can reduce the need for decision-making by the skater, the better,” Miyata said. “This minimizes potential distractions and improves their ability to refocus quickly on the task at

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hand, resulting in fewer freak-outs.”

Panic often comes from feeling out of control—and figure skating is a sport where there is a fair amount of uncontrollables, which can often be a trigger to skaters staring down the barrel of competition.

Things like a pre-determined off-ice warm-up and on-ice warm-up can re-center them back on familiar ground.

“Routines help them be in control because it gives them something they know and are comfortable with,” Miyata said. “Competition is in the future, so having a routine they can go back to helps them focus on the now.”

Miyata, a multi-sport athlete herself whose son is a competitive figure skater, has worked professionally with athletes for over 30 years. She specializes in taking mental toughness theories and translating them into concrete tools the skaters can implement and rely upon.

As the two-week period before competition can be filled with anxiety and sudden self-doubt, nothing new should be

introduced during that time.

It’s important to use the established routine and pull the skater back to it if they start to veer away. To keep the variables as much at bay as possible, the routine they go through in practice should also be the same routine they use at competition.

“The routine is their go-to and it provides comfort because they know what to expect and what to do,” she said. “The more rote you can keep things, it takes decision-making out of the situation.

That is a key component to keeping calm when emotions are running high.”

Another part of the skater’s routine can be visualization, although the word itself often causes pushback from athletes.

“I often hear from skaters that they’ve tried visualization and they can’t do it,” Miyata said. “I call it ‘imagining.’ It seems to be a word and a concept that kids can more easily grasp and get behind.”

Part of the beauty of imagining is that is can be done anytime, anywhere.

“You can only do so many repetitions

on the ice, but you could do mental repetitions all day long,” she said. “If a coach can make program walk-throughs and imagining a part of the skater’s routine, it is so valuable. The imagination is powerful and, if a skater falls in their mind, they can rewind and slow it down and do it again. Use their imagination to their benefit.”

The other key component to being more comfortable with competition is to, well, compete.

“Skaters are in a practice mindset about 90 percent of the time,” Miyata said. “The more they can experience being in that competition mindset— and the nerves that come along with it—the better.”

Having a clear plan for the season that has been discussed and continuing to revisit that plan will keep expectations realistic and the skater clear on goals, which, in itself, can allow for a calmer mental state.

“Skaters want to skate clean, and putting a new developmental element into a competition program can be a major source of stress,” she said.

“Coaches know that skating is a marathon. It is a process and each step has value. It is important that they clearly communicate to the skater, ‘This is our goal for this element. This is why we are putting it in.’ Let the skater know that you don’t expect 100% consistency on an element that is less than 75% consistent in practice.”

For instance, a coach might have a double Axel in a skater’s program for the first competition of the season, with the idea that the goal is to be landing it by Regionals. But, at the outset of the season, the skater does not “have” the jump yet. The almost-always elusive “clean” program will not happen and that is all the skater focuses on. Cue the freak out.

“Be clear: We have this element in the program so that each competition can

“Skaters are in a practice mindset about 90 percent of the time,” Miyata said. “The more they can experience being in that competition mindset—and the nerves that come along with it—the better.”

be a stepping stone toward Regionals,” Miyata said. “Tell them that, at this first competition, you want them just to do the double Axel. It doesn’t matter if they land it, but just have the act of actually doing it in competition as the goal. The next competition can build on that. It takes the idea of perfectionism off the table and frees the skater up to do what they know how to do and to do their best at something they are still improving.”

Circling back throughout the season can help the skater evaluate what is working and what isn’t, which also provides them with feeling in control of their routine.

“Checkpoints after each competition can evaluate if the competition goal was met and what that means for the next competition so the skater is clear on what they are working for,” Miyata said. “It’s

also a good idea to check in on, ‘Did the off-ice and on-ice warm-up work for you?

Do we need to tweak it?’”

Putting the skater in the position to determine what they find comforting can be a powerful tool in their preparation arsenal.

“I ask the skaters, ‘What do you want more of? What do you want less of?’”

Miyata said. “More often than not the response is, ‘I want less freaking out.’

Then I ask them to evaluate what helped them when they started freaking out.

When they began feeling anxious and upset, what did they do that took them out of that mindset and centered them?

Whatever worked for them, we want more of that in their routine so they experience less of what they don’t want.”

While coaches are sometimes reticent to involve parents too deeply PS MAGAZINE

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in the skating world, it can be helpful when it comes to keeping the athlete calm and focused.

“I heard an interview with (Olympic coach) Rafael (Artyunyan) where he said he relies on parents for information he can’t get from the skater,” Miyata said.

“Look, parents are going to be there anyway so it can be much better for the athlete and the coach if they are included and informed. So many parents know nothing about skating—you can’t expect them to know; you must teach them. If they don’t know what their role should be, they are more likely to overstep. If you as a coach can bring them in right away, and diplomatically define ‘this is my job, this is your job’ it can all work so much better for the skater’s mental state.”

But, as any coach knows, it’s not always easy to get some parents on the same page.

“It’s important to remember that no parent sets out to sabotage their kid,” she said. “Parents come from different backgrounds and a variety of sport experiences. Sometimes they say things that are not helpful to their child’s mental state without realizing it. We all do it. It can be to the skater and the coach’s advantage to establish and keep lines of communication open. Gently point out things they can do to help.”

Much like every element in figure skating builds on what was learned at the grassroots level, so too does the mental game.

“The classic example is that everything goes fine up until right around puberty in those pre-teen years and then it’s competition time and, all of a sudden, the panic kicks in,” Miyata said.

“At pre-preliminary, they are already doing harder elements. The key is starting mental skills training early. Be proactive at the developmental levels so that you are not trying to fix things and change established negative habits when these skaters are at the higher levels. If the mindset can be set early and it can make all the difference in the world.”

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The higher the level and the harder the elements, the tougher the mental state needs to be.

“At the elite level, their skating skills are fairly even, so it comes down to whoever has the best mental game that day will succeed and triumph,” Miyata said. “The skill foundation is obviously hugely important, but you can have all the skills in the world and, if the skater can’t quiet his or her doubts or negative thoughts, it won’t happen.”

Establishing a go-to routine early and emphasizing it often can lay the critical groundwork that will provide comfort and control for athletes in moments of anxiousness and uncertainty.

“Start it right when they begin skating; coaches are in the perfect position for that,” Miyata said. “You don’t expect beginning skaters to stay on their feet all the time. Let them know that falling is part of skating, even at the

world-class levels. Praise their improvements and their courage in ‘going for things’ and for their full effort. Coaches can influence and change so much with their words and their actions.”

A coach’s transparency can go a long way in translating words into action.

“Lastly, don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes yourself,” she said. “Seeing you acknowledge and learn from your mistakes, is a powerful tool to teach your students how to build a strong mindset that will serve them in practice, competition and in life.”

Classes, articles and other resources are available at icementalgame.com or email coachpomai@icementalgame.com for further information.

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uilding a substantial private lesson clientele can be a challenge for newer coaches looking to teach skating full time. Seasoned coaches also experience periods where their athletes leave – they move to college, change coaches, focus on academics, find another sport, or quit to appreciate a ‘typical’ teenage lifestyle. The long and the short of it— skaters come and go.

Being knowledgeable, competent, and outgoing is essential to be a successful coach at any level, and branding yourself as such is a proactive measure to building and maintaining your business. One way to do so is by delivering information to potential clients at all levels before they even know they need to know it. Creating customized welcome letters for your learn to skate classes educates the parents, makes yourself available for questions, and gets your foot in the door for private lessons. Additionally, making some type of document for your private lesson clients that outlines all of your rates and expectations sets a foundation for a well-educated parent, which in the long run can be a wonderful ally!

LEARN TO SKATE CLASS WELCOME LETTER View each session of learn to skate classes as an opportunity to create and advertise yourself to potential clients.

Marketing yourself for private lessons to your skaters in group classes can be as simple as making the effort to speak with parents before or after class and handing off your business card. There are programs that run several classes consecutively due to time constraints, leaving no time for coaches to meet with parents to discuss progress. An inquisitive parent wondering about their skater’s progress may contact the director for assistance, but if there is no material advertising a coach’s contact information or the possibility of private lessons, prospective lifelong skaters can fall through the cracks and into another sport.

The culture of a rink plays a lot into the situation and at the helm is the management team and the skating director. Every rink is unique—there may be professional portraits of their coaches displayed in the lobby, contact information shared on the rink website or a brochure, or a place for business cards for potential clients to pick up. If coaches are unable to have their contact information available for parents to pick up, it is worth speaking to the skating director about a personalized class welcome letter to share on the first day.

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Create and print your letter prior to the first day so you have it ready to distribute at the end of class. Speak with your director about what you may or may not include.

Depending on whether you are an employee or independent contractor, there may be some restrictions to what you are able to include.

At the top of your letter, similar to a resume, list your name and contact information, with acceptable office hours that work with your schedule. If you have ratings, this is the best place to advertise them. You may want to add a head shot, the rink logo, or an action photo of you coaching.

Speak with your director to see if they have input on the amount of personalization utilized.

Under your name and contact information, write a small note welcoming your students and their families to the class.

If you know of any dates you will be missing that session, go ahead and list them. Not only does it help the skater to know not to expect you on those days, it shows preparedness on your part, especially if you list your substitute.

List the elements in the curriculum and include the passing standards so families know what to expect and what to practice outside of class. Explain how practice outside of the lesson encourages movement through the levels and mention your availability for private and booster lessons and the benefit of both. Share your class rules and expectations so all parties are aware before any potential issues may arise.

If you have space, you may want to add a quote, a fun fact, some of your skating history, or your coaching philosophy.

The whole point of the letter is to introduce yourself and educate your class!

PRIVATE LESSON DISCLOSURE Before you begin working with a new skater in a private lesson skating, delivering a document with all of your rates and expectations can help prevent any confusion down the road. This can be as simple or detailed as you like—it could be a word document with a table or two explaining your fees or a trifold brochure. It could even be a customized website that you send skaters to from a business card or the aforementioned class welcome letter.

The time you spend creating this, or the money you spend outsourcing someone else to do it for you, is an investment in creating your brand and growing your business.

Once the document is finished, if you end up changing anything, only a quick update is needed.

Whatever you create needs the following information: your name, your ratings, your contact information, and your office hours. Disclose your fees—how much is a private lesson compared to a semi-private? Is there a cap of how many skaters you work with at a time? How much do you charge to edit music? What is your preferred method of payment, when do you expect it and do you charge a late fee? These are all important questions that should be answered prior to the first lesson. It will save you time by having it ready to distribute than saying or typing the same thing over and over.

Let the parent know that ice fees and skate rental are not included in your lesson fee, as this is foreign to many novice skating parents that are used to everything being bundled in learn to skate classes. If you teach at more than one rink, it can be helpful to disclose where you teach and what days.

Share your thoughts on practice, warm up, and cool down.

Include your cancellation policy—doing so will make it much easier to enforce if the skater or parent has it in writing prior to them alerting you just a few minutes before the lesson.

Competition and test fees can be confusing for new or seasoned parents, especially when the bill is high. Let them know how and what you charge for—do your travel expenses include accommodations, transportation, and food? Is this a flat fee paid before, or invoiced and split between your skaters

after the event? Do you charge differently for events at your rink, another local rink, or a rink out of town? Again, the more you put thought into it and spell out beforehand, the easier your life will be.

If you team teach, it might be beneficial to include information on how you and your colleagues operate your businesses. Including a small blurb about the ethical way to change coaches is suggested to streamline the process and make it as cordial as possible.

Keep the document between one and two pages so new clients aren’t overwhelmed with too much information. You want them to actually read it. If you choose to create a webpage, you have the option to include external documents, media, and links to educational articles.

Of course, this could be accomplished by emailing your clients as well.

Every coach that teaches private lessons is essentially a small business owner, and the policies of one coach will be different to another. Parents appreciate understanding the process and methodology of their coach—providing that information on a document, tangible or on the cloud, will make your life easier! This is information that you think about daily, and it is your responsibility to educate your clients. Set yourself up for success by being proactive, not reactive, in sharing your knowledge and expectations with all of your skaters!

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Coach It Forward:

Training Future Generations Mark your calendar for our biggest and best PSA International Conference and Trade Show yet from May 22-25, 2019, in beautiful Palm Springs, California, at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa. This year our focus will be on information, education, and application. “This is a major shift in focus,” says conference co-chair, Tim Covington.

As the official coaching arm of U.S. Figure Skating and the Ice Sports Industry, PSA is proud to bring so many coaches and experts to the same location. The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) will play a major role in the conference. This conference is for YOU. The goal is to highlight practical information that coaches at all levels (from introductory to elite) can use immediately to enhance their techniques and create great experiences for their skaters at all levels. There will be different tracks with different learning objectives. We will have sport scientists, psychologists, and nutritionists along with IJS technical panel experts. The presentations will provide the unique opportunity to learn, connect, and build longlasting relationships, as well as help you create the well-rounded athlete.

Cyber Monday: . . . . . $395 November 26, 2018

Back by popular demand a Learn to Skate USA Instructor Workshop will be offered again at this year’s conference.

*Non-member add $100

Conference co-chair Rebecca Stump stated, “We are building an interactive conference for coaches to learn the foundational tools that are applicable to take an athlete from the grassroots level to high performance successfully.”

Expect lots of dynamic presentations, workshops, and panel discussions with interactions, Q & A time, and networking. One of the conference objectives is to design progression-based presentations at the fundamental and developmental levels focusing on sequencing skill and element development.

Fly in early or stay late to enjoy what the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa has to offer.

This conference will be just the right amount of coach education along with rest and relaxation.

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free to attend!

Monday, May 20 Rating Exams Tuesday, May 21 Rating Exams U.S. Open Professional Figure Skating Championships – 7:30–10:00pm Wednesday, May 22 First Aid and CPR Training – 8:00am–12:30pm Newcomers’ Meeting – 11:30am-12:30pm Opening and Education Sessions – 1:00-5:30pm Trade Show – 5:00-9:00pm President’s Reception and Master Rated Presentations – 6:30-8:30pm Thursday, May 23 Trade Show – 8:00am-4:00pm Education Sessions – 8:00am-5:00pm Awards Dinner – 6:30-10:00pm Friday, May 24 Education Sessions – 8:00am-5:30pm Saturday, May 25 Panel Discussion – 7:30-9:00am Education Sessions – 9:00am-12:00n Conference Closing – 12:00-12:30pm

A few reasons to join us…

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Learn new techniques, methodologies, and tools to take back to your skaters or to your club whether you are a coach or program director.



Get a competitive edge. Our sport is constantly changing and new approaches to old ideas emerge every day. The PSA conference will help keep you informed of the all the newest programs, rules and latest IJS requirements.

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Make valuable connections. Learn what others in our sport and outside are sport, are doing and how they are doing it – through both the educational sessions and our social offerings.

Competitor registration opens December 1, 2018 Final deadline April 1, 2019 PS MAGAZINE

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$10,000+ $5,000+ $1,000+ $500+ $100+

Recognition opportunities for donors available

The Walter and Irene Muehlbronner Scholarship is available to PSA members for attendance at PSA education programs such as Ratings Prep, seminars, clinics, or the conference. Scholarships are intended for the reimbursement of associated fees to attend PSA education programs. Up to four scholarships are awarded annually up to $1,000 each. The application deadline is January 1.

In memory Walter Muehlbronner and Irene Muehlbronner, the Trustees of the Professional Skaters Foundation are proud to award the Walter and Irene Muehlbronner Scholarship.

These scholarships are intended for the development of coaching skills. Awards are based on dedication to coaching, sound character and ethical practices. Applicants must hold a Registered or higher rating in any discipline.

Walter and Irene skate in Sun Valley while on vacation in 1954

To be eligible for this scholarship, you must: The PS Foundation recently joined the Smile Amazon Program. Amazon donates 0.5% of all eligible purchases to a charity that you designate on the Smile.amazon.com website.

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the PS Foundation every time you shop, with no additional cost to you.

Simply go to smile.amazon. com from your web browser, choose the PS Foundation as your designated charity, and use your existing amazon. com account with all the same settings! We all shop on Amazon today; please consider choosing the PS Foundation as your designated charity and start shopping on smile. amazon.com! Please spread the word to family and friends!

26

NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2018

• Be a full member in good standing of the Professional Skaters Association for at least one year • Hold a Registered or higher rating in any discipline • Proof of liability insurance • Completed CER Professional Coach/Choreographer compliance for the current season

Walter and Iren e

Race, religion, color, creed, sex and ethnic background are not considered in the selection of recipients.

To apply for the Walter and Irene Muehlbronner Scholarship, complete the application package, including: • • • • •

A completed Walter and Irene Muehlbronner Scholarship Application A 500 word essay regarding your coaching philosophy and goals A letter of recommendation from a peer coach A letter of recommendation from a client A letter of recommendation from an officer of your home club or skating director

The completed Walter and Irene Muehlbronner Scholarship application package must be submitted, no later than January 1 to: Walter and Irene Muehlbronner Scholarship Professional Skaters Foundation Attn: Jimmie Santee 3006 Allegro Park SW Rochester, Minnesota 55902.

circa 1995

“The Joy of Coaching is about you and who you are as a coach today. It is about your coaching heritage, your skating DNA and where you sit in the coaching family tree.� ~ Bob Mock, PSA President 1994-1999

Order your copy at www.skatepsa.com

RINKBLAZER

Danielle Ostrower

“You earn your medals and trophies at practice and you pick them up at competition.”

That’s Danielle Ostrower’s motto—and her teams are sticking to it.

As director of the Teams Elite synchronized skating program in Northbrook, Illinois, Ostrower has been head coach as her teams racked up the following national medals: silver in 2016 and bronze in 2017 at the juvenile level, pewter in 2016 and gold in 2018 at the intermediate level and pewter in 2018 at the novice level.

“We took our time building…and that is something I really struggled with, but it has worked out” Ostrower said. “You want a team at every division, but you want quality teams and you don’t want to stretch your skaters too thin.”

What once was three ISI teams, Ostrower has grown and advanced the program and is now director of seven U.S. Figure Skating teams and head coach of four, including a junior team debuting this season. That’s quite a surge in eight seasons with Teams Elite and five competing under U.S. Figure Skating.

“I really tried to take a deep breath and kept asking, ‘What’s our purpose?’” she said.

“I knew we had to go step by step and take our time. Since then it’s been a process of listening to the judge’s critiques and not jumping to a new division too quickly. It’s important to have patience and not rush and let everything evolve naturally.”

Ostrower’s synchro prowess is both instinctual and hard-earned. She spent 11 years as a skater with the Chicago Jazz where she traveled to Canada, France, Prague, Switzerland, Italy, and Finland and won numerous medals, most notably gold at the French Cup in the novice division, gold at the Czech Open in the junior division and gold at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships and bronze at the World Challenge Cup in 2006 in Helsinki, France.

“My experiences have shaped me as a coach and as a person,” Ostrower said. “My coach, Lisa Darken, was an amazing role model and I want to emulate her. I believe that the competitiveness that I grew up with has helped with creating that hunger in my own skaters. Being able to give my skaters the experiences I had—or even more—is my goal.”

As part of the WIN (World, International, National) Program through U.S. Figure Skating, Ostrower had the opportunity to go to Croatia for the World Junior Synchronized Championships where she got an insider’s perspective.

“You can watch YouTube and live feeds of Worlds, but actually being there and getting opinions first-hand was the best experience ever,” she said. “I got to talk to Team USA coaches and sit with judges Karen Wiesmeier and Dann Krueger and hear them do calls and get their feedback and have a relationship with them after the fact. It was life-changing as a coach.”

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How did you first find skating?

When I was in kindergarten, my friend, who is actually also a coach now, had an older sister who was on a synchro team and I went to see them in an exhibition. That was it. I told my mom that was what I wanted to do. Honestly, I also knew that I always wanted to be a synchro coach.

with a national title and a world medal.

Then I went to college and had college fun. I went on to law school (at John Marshall Law School) and, while I was there, a friend asked if I’d be interested in coaching. I had already decided that being a lawyer was not in my future, but I graduated and passed the bar exam. Then I went with what was my calling.

What happened to make your childhood dream a reality?

My senior year in high school was my last year skating and that year I came away

Skating as a sport takes great passion – so does coaching. What are you passionate about?

I love being with my skaters. I am most passionate about my relationship with

NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2018

By Terri Milner Tarquini

them. I can be having a horrible day, but when I get to the rink and I’m with them, it’s all good. I love all of the group hugs and I love watching them go out and do their job and find their own successes.

What do you think synchro brings to the table that makes it special as a discipline of figure skating?

It’s truly amazing the different shapes we can get into on the ice that you just can’t get with one or two people on the ice. It is a total performance that tells a story. We don’t have as many high-level jumps or spins, but experiencing 16 different skaters on the ice moving as one is captivating.

Coaching synchro is different than coaching other disciplines. What are some of the differences that your job entails?

Understanding that you have to talk to the 20 skaters on a team as if they are one, but each of them learns differently. It’s a challenging situation, but it’s very unique to this sport. There is only so much ice time and you have to get your message to the group, but also get through to them as individuals.

You have grown the program from three ISI teams to seven U.S. Figure Skating teams. What are your goals for your teams?

When I started here, this was an ISI program. They didn’t know how many teams were out there and how competitive it can be. Having a junior team now is the real deal and the skaters can potentially go international. They are excited about all of it and they love having two programs. Striving to go international is the driving force.

As far as the junior team goes, we want to make a mark there. There’s a core group I have taken from juvenile, intermediate, novice and now to junior and, yes, it’s a new ballgame, but we need to put our heads down, work hard and be grateful for the journey.

What are some qualities you look for from skaters when you are forming your teams?

Well, skating skills are always important; that they understand body positioning and edging. Past that, personality goes a long way. Personality means they can express

2018 Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships

and draw people in. I look for drive: Are they just sitting back and watching or are they getting in there? Are they helping others? At the base, this is a team. If that breaks down, then all you have is a bunch of individual skaters and that doesn’t work.

A synchro team also needs a team of coaches – what is your advice regarding a successful team coaching environment?

Choosing wisely is important.

Choose coaches who can do things better than you can. Accept that you are not the best at everything so work with people who can supplement your weaknesses. And, of course, communication and understanding.

Synchro is now under IJS – your thoughts?

I really like it. It provides a very clear message from the technical panel and the judges about what needs improvement and what’s working. In the end, skating is still subjective and sometimes one technical panel will call things one way and a different technical panel will call things a different way, but IJS has done a lot to take as much of that out of the picture as possible. As a sport, we’ve been working at—and we are seeing—the creativity coming back. We struggled with that in the beginning, how to balance the creativity with the all the technical aspects. But I think we are really going in the right direction.

Synchro has always really emphasized

what goes on between elements, so it’s important the creativity and the story telling stays alive.

What is your favorite synchro move to watch when it is performed really, really well?

Oh, a good no-hold where there’s lots of body movement and crazy speed and attack and deep edges is just amazing.

How would you describe your journey in the skating world so far?

A roller coaster. When you are so passionate about something and so invested, the highs will be really high and the lows will be really low.

But when you’re done, you want to do it all again.

Coaching a group of pre-teens and teenagers is a challenge. How do you keep them focused?

I do constant goal reminders. If we’re struggling, that’s because there’s a lack of focus at that moment. These are kids. It’s important to bring them back to why we are there. It’s not enough to just go through the motions. Let’s remember our goals and get it done.

What are some things down the road of life you hope your skaters take with them that they learned from you?

Perseverance. Work ethic. Dedication.

I think they see those qualities in me as a coach and they respect that.

I want them to be passionate about whatever they end up doing.

The talk about synchro as an Olympic sport has been going on for a long time. Do you think it’s going to happen?

I think it will happen and my guess is that 2026 is a good bet based on the potential locations. For our part, we have been working hard to show that synchro skaters are true athletes and we go back to that mindset all of the time. When one of my skaters doesn’t stretch before getting on the ice, I ask, “Do you think Olympic athletes choose not to stretch before they get on the ice?” Plus, the rules are changing as a sport so we’re ready when the time comes.

What do you think could help secure an audience for this skating discipline that is largely a mystery to most of the U.S. population?

In other countries, they show national championships and Worlds on TV. When ESPN did a story on the Haydenettes, it shocked people; they had no idea this existed. I always say that to us this is big, but 99 percent of people don’t even know we’re doing this. We’ve got lifts, wheels, traveling shapes, footwork and we’re flying through each other at crazy high-speeds, with blades flying all around. It’s hard to capture on TV what’s going on in reality, but if there was more coverage, it could really gain popularity. I would love to see that for this sport I Iove.

PS MAGAZINE

29

New

MEMBERS NEW MEMBER Yuliya Aktan Leana Almstrom Ciara Athy Ashleigh Bauer Abigail Berger Tiahna Bowan Clare Cahalan Molly Carroll Carter Clonts Lindsey Corfield Merideth Corley Ashelen Course Nadege Dollonne-Rohrbacher Anna Drozda Amy Dultz Demi Ehrhart Sabrina Fitzsimmons Amy Forman Dana Goulston Kjerstyn Hall Carrie Harris Michaela Hartley Allegra Hawkins Ashley Haywood Vicki Heasley-Ringle Sidney Hollibaugh Geordan Holmes Gabrielle Hunter Lauren Irving Sarah Kastning Rylie Kever Jean Louis Lacaille Emily Lacher Hadley Ladue Eden Larsen Jennie Lee Veronica Le Rette Rachel Leggett Raheel Levine Chelsea Liu Audrey Long James Macioch

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SPONSOR Nina Edmunds Tom Hickey Michelle Tepkasetkul Carol Rossignol Rebekah Breen Carol Rossignol Suna Murray Jane Taylor Shaylun young Jerry Santoferrara Laura Corley Kathryn Freter Editha Dotson-Bowser Denise Beaumont Shannon Patton-Huffman Ursula Wolfer Robyn Achilles Editha Dotson-Bowser Stephanie Bass Ashley Carlson Carol Rossignol Gordon Harrison Cindy Kim Lisa Kriley Dorian Valles Tamara Jimenez Nicole Goodelle Barbara Hammond Sarah Neal Maureen Brooks-Herr Zoey Davis Sarah Abitbol Cassandra Macdonald Kyle McIntyre Deb Coppinger Carol Rossignol Carol Rossignol Megan Salamon Tatyana Malinina David Jattin Botero Andea Newsham Eleanor Feinman

NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2018

NEW MEMBER Katherine Marshall Kimberly Max Christine McGuern Ashley McMahan Ian Meyh Henry Middlebrook Catherine Morley Jamie Moschetto Daisuke Murakami Ayres Newman Nha-Quyen Nguyen Mckayla O'Connell Ashley Osborne Nina Ouellette Kiki Owens Macy Parris James Pennington Paula Rankin Chris Reed Kylee Richards Stephanie Schmid Ariel Schmidt Cassidy Shelton Shannon Sheppard Francesca Siracusano Natalie Sobel Alicia Sprengel Jacqueline Stemmer Ani Stepanyan Kristine Stone Julie Swartz Emily Tharp Fan Tso Connie Turner Brittany Ward Gabriella Weissmann Alitzel Williams Tracy Wilson Katie Zach Francesca Zazza Jessica Zink

SPONSOR Kevin Franchini Stacy Petri Carol Rossignol Carol Rossignol Alex Chang Mary Khandaker Lisa Cardinal Kirsten Frisch-Albanito Jonathan Cassar Madeleine Durkee Carol Rossignol Angela Roesch-Davis Danette Trett Jeff Crandell Jamie Kalnicky Jaime Kalnicky Peggy Pennington Carol Rossignol Timothy McKernan Erica Roberts Michelle Bacon Roxanne Tyler Kimberly Williams Carol Rossignol Jennifer Hiller-Gruber Beth Sutton Adriana Ernst Ryan Russ Witherby Michelle Marici Jason Dilworth Jenny Wesley Gwyn Dia McGaughey Susan Miller Vicki Heasley-Ringley Karen Weismeier Bianca Marro-Weissmann Michelle Lauerman Karen Preston Jack Courtney Christa Fassi Rashid Kadyrkaev

Do you know coaches who are new to the profession?

Help them get a head start on their coaching career, and encourage them to join PSA! Visit www.skatepsa.com or contact Sue at ssmith@skatepsa.com to learn more about PSA membership opportunities.

David Shulman Leadership Scholarship

Walter and Irene Muehlbronner Scholarship

The PS Foundation is dedicated to celebrating and recognizing Mr. David Shulman as a key “builder” for the Professional Skaters Association—having served in many capacities for over 58 years. Mr. Shulman was a competitive skater, a volunteer, committee chair, PSA President, and General Counsel for the PSA.

In memory Walter Muehlbronner and Irene Muehlbronner, the Trustees of the Professional Skaters Foundation are proud to award the Walter and Irene Muehlbronner Scholarship.

The David Shulman Leadership Scholarship provides an opportunity for a PSA coach to develop leadership skills with the goal of enhancing PSA’s leadership depth.

The selected candidate will be given the opportunity to attend a PSA Board Meeting as an observer and to attend the PSA Conference & Trade Show, including attendance at the PSA Awards Dinner, participation with a “one-on-one” Q & A with Mr. Shulman in person or via telephone, or other PSA leader (past or current president, or other senior management), and shadow a PSA leader.

For more information and application requirements, please visit skatepsa.com.

The Walter and Irene Muehlbronner Scholarship is available to PSA members for attendance at PSA education programs such as Ratings Prep, seminars, clinics, or the conference. Scholarships are intended for the reimbursement of associated fees to attend PSA education programs. Up to four scholarships are awarded annually up to $1,000 each.

These scholarships are intended for the development of coaching skills. Awards are based on dedication to coaching, sound character and ethical practices. Applicants must hold a Registered or higher rating in any discipline.

For eligibility and application requirements, please visit skatepsa.com.

The PS Foundation offers several scholarships. Additional information can be found at skatepsa.com. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and apply today!

PS MAGAZINE

31

CALENDAR

OF

EVENTS

JANUARY Dates: Event: Location: Credits: Deadline:

January 6, 2019 Foundations of Coaching Willmar Civic Arena in Willmar, MN 12 PSA credits December 21, 2018

Dates: Event: Location: Credits: Deadline:

January 21-22, 2019 PSA Rating Site Westin Book Cadillac in Detroit, MI 1 PSA credit per oral exam taken December 14, 2018

MARCH Dates: Event: Location: Credits: Deadline:

March 10-11, 2019 PSA Rating Site Fiesta Rancho Casino in Las Vegas, NV 1 PSA credit per oral exam taken January 11, 2019

Dates: Event: Location: Credits: Deadline:

March 11-13, 2019 PSA Ratings Prep Fiesta Rancho Casino and Sobe Ice Arena in Las Vegas, NV TBD February 8, 2019

M AY

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Dates: Event: Location: Credits: Deadline:

May 20-21, 2019 PSA Rating Site Hyatt Regency Indian Wells in Palm Springs, CA 1 PSA credit per oral exam taken March 15, 2019

Dates: Event: Location: Credits: Deadline:

May 22-25, 2019 PSA Conference and Trade Show Hyatt Regency Indian Wells in Palm Springs, CA TBD April 15, 2019

NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2018

Please visit www.skatepsa.com for the complete Calendar of Events

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Professional Performance Apprenticeship – Skate with industry professionals in Florida.

• 3-5 day intensive lessons available • Audition preparation (video) • Refined skating • What producers seek • Variable ice size technique & tricks • Performance • Boots/appearance • Production references/affiliations • Touring, contracts • Apprentice with experienced solo artists of: Torvill and Dean, The Ice Capades, Holiday on Ice, The Next Ice Age, Bietak Productions, and Feld Entertainment Contact: shows@iceshows.info

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STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT & CIRCULATION (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) Title of Publication Date of Filing Frequency of Issue Office of Publication and general business of the publisher Editor Owner

The Professional Skater - PS Magazine #574-770 October 2018 Bi-monthly, 6 issues annually, $19.95 annual subscription rate 3006 Allegro Park SW, Rochester, MN 55902 Elizabeth Thornton The Professional Skaters Association, 3006 Allegro Park SW, Rochester, MN 55902

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Extent and Nature of Circulation

A. B.

Total number of copies Paid circulation 1. Outside county subscriptions 2. In-county subscriptions 3. Sales through other carriers 4. Other classes mailed through USPS Total paid distribution Free distribution—samples, complimentary & other Total free or nominal rate distribution Total distribution Copies not distributed Total Percent paid Electronic Copy Circulation a. Paid electronic copies b. Total paid print copies + paid electronic c. Total print distribution + paid electronic d. Percent paid (both print & electronic)

C. D. E. F. G. H. I. 16

Average No. copies each issue preceding 12 months

No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date

5442

4854

5344 11 0 0 5355

4754 0 0 0 4754

0

0

0 5355 87 5442 100%

0 4754 100 4854 100%

0 5355 5355 100%

0 4754 4754 100%

Helping coaches in need.

The

Skaters'Fund Please send a contribution today!

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PS MAGAZINE

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3006 Allegro Park SW Rochester, MN 55902

2019 PSA Conference & Trade Show

May 22-25, 2019

Hya� Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa

The only place to get...

•

four days of access to dozens of the top coaches and skating professionals in the world;

•

hundreds of take-away, use-immediately, how-to tips and techniques;

•

in-depth immersion into topics that affect you as a coach;

•

invaluable connections with other skating coaches and professionals

Register now! www.skatepsa.com