NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER
2017
quality
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Stock up at www.skatepsa.com While supplies last
NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2017
COLUMNS 2
Over the Edge
4
President’s Message
6
Ratings
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SafeSport
| Jimmie Santee | Christine Fowler-Binder
| Tim Covington | U.S. Figure Skating
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Sport Science
14
Education
26
Real Life Coaching
30
Best Business Practices
| Heidi Thibert
| Carol Rossignol
FEATURES 12
Walter & Irene Muehlbronner Scholarship Award
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Coaches Taking Care of Themselves: Yoga
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2018 Orlando PSA Conference & Trade Show
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Hit Refresh
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2017 Membership Survey
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Rinkblazer: Mary Anne Williamson
| Terri Milner Tarquini
| Terri Milner Tarquini
| Bob Mock
DEPARTMENTS 7 23 28 34 36
Rating Exams Passed
Special conference rate
Obituary
CYBER MONDAY
Professional Skaters Foundation
395
$
New Members
November 27, 2017
PSA Calendar of Events Elizabeth Thornton | Editor/Advertising Carol Rossignol | Contributing Editor Amanda Taylor | Art Director
Find, Friend, Follow
Issue No 6 |
» COVER: Original Winter Skating by Linda Mears. 40x30" on canvas. www.LindaMears.com
WWW.SKATEPSA.COM
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
A True “Get Up” Moment O
ne of the more challenging aspects of writing an editorial is the fact that I have to write months in advance of the publication. I’m writing this in the beginning of September…regionals haven’t even happened. Yet as I sit here wondering what to write about, a subject presented itself. Texas and Florida have been devastated recently by natural disasters. Not one, but two storms of immense power. Millions without the basic necessities of life… a roof over their head, food, water, power. Even as power comes back and aid becomes available, it is a struggle for many to get back some form of normalcy. In our chosen life of figure skating, what has happened is truly a “Get Up” moment. Even though most rinks in the affected areas were shut down, for the most part they “weathered the storm.” Many rinks in Florida and Houston were without power and some lost their ice, but fortunately no significant damage. The question is, how will this affect the local skaters training for their prospective regionals? How will this affect the long term financial health of those rinks? Even a month after Hurricane Harvey hit the Houston area, skaters continue to face many hardships post-storm. Skaters hoping to test just before the deadline met with cancelled or over-full sessions. Many couldn’t get a spot before the deadline. The Sugarland competition, one of the last area competitions before regionals, was cancelled. Skaters and coaches alike lost their homes and when the rinks re-opened, many skaters had to reduce ice time and lessons because of the expense of recovery. One coach in Houston had four feet of water in his house. Another coach shared several stories of her skaters’ homes being lost, but still finding ways to help others like cooking hot meals and opening their homes to the displaced. National judge Bob Horen was without power for almost a week. Still he found a way to keep his phone charged and help me prepare this year’s PowerPoint presentation for the regional coaches and referee webinars. No one should be surprised that our skating community arose to help those in need. This is what we do. We “Get Up.” We help others “Get Up.” Whatever knocks us down, doesn’t keep us down. I salute the skaters, coaches, judges, and volunteers who worked hard to help those in need.
NOTICE PSA has reviewed the panel decision of December 16, 2008 regarding the suspension/loss of privileges of Ms. Robin Wagner, for violating the former PSA Code of Ethics rule #3 and has voluntarily ordered the record erased. The PSA sincerely apologizes to Robin Wagner for this unfortunate experience.
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PSA BOARD OF GOVERNORS West Mid-West East Members at Large
Committee on Professional Standards Ratings Chair Seminar Chair ISI Rep to PSA U.S. Figure Skating Rep to PSA PSA Rep to U.S. Figure Skating Executive Director COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Awards Coaches Hall of Fame Education Seminars Apprentice Program Area Representatives Hockey Skating Sport Science Endorsements Executive Executive Nominating Finance Nominating Professional Standards PSA Rep to ISI Ratings Special Olympics FCC
Christine Fowler-Binder Alex Chang Rebecca Stump Tim Covington Carol Murphy Kelley Morris Adair Phillip Mills Michelle Lauerman Teri Klindworth Hooper Patrick O'Neil Tim Covington Janet Tremer Cindy Sullivan Jason Dilworth Carey Tinkelenberg Kelley Morris Adair Tim Covington Don Corbiell Scott McCoy Kirsten Miller Zisholz Kelley Morris Adair Jimmie Santee
Tim Covington Kelley Morris Adair Rebecca Stump Don Corbiell Janet Tremer Gloria Masterson Leous Paul Paprocki Heidi Thibert Jamie Lynn Santee Christine Fowler-Binder Kelley Morris Adair Carol Murphy Kelley Morris Adair Robbie Kaine Gerry Lane Tim Covington Mary Johanson Carol Rossignol
PSA AREA REPRESENTATIVES Area Area Area Area Area Area Area Area Area
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Martha Harding Anne Marie Filosa tba Tim Covington Angela Roesch-Davis Kevin Curtis Tracey Seliga-O’Brien Melanie Bolhuis Lisa Bardonaro-Reibly
Area Area Area Area Area Area Area Area
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Stacie Kuglin Brigitte Carlson-Roquet Sharon Brilliantine Liz Egetoe Lisa Mizonick Don Corbiell Josselyn Baumgartner Gloria Leous
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.
Cover Art
Our November/December 2017 issue features the talents of Linda Mears. Her nostalgiac Winter Skating painting seemed the perfect fit for our holiday issue. We at PSA wish you the joy of the season – and the joy of skating!
About the Artist
Ms. Mears is a life-long prolific painter. Discovered by a Madison Avenue, NY, NY, gallery she became one of their top sellers. Her paintings continue to be found in prestigious private collections, galleries, museums, and on various gifts and other products worldwide. Ranging from folk art to abstract art, she expresses her technical expertise and versatility with paint brush on canvas or with digital brush. Linda draws inspiration from her travels in the United States and Europe, everyday life, and from her Pennsulvania Dutch heritage.
www.LindaMears.com Visit Linda's website to view more of her work and remember; the holidays are coming – her art would make a great gift!
395
$
PROFESSIONAL SKATERS ASSOCIATION
Cyber Monday Sale
ORLANDO November 27 PSA Conference Fee Catch the sale at
www.skatepsa.com
*FREE SHIPPING ON ENTIRE STORE* see our website for more details
*Discounted products highlighted on PSA storefront *Free shipping within USA only *While supplies last
Plus much more! PS MAGAZINE
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Christine Fowler-Binder, MPD, MG
PSA Educational Opportunities W
hen I became President of PSA, it was important for me to develop a vision for my three years. As part of my vision, I wanted to see our educational events offer the most up-to-date teaching techniques by cutting edge coaches combined with the most current rule changes. Providing this type of education in an affordable and accessible platform is a must. I am happy to say that a large part of my vision has already been accomplished in our PCS Webinar Series, the “If you have not had the opportunity live stream of our Boston to participate in one of these seminar, and the Cyber Monday sale for the fabulous webinars, they are still 2018 PSA Conference in available to access on the PSA Orlando, Florida. website. For only $10, PSA was Starting in September able to offer education that was and going through December of 2017, the accessible, affordable, and focused Program Components on the rule changes for the Program Webinar Series is Component scores. We were ongoing. There are a fortunate enough to have some total of five webinars offered, approximately of the best judges, coaches, and one hour in length, each presenters educating our members.” covering one of the five program components: Skating Skills given by Stefanie Mathewson and Alex Chang; Performance given by Jenny Mast and Tanith Belbin-White; Interpretation given by Joe Inman, Shawn Rettstatt, and Doug Webster; Composition given by Gale Tanger and Cindy Stuart; and Transitions given by Doug Williams and Derrick Delmore-DeLong. If you have not had the opportunity to participate in one of these fabulous webinars, they are still available to access on the PSA website. For only $10, PSA was able to offer education that was accessible, affordable, and focused on the rule changes for the Program Component scores. We were fortunate enough to have some of the best judges, coaches, and presenters educating our members. Thank you Stefanie, Alex, Jenny, Tanith, Joe, Shawn, Doug, Gale,
NOTICE FREE SKATING EXAMS
Cindy, Doug, and Derrick for giving your time to help us learn and become better coaches! BRAVO! A second affordable, educational event offered this fall was the first-ever live stream of the Boston seminar held on October 1st. This all-day seminar (8:00am-5:00pm EST) was available to watch live right from home. The live stream of this seminar allowed members, located in all parts of the country, access to this educational event at a very minimal cost—only $60—and 12 educational credits were given to both attendees and live stream attendees. PSA was fortunate enough to have Gerry and Debbie Lane share their knowledge with our audience. The live stream of this event is still available to purchase on the PSA website. Another affordable, accessible educational event—YES! And lastly, did you know that PSA takes part in a Cyber Monday sale? On Monday November 27, we will have our annual Cyber Monday sale which includes a huge discount on the 2018 PSA Conference—only $395. WOW!!!! The 2018 PSA Conference will be held in Orlando, Florida May 23-26 at Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista in Walt Disney World. This resort is part of the Disney Springs Resort Area and includes two beautiful outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness center, and plenty of dining options. And the hotel is right across the street from the Disney Springs (also known as Downtown Disney), which is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex that was recently renovated in 2015. And of course there will be amazing presentations and speakers to make these four days of education you will never forget. So don’t forget to shop on Cyber Monday at skatepsa.com. I truly hope to continue to work with PSA staff, Executive Committee, Board of Governors, and all of our members to improve our educational events. If you have any suggestions or ideas for making things better, please reach out to me at christinefowlerbinder@yahoo.com. Happy coaching and learning!
All free skating instructor rating exams will have both a written and oral component to the exam starting at the October 2017 master rating site. The written exam will take place at an oral rating site approximately 30 minutes prior to the oral exam. The written exam is composed of true/false, multiple choice, and short answer questions. The written exam will be taken into the oral exam by the candidate and turned in to your examiners. It will be graded as either “pass” or “needs improvement”.
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Julia Kim. Flying is just part of her daily routine.
#WeGetUp
WeGetUp.com
RATINGS Tim Covington MFS, MM, RC
Ten Surefire Ways to Have a Disastrous Rating Experience (and what to do instead) J A N E T T R E M E R , R C , S F F, C D , M G , M P D , M M
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Misread or misinterpret the requirements and scope of an exam Carefully read the current requirements on the PSA website. All ratings undergo periodic revisions that may change the requirements, the content, or the format of an exam. Your teaching should be solidly grounded in the expected knowledge for the exam. If requirements identify required skills as synchro holds, hockey drills, choctaws, or death drops, then expect to be asked about those skills. You must prepare, because hope isn’t a strategy. For added assurance, you should teach, study, and practice information slightly beyond what is expected. Stretch your qualifications in order to qualify An honest evaluation of your teaching experience is essential for an exam to be a useful and positive experience. Although you may qualify for an exam based on your skating or your teaching experience, these exams are certifications that attest to both your skating knowledge and your teaching ability. Education is important; however, the application of knowledge through actual teaching is vital. Take ratings that mirror your teaching experience. Every rating has merit and value to the skating community! Miss deadlines 60 days is the magic number! The office must receive your application by the ratings deadline posted on the PSA website. There are many moving parts to running a rating site and this is a logistical necessity. If your application is late, one of several things may occur: it will be accepted with a late fee; it will be rejected because the site is full; or it will be placed on a waiting list. Mark the ratings dates and the application deadlines on a calendar and check it regularly!
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Submit an incomplete application All registrations are now done online at the PSA website. Items frequently missed include: completion of the appropriate Sport Science exam, required signatures, student test records if required, advance assignments, and a complete and professional looking resume. Any scanned information must be readable. Photos sent with your smartphone must be very clear. A professional look on all materials speaks volumes.
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Fail to prepare Exams require conscious preparation regardless of the number of years you have taught. Skill breakdowns, vocabulary, methodology, teaching strategies, and evaluations are what coaches do daily. To concisely articulate your teaching methods, you need to evaluate what you do, when you do it, and why you do it. Practice demonstrating, describing, and drawing each skill. Recognize connections between skills. Tap all PSA resources, utilize reliable outside sources, and sign up for Ratings Prep to validate your knowledge, learn new information from colleagues, and practice your delivery. Use outdated information to prepare Skating is a dynamic sport. The only constant is change. To excel in our business, coaches must have knowledge of these changes in order to implement them effectively. Ratings also keep pace with these changes. The requirements, study guides, and exams undergo constant scrutiny and periodic formal revision. New components are added. An exam may be reformatted. Look for a date on the material to confirm it is the most recent information. Double check with the office if necessary. Evaluating sources you use to prepare for an exam is essential.
Assume the study guide has all the answers The study guide is like Cape Canaveral: it is a launch site. It leads you through the self-examination, learning, organization, and articulation that is the fun of preparation. It does NOT provide all the answers, buzz words, skating vocabulary, techniques, and drawings necessary to pass the exam. Each sample question should spark at least five subsequent questions. Discover answers through a variety of sources: PS Magazine articles, dialogue with other coaches, books, the Apprentice Program, and PSA educational events. Use technology to reach beyond your geographic area. Think email, video, Skype, Face Time, YouTube, the internet! Find a study buddy or create a study group for fun, information, and accountability!
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Cut travel plans too close Nothing is more nerve-wracking or will put every bit of information out of your brain than travel plans gone
Recently Passed
Congratulations coaches!
RATING EXAMS Congratulations to the following coaches who passed the Basic Accreditation (BA) written rating exam in the PSA E-learning Academy:
PSA E-Learning Academy Christopher Anders Madeline Aybar Evgeniya Chernyshova Sharon Maples Jacqueline Matson-O’Grady Shannon Norris Christopher Ord Jillian Riley Alexandria Shaughnessy Jessica Sheplavy Alysen Stryker Wendy Sylvia Jeremy Vivit Brianna Younes
RANKINGS Chelsea Goessl- Level I Christy Donat-Germain-Level I Erin Egelhoff- Level I Emily Keppeler- Level II Ellen Poulsen- Level II Lisa Bradley- Level III Brandon Larcom- Level IV Mark Poole- Level IV Dawn Wagner-Johnson- Level V Ashely Carlson- Level V
Congratulations to the following coaches for completing an oral rating:
Denver, CO | August 26, 2017 Kritsen Adamczyk-Lewis RFS, RM Stephen Chasman SM Elizabeth Egetoe CFS
Alison Skalla Brown RFS, CG Brianna Younes RG
Taylor Galarnyk Hill RFS Tara Lornez RM Roni Maas RM
Katrina Stewart RM, RFS Kiana Stadler RM
St. Paul, MN | September 9, 2017 Amy Anderson RM Hayley Chamberlain RM, RG Amanda Erickson RG
Congratulations to the following coaches who recently completed and received the Foundations of Coaching (FCC) certificate at the Fort Wayne, IN site on August 27th, 2017: Katherina Frantz Nicolas Frantz Gisele Frantz Patricia Gremaux Natasha Haase Malia Harwood
Nina Herron Rebecca Keith Svetlana Khodorkovsky Sasha Lunin Alena Lunin Alexander Lunin
Theresa Overy Delaney Reilley Candace Swihart Karissa Williams
Congratulations to the following coaches and their master-rated mentors for completing the PSA Apprentice Program: Apprentice: Claudia Fluegge Alexis Gagnon Sherry Hewitt
awry. Although saving money is admirable, coming in the day of an exam on that red-eye flight might not set you up for excellence. Travel is stressful. Taking an exam is stressful. Manage your stress. Make smart travel plans that allow for snags yet still get you to the exam fully composed. We very strongly recommend making travel plans after the schedule has been sent from the PSA Office.
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Stacy McAllister RM Lauren Ross RFS, RM Amanda Secord RG
Fail to define your needs Coaches often fail to define the boundaries they require heading into an exam. Some need to chatter; others need solitude. Some need to look at notes; others need to come empty-handed. Some need to room with three other people to seek distraction; others need a single room for total focus. The only right approach is what is right for you. Saving a few dollars is great, but sometimes creating the environ-
Level & Discipline: Level 1 Free Skating Level 1 Group Instructor Level 2 Free Skating
Mentor(s): Kristal Fortune MFF, MDFD, MM and Paul Wylie MFS Dawn Piepenbrink-McCosh, MFS Cheryl Faust MFS, MM and Aren Nielsen MFS, MM
ment needed for success is more valuable. Share your needs with anyone who shares your travel plans or your room. Be polite but firm with fellow hall-pacing coaches waiting to be examined. Define and defend your needs.
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Don’t plan ahead Periodization is the buzzword we all use for planning a skater’s year. Coaches need to apply this concept when seeking credentials. Develop a one-year plan. This avoids missed deadlines, incomplete applications, late application fees, missed opportunities, and inadequate study time. Planning allows for apprenticeships, educational event attendance, Ratings Prep participation, and study buddy time. Questions can be considered, asked, and answered. Follow instructions. Ask questions. Be prepared. Avoid the pitfalls and embrace the amazing ride! PS MAGAZINE
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SAFESPORT
Let’s Keep It Positive: SafeSport Expectations for Athletes BY S U S I W E H R L I - M C L AU G H L I N, H E I D I D E L I O T H I B E RT, W I T H R E V I E W BY M I M I M C K I N N I S
E
veryone plays an important part in making sure that all U.S. Figure Skating related activities are held in a safe and positive environment free of all types of misconduct. As coaches, we are in a supervisory role as well as a major influencer in the lives of our athletes. We are the eyes and ears of every practice session, skating event, as well as being able to observe the interactions between skaters off the ice. Bullying in our sport can be a serious problem that, when it is present, is rooted in a complex interplay of dynamics in the rink, both on and off the ice. All parties involved in figure skating have the ability to change bullying occurrences in figure skating. Given the specific opportunities of working directly with athletes, parents, and other coaches, coaches have particular skills and responsibilities to affect change. In fact, we all realize that when bullying is reported in the rink, the coach is often spoken to as a vehicle for assistance in remedying the problem, or even held accountable for the behavior of their athletes. If coaches are going to be held responsible for the athlete behavior, it might be good for us to know exactly what is expected and what we can do to prevent it. Bullying is the use of coercion to obtain control over another person or to be habitually cruel to another person. Bullying involves an intentional, persistent, or repeated pattern of committing or willfully tolerating physical and non-physical behaviors that are intended to cause fear, humiliation, or physical harm in an attempt to socially exclude, diminish, or isolate another person emotionally, physically or sexually. Bullying can occur through written, verbal, or digitally transmitted expression or by means of a physical act or gesture. Bullying behavior is prohibited in any manner in connection with all U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned activities and events. Examples of bullying prohibited by this policy include, without limitation: • Physical – Hitting, pushing, punching, beating, biting, striking, kicking, choking, spitting, slapping, or throwing objects such as sporting equipment at another person • Verbal – Teasing, ridiculing, taunting, name-calling,
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intimidating, or threatening to cause someone harm • Social, including cyberbullying – Using rumors or false statements about someone to diminish that person’s reputation; using digital communications, social media or other technology to harass, frighten, intimidate or humiliate someone; socially excluding someone and asking others to do the same • Sexual – Teasing, ridiculing or taunting based on gender or sexual orientation (real or implied), gender traits or behavior (e.g., taunting someone for being too effeminate), or teasing someone about their looks or behavior as it relates to sexual attractiveness While other members are often the perpetrators of bullying, it is a violation of this policy if a coach or other responsible adult knows or should know of the bullying behavior but takes no action to intervene on behalf of the targeted participant(s). A U.S. Figure Skating member or parent/guardian of a participant who engages in any act of bullying is subject to appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension, permanent ban, and referral to law enforcement authorities. The severity and pattern, if any, of the bullying behavior and/or result shall be taken into consideration when disciplinary decisions are made. PSA members should also be cognizant of the PSA Code of Ethics and grievance process. A SafeSport violation can result in a PSA grievance.
Difference between mean, rude or bullying behavior Mean is defined as purposefully saying or doing something to hurt someone very infrequently. Rude is defined as inadvertently saying or doing something that hurts someone else. Bullying is defined as intentionally aggressive behavior, repeated over time, that involves an imbalance of power. The main distinction between “rude” and “mean” behavior has to do with intention and repetition. While rudeness is often unintentional, mean behavior very much aims to hurt or depreciate someone. Conduct may not rise to the level of bullying behavior if it is rude, mean, or arising from conflict or struggle between persons, absent a power imbalance, who perceive they have
SAMPLE Skater Code of Conduct (for Club Customization) As a member of our club, all skaters must adhere to this Code of Conduct at all times. General Guidelines:
incompatible goals. Mean and rude behavior may be a code of conduct violation, however, and should be treated as such.
Codes of Conduct The code of conduct is a set of standards describing the behavior expected of U.S. Figure Skating members, especially when serving in different capacities within the organization—athlete, parent/guardian, coach, official or board member. A code of conduct is meant to clarify the mission, values and principles, and linking them with standards of conduct expected from members. U.S. Figure Skating encourages all member clubs and programs to develop and implement codes of conduct for its members. To the right is a sample code of conduct found in the U.S. Figure Skating SafeSport Handbook under Athlete Protection Policies spelling out what is expected from athletes. So what happens when the athletes don’t follow the code? Below are examples for clubs and programs to use in creating, implementing, and enforcing codes of conduct for skaters, parents/guardians, coaches, and board members. If you, as a coach, can facilitate your club and or rink implementing some of these practices from the U.S. Figure Skating SafeSport Handbook, it might be very helpful.
Dealing with Violations: The following are suggested approaches to handling objectionable behavior and violations of the codes of conduct —depending upon the seriousness of the offense. It is important to adhere to the conflict resolution process as outlined in the club’s bylaws. There is a sample Conflict Resolution Process for Clubs for reference on the Clubs webpage www.usfigureskating.org. Violations and how they will be addressed: The violation of any provision of this Code will be addressed at the time it occurs by a member of the club board of directors following the procedures outlined in the conflict resolution process. First offense: Club member will be addressed verbally (in private) regarding the violation. Second offense: The member will be removed from the activity and given a written warning. A face-to-face meeting with the member and, if a minor, the member’s parent or legal guardian will be conducted. Repeated offenses: Repeat offenses will be taken very seriously by the club board of directors. Discipline may include loss of club privileges for extended periods, and/ or revocation of club membership.
[CLUB/PROGRAM] is committed to creating a safe and positive environ-
ment for members’ physical, emotional and social development and ensuring that it promotes an environment free of misconduct. This Skater Code of Conduct has been established to ensure the safety of all members using our ice to ensure quality practice time for all home club, associate, non-members and guests who purchase ice from the club and who participate in all club-related activities. 1. All skaters, regardless of whether they hold home club, associate, non-member or guest status, must follow and uphold the provisions in this Skater Code of Conduct regarding behavior on and off the ice. All club members are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship and be courteous toward their fellow skaters, coaches, parents/ guardians of skaters, U.S. Figure Skating officials and guests. 2. [CLUB/PROGRAM] is committed to promoting a positive and friendly environment for all skaters. Remember ‘The Golden Rule’—treat other people like you want to be treated—with respect. Ice Etiquette and Safety: 1. While in lesson or practice, it is the skater’s responsibility to always be conscientious and aware of other skaters around them. 2. Skaters must skate with the flow of other skaters and familiarize themselves with the most commonly used areas for jumps and spins. 3. The only time a skater has the SOLE right of way is when they are skating their program to music. When you hear another member’s music, please extend that person the courtesy and move out of their path momentarily. This only takes a moment and you will enjoy the same courtesy while you are performing your program. 4. Advanced skaters are expected to exhibit patience toward beginner members of the club. Remember, you were an inexperienced skater once, and it takes time for our future generation to advance to the point where they are completely comfortable skating with all levels of skaters. Unsafe or Discourteous Behavior: Unsafe or discourteous behavior of any kind will not be tolerated.
[CLUB NAME] Code of Conduct Agreement Form
I, [member’s name printed] , have read the Code of Conduct, and agree to uphold all guidelines and tenets of this document. _________________________________ Member’s signature (18 years or older)
_________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s signature (if under 18 years of age)
In the case of egregious offenses, club leadership is required to make a report to U.S. Figure Skating SafeSport, local law enforcement and/or child protective services.
PS MAGAZINE
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What We Can Do: Selected Prevention and Intervention Measures Coaches • Accept your responsibility to
create a safe and respectful environment • Don’t allow, condone, or ignore bullying • Adopt best practices, anti-bullying policies, and reporting guidelines • Communicate openly with all parties • Examine your own behaviors • Accept constructive feedback without becoming defensive • Regard screening procedures, policies, and training as opportunities to become a part of the solution
Athletes • Trust your instincts;
Parents
You have a right to be treated respectfully • Talk to someone you trust • Call a bullying helpline • Be confident • Don’t reply to cyberbullying, but keep messages • Understand bullying and its negative impact • Don’t become a bystander: speak up, get help, don’t fight
• Be a role model
• Reinforce positive
behaviors
• Communicate openly
with all parties
• Discuss acceptable
boundaries
• Co-facilitate pre-season
meetings
• Attend practices and
games
• Report bullying
Clubs • Accept your
responsibility to create a safe and respectful environment • Don’t allow, condone, or ignore bullying • Help develop ethical guidelines, policies, and practices • Don’t become a bystander: listen, observe, speak up, refer victims to qualified professionals, and report • Facilitate educational efforts
Source: Adapted from Beaumont Children’s Hospital (2016), and Fisher and Dzikus (2010)
In this article, some practical suggestions for the prevention of and intervention in sport-related bullying have been provided. Individual efforts, however, will be more successful if they are part of a more comprehensive approach. Building on comprehensive approaches to understanding
The story of your life can be a
FAIRY TALE Team up with world-class skaters in a show that warms hearts around the world!
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.
©Disney, ©Disney/Pixar
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 800 Feld Way Palmetto, FL 34221 USA
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Phone: (941) 721-1234 Email: jthomas@feldinc.com
NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2017
and preventing bullying in sport has great promise for both theoretical and practical application. In addition, all members of PSA and U.S. Figure Skating must realize that they have the ethical, moral, and professional responsibility to identify and report abuse in sport.
W A LT E R & I R E N E
MUEHLBRONNER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
The Walter and Irene Muehlbronner Scholarship is available to PSA members for attendance at PSA education programs such as Rating Preps, Seminars, Clinics or Conference. SCHOLARSHIP DESCRIPTION
ELIGIBILITY
In memory of Walter and Irene Muehlbronner, the Trustees of the Professional Skaters Foundation are proud to award the Walter and Irene Muehlbronner Scholarship. Scholarships are intended for the reimbursement of associated fees to attend PSA education programs. Up to four scholarships are awarded annually of up to $1000 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. Contact the PSA office for additional information or an application.
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must have: • Full membership 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 Category A or B for the 2017-2018 season • Race, religion, color, creed, sex and ethnic background are not considered in the selection of recipients
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PACKAGE CONTENTS To apply for the Walter and Irene Muehlbronner Scholarship, complete the application package, including: • A completed Walter and Irene Muehlbronner Scholarship Application — www.skatepsa.com • 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
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 1, 2018. Four scholarships will be awarded for the 2018 season and must be used for 2018 programs only. The Professional Skaters Foundation (PSF) 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.
PS MAGAZINE
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SPORT SCIENCE Heidi Thibert, MFS, MM, MC
What I Learned from the All Blacks Coaches B Y D R . WA D E G I L B E R T
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n 2015 the world’s most successful sports team reached yet another unprecedented level of achievement. The New Zealand men’s rugby team – known simply as the ‘All Blacks’—became the first team to win back-to-back world championships while securing their record third title. I routinely meet coaches as well as leaders outside of sport who want to learn how the All Blacks create and sustain their remarkable culture of excellence. The recent surge in interest about the All Blacks can also be attributed to the publication of several research articles and a best-selling book on their leadership approach. I too have long been interested in learning how the All Blacks coaches lead the world’s most decorated sports team. In early December I was blessed with the good fortune of learning firsthand from the head coaches of the last two world cup championship teams, Sir Graham Henry (2011) and Steve Hansen (2015). All three of us were invited to speak at the national coaching conference in New Zealand. Coach Henry and Coach Hansen both were interviewed at the event, and I also spoke directly with coach Hansen about his coaching philosophy and the All Blacks leadership style. Here is what I learned. There are three keys to effective coaching and leadership in the All Blacks system: 1. Self-awareness. Knowing yourself as a coach is the most important step toward becoming an effective coach. Coaches need to build on their strengths while staying flexible in their thinking. Coaches, and athletes, also must be willing to attack and embrace constant pressure to identify and close personal performance gaps. All Blacks coaches enhance their self-awareness through constant reflection, alone and with trusted peers. Frequently reflecting on how they coach helps challenge assumptions (mental models) they hold about coaching and their athletes. It also alerts the coaches to blind spots–important events or behaviors coaches might otherwise overlook that could in some way undermine their approach. 2. Alignment. All coach and athlete behavior must be consistent with the team’s core values. Behavior is governed by high expectations, collective accountability and selfresponsibility, not rules or coach-imposed disciplinary consequences. A clearly expressed team identity provides the compass for ensuring alignment. The overriding core value that guides coaching and managerial decisions for the All Blacks is “Better people make better All Blacks.” A focus on developing rugby skills alone is insufficient.
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Coaches understand that their most fundamental duty is to promote the positive personal growth of their players using rugby as their medium. A recommended exercise used by the All Blacks is to pose the following question at a team meeting: “If you asked other people you respect to describe our team, what would you like them to say?” 3. Vulnerability. Coaches must show humility and not pretend to know all the answers. Coaches gain trust and respect by distributing leadership while seeking and accepting input from athletes. Athletes and coaches are active partners in shaping the team vision and the quest for excellence. Vulnerability is demonstrated by regularly seeking and accepting honest feedback, referred to as ‘discussing the inconvenient facts.’ Although it is important to show empathy toward each other, it is not acceptable to avoid confronting tough issues that can derail excellence. Vulnerability requires high emotional intelligence, a personal characteristic that is highly prized in the All Blacks system. There is little tolerance for athletes who drain the team’s energy. Their coaches do not hesitate to “remove people from the bus.” At the most elite level of sport, expectations are always set high and pressure is ever-present. Becoming and staying the best in the world is a remarkable achievement. All Blacks coaches believe their club’s reign in rugby is a result of their ability to inspire and facilitate athlete learning in a demanding and fun environment. This is accomplished through careful attention to the three keys to effective coaching and sustained excellence in the All Blacks system, self-awareness, alignment, and vulnerability. REFERENCES Hodge, K., Henry, G., & Smith, W. (2014). A case study of excellence in elite sport: Motivational climate in a world champion team. The Sport Psychologist, 28, 60-74. Johnson, T., Martin, A. J., Palmer, F. R., Watson, G., & Ramsey, P. L. (2013). A core value of pride in winning: The All Blacks’ team culture and legacy. International Journal of Sport & Society, 4(1), 1-14. Johnson, T., Martin, A. J., Palmer, F. R., Watson, G., & Ramsey, P. L. (2013). Artefacts and the All Blacks. Rites, rituals, symbols and stories. Sport Traditions, 30(1), 43-59. Kerr, J. (2013). Legacy: 15 lessons in leadership (what the All Blacks can teach us about the business of life).London: Constable. Wade Gilbert, PhD, is an award-winning professor who holds degrees in physical education, human kinetics, and education. He has more than 20 years of experience in conducting applied research with coaches around the world spanning all competitive levels, from youth leagues to the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. Author of Coaching Better Every Season: A Year-Round System for Athlete Development and Program Success, Gilbert is widely published and is a regular contributor to coaching seminars for Olympic and national team coaches in the United States and Canada.
N
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How did you celebrate National Coaches Day?
COACHES C E L E B R AT E COACH
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Here are just some of the photos that were shared with us of coaches feeling the love! PS MAGAZINE
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EDUCATION Carol Rossignol, MD, MS, MG, MPD, MFF
“Radical Change” could be on the way BY PHILIP HERSH, REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM ICENETWORK
T
he ISU Federation is looking to close the gap between the technical and artistic sides of the sport. The ISU may soon look at decreasing the value of quads, a change which could have a significant impact on skaters like Boyang Jin of China. A top official at the International Skating Union said the organization is looking at “radical change” in figure skating in order to achieve a better balance between the athletic and artistic sides of the sport. The change would involve substantially lowering the base values of quadruple jumps and, for pairs, quadruple throws. For three of the five quads being done in men’s singles, the reduction would be more than 10 percent, according to proposed numbers obtained by icenetwork. “This is the direction line I am working on with the intent to make a radical change for the future development of the sport, hoping to bring back the popularity that figure skating used to have in the past,” Italy’s Fabio Bianchetti, the chair of the ISU Single & Pair Skating Committee, wrote in an email. Another change may include replacing the current short program and free skate with what would effectively be an athletic program and an artistic program. Each would award full medals in events like the Olympics and the world championships, and there also would be a full medal for the all-around winner. Everything is possible,” Bianchetti wrote. “At the moment, it is absolutely too early to say anything. The intention is to have three different medals: one for technical, one for artistic and one for all-around, but how it will be for sure is impossible to say now.” While the scoring changes could go into effect for the 2018-19 season, the plan for new programs may have to wait until after the 2022 Olympic Games. Scores from the men’s and ladies free skating at the 2013 and 2017 world championships show a pronounced shift in the importance of technical element scores (TES) compared to program component scores (PCS). The PCS are seen as measuring a skater’s ability to express the artistic side of the sport in areas like transitions, flow, posture, performance and program composition. At 2013 worlds, the second- and fourth-place finishers in the men’s free skate, Patrick Chan and Javier Fernández, had higher PCS than TES. The PCS and TES of the winner, Denis Ten, were virtually equal, while bronze medalist
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Yuzuru Hanyu—the only one of the top four with a higher TES—still got 47.3 percent of his total points from his PCS. In 2017, each of the top four men had significantly higher TES than PCS, with none getting more than 44 percent of his total from PCS. By percentage, in order of finish, the PCS were: Hanyu, 43.5 percent; Shoma Uno, 44; Boyang Jin, 42; and Nathan Chen, 43.8. Much of the numerical shift can be attributed to an increase in the number of high-scoring quadruple jumps. In 2013, the top four did an aggregate six fully credited quads in the free skate; in 2017, the aggregate was 18. The shift is evident but less dramatic in ladies singles. In 2013, winner Yu-Na Kim had virtually even TES and PCS, and three others in the top eight had higher TES. In 2017, six of the top eight, including winner Evgenia Medvedeva, had higher TES—and for three of them, the TES was at least 10 points higher. Explaining that difference is not as clear cut as it is for the men, since none of the top eight women were doing triple Axels in 2017, while one (Mao Asada) did a triple Axel in 2013. The ISU proposal also calls for a six percent reduction in base value of the triple Axel and double-digit percentage reductions in the base values of quad throws in pairs. In the latter case, the ISU is concerned not only about one element having an outsized effect on the results but also the occurrence of injury with the top pairs trying quad throws. The ISU already has approved changes that will impact the TES totals in men’s singles and pairs beginning with the 2018-19 season: reducing the free skate time by 30 seconds, to four minutes, and eliminating one of the men’s eight jumping passes. Because there is not a finite TES maximum like there is with PCS, removing one major element should bring the scores closer together. The ISU also has already signed off on another scoring change for 2018-19, increasing the number of Grade of Execution (GOE) scores from seven (+3 through -3, including 0) to 11 (+5 through -5, also including 0). The interval between the scores would be set at 10 percent of the base value, as opposed to the current system, which has no standardized relationship to the base value. For instance, a +2 on a triple Lutz now adds 1.4 to a base value of 6.0, a 23 percent bonus, while a +2 on a quad Lutz adds 2.0 to a base value of 13.6, a 14 percent bonus.
PHOTO BY VICKI LUY
“The marking will be more logical and consistent,” Bianchetti said. Bianchetti said the decrease in base value of “some elements that at present is extremely high…should also produce a better balance between the technical and components scores that now is in favor of the technical part. “But the biggest effect,” he continued, “would be to give in the technical mark more credit to the quality of an element (with the wider range of GOEs), enlarging the difference between a very good element and a very bad one.” Whether the changes will produce more artistry remains to be seen. Kori Ade, coach of former U.S. champion Jason Brown, is skeptical. “If the intent is to weight artistry differently, cutting the program is contrary to that,” Ade said. “What allows artistry is more time. One of the things (skaters like Jason) do so well is use music to tell a story. The current length is comfortable for him to get into the story.” Brian Orser, who coaches world champions Hanyu and Fernández, also thinks a shorter program will make it more difficult to display the sport’s ideal: a “total package.” “You will have to be a very good skater to manage doing all the elements and have a program with attention to transitions, choreography, meaning and cohesiveness,” Orser said. “It’s going to be very difficult physically, even for top skaters, to do this. And I have junior men who tell me it is easier to do a senior long program (4 minutes, 30 seconds) than a junior program (four minutes).” One of the reasons quads have become so valuable, Ade believes, is judges being overly generous with the GOEs they award for the jump. “I haven’t seen anyone with intricate steps or connections into a quad,” she said. “The bullet points for GOE are not adhered to for quads.” She also thinks the values for the two most difficult quads being attempted, flip and Lutz, are exaggerated because the points for them were established well before anyone successfully
had done them. In the current iteration of the ISU proposal, the quad flip’s base value would drop by 10.5 percent, the quad Lutz’s by 15.4 percent. “I see where they are going with this,” Orser said. “They want the greatest all-around skater to be champion, not just the guy who did the quad flip and quad Lutz and racked up points that way.” Orser said he needed more time to consider the idea of separate artistic and athletic programs. “I want to be sure that you have to be able to do well in the artistic program, not just be flamboyant and roll around on the ice,” he said. Bianchetti, said there will be a test event to evaluate all the new criteria “so we can make sure we can submit the best proposal to the next ISU Congress.” He did not know if it would be possible to have a proposal on the replacement of the short program and free skate ready for consideration by the 2020 Congress. U.S. champion Nathan Chen, who last year became the first to land five quads and to attempt six in a free skate, said he is too focused on the Olympic season to think about what will happen in the future. Asked if the sport has leaned too far to the athletic side, Chen said, “To an extent, yeah. It’s very athletic-based right now, which I think is actually pretty cool. It brings a lot of attention to the sport. I think it’s cool to watch, but it’s very subjective (depending on) whoever watches it.” 2017-18 Base Value
Proposed Base Value*
Quad Toe
10.3
9.5
Quad Salchow
10.5
9.7
Quad Loop
12.0
10.5
Quad Flip
12.3
11.0
Quad Lutz
13.6
11.5
Quad Axel
15.0
12.5
Triple Toe
4.3
4.2
Triple Salchow
4.4
4.3
Triple Loop
5.1
4.9
Triple Flip
5.3
5.3
Triple Lutz
6.0
5.9
Triple Axel
8.5
8.0
Throw Quad Toe
8.2
6.5
Throw Quad Salchow
8.2
6.5
Throw Quad Loop
8.7
7.0
Throw Quad Flip/Lutz
9.0
7.5
Jump/Pairs Throw
* Subject to change
PS MAGAZINE
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COAC HE S TAKING CARE OF TH E M SE LVE S
yoga
By Terri Milner Tarquini
Y
ou’re overworked and tired. You’re stressed out and burned out. You’re in a year-round sport where expectations are high. You’re a figure skating coach.
“Science is demonstrating the ravaging effects that stress creates on the body,” said Dr. Stacey Pierce-Talsma, an osteopathic physician at Touro University in Vellejo, California. “Stress not only effects the mind, but engages various chemical, hormonal and neural pathways. This, in turn, can lead to a depressed immune system, chronic illness and disease.” Pierce-Talsma has dedicated her life to a holistic approach to health. Trained the same as medical doctors, osteopathic physicians additionally have a broader view of patient care, addressing factors such as lifestyle choices, diet, and exercise. Literally “hands on” with their diagnosis, they also have special training in the health of the musculoskeletal system. When it comes to providing needed respite for the haggard and harried coach, the doctor prescribes yoga.
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“I often recommend yoga for its ability to integrate the mind, body and spirit dynamic—it really moves beyond exercise,” she said. “With traditional exercise, you might focus on cardio or strength training. Yoga integrates these aspects with the added benefit of including mental clarity and breath control. My yoga teacher always describes yoga as a focus on breath, stilling of the mind, emerging in movement.” There are two branches of what is formally known as the autonomic nervous system—the parasympathetic (or rest and digest) and the sympathetic (fight or flight). Both are needed, but too much sympathetic and not enough parasympathetic can be extremely erosive. As such, the ability to calm the mind has some pretty big pay-offs: mental, physical and emotional health. But how can yoga possibly do all that? Simple: in high-stress jobs, the selfprotection impulse runs high. Yoga taps in and tones down the body’s fight or flight responses. “When stressed, your body doesn’t
know that it’s not being chased by a lion,” Pierce-Talsma said. “Fight or flight is instinctual and, if it’s not calmed, your cortisone goes up and your immune system goes down.” But with the constant juggling of skaters, parents, other coaches, scheduling, practices, competitions, test sessions, jump techniques, spin revolutions, IJS, choreography, moves in the field, conditioning, plyometrics, periodization—all of which only scratches the surface—how realistic is it for a coach to carve out time for themselves? “When you get on an airplane, you are told to put the mask on yourself before helping others,” Pierce-Talsma said. “If you don’t help yourself, you won’t be able to focus as well. You’ll get fatigued, you’ll get sick and you’ll need to take time off, which is the exact opposite of what you’re trying to accomplish.” Coaches come by the drive to go, go, go honestly. “There’s a yoga saying that how you approach the mat is how you approach life,” she said. “Athletes have
“If you don’t help yourself, you won’t be able to focus as well. You’ll get fatigued, you’ll get sick and you’ll need to take time off, which is the exact opposite of what you’re trying to accomplish.” a tendency to go all out—and coaches were once athletes so they have all the same tendencies.” This propensity for high-achievement is not a bad thing—nor is stress, actually, but in doses. Stress releases hormones that speed up your heart, make you breathe faster and give you a burst of energy. Stress can aid in getting important stuff done, but being under constant strain or stress for long periods of time isn’t good. It can lead to chronic head and body pains and even to long-term health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression. “Yoga is so wonderful for people with a lot of stress in their lives,” Pierce-Talsma said. “Not only does it give an awareness of the physical manifestations of stress, it teaches how to decrease that stress.” What yoga brings to the table that really sets it apart is it’s calming introspection. “Meditation, or the centering of yoga, affects the mind by clearing away racing thoughts, worry, deadlines and demands,” she said. “This gives your mind a chance
to hit the reset button, provides a brain ‘reprieve,’ if you will, and has been proven to assist with creativity.” The positives don’t end with the mind—they extend to the actual body, as well. “Meditation and yoga can address some of the negative health aspects of stress,” Pierce-Talsma said. “They have demonstrated they can assist with pain control. I often tell patients to remember that the meditation isn’t just for the mind; it’s really like taking medication. Performing meditation and yoga truly affects their physiology and how the body actually works.” Much like knowing you need to eat and trying different restaurants until finding one that serves food that appeals to you, those who say they don’t like yoga should try, try again. “It doesn’t have to be for an hour a day—even just 10 or 15 minutes can go a long way in calming and centering and have some real tangible affects,” PierceTalsma said. “I hear all of the time, ‘Oh, I tried yoga and I don’t like it.’ My
response is that you went to the wrong class for you. There are so many different types of yoga and different instructors and different levels out there. There is something that will help you.” For videos that provide different levels of yoga instruction, Pierce-Talsma recommends www.yogatoday.com or www.yogajournal.com as good starting points. In addition, Niroga yoga has information focusing on how to “manage your stress anytime, anywhere” at www.niroga.org/media/video_practice/. “If you don’t change what you’re doing, then the damaging effects of stress are going to keep happening,” she said. “Taking a small break to focus on your mental, physical and spiritual health can make all of the difference in the world for you and how you are able to perform in your job and your life.”
PS MAGAZINE
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ORLANDO
J
oin us as we re-spark the magic of coaching in beautiful Orlando, Florida for the 2018 PSA Conference and Trade Show. As the official coaching arm of U.S. Figure Skating and the Ice Skating Institute, PSA is proud to bring so many coaches and experts to the same place. Our community of coaches (from introductory to elite), sport scientists, psychologists, and nutritionists along with IJS technical panel experts provide the unique opportunity to learn, connect, and build long lasting relationships. All of this is taking place May 23-26, 2018, with Frank Carroll and Christy Krall as featured speakers and Charles Marshall our keynote opening speaker.
This Event Is For You
May 23-26, 2018 18
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Our attendees are professional coaches, program directors, learn to skate instructors, judges, and choreographers interested in keeping up with the best practices and newest innovations in our sport. We have sessions geared toward all levels and disciplines so there is something for everyone! PSA brings you together with others who are working to better themselves and their skaters. Fly in early or stay late to explore and experience the magical world of Disney. With our hotel venue located near Disney Springs, this conference will be just the right amount of education and vacation.
Speakers and Topics KEYNOTE OPENING SPEAKER Charles Marshall SKATING SKILLS Tanith Belbin-White CHOREOGRAPHY Scott Brown FEATURED SPEAKER Frank Carroll SYNCHRO Carla DeGirolamo PAIRS Amanda Evora & Jim Peterson SINGLES Christy Krall THEATRE ON ICE Louis Vachon LEARN TO SKATE USA Kim Hines & Susi Wehrli-Mclaughlin IJS SPINS Denise Williamson
Register Cyber Monday Early Bird Oral Ratings Advanced Late Registration
November 27 • $395 February 2 • $425 March 15 April 15 • $525 After April 15 • $625
Hotel Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista at Walt Disney World Resort 1751 Hotel Plaza Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL Hotel reservations: Single and Double Triple Quad
1-800-782-4414 $ 139 + 12.5% $159 + 12.5% $179 + 12.5%
NO Resort Fees included for PSA Attendees that book in the PSA block of rooms. Group Code: SKA Rate cut-off date: April 30, 2018 or until the block sells out
Rink RDV Sportsplex Ice Den 8701 Maitland Summit Blvd. Orlando, FL
Still wondering if you should attend? Here are just a few reasons to join us…
1
Reignite your passion for coaching. You will learn new techniques, methodologies, and tools to take back to your skaters in all disciplines—singles, pairs, dance, synchronized skating, theatre on ice, hockey, choreography, and program director.
2
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 newest programs and latest IJS requirements.
3
Make valuable connections. The PSA Conference and Trade Show is a great venue to learn what others in our sport are doing with their skaters and how they are doing it—through both the educational sessions AND our social offerings. Witness the top coaches and choreographers be recognized for their achievements at the PSA Awards Dinner.
4
Feel the magic and be inspired by our featured speaker, Frank Carroll, as he reminisces with us and imparts his coaching wisdom.
5
A special pre-conference session will be offered on Wednesday morning prior to the start of conference- come see a preview of what a Ratings Prep training session is like. Spend two and half hours experiencing PSA’s best educational program for free with your conference registration.
Tentative Overview of
2018 PSA Conference and Trade Show Monday, May 21 Rating Exams
Tuesday, May 22 Rating Exams U.S. Open Professional Figure Skating Championships 7:30-10:00pm
Wednesday, May 23 Ratings Prep Preview 9:00-11:30am Newcomers’ meeting 12:00-12:45pm Education sessions 1:00pm-5:30pm Trade Show 5:00-9:00pm President’s Reception 6:30-8:00pm
Thursday, May 24 Trade Show 8:00am-6:00pm Round Tables 8:00-9:00pm Education sessions 9:00am-5:15pm
Friday, May 25 Included with registration: • Light appetizers at the President’s Reception Wednesday evening • Breakfast on Friday at the rink • Box lunch on Friday at the rink • Panel breakfast on Saturday • Transportation to and from the rink on Tuesday for the U.S. Open • Transportation to and from the rink on Friday Be on the lookout for our annual Trivia Contest with a chance to win a free registration to the 2018 PSA Conference & Trade Show in Orlando, FL. The first question will hit your inbox in November.
On and off-ice education sessions at RDV Sportsplex Awards Dinner 6:30-10:00pm
Saturday, May 26 Breakfast Panel 7:30am-9:00am Education sessions 8:00am-12:00pm Conference Closing 12:00n-12:15pm
Tuesday May 22 free to Attend! PS MAGAZINE
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P R O F E S S I O N A L S K AT E R S A S S O C I AT I O N
Hit Refresh Just like the skaters we coach, PSA is continually evaluating and working on our long-term vision. For the next year, our focus will be on refreshing and renewing in coaching, business, and in life. We are hitting the refresh button! First and foremost, we are expanding our educational offerings. Want to attend a seminar but not able to travel? We have just the thing for you! The Boston Live-Stream Seminar from October 1, 2017 is now available on-demand. You can earn 12 PSA education credits right from home. Register today at skatepsa.com. The Program Components Webinar Series is in full swing with three seminars completed and two more to come. This five-part series can be viewed on-demand right from home. Plus, you earn one PSA education credit per webinar. With these plus the Live-Stream Seminar, you could potentially earn up to 17 credits without ever leaving home. Clinics and seminars can now be held nearly any time during the year. Select seminar sites will also have oral rating exam opportunities. Contact Barb Yackel at the PSA office to bring an event to your rink at 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com. Plus, PSA is now offering an exciting opportunity for endorsed events. We want to broaden our outreach for educational credits and coaching seminars. This new venture will help us partner with educational events in your area for PSA credits. If you have an idea for an event or are interested in an endorsement, please contact Carol Rossignol at 507-281-5122 or crossignol@skatepsa.com. As part of the refresh, our headquarters staff has undergone a restructure to better define our individual roles and utilize our strengths.
M E E T O U R T EA M Jimmie Santee Executive Director • Ethics and grievances • PSA leadership Ann Miksch Project Manager/ Executive Assistant • E-learning assistance • Education credit tracking for active ratings • Coach compliance for CERs Carol Rossignol Senior Director of Education and Accreditation • Education programing • PSA rating system Heidi Thibert Director of Coaching Development • Coaches’ tracks at U.S. Figure Skating camps and events • Coach compliance and SafeSport for coaches • E-learning course content Justin Mathre Director of Business Operations • Membership and insurance • Accounting/finance
Elizabeth Thornton Communication and Media Director • Communications and promotions • PS Magazine editor Lee Green Electronic Media Coordinator • Webmaster • In the Loop, PSA Today, and e-blast design Amanda Taylor
Print Media and Graphics Coordinator • PS Magazine design • Advertising and print material design Jamie Santee Marketing Coordinator • Social media and advertising • Endorsements Barb Yackel Events Director • Educational event organization • Event hosting and rating registration Sue Smith Membership Experience Specialist • Membership assistance • Merchandise orders We look forward to unveiling great things over the next year as we reawaken our love for skating and coaching!
M I S S I O N S TA T E M E N T
Dedicated to providing continuing education and accreditation to ice skating professionals in a safe and ethical environment 20
NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2017
A
NEW
way to submit affidavits!
1.) Go to www.skatepsa.com 2.) Click on the Affidavit button on the homepage 3.) Fill out the form and click the Submit button 4.) The information will be emailed to staff to enter into your account You can also click on Coaches Education, then choose Forms from the dropdown list. Under Education you will find the Affidavit you can click on and print if you would prefer to scan and send to affidavit@skatepsa.com If you have any questions please contact Ann at amiksch@skatepsa.com, affidavit@skatepsa.com, or 507.281.5122
Show your appreciation with a gift certificate from PSA: the gift that gives on!
The perfect gift for the perfect coach!
A gift certificate from the Professional Skaters Association can be applied to our coaching products and tools, educational events, membership fees, and more! Certificates can be purchased in our online store at
www.skatepsa.com PS MAGAZINE
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Skate to a brighter future. Skate to great. Figure skating teaches you the agility and focus to handle every twist and turn of life. Get started today, visit LearnToSkateUSA.com
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OBITUARY Bobbe Shire On August 27, 2017 Bobbe Shire passed away at her home in Ellicott City, Maryland. Born Barbara Hope Shire in New York City on May 14, 1946 to Shirley and Lawrence Shire, she grew up on Long Island and attended Wheatley High School. She began skating in 1955 and competed as a speed skater for several years, but summers were spent in Lake Placid where she found her love for figure skating. At the age of sixteen she began her coaching career and in 1969 had her first national champion. Bobbe began her specialization of spins when she began team teaching with Peter Burrows. Her creativity and innovative teaching techniques, including “George,” have made some of the most memorable spins in skating. Sometimes called “the spin whisperer”, Bobbe had an incredible eye to imagine what spin a skater could accomplish. Humble, generous and kind, her love of animals, her students, and her friends were the most important things in her life. She will be truly missed and a legend forever.
Hans Gerschwiler Hans Gerschwiler, 96, of Pinehurst, North Carolina passed away peacefully on September 27, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 20, 1921 near Zurich, Switzerland to Johann and Ida Rosa Gerschwiler. Hans traveled to England where he became a legendary figure skater coached by his uncles Jacque and Arnold. Hans won both the World Figure Skating Championship and European Figure Skating Championship in 1947. In 1948, he was a silver medalist behind American icon Dick Button in both the Olympics in St. Moritz Switzerland and the European Championship. Not surprisingly, respectful of each other’s world class talent, the two competitors remained lifelong friends. It would be 58 years until another Swiss skater medaled at the Olympics. Hans was considered one of the best school skaters in the world and directed his talent toward teaching and training skaters in Canada and the U.S. At the age of 27, Hans began his career as a skating coach in Schumacher, Ontario. While in Schumacher, he met his wife Nancy Jane Clarke of Toronto. Hans and Nancy were married in August 1953 and just celebrated their 64th anniversary. Hans coached for 42 years in both Canada and the United states until his retirement in 1990. He was an honorary member of PSA with an emeritus master figures and free skate rating.
Theodore “Ted” Clarke Theodore “Ted”Clarke, of North Weymouth, died September 4, 2017. Beloved husband of Mary L. (Caron) Clarke of Weymouth. Devoted father, cherished grandfather, loving brother and uncle. He was the son of the late Clarence George Clarke and Blanche Una (Colpitts) Clarke. Mr. Clarke volunteered in many areas. He served three terms as Vice President of U.S. Figure Skating, served as Chairman of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships held in Boston for the first time in 39 years in January 2001, was President of The Skating Club of Boston 1994-97 and was author of 21 books. He and Mary Clarke were editors of the skating publication “Tracings” for 25 years. Clarke was a former champion skater and was active in judging and in many areas of the administration of figure skating. He judged the U.S. Figure Skating Championships six times, selecting members of the U.S. Olympic team three of those times, and was Team Leader of the U.S. Team at Skate America in 2002. A Memorial Mass was held on Saturday, September 16th in St. Jerome Church, Weymouth.
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EXCELLENCE ON ICE Sherwood Ice Arena
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Edge Skating School/ Edge Ice Arena
Sherwood, OR Frederick, MD
Scottsdale, AZ
Chandler, AZ
Vineyard Haven, MA
Cincinnati Skating School
Littleton, CO
Stamford Twin Rinks
Waukesha, WI
Central Iowa FSC
Marquette, MI
Sprinker Recreation Center
Rochester, MN
Park City Ice Arena
Pembroke Pines, FL
Cincinnati, OH Stamford, CT
Urbandale, IA Tacoma, WA
Park City, UT
Kendall Ice Arena
Kettle Moraine FSC Marquette FSC Rochester FSC Pines Ice Arena/Pines FSC The Rinx Total Skating Program
Miami, FL
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World Arena Ice Hall
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Colorado Springs, CO
Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex
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Jacksonville, FL
PS MAGAZINE
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MEMBERSHIP
survey What is your current focus as a coach?
S he
a ti
Ot
on
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2013
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80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
2017
Which discipline is your main focus as a coach?
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ska
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80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
2013
2015
2017
What is your lesson fee based on 60 minutes? 25% 20% 15% 10% 5%
va te
05
p ri ach
Ov er
t te
NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2017
2011
2013
2015
2017
no
2009
Do
2007
24
$1
05 $9
6-1
5 $8
6-9
5 6-8 $7
5 6-7 $6
5 6-6 $5
5 $4
6-5
5 6-4 $3
5 5-3 $2
Les s
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25
0%
ince 2007, the PSA has surveyed coaches every two years to gain a better understanding of its members and new trends in the industry. This year our survey was open September 5-25th and 912 members took the time to answer 53 questions. There were little to no changes in most answers from the 2015 Membership Survey. This year’s average PSA coach: • Female • 46-55 years old • Bachelor’s Degree • Teaches 15 hours a week and has been coaching 10-20 years • Does not pay a commission • Makes less than $28k per year from coaching • Has another job but coaching is her primary source of income, which is a switch from the 2015 survey • Does not receive benefits 49% answered they are PSA rated, and 9% responded their ratings are inactive. For those who have “chosen not to pursue ratings”, cost, don’t have time, too difficult to keep ratings active, and plan to in the future continue to be the most common responses. A high percentage answered that they would like more ways to attain educational credits and for the PSA to offer programs in more locations. This fall we had our first live-streaming event of the seminar held in Boston. We hope this will help our members
What is your annual income from coaching? 25% 20% 15%
2015
10%
2017
5%
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,00
$1
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$7
0,0
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-99
,99
9
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0%
Do you have a job in addition to coaching? 53%
in smaller populated areas to obtain both education and credits. When asked if the respondent would be willing to help host a PSA Seminar or Clinic, 42% responded No, and 35% responded Unsure. To host live events, we need a partner at the rink. If no one in your area is willing to host an event, we have a hard time placing one there. Some members also do not realize how easy it is for them to apply to host an event. The office will fill your agenda, find speakers, and arrange travel for speakers. The coach only needs to book the rink and off-ice rooms!
52%
*PROFESSIONAL SKATERS ASSOCIATION LEGAL NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER*
40%
The following coach's compensation section was compiled by PSA as a service to the skating industry. PSA publishes this data for informational purposes only and disclaims any attempt to directly or indirectly suggest appropriate compensation levels or amounts for industry members. PSA complies strictly in all respects with federal and state antitrust laws in the collection, dissemination and the use of this data. To this end, PSA cautions users of this survey that it is illegal under the antitrust laws for two or more industry members to agree directly or indirectly on specific compensation to be paid.
51% 50%
Yes
49%
No
48% 47% 46% 45%
2013
2015
2017
Is coaching your personal primary source of income? 80% 70% 60% 50%
Yes No
30% 20% 10% 0%
2013
2015
2017
Would you be willing to help host a PSA workshop or seminar? 45%
NO ?
35% 30%
NO
NO
40%
YES
?
YES
YES NO
?
? YES
25% 20%
If you have any questions about the PSA Rating System or want to host an event, please contact Barb Yackel at 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com.
15% 10% 5% 0%
2011
2013
Yes
2015
No
2017
Unsure PS MAGAZINE
25
REAL LIFE COACHING Bob Mock, MDFD, SG
The Rental Skates Saga Continues!
I
never thought that a simple article about rental skates and how they affect a coach’s business would have caused such a stir! When the September 2017 issue of Professional Skater Magazine hit the streets, the calls, texts, and e-mails came pouring in for days. It seems that the care and use of rental skates in ice rinks across the U.S. is a big deal that coaches have to deal with on a daily basis. Many coaches mentioned that our newest customers first experience with ice skating is directly affected by the rental skate that they are given by a rink staff member. After the first article, I heard from one coach who told me about a shipment of rental skates to their facility that included all of the size 7 skates with the left blade mounted too far to the inside of the sole of boot. You can only imagine the “It was easy to spot the result of these rentals being rented to the customers with public skaters! As the coach said, “It was easy to spot the customers with these skates on... these skates on... it was a dramatic left outside edge followed by a quick it was a dramatic fall to the left.” The coaching staff notified the arena staff. After weeks left outside edge of repeated complaints by the public followed by a quick and the coaches, the skating director finally pulled all of the skates from fall to the left.” the rental room and explained the seriousness of the situation from a safety and legal standpoint to the management. The manufacturer was notified and the skates were repaired immediately. You have to wonder how many skating customers were lost as a result of weeks of inattention to the problem. How many potential group and private lessons were gone forever? The good news is the problem was corrected! On the opposite end of the rental skate issue was an ice arena employee I met years ago named Chester Smith, who was totally dedicated to the experience of every customer who walked up to his rental counter. He made a science out of being a rental room attendant. He would have never passed out a skate with a bad sharpening or a poorly mounted blade. He believed that he should be proud to hand out every pair of skates because they were in excellent condition and the customer should understand how to fit and lace the boots for optimal results. He always said “When I hand a pair of rentals to a customer they are in great condition and they are going to be safe in them.” Before any
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skate was handed out, it was fully inspected front to back including a proper sharpening. If Chester saw the customer struggling he was right out from behind his counter lacing the boots properly. Mr. Smith took a small job in a skate rental room and taught all of the coaching staff to take pride in every job. For him, it was always about excellence. Maria Koman, Skating Director from the Greater Youngstown Figure Skating Club in Youngstown, Ohio weighed in on the subject of the loss of valuable teaching time resulting from having new skaters in class with the wrong size skates. She said that the Riedell Shoe Company makes an excellent mat that new customers can stand on to get the correct skate size in a quick and efficient manner. To follow up, I contacted Dan Riegleman, Vice-President of the Riedell Skates in Red Wing, Minnesota. He said that they have offered the rental skate sizing mat for more than several years and that it has been a big success. Dan said, “Many customers arrive at an ice rink for their first experience with ice skating believing their shoe size is their skate size, while others simply do not know their shoe size!” He said that the different companies use different sizing methods so their mat works only for Riedell rental skates. The mat is available for purchase. He said that rinks should consult their rental skate company regarding their sizing method. The Jackson Ultima Company also offers a skate boot sizing chart for retail use, and other rental skate manufacturers may have similar charts. In the final analysis, rental skates affect the future business of the arenas we teach in and our future business as coaches. Coaches should be aware of their rink rental room and how the equipment is being maintained and passed out to our newest customers. Perhaps we can all learn a lesson from Chester Smith. Comments and ideas are always welcome: MBobMock@aol.com or 412.780.6637
Riedell Skates and Jackson Ultima are two examples of companies that offer a skate boot sizing chart for retail use.
Rental Skates Reconsidered
A Successful Rental Skate Operation Can Make All The Difference
A
s you sit hunched over your desk, crunching numbers, looking for ways to build revenue for your rink, take a closer look at your rental skate operation. Are you truly maximizing its potential? Rental skates are an area that's often rich with opportunities for improvement and profit. Let's reexamine how an improved rental skate operation can energize profits for your rink. The Vital Role of Rentals Skates First of all, let's answer a simple yet important question: why are rental skates such a crucial part of profitable rink management? It's because quality rental skates are arguably the most important part of customer satisfaction for the recreational skating audience. Providing them with skates that are old, dull or uncomfortable could cost you a casual customer—or a potential lifelong fan of the sport - forever. Another reason quality rental skates are important is the "word of mouth" factor. If customers leave unsatisfied with your rental skates there's a high probability that they will tell their family and friends about it, who in turn may pass it on to others and so on. Conversely, a positive experience can create a positive impression of your rink that spreads throughout your local skating community. The third reason that rental skates are vital is that they encourage growth of your customer base. Parents can take their children skating for the first time without investing in new skates. Adults looking for a new fitness outlet can give skating a whirl. The quality of your rental skates could make or break the skating experience for first-timers like these. Your Rink's Skate Selection Now that you know why rental skates are so important, how do you choose a
quality rental skate provider? Remember that rental skates are the single most important public relations and customer service tool of your rink, and that quality rental skates are a hallmark of successful rinks. This is not an area where you want give your business to the lowest bidder. Here's a checklist of things to consider when selecting a rental skate line: 1. Are the skates comfortable? 2. Are they durable? 3. Are they constructed of quality materials? 4. Are they reasonably priced? 5. Do they offer skates specifically designed for all of my customers? Men, women, boys and girls? Hockey and figure? Extended sizes? 6. Do they offer attractive designs that will appeal to my customers? 7. Is it a reputable skate manufacturer that stands behind its products? 8. Is the salesperson knowledgeable, honest and helpful? If you can answer "yes" to these questions, you can have confidence that you are investing in a quality line of skates. Now you're ready to get down to specifics—selecting the right mix of skates. Selecting Sizes and Models Whether making an initial rental skate buy or replacing worn out inventory for an established rental skate operation, it's important to step back and take a broad look at the needs of your rink. Deciding on an appropriate first-time inventory takes considerable planning, but even existing rental programs should look at their operation with fresh eyes to make sure they select the right mix of skates. A good place to start is with your skate salesperson. This individual is a great resource to help you make intelligent purchase decisions. Weigh their recom-
mendations knowing that it's in their best interest to assist you in choosing the best mix of skates and retain you as a longterm customer. Know Your Audience If you're building a rental skate inventory for the first time, it's wise to consider a population study of the surrounding area that the rink will serve. If replacing your existing inventory, you may already have useful customer data that will be useful for your purchase. The best way to determine skate model choices and quantities is to look closely at the skating programs offered at your rink. Do you offer open ice time? How many hours per day/week? Do you offer a skating school? Is there a "learn to skate" program? How about a "learn to play hockey" program for youths and adults? Is there an in-house figure skating club? How many people are normally registered in your skating classes? How many new skating lesson signups do you receive annually? Do you offer skating times for daycare facilities, civic organizations or church groups? What are your rink's size, location and purpose? If you offer a large number of group lessons and open skating sessions, then you'll probably draw a predominantly beginner-level figure skating crowd, which will require you to place an emphasis on smaller sized figure skating boots. On the other hand, if you have a sound "learn to play hockey" program, a hockey emphasis may be warranted. Just by thinking about these considerations, you probably already have an intuitive sense about how many skates you'll need. As a benchmark, the typical rink facility needs 300 to 500 pairs of rental skates to effectively serve its customers. Of those, 65-70% are usually figure skates and 30-35% are hockey. But every rink PS MAGAZINE
27
Professional Skaters Foundation Officers, Board Members and Trustees PRESIDENT Carol Murphy VICE PRESIDENT Kelley Morris-Adair TREASURER Scott McCoy SECRETARY Gerry Lane BOARD MEMBER
TRUSTEE
Richard Dwyer Cindy Geltz Tara Hillstrand Lane Robbie Kaine Wayne Seybold Kim Seybold Skaters' Fund – Donation Levels: $10,000+ $5,000+ $1,000+ $500+ $100+
Recognition opportunities for donors available
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!
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2 0 1 7 D O N L AW S A P P R E N T I C E S C H O L A R S H I P W I N N E R
Becoming Comfortable in the Uncomfortable By Wendi Cool, CFS, RM, RG, Ranking Level II
S
Paul Wylie Doug Mattis Carol Rossignol Tim Covington Patrick O'Neil
• Platinum • Diamond • Gold • Silver • Bronze
A Community that Cares
NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2017
ometimes an opportunity comes along to shake things up and try something new and different. So it was with me when I received the news that my application for the Don Laws Apprentice Scholarship had been selected and I won the chance to spend a week shadowing master-rated coaches at the Shattuck-St. Mary’s Figure Skating Camp. With the excitement of winning came the realization that I’d be going alone to an unfamiliar place and spending a week observing coaches and skaters. Second part…easy…first part…not so much. To be honest, I felt a bit scared…what if the suitcase containing my skates got lost, how would I get food, what would I do each day, and what about leaving my family and students? With my flight plans efficiently organized by the Professional Skaters Association and having been reassured that my family and students could survive a week without me, I found myself on a plane headed to Minneapolis, Minnesota. The waiting shuttle drove me to the beautiful Shattuck-St. Mary’s campus in the town of Faribault. There I was met by Jimmie Santee and Tom Hickey, who, along with Terry Hausmann, made every effort to assure my comfort and ease the way to help me connect with the other coaches. A tour of the campus ended at the dormitory, where I was shown to a private room with a comfortable bed. The shared bathroom seemed more like a private bathroom, because during the summer the dorm was nearly empty. Meals would be served in the nearby dining hall. Three square meals a day, clean and safe accommodations, a short walk to the rink, and the freedom to spend each day focused on learning new things about skating. What’s not to like? Camp started with a bang on Monday and I took notes at top speed, finally ending up filling over sixty pages. During breaks between sessions, I was welcomed in the coaches’ room and given a place to keep my skates and hang my coat. As the days flew by I became tired, just like the coaches and skaters, but I still felt excited to show up ready to learn. Whenever I had a free moment, I’d find a little corner of the ice and try to skate through some of the things I’d written in my notebook. All too soon Friday arrived with the traditional, week-ending exhibition and I sat with the coaches to cheer for the skaters. Upon learning that the Saturday morning freestyle sessions were usually deserted, one of the coaches and I decided to get up early and go skating…we motivated each other even though we had just met. On the last day, walking to the dining hall through the hallowed hallways of the old school, I passed as usual a table full of flyers and booklets. But this time something made me stop and pick up one of the booklets, titled Senior Speeches Class of 2017. I flipped through a few pages and suddenly these words jumped out at me: “Be comfortable in the uncomfortable”, from Georgia Keogh’s speech. And that’s exactly what happened for me- stepping out of my comfort zone expanded my horizons. My coaching tool box has been refilled and my students are benefitting from the tips and skill-building exercises I learned. Here’s just one example: a new student was unable to control the landing of his waltz jump, despite trying everything I could think of. During his first lesson after I returned from camp, suddenly an exercise popped into my mind. It had been used at camp to help with double jumps, but why not try it? And what do you know, it solved the problem! I would like to express my gratitude to the Professional Skaters Association (PSA) and the Professional Skaters Foundation (PSF), because winning the Don Laws Apprentice Scholarship was an incredible honor and the experience is something I’ll remember forever. Also, I’m grateful to the PSA and the PSF for offering many different opportunities for professional growth. If we choose to take advantage of these opportunities and take that first uncomfortable step forward, we are giving ourselves a chance to become comfortable in the uncomfortable…and once we conquer that fear, we are unstoppable!
continued from page 27
is unique. Your salesperson should have formulas available to help you determine a ballpark figure for you facility. Completing the Purchase The hardest part is over and you've decided on your rental skate investment. Now it's just a matter of getting the skates to your shop. Talk to your salesperson to ensure timely delivery of your order. Also, be aware of freight charges, payment terms and potential back-orders so there are no surprises later. Have a start date in mind for your new inventory to ensure that the order will arrive in time to allow for you to un-box, lace, label and organize the skates in your storage system. Once these steps are complete, you're ready to make your new skates available to your customers. Notice how their faces light up when you hand them a brand new pair of skates! Maintenance is a Must To keep your customers happy and make the most of your investment, it's crucial that you practice regular maintenance of your rental skate inventory. When you have a new skate inventory in your rink, upkeep is the last thing on your mind. But it's best to start early on to keep your boots working and looking their best for the long haul. Following are some general guidelines to keep in mind. Blade sharpening is the most important aspect of rental skate maintenance. It can make the difference between an enjoyable and a disappointing skating experience. One pair of dull blades could turn off a customer for good. A sharpener is a key component of a fully-equipped rental shop, and can also create additional revenue by sharpening for customers who bring their own skates. Your rental boots should be made from moisture resistant materials that allow them to air dry after use. However if there is excessive water on the boot, wipe it down with a cloth. Before you put the returned skates away, be sure to pull the
tongue forward to maximize airflow inside the boot. This will help it to dry quicker and minimize odor problems. Over time, the blade may show signs of rust. This may not affect the blade's performance, but it will give your customer a poor impression of the product. Therefore you should wipe down the blades after each use. If rust does appear, a light scrub with steel wool will usually take care of the problem. Also, be sure to lay rubber mats down throughout your rink to avoid permanent blade damage. To maintain boot appearance and performance, keep an eye on other minor upkeep issues. Replace frayed laces and missing eyelets. Apply polish on occasion. Remember that it's important your customers have a positive impression of your rental skates. Doing so will help ensure that they keep coming back to you instead of heading to the rink across town. The Keys to Skate Storage There are two keys to a quality skate storage system. First, it should keep skates dry and well ventilated. This will prevent water damage to the boot and blade, and allow the boot interior to completely dry out after use, reducing odor and maximizing boot life. Secondly, it should make skates easy to locate to expedite customer service, especially during busy periods. Boots should be clearly labeled, as should their storage location. They can be further organized by hockey/figure, male/female and adult/child classifications. The most heavily used skates should be the-most convenient to reach; lesser used skates can be kept in the back. Use common sense and layout your storage system accordingly. The Rental Skate Shop Now that your skate inventory is in top condition, there's one more vital aspect to your rental operation to consider - the rental skate shop. This is the front line of your rental skate business, and your customers need to feel comfortable there.
While it doesn't have to be extravagant, it should be clean, inviting and staffed with friendly, helpful people. Even if you're fully stocked with new skates, it won't make a difference if your customer service is sub par. Make sure your employees understand how important they are to the success of the rink. Instilling this sense of purpose can be a strong motivator for them to do their best work. Recognizing and rewarding their efforts toward this end is also a good idea. Ideally, your employees should be skaters themselves who have a good sense for how a properly fitted boot feels. If possible, give them the freedom to leave the counter and help beginners lace up their skates and find a pair that fits. Such gestures are a priceless way to build goodwill towards your rink. Positive word of mouth could spread like wildfire. Control What You Can As a rink manager, there are plenty of things that are out of your control-seasonality, location and the popularity of skating come to mind. That's why it's important to make the most of the things you can control. Rental skates definitely fall under this category. There are numerous ways to improve rentals that weren't mentioned here, so use your imagination. With a little extra effort, your rental operation can help your entire rink succeed. More successful rental skates mean more customers, more concessions, and hopefully, more lifelong fans of the sport. Riedell offers the finest skating products in the world for beginner-, competitive and elite- level skaters. Riedell's selection of rental skates is designed to help rink operators offer their customers an enjoyable experience. For more information & assistance, call 800-698-6893 or send an e-mail to danr@riedellskates.com.
PS MAGAZINE
29
BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES Kelley Morris-Adair RFF, MDFD, MM
PSA Guidelines for Ethical Behavior M
y name is Kelley Morris-Adair and I am honored to accept the appointment as the PSA Committee on Professional Standards Chair. Outgoing chair, Robbie Kaine, has taken extremely good care of such an important process to our coaching community. I will continue to foster the grievance process with honesty and integrity. The PSA Guidelines for Ethical Behavior Ethics, as defined in Webster’s New World Dictionary: “The system or code of morals of a particular group or profession; conforming to the standards of conduct of a given profession.” Whether you are an arena manager or director, a coaching member of the Professional Skaters Association, or just the parent of a figure skater, you have the right to expect that those with whom you have a working relationship will act in a professional manner. In fact, from a manager or parent’s perspective, the minimum standard expectation should be that hiring a coaching member of the PSA will provide you with a qualified, well educated, and ethical coach. The links on the PSA website will not only provide you with the PSA’s code of ethics and tenets of professionalism, but will serve as an educational resource regarding professional standards and the many issues and obstacles facing our industry today. It is imperative to monitor your moral meter to be able to provide a safe learning environment for athletes. PSA Tenets of Professionalism: The purpose of these tenets of professionalism is to provide a framework of conduct above and beyond the minimum standards provided by the code of ethics as set forth in the bylaws of the Professional Skaters Association. The Professional Skaters Association and its membership aspire to the highest ideals of professionalism and acknowledge that the following tenets of professional conduct should be followed in the performance of professional services provided to those with whom we have contact. 1. As coaches of skating, we will conduct ourselves in a manner which demonstrates respect for the rules under which our skaters compete and we will preserve with decorum and integrity the testing programs and competitions. 2. Professional Skaters Association recognizes that professional courtesy is consistent with the role of the coach. As members of the Professional Skaters Association, coaches will be civil and courteous to all with whom we come in
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contact and will endeavor to maintain a collegial relationship with other coaches. 3. As skating coaches, we acknowledge that from time to time the students with whom we work may wish to leave us as the coach and seek coaching elsewhere. We acknowledge that we will cooperate with other coaches when conflicts arise and will be willing to make such changes on behalf of the students as will complement the further performance and progress of that student. 4. When competitions or testing situations arise, we agree to keep our students and the parents of those students well informed and involve them in the decision making that affects their interest while at the same time avoiding emotional attachment to our students and their activities both in skating and out of skating which might impair our ability to render professional service. 5. As professionals, and as members of the Professional Skaters Association, we will honor our promises and our commitments, whether oral or in writing, and strive to build a reputation for dignity, honesty, and integrity in the skating profession. 6. As professionals, and members of the Professional Skaters Association, we will not make groundless accusations of impropriety or attribute bad motives to other coaches in bad faith or without good cause. 7. As professionals, and as members of the Professional Skaters Association, we will not engage in any course of conduct designed to harass another coach, skating organization official, another skater, or the parent of another skater. 8. As professionals, and as members of the Professional Skaters Association, we will strive to expand our knowledge of skating and to achieve and maintain proficiency in our area of expertise. 9. We will never allow race, gender, religion, age or other suspect classifications of persons to improperly motivate our actions. 10. At all times and in all things when dealing with the skating public, officials, and other members of the coaching profession, we will adhere to the proposition that our practices shall be governed by the principals of honesty and integrity. Notice: The PSA has agreed to change its Code of Ethics and will not adopt, encourage its members to follow, or enforce any Code of Ethics provision relating to solicitation of coaching work that does not comply with the FTC Consent Order.
— A DV E RTO R I A L —
PSA MEMBER DISABILIT Y INSURANCE
“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
Disability Insurance, also known as Income Protection Insurance, does just that, it provides the insured a monthly income stream if the insured cannot work due to a disability from either an accident or illness. Most Americans depend on their livelihoods to provide them the income they need to pay their bills. If individuals lose their ability to work, keeping up with daily living expenses such as home mortgages, car payments, utilities, groceries, etc., in addition to other expenditures such as funding retirement and college plans, can become unsustainable. Typically a person’s income is their largest asset. If you think about how much you earn in a year and what that adds up to over a lifetime, this is the amount of money you are insuring with a disability insurance policy. Many corporations provide their employees disability insurance as a benefit; however self-employed individuals must purchase their own disability insurance thus providing for their own individual financial security. An individual can also file a disability claim through the Federal Government if they pay into Social Security, however not all disability claims are approved and if they are approved it can take up to two years to process. The PSA Disability Insurance Policy will provide the policies base benefit amount even if the insured goes on a disability claim with the Federal Government. The PSA Disability Insurance Program is specific to the PSA members and provides the PSA member coaches an Individual Disability Insurance Policy specific to each coach’s financial situation and needs. If a member coach became disabled and could not work, the policy could provide up to 65% of the members Annual Net Income distributed on a monthly basis up to age 67. The policy benefits are tax free. The Disability Policy provides PSA members a 15% premium discount (10% in FL, MD and NJ) and covers a disability due to an illness or accident including an on ice accident. The Disability Policy also provides Worldwide Coverage in the case a member coach becomes disabled while out of the country. The PSA Disability Insurance Program is a voluntary program. Each PSA member coach who purchases a policy will receive their own individual and portable insurance policy. The premium cost associated with each policy is based upon the insureds age and health conditions, as well as the policy benefit amount and benefit period. Coverages and premiums can be tailored to fit each coach’s budget and personal financial needs. As health conditions factor into the premium rates, it is more costly and more difficult to get a disability insurance policy when an injury or illness has already occurred and would be considered a pre-existing condition- this could result in a decline of coverage or exclusion on the policy. Also, as the insured’s age increases, so does the premium. The younger the insured is when they purchase a disability policy the less expensive the premium will be. The Disability Insurance Policy can be purchased anytime between the ages of 18 and 61. However, the most cost effective time to purchase this insurance is when you are healthy and as soon as your budget permits. Insurance is a product most Americans will purchase at some time in their lives, whether it’s home, auto, liability, life, health etc. The PSA Disability Insurance Program is a voluntary program, but provides you with the option of purchasing a valuable insurance product tailored to your profession at a discount. There is no way of knowing if and when a career changing disability may occur, however protecting your income from that possibility could be life altering and the best insurance protection one receives. Francine Larson | PSA Member CHIZMARK LARSON INSURANCE AGENCY
INSURANCE For more information on the PSA Member Disability Insurance, visit the PSA website or www.chizmarklarson.com
PS MAGAZINE
31
RINKBLAZER
Mary Anne Williamson, MFS By Terri Milner Tarquini
Mary Anne Williamson talks often about percentages. As in, 100 percent. That’s the one she seems the most Mary Anne with daughter Amelia before a basic skills well-versed in. competition “Once I started skating, I couldn’t get enough,” Williamson said of her background that began when her 8-year-old self went to every public session her small Ohio town’s seasonal ice rink offered… which wasn’t very many. Soon, Williamson’s mother began driving her an hour-and-ahalf to the Columbus Figure Skating Club for private lessons. “One day a week turned into two to three days a week and it just kept progressing to five and six days a week. It started innocently enough, but it just took over. I wanted to skate all of the time.” That’s that 100 percent thing. It would seem Williamson coaches like she skated—full bore. A Level III ranking through PSA with a master rating in free skate, Williamson has coached skaters to 14 medal performances at regionals since 2010 in every level from juvenile to senior. Juggling three children, ages 6, 8 and 11, Williamson has been married since 2004. “We got married in October two weeks before regionals, which wasn’t my best planning moment,” she laughed. “We couldn’t go on our honeymoon until February.” Having coached for nearly 20 years, she bounces between four ice rinks that offer sessions seven days a week. “Learn to Skate numbers are huge,” she said. “We have group classes six days a week; it is one of the biggest group programs in the country. In the past 15 years, skating here has exploded in size—we have a huge opportunity to spread passion for this sport to so many.” Undoubtedly, she will do that 100 percent as well.
ice. I started teaching group lessons and then some privates, but that’s all it took and by my junior year I knew coaching was it. It was definitely an ‘a-ha’ moment; I was hooked. I was majoring in public relations and I called my parents and told them I loved coaching and that’s what I wanted to do.
women bring to the table is often even more important. Positivity on me, on the skaters, and on the whole atmosphere of the rink. We all have such a good, open relationship. Being a part of this team has made a huge difference in, not only my personal success, but in all of our success.
And how did that go over?
How do you navigate the terrain of being a coach with the other areas of your life?
(Laughs) They were ok with it, but they told me I had to get a degree so I thought about what would work best with me becoming a coach and skating director. I switched my degree to sports management and graduated in 1999. I changed my path very quickly and just went 100 percent in.
Skating as a sport takes great passion. So does coaching. What are you most passionate about? My passion is for skating and in sharing that passion with my skaters. There are no perfect performances anymore; there are no 6.0 programs. So it comes down to recognizing that the small successes along the way are wins. Skating has so much to offer the athletes for the rest of their lives. If they have a true love of the sport, it will be a part of their life forever.
You have had a lot of success at the regional level and coached skaters through to sectionals. What do you think has aided you on the path to finding more success and growth as a coach? First, I have a desire to never stop learning and to continue to seek mentors to help guide me down the path. Second, and this has been big, is the team I am lucky enough to be a part of. I work with Valerie MarcouxPavlas and Annette Schaefer. It’s important to surround yourself with the best talent skill-wise, but the positive influence these
Well, sometimes it’s not the smoothest ride. (Laughs) But I have an extremely supportive husband, who does a lot for me. My mom and dad are very helpful with the kids and I have the support of my whole family. We also have a very organized schedule, which of course all comes from the time management I learned from skating. For young coaches, I’d say it’s vital to have a good support team around you—and, also, knowing when to sometimes just walk away. I do try to take time to work out and take time for myself because that can go a long way too.
What would your advice be to coaches who are interested in growing their careers? I really feel like getting involved with the PSA is a big deal. I don’t think I really understood how beneficial it could be when I first started, but I was so fortunate to study with some really good mentors. I think finding someone locally you feel comfortable with to ask questions and get advice can really go a long way in a coach’s personal growth. Sharing amongst coaches has come a long way. If you want your students to continually improve, I believe in either bringing coaches in or sending them to someone periodically to get different perspectives.
Was there a moment when you first realized coaching was in your future? I was going to Ohio University and started teaching when I was about 18 at a very small rink in town. It was very part-time—the rink only had about six to ten hours a week of Valerie Marcoux-Pavlas, left, and Mary Anne pose with their skaters after a successful competition.
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With her skaters at U.S. Figure Skating Sectionals in Colorado Springs
Coach Mary Anne with her family
On that note, do you think the advances in your career have been by chance or have you opened those doors?
even know who she is—but I want them to see it for its flexibility and technique and simple beauty.
Well, there’s always an element of chance in everything, but the day I decided to be a coach I knew what I wanted to achieve so I set up a plan of action to make it happen. Of course there needs to be some flexibility—no one’s life is going to go exactly as planned, but I tried hard to set up my path so that it would lead me where I want to go.
Do you have a motto or philosophy?
Let’s talk about some qualities you think are important for coaches to possess. Communication skills and the ability to teach skaters with different learning styles. Self-awareness and knowing your own weaknesses and strengths and never being afraid to ask for help. Finally, positivity. You can’t beat your skaters down. There will be challenging days, but I want my skaters to leave the rink each day on a positive note, with a smile on their face. If coaches have those three things, they can make a real difference in the lives of their students.
What is your favorite move to watch when it’s performed really, really well? Oh, I’m old school so the Michelle Kwan full-split spiral that covers the whole ice surface. In today’s programs, I can barely squeeze in a spiral at all. I still pull up video of Michelle doing her spiral and I show the kids—some of them who don’t
‘Trust your training.’ I always tell the kids, you perform how you train. Yes, sometimes stuff happens, but for the most part, if you’ve trained properly and given 100 percent, you will not regret how you skated at a competition or test session.
What are your goals with regards to your career? I always want my skaters to have the love and passion for the sport. Along with that, I would love to keep growing the Columbus program and, of course, the big dream is taking skaters to the U.S. Championships and international competition. There is a very small percentage of skaters who can get there—and that’s ok. There is much more to skating than just the technical side; there’s learning time management, work ethic, and how to take pride in your accomplishments. Those are things they can take with them forever.
A Level III ranking through PSA with a master rating in free skate, Williamson has coached skaters to 14 medal performances at regionals since 2010 in every level from juvenile to senior. of the sport to the next generation, just like our coaches did to us.
Down the road of life, what are some things you hope your skaters take with them that they learned from you? Never give up, always continue on and give 100 percent. Skaters learn things they don’t even know they’re learning. They know when they go to college that it’s not enough just to go to class; they know that time and investment matter to your success. They know that giving their full passion to whatever they do matters. That’s what I want them to take with them.
How would you describe your journey in the world of coaching so far? It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Every year has been a new adventure. The skating community seems so big, but it’s actually quite small. There’s something comforting knowing that in so many ways we’re all in this together. We’re all passing on our love
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CALENDAR
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NOVEMBER Date: Event: Location: Credits: Contact: Presenters
November 5, 2017 Learn to Skate USA Workshop- The Art of Teaching Lloyd Center Ice Rink, Portland, OR 5 PSA credits Kim Hines khines@learntoskateusa.com Susi Wehrli McLaughlin & Kimberly Hines
Deadline:
October 27, 2017
Date: November 7, 2017 Event: PSA Program Components Webinar Topic: Composition Credits: 1 PSA credit Contact: PSA Office
DECEMBER Date: TBD Event: PSA Program Components Webinar Topic: Transitions Credits: 1 PSA credit Contact: PSA Office
MARCH 2018 Date: Event: Location: Credits: Contact:
March 8-9, 2018 Area 7 PSA Oral Rating Site Palm Beach SkateZone in Lake Worth, Florida 1 PSA credit per oral exam taken PSA Office
Deadline:
January 8, 2018
Date: Event: Location: Credits: Host:
March 9-11, 2018 Area 7 PSA Ratings Prep Palm Beach SkateZone in Lake Worth, Florida 28 PSA credits Audra Leech audra@pbskatezone.com
Deadline:
February 8, 2018
M AY 2 0 1 8 Date: Event: Location: Credits: Contact:
May 21-22, 2018 Area 7 PSA Oral Ratings at 2018 PSA Conference & Trade Show Hilton Orlando Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida 1 PSA credit per oral exam taken PSA Office
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March 16, 2018
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