January/February 2016 by Professional Skaters Association

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY

2016

www.skatepsa.com

January is

National Skating Month!

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COLUMNS

FEATURES

Over the Edge | Jimmie Santee

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message | Angie Riviello

IN MEMORIAM

Garrett Swasey

Ratings | Tom Hickey

BY TERRI MILNER TARQUINI

SafeSport | U.S. Figure Skating

Sport Science | Heidi Thibert

Education | Carol Rossignol

Charasmatic Christine BY TERRI MILNER TARQUINI

Legal Ease | David Shulman

2016 ISI/PSA Conferences & Trade Show | Las Vegas, NV

9 Ratings Exams Passed

2015 Survey of Coaches

32 New Members 34 PSA Calendar of Events

Jimmie Santee | Editor Carol Rossignol | Contributing Editor Amanda Taylor | Art Director Elizabeth Thornton | Advertising/Editorial Assistant

What Do Alexa Scimeca & Christopher Knierim Say? BY TERRI MILNER TARQUINI

PS Magazine TREASURE HUNT! JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016 ~ No

#ISSN-574770

Be the first person to find the gold PSA logo in each issue of PS Magazine and we will send you some treasure! Once you have found the logo in this issue, post where you found it on the PSA Facebook page and we'll send you a prize.

Over the Edge

PSA OFFICERS President First Vice President Second Vice President Third Vice President Treasurer Past President

JIMMIE SANTEE, MPD, MG

PSA BOARD OF GOVERNORS West

East

hen my son Ryan first started skating, other skating coaches would just shake their head and ask me how I could let him. I always responded in the same way: Skating gave me everything I have in life, and I want him to experience those same joys minus the heartaches. I just wanted him to love to skate the same way as his uncle, mother and I did. As coaches and parents we can’t protect them from the heartache. However, it is the trials and overcoming those that ultimately make us who we are. The following is a post that Ryan wrote and shared on Facebook just after sectionals. I couldn’t be more proud of this young man. Figure Skating...When people ask me why I skate, I never can truly put my feelings into words. I mean, where would I even begin? I've spent the last 18+ years of my life skating and I've experienced just about every emotion you can think of out on that ice. Blood, sweat, and tears too. Even now, as I attempt to elucidate my feelings, I find myself at a loss for words. How can you put your whole life into just a few short sentences? How do you explain the vast spectrum of emotions you feel when you pour your heart and soul into your programs and you still fall short of your goals? It feels as though my heart is torn to shreds year after year. And yet, I continue to come back for more. I must be completely crazy, right? I mean who would willingly put themselves in that situation over and over again? I would. Because I love figure skating. When things don't go the way you want them to, it's really easy to think about all the reasons why you should just give up...Skating is an extremely demanding sport, both physically and emotionally, and at this point my brain is screaming at me, telling me to take the easy way out and call it quits. I'm not a quitter though... I will not succumb to those thoughts. Because in reality, I don't just skate for myself. I love skating with all of my heart, but I want everyone else to love it as well. Every time that I take the ice, whether it's at a competition or a local ice show, I want the audience to feel as though they're out on the ice with me, to feel what I'm feeling. I want to bring joy into other people's lives through my skating, and I want to give the audience an escape. I want my skating to be the kind of skating that allows them to forget all of their troubles and just simply enjoy the story that I'm telling out on the ice. I want to elicit tears, smiles, laughter... Each program I create, I create with those thoughts in mind. I want my programs to not only touch my soul, but everyone else's as well. I want to be inspiration to not only the younger skaters but everyone. And that is why I skate. I may not have been able to put it as eloquently as I would have liked, but the message is there. Skating is a sport that is meant to be shared and enjoyed by everyone. And I want to thank everyone who has helped me come to that

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016

Doug Ladret Todd Sand Teri Klindworth Hooper Patrick O'Neil Tim Covington Robyn Petroskey-Poe Don Corbiell Cindy Larson Sullivan Kirsten Miller-Zisholz

PSA

A Proud Father

Mid-West

Angela Riviello Christine Fowler-Binder Rebecca Stump Alex Chang Carol Murphy Kelley Morris Adair

Members at Large

Committee on Professional Standards Ratings Chair Seminar Chair ISI Rep to PSA U.S. Figure Skating Rep to PSA U.S. Figure Skating Coaches Executive Director Legal Counsel

Robbie Kaine Tom Hickey Doug Mattis Scott McCoy Ben Miller-Reisman Kelley Morris Adair Jimmie Santee David Shulman

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Awards Coaches Hall of Fame Education Seminars State Workshops Apprentice Area Representatives Hockey Skating PS Magazine Sport Science Endorsements Executive Executive Nominating Finance Fundraising ISU/ IJS Ethics and Legal Nominating Professional Standards PSA Rep to ISI Ratings Special Olympics

Denise Williamson Kelley Morris Adair Heidi Thibert Doug Mattis Tom Hickey Rebecca Stump Gloria Masterson Leous Paul Paprocki Bob Mock Heidi Thibert Jamie Santee Angela Riviello Kelley Morris Adair Carol Murphy Patrick O’Neil David Santee David Shulman Kelley Morris Adair Robbie Kaine Gerry Lane Tom Hickey Eleanor Fraser-Taylor

PSA AREA REPRESENTATIVES Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Area 6 Area 7 Area 8 Area 9 Area 10 Area 11 Area 12 Area 13 Area 14 Area 15 Area 16 Area 17

Martha Harding Anne Marie Filosa Lee Cabell Tim Covington Gloria Masterson Leous Kevin Curtis Liz Egetoe Melanie Bolhuis Lisa Bardonaro-Reibly Stacie Kuglin Brigitte Carlson-Roquet Sharon Brilliantine Tracey Seliga-O’Brien Lisa Mizonick Don Corbiell Josselyn Baumgartner John Kauffman

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, 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. 507.281.5122, Fax 507.281.5491, Email: office@skatepsa.com © 2016 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. ISSN-574770. Second-class Postage Paid at Rochester, MN 55901 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER send address changes to The Professional Skater, 3006 Allegro Park SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Printed in the USA.

LEFT: Ryan competing in the 2015 U.S. Open BELOW: Ryan helping little sister Sarah on the ice.

realization. Jamie Lynn Kitching-Santee, James Santee, David Santee, Jordan Mann, Josh Fischel, Fury Gold, Doug Mattis, Audrey Weisiger, Jordan Moeller, Alex Johnson, Sebastien Payannet, Robbie Przepioski, Kate Charbonneau, Colton Johnson, Shannon Brakke, Julia Hussian, Kyle Shropshire, Adam Blake, Ryan Bradley, and so many more. You all inspire me and I cannot even begin to thank you enough for that. I honestly doubt anyone will have read this whole thing, but if you have, thank you. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to hear what I have to say. It means the world to me. I don't know what the future holds for me, but I can tell you all one thing: my competitive career is far from over. "Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt

a i v i r T

t s e t Con

r e n n Wi

Congratulations

Jenny Nelson!

Jenny currently coaches in Colorado and holds a Basic Accreditation rating, registered free skate, registered MIF, and a Hockey Level I accreditation. The odds are definitely in your favor Jenny – strike it big in Vegas!

“As fellow coaches, we're in this together. Consider supporting the Foundation today.” The Professional Skaters Foundation was founded to expand the educational opportunities of PSA members through a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable foundation. The Trustees of the PSF have developed several scholarship programs for its members through a selection process based on established guidelines and criteria.

www.skatepsa.com

Jenny has won a free registration to the 2016 ISI/PSA Conferences & Trade Show in Las Vegas, NV.

PS MAGAZINE

President’s Message ANGIE RIVIELLO, MPD, MG

PSA Education and Accreditation H

appy New Year! It’s hard to believe that 2016 is here. This will be an exciting year with all new opportunities to make a difference in your coaching career. As we approach May and our annual Conference and Trade Show, take a moment and think about your education and accreditation. Investing in yourself and your coaching education says so much about you as a professional. This May our conference is taking place in Las Vegas and will surely be one of our best! Ratings will be taking place prior to the start of Conference, so you can bundle your experience—take a rating exam and stay for an amazing education/networking opportunity. If taking a rating is something you have been thinking about but are just not sure, remember that being able to advertise yourself as a rated professional makes you more marketable and says a lot to those who employ you. The ratings system is for coaches who want to validate their skating skills and teaching experience. Ratings are an assurance to clubs, rinks, skaters, parents, and the general pubic that the coach they hire is technically qualified to instruct at the level in which they are rated. The ratings process is long, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. There are four different levels that can be obtained through the ratings process: registered, certified, senior and master. In order to claim to be a “PSA rated” coach, the candidate is required to successfully complete two components to each level. Each level requires a Sport Science and Medicine exam as well as a 60-minute oral exam that is facilitated by a panel of three master rated coaches in that particular discipline Maintaining a rating shows employers and skating parents the coach values ongoing education, tries to improve on what they teach, and believes in pushing forward, learning new things, and staying on the cutting edge of this ever changing sport. They are truly a role model to the athletes they work with.

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016

As a parent, you always keep your fingers crossed when they are posting your child’s schoolteacher for the year. You want the most educated teacher to help mold your child’s future; shouldn’t it be the same for your child’s skating coach? The PSA takes great pride in its rated members. It is evident that they truly believe in being the best coaches they can be in order to pass their knowledge onto the athletes. Parents should feel better knowing that their coach continues to dedicate themselves to education, new techniques and rule changes. The coaches that are able to advertise that they hold a rating or are ranked continue to evolve through education and give back to one of the greatest sports there is. Investing in your coaching future is something you should be very proud of. Here’s to 2016 and being the best coach you can be!

YOUR STORIES YOUR ROLE MODELS YOUR PASSION

OUR HISTORY THE JOY OF COACHING For the first time, the careers of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top figure skating coaches are documented in a colorful and elegant book. Prominent coaches remember the master motivators who taught them to skate and encouraged them to teach the next generation. This inspiring book features the entertaining and emotional stories of hundreds of figure skating coaches, each of them putting a memorable spin on the sport. O R D E R N OW AT W W W. SK AT E P SA .CO M

Ratings TOM HICKEY, MG, MPD

PROS & CONS

Should I Be Master Rated? F

or many figure skating coaches, fulfilling the aspects of coach compliance is a requirement of U.S. Figure Skating. Should ratings be a requirement for the profession as well? U.S. Figure Skating In a certain country just north of Coach Compliance the US, figure skating coaches are required to fulfill a number of 1.) U.S. Figure Skating full education levels in order to train membership (either through a their athletes; if not, the athlete is member club or as an individual) moved to another coach. Many of 2.) Successfully pass the annual us are thankful for the opportunity background screen to freely exercise our right to work without such intense certification. 3.) Verification of current coach On the other hand, taking initialiability insurance tive to become rated proves your 4.) Completion of CER Courses commitment to your profession 5.) Additional requirement—PSA and professional development. full membership if coaching in Completing rating exams qualifying competitions only sounds like a wonderful idea; however, some members of the figure Note: Non-compliant coaches who skating profession disagree. To some attempt to coach at a test session or competition are subject to coaches, competence has already been disciplinary action by U.S. Figure demonstrated by the five requireSkating and/or the PSA. ments associated with membership renewal. Mandating further training seems redundant, or does it? Regardless of your competitive skating background or current coaching level, you should fully examine the debate on “Should I be Master Rated?” Consider the following arguments and weigh out the pros and cons: PROS:

Education and Rated Coaches • Rules and athlete development are ever changing. In order for us to keep up, continuing education is essential.

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016

• Competence in the profession requires that we keep in practice with the latest techniques and professional developments. Our athletes would be poorly served if we, as professionals, were not required to continue learning. Therefore, it is logical that ratings be strongly pursued. Ratings validates your pursuit of education. Improves Athlete/Customer Outcome • Through education and rating training (whether through mentorship, articles, webinars, videos, seminars or PSA conferences), we are able to improve outcomes for our student athletes, which is the ultimate goal. Demonstrates Professionalism • As professional coaches, our customer service awareness is imperative. Validating this awareness rests in our commitment to continued learning and the development of outstanding business practices. Learning and validating is continued through the rating process. Fosters networking • By attending seminars, or taking ratings prep, we come in contact with members of our professional community who are, in fact, our colleagues and resources. Through their experience and knowledge, we might be able to shape, guide, and improve our practice. Based on these points, it seems as if pursuing ratings should be a given. However, there is some resistance. CONS:

Cost • Continuing education can be costly. For instance, it is costly to attend a seminar or conference and to be away from our athletes or classes. Additionally, purchasing manuals and registration requires an associated payment. Lastly, implementing a change may come at a price—it requires training and new ways of thinking. Without question, cost is a legitimate variable.

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.

Recently Passed

RATING EXAMS

Congra

coachuelastions !

Congratulations to the following coaches who passed the Basic Accreditation (BA) written rating exam in the PSA E-learning Academy: PSA E-Learning Academy Laura Bates Shaheen Bronkowski Hayley Chamberlin Kaitlyn Churchill Ashley Deavers Mary-Kathryn Gray Cheryl Khoo Kailaini Smith

LOOKING AHEAD

Ratings in Vegas Ratings at the 2016 ISI/PSA Conferences and Trade Show will take place at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino at the following times: • Monday, May 30th from 8 am to 9 pm • Tuesday, May 31st from 8 am to 4 pm The deadline to sign up for exams is March 15th. Submit your application now!

Emeritus Rating has been awarded to: Kathy Casey – Colorado Springs, CO Emeritus-15: MFF-70,MDFD-70,SP-70

Remember you can take up to three exams at a rating site but only two in the same discipline. For example, you could take a registered free skating, certified free skating and a registered moves in the field exams at one site. For more information on taking a rating exam check out the PSA website or contact Barb Yackel at the office 507-281-5122 or by email byackel@skatepsa.com.

We look forward to seeing you in Vegas where the odds are in your favor!

Time • Implementing change does require time, as does completing continuing education requirements. This could mean time away from the athlete which, in some instances, is frowned upon. So, is it worth it? Are there really benefits? • Ratings and learning are always beneficial, but just because one can learn from the rating process does not necessarily result in an improvement in practice. Some might argue that more knowledge does not equate to better practice. Debating the validity of ratings can be lengthy and intense by some. So this question is for you: can your commitment to being the absolute best in our business be proven through PSA ratings? Are we setting goals? Is there room for improvement? Is taking ratings exams worth it? YES, YES, YES! The PSA rating process is tried and tested and has helped put many on the pathway to success. It mixes theory and procedure and is assessed by practical examinations. There are 495 coaches that currently have one or more master ratings. PSA members have made the choice to engage in the ratings process, and have set goals for themselves in the completion of rating exams. As we move

forward, the PSA is continually setting new goals, such as the increased value of our product (ratings). The ratings committee and the PSA in general are continually striving for excellence. We are in an endless process of improvement, which is an investment of time and money. There are many compelling reasons to make the commitment. One of our many goals is to improve the services for our members. Because PSA has a small staff at headquarters, we rely on many dedicated volunteers (committee and board members) to invest their time and resources to provide an excellent level of service to our fellow members, such as the focus on delivering improved customer service. We realize it is imperative that we continue to develop internal procedures that allow us to follow through on that promise. We strive, not for perfection, but for excellence, which means we continuously look for ways to make things better. Just as ratings can be a way for you, as a coach, to strive for excellence.

PS MAGAZINE

SAFESPORT

Coaching in Emotional Control B Y B Y WA D E G I L B E R T P H . D . P R O F E S S O R , S P O R T P S Y C H O L O G Y

are is the coach who at some point in a season hasn’t been on the verge of losing his or her cool. Those who succumb to their emotions are the subject of social media sites, fan chats, newspaper and magazine articles and nightly sportscasts. One recent sideline episode that garnered national attention was University of Florida head football coach Jim McElwain yelling profanities in the face of one of his players. The bounds of acceptance of such outbursts have been tested over the years, be it by baseball’s Billy Martin, football’s Woody Hayes, or basketball’s Bob Knight. And yet so frequent is the tirade over a call or berating of an athlete that generations of sports fans and participants have almost come to expect coaches to demonstrate such behavior during a season, if not every game. When I ask my college coaching class students if they ever had a coach who “lost it,” inevitably every hand goes up. Sport and coaching are rife with emotions. Coaches are passionate about what they do and highly competitive by nature, as they should be. So the aim is not to suppress coaches’ emotions or they will come across as phony and lose both the trust of their athletes and their edge. The goal instead is to coach with genuine emotion–an authentic display of the feelings experienced at the time– but in a controlled way that will best help the athletes learn and perform. Indeed, coaches should embrace the heightened emotions that naturally come with competing. For example, championship NFL coach Pete Carroll is renowned for coaching with emotion, but he focuses on using that emotion in a positive way. He has found that his teams achieve more when he models responsible behavior and creates a culture of positive emotion. Instead of yelling at an athlete when they make a mistake, coach Carroll suggests asking yourself ‘What can I tell that athlete that will help him or her do the right thing next?’ Although yelling and screaming in an athlete’s face when they do something inappropriate or perform a skill incorrectly may be an authentic display of coach emotions, it does nothing to help the athlete learn or go back out and achieve peak performance. Nor does it model poise and emotional control for the rest of the team and coaching staff. Two important general rules of thumb for coaches to remember when emotions run high: 1) Do not embarrass yourself or another 2) Never make it personal

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016

When coaches berate an athlete in front of their teammates or focus on who they are as a person instead of their immediate behavior, it significantly diminishes the chances of that athlete hearing or accepting the message or being able to return at a high level of performance. Coaches can improve their ability to coach with poise and improve athlete development and performance by following the four R’s approach to emotional control. 1) Reveal – When an athlete does something that gets you frustrated, show your genuine emotion in an appropriate way. This could be a stern glare or a shift in body language (arms crossed). 2) Reason – Next, tell the athlete why you are disappointed. Athletes aren’t mind-readers; never assume they know why you are frustrated. For example, if you noticed that an athlete was gloating over an opponent after a play, tell them that you saw that and remind them that type of behavior is not consistent with our core values as a team. 3) Reprimand – Issue a consequence for the athlete behavior if needed or deemed appropriate. This might include removing the athlete from the game or practice, or making a note about the incident and issuing a consequence after the event if it is severe enough or if you have a team policy that identifies repercussions for that type of behavior (e.g., athlete code of conduct). 4) Refocus – Unless it is at the end of a competition or practice, the athlete may be expected to return to play. Your role as a coach now shifts to helping the athlete refocus for re-entry into the game or practice, when you determine it is appropriate. After the reprimand, re-assure the athlete that you believe in them and their ability to move on from the poor decision and make a positive contribution to the team. By reflecting on typical situations that are personally frustrating, coaches can prepare themselves to respond with poise. Make a list of high emotion inducing events that can occur in practices and competition (athletes late to practice, athletes not listening, poor attitude or effort, taunting opponents, questionable officiating). Next, for each situation prepare a contingency plan for how you will respond with poise. A time-tested strategy that coaches can include in their contingency plan is ‘count and breathe.’ It seems simple, but perhaps the most powerful emotional control strategy is

to simply count to three and focus on deep breathing. When you find yourself ‘losing it,’ take a deep breath by inhaling through your nose while focusing on raising your belly, then your chest, while counting to three. Hold the breath for one second, then forcefully exhale through your mouth. This strategy will quickly lower your stress level and put you in a better frame of mind for deciding how to respond to a frustrating situation. Legendary championship coaches such as Tom Osborne (football), Tony DiCicco (soccer) and Dan Gable (wrestling) all taught emotional control strategies such as this to their athletes. For example, Dan Gable used to require that his athletes count to 10 before they went to shake an opponent’s hand following a match. If it works for athletes, why not for coaches too? The best coaches coach with passion and genuine emotion. However, these coaches also learn how to govern their emotions and model emotional control for their athletes. Coaches succeed, and gain the trust and respect of their athletes, when they coach with poise and teach with positive emotion. References: Belson, K. (2015, September 6). No foul mouths on this field: Football with a new age twist. The New York Times. Retrieved from www.nytimes.com Burton, D., & Raedeke, T. D. (2008). Sport psychology for coaches. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. Diaz, H. (2015, September 13). Florida coach Jim McElwain in sideline rant to player after penalty: ‘F***ing be a man!’. SB Nation. Retrieved from www.sbnation.com DiCicco, T., & Hacker, C., with Salzberg, C. (2002). Catch them being good: Everything you need to know to successfully coach girls. New York: Viking. Galli, N. (2015). Improved coaching through emotional intelligence. Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Retrieved from www.appliedsportpsych.org Ravizza, K., & Osborne, T. (1991). Nebraska’s 3 R’s: One-play-at-a-time preperformance routine for collegiate football. The Sport Psychologist, 5, 256-265. Seahawks.com (n.d.). Another Pete Carroll video Q&A [#AskCoach No. 4 – Yelling at players]. Retrieved from http://blog.seahawks.com Sports coach UK. (2015). Emotional coaching [Sports coach UK research summary 7]. Retrieved from www.sportscoachuk.org

Dr. Wade Gilbert is an award-winning professor in the Department of Kinesiology at California State University, Fresno. Dr. Gilbert's areas of expertise include coaching effectiveness, talent development, and sport psychology. He has co-authored over 100 coaching and sport science publications and is regularly invited to serve as a featured speaker at coaching events around the world. Dr. Gilbert is the Editorin-Chief for the International Sports Coaching Journal and co-edited the Routledge Handbook of Sports Coaching. He is a coach education advisor for world-leading sport science publisher Human Kinetics, and provides practical guidance to thousands of coaches and athletic directors through his role as the ‘Coach Doc’ (http://www.asep.com/). As a result of his many contributions, Dr. Gilbert has served as a coaching consultant to dozens of organizations ranging from school districts, collegiate teams, the United States Olympic Committee, the Coaching Association of Canada, and the United Nations.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE AND MISCONDUCT U.S. FIGURE SKATING HANDBOOK

It is the policy of U.S. Figure Skating that there shall be no emotional abuse of any participant involved in any of its clubs, programs, or activities by any coach, official, director, employee, parent, or volunteer. DEFINITION: Emotional abuse involves a pattern of deliberate, non-contact behavior that has the potential to cause emotional or psychological harm to a participant. These behaviors may include verbal acts, physical acts, or acts that deny attention or support. Examples of emotional misconduct prohibited by this policy include, without limitation: • Verbal Acts: A pattern of verbal behaviors that attack a participant personally (e.g., calling them worthless, fat, or disgusting) or repeatedly and excessively yelling at a particular participant or participants in a manner that serves no productive training or motivational purpose. • Physical Acts: A pattern of physically aggressive behaviors, such as throwing sport equipment, water bottles, or chairs at, or in the presence of, participants; or punching walls, windows, or other objects. • Acts that Deny Attention and Support: A pattern of ignoring a participant for extended periods of time or routinely or arbitrarily excluding participant from practice. Emotional abuse does not include generally accepted and age-appropriate coaching methods of skill enhancement, physical conditioning, motivation, team building, appropriate discipline, or improving athletic performance. A U.S. Figure Skating member who engages in any act of emotional abuse is subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension, permanent suspension, and referral to law enforcement authorities. NOTE: Bullying, threats, harassment, and hazing often involve

some form of emotional misconduct.

– a single incident, e.g., a verbal outburst —while it may be inappropriate—does not constitute emotional misconduct, which requires a pattern of harmful behaviors over time. CLARIFICATION

PS MAGAZINE

Sport Science HEIDI THIBERT, MFS, MM, MC

Skating Through Growth and Development ATHLETES NEED TIME TO GROW AND IMPROVE BY M E L I S S A V R I N E R A N D P E T E R Z A PA L O

igure skating is predominantly a youth sport requiring what is often referred to as “early specialization.” While athletes can range across a wide spectrum of ages, the majority of competitive skaters are children, adolescents, and young adults. Within this age range, it is important to keep in mind the impact of physical growth and development as athletes become older, stronger, and more skilled. Normal developmental changes can impact athlete performance and may occur rapidly at times. Children can expect to grow and develop more physical strength and skill as they progress into adolescence and early adulthood. Both males and females encounter puberty-related hormonal changes that directly and indirectly influence growth and maturation. Most changes for females occur sooner than they do for males, then begin to taper off during early adulthood. Young athletes should expect to see gradual increases in physical athletic performance on and off the ice during childhood and adolescence. However, as the body grows and develops there are times at which technique and performance may temporarily decline as the athlete adjusts to his/her new body. Rapid changes in body size and weight are likely to affect timing of certain skills, and influence balance and coordination. Athletes often become frustrated because what worked yesterday or last month suddenly functions quite a bit differently. To compensate in such periods of change, technique may need to be adjusted more frequently than before. Off-ice training and nutrition also needs to be adjusted appropriately as the athlete grows. Off-ice training needs to be modified to meet the needs of the growing/developing body and the athletic needs related to specific on-ice skills acquisition. Attempts at drastic body modification, such as restricting calories in an effort to stay at a certain ‘thinness’ or weight are generally not helpful and can even lead to serious injury and disordered eating. The input of a knowledgeable sports performance trainer (like a CSCS) and a sports dietitian (CSSD) can be especially helpful during these times.

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016

Injury is also of particular concern during growth spurts. Various technical elements in skating can be highly demanding on bodies of any age. High jump volume and hyperflexibility elements (Biellmann spins, etc.), performed repeatedly by a developing body, increases an athlete’s risk of overuse injury. Injury leads to reduced training quality, time off the ice, and can in the worst of circumstances cause permanent damage to bones and tissues. However, injury is not “normal” and athletes, coaches, and parents should not accept constant or perpetual injury as a part of the sport. Many factors contribute to the causes and prevention of overuse injuries, including training load, technique, genetics, nutrition status, and recovery. Unfortunately, there is no known “magic number” of reps that is safe for an athlete—while one athlete may do 40 jumps each session with seeming impunity, another one might start to develop overuse injuries with only 10 or 20; this can be frustrating to athletes and parents. The volume limit on elements is going to be largely specific to each athlete and also related to the athlete’s training plan and diligent use of recovery practices: active rest, energy balance, therapeutics, flexibility, etc. To decrease the chances of injury during growth and development, athletes must be instructed on proper technique, and monitor repetitions with the guidance of coach and trainer. Athletes should have a pre-participation exam, ideally with a sports doctor, at least annually. It is useful for parents, coaches, and trainers to explain to the athlete that these are normal changes, they are programmed largely by genetics, and you don’t get to choose the order in which they occur! The bottom line is that children and adolescents are not small adults and should not be treated as such. It is tempting, when there are athletes of many ages and developmental levels training in the same rink/environment, to model training of the younger athletes closely after the older, more advanced athletes. Training, both on and off

Developmental changes in boys/young men:

Developmental changes in girls/young women:

AGE

TYPICAL CHANGES OBSERVED

AGE

TYPICAL CHANGES OBSERVED

5-11

• Growth spurt in arms and legs • Average increase in height 2-3 inches per year • Improvement and refinement of coordination

5-7

• Complex movements – twisting, turning,

• Growth spurt in arms and legs • Average increase in height 2-3 inches per year • Improvement and refinement of coordination skills • Complex movements – twisting, turning, spinning, kicking, etc.

8-12

• Growth spurt • Breast development begins • First menstrual period (around age 12)

skills

spinning, kicking, etc.

12-15 • Begin puberty • Testosterone increases; voice lowers • Increase in muscle mass with exercise 16-18 • Growth spurt • Muscle mass reaches close to mature proportion

13-15 • Breast development continues • Growth spurt usually ends • Body fat reaches close to mature proportion (*varies with genetics, nutrition, and training) 16-18 • Breast development reaches close to mature size • Total body weight reaches healthy mature proportion • Gain in muscle mass with exercise 18-20 • Reach mature height and weight

the ice, must be carefully programmed with respect to the athlete’s developmental stage and individual needs.

Olympic coaches share their personal experiences working with athletes through growth and development: KORI ADE

Sometimes it’s hard for the athlete, the parent and the coach to recognize that while the athlete is going through all these physical changes, this is also the time when they are developing emotional maturity. At these stages of development, they may not be fully able to communicate clearly to the parent or the coach what is going on with them and that can make these periods of adjustment so frustrating. From my own experience of watching my children in gymnastics, I might wonder why they haven’t learned a new skill in a couple of weeks, and then I find out that their coach’s goal was to perfect or modify something they had already learned in the past. I wouldn’t know that unless I had communication with the coach. This helps me to be supportive, not frustrated that they didn’t learn a new skill. I do think it’s the coach’s responsibility to help identify these growth cycles and do their best to make the appropriate adjustments. From my experiences working with adolescent athletes, I have realized that being able to have an open dialogue between coach, skater, and parent is critical because it’s often an issue of communicating

what the expectations are of the athlete. It can, from the parent’s perspective, look like the skater is “failing” where from the coach and skater’s viewpoint they may have just made a major breakthrough that day. We have to recognize that parents are their child’s best advocate, and they are absolutely able to be patient when they can understand why they need to be patient. FRANK CARROLL

I remember a student who was going through a tough period of adjustment. She was very talented and was going through this period for quite some time, for maybe a year, where she wasn’t doing well and her parents were so hard on her. Even when it was explained to them, they had expectations of her performance that she just wasn’t able to achieve as she was growing and adjusting. It was sad to me because she had a lot of success as a younger athlete and was someone who was very talented, and could have gone on, and she ended up quitting because of the pressure on her. During these periods of growth and change it takes a lot of understanding on the part of coaches and parents that balance and weight distribution are going to be different and that sometimes the athlete may need to make changes to technique and that things are going to work differently than they did before. For example, they may be able to do an element but maybe not at the speed it was done previously. continued on page 15 PS MAGAZINE

Swasey, as well as two civilians, and wounding nine others.

Garrett Swasey BY TERRI MILNER TARQUINI

“Douglas MacArthur says, ‘History of failure can be summed up in two words: too late.’” These were some of the last words spoken by Garrett Swasey in his final sermon as a preacher and church elder at Hope Chapel in Colorado Springs. MacArthur’s words probably meant more to Swasey than the congregation even knew. Swasey wasn’t too late when, at 20, he moved from his native Massachusetts to Colorado to train with ice dancing partner Christine Fowler-Binder. “We were very different personalities,” said Fowler-Binder, PSA vice president. “I’m a Type A personality and very ‘go, go, go.’ He was more laid back and relaxed, but he also had an amazing ability to focus and was very driven on the ice. We had a great relationship and loved each other like a brother and a sister. It was a great partnership and a great friendship.” The year before their move to Colorado, Fowler-Binder and Swasey had been last place at junior nationals.

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016

“Garrett said to me, ‘Don’t worry, Christine. We’ll be on top soon,’” she recalls. “And we were. It was an amazing journey.” It wasn’t too late when the team brushed themselves off and persevered, going from last to first in one year’s time and becoming U.S. junior ice dance champions in 1992 under prominent coach Sandra Hess. “Garrett was very easy going, but still very competitive-minded,” Hess said. “Once he had a goal, he had laser focus and he honed in on it, but he had the wonderful ability to turn that on when he was on the ice and turn it off when he wasn’t. He wanted to win, and he wasn’t shy about his goals, but he was very sportsmanly and always a gentleman.” Swasey also wasn’t too late when he glimpsed his future wife of 17 years at the Plaza of the Rockies, one of the rinks he worked at following his competitive career. “I am hurting for Rachel and the kids,” FowlerBinder said. “He was their rock.” Swasey searched for his life path a bit following his retirement from skating, but eventually found it in the call to serve and protect, becoming a six-year veteran of the police force at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. “It didn’t surprise me at all that he became a police officer,” Hess said. “He had a big heart and, in that line of work, you must have that quality. He loved giving back, and he was one who would always be there to protect.” And he wasn’t too late when he protected the lives of employees and civilians at a Planned Parenthood Clinic in Colorado Springs, where a gunman opened fire, eventually killing

“He was always observant of other’s needs, even in the smallest of ways,” said Dianna-lynne Wells, a fellow coach of Swasey’s at the Sertich Ice Center. “It doesn’t surprise me that when he heard a call for help that he responded. He was there whenever there was need. He was a really good man.” Keeping his hand in skating by coaching on his days off from the force, Swasey often partnered with the older adult ice dancers. “He was a kind soul and a kind spirit—you could just sense it,” said Doreen Denny, who brought Swasey to the Sertich Ice Center to work with her 16 years ago. “He was a great technician and always wanted to find a way to make things work for the older ladies he worked with. He so enjoyed life and we enjoyed him. I’m really, really going to miss him.” The news of Swasey’s death hit hard when it started spreading through the skating community. “I had been watching the shooting play out on CNN and heard a police officer had been killed but I didn’t think he’d be involved,” said Fowler-Binder, who had been immersed in preparations for her brother’s surprise birthday party that day. “Then (former PSA president) Gerry Lane messaged me that Garrett was the officer killed. I immediately texted Garret, ‘Are you ok? Please tell me you’re ok.’ Of course, there was no response. I went on the computer and put in his name. And I lost it.” The shooting is an act of senseless violence that has shaken the state of Colorado and, even more so, the small town of Colorado Springs. “Our whole town is immersed in this,” Denny said. “There have been moments of silence at the sporting events and athletes have had his initials on their uniforms. It’s special how people have come together, but his face keeps coming up on the television,

Skating Through Growth and Development continued from page 13

and it brings a lump to my throat. He was just so loved.” By all accounts, Swasey was a man who loved his family—wife, Rachel, of 17 years, and his two children, Elijah, who turned 11 two days after his father’s death, and six-year-old Faith. He also loved his church, loved figure skating, and loved his job. “At his core, he was a selfless person,” FowlerBinder said. “He really cared about others, and he loved being a police officer and being able to be there for others.” There are so many who undoubtedly wish that, for this time at least, he had been too late when he heard the call on November 27. “When I heard, the first thing I thought of was his smile,” Hess said. “He had the most wonderful, friendly, natural smile. It told you so much about who he was as a man—his manner and how he conducted himself with people and his kindness. Such a tragedy. He will be so dearly missed.”

When I have a student who is going through these periods, I try to help them understand what’s going on with their body and make the right changes to their technique. Maybe I will adjust the curve or the radius of a movement to help them find something that works better for their body. When they are younger and very strong and light they may just hurl their body in the air and are able to do triple jumps from that. When they get older, they may need to do things more carefully and more accurately. As they grow they may also lose the feeling of how to do their jumps and must learn about this thing called technique and that they need to trust their technique when the feeling isn’t there anymore. From the standpoint of getting support from parents, I think it’s most helpful when they can trust the coach to know what they are doing through

The beautiful and lightweight Eclipse Pinnacle Titanium and Eclipse Infinity Titanium are shown above, two of the blades in the full line of PSA endorsed Eclipse blades, designed and manufactured in North America.

PSA Endorses Eclipse Blades, Makes Riedell Most Trusted Skate on the Market RED WING, MINN. (December 3, 2015) – Leading skate designer and manufacturer, Riedell Skates, recently had its full line of Eclipse Blades™ endorsed by the Professional Skaters Association (PSA). Eclipse Blades—including Pinnacle Titanium, Infinity Titanium, Pinnacle, Infinity, Aurora, Dance, Volant, and Cosmos—now join Riedell’s entire skate collection as the only boots and blades officially endorsed by the PSA, the worldrenowned leader in skating education and coaching. “Our coaches and skaters have trusted the quality and craftsmanship of Riedell skates, now endorsed for more than 38 years,” explained Jimmie Santee, executive director of the PSA. “Eclipse Blades have offered the same quality and craftsmanship since their introduction in 2011, earning our full endorsement.” Eclipse Blades offer skaters a beautiful blade with true edge consistency,

these periods of change and adjustment. It’s difficult for coaches, when you teach an athlete who is going through difficulty, and you give them a 20- or 30-minute lesson and then when you get off the ice, the parent wants you to repeat the lesson to them so they can help support the athlete. They want to know what went on and what they can do to help, but this can be challenging to the coach to have to give the lesson again. I’m happy to have the collaboration and support of parents, but I also think coach and parent need to work together to find an appropriate time and place to have discussions that isn’t rink side as this may be putting too much pressure on the athlete and coach.

improved rake engagement and precision fit and finish. From the lightest blade on the market in Eclipse Titanium to other Eclipse models made with 1075 High Carbon Steel and German 440C Stainless Steel, the Eclipse line provides a lighter, stronger, more consistent and overall better blade than others on the market. “It is quite an accomplishment to have the PSA recognize Eclipse Blades with their endorsement,” said Dan Riegelman, vice president at Riedell Skates. “We know coaches and skaters have long turned to the PSA for guidance. Now with their stamp of approval on Eclipse, we’re thrilled to have our blades join that conversation.” For more information on Eclipse Blades and Riedell skates, visit ice.riedellskates. com. You can also follow @iSkateRiedell on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

ABOUT RIEDELL SKATES For more than 70 years, Riedell Skate master craftsmen have been designing and crafting exceptional ice and roller skates in Red Wing, Minnesota. Riedell develops leading skate products to help skaters of all ages and abilities achieve their dreams, from recreational enthusiasts to Olympic athletes. In 2011 Riedell introduced a full line of Eclipse Blades. Only Riedell ice skates and blades have earned the endorsement of the Professional Skaters Association (PSA). Through a global network of authorized dealers and online resources, Riedell is the source for the best boots, blades and roller accessories. Join the conversation at iSkateRiedell.com.

PS MAGAZINE

Education CAROL ROSSIGNOL, MD, MS, MG, MPD, MFF

Social Media Guidelines for Athletes B Y D R . WA D E G I L B E R T

ne of the biggest issues coaches face today is inappropriate use of social media. Ill-conceived and misguided Tweets and Instagrams have, for many coaches, become more problematic than miscues on the court and field. But current high school and college athletes, members of Generation Y (or iY due to their reliance on iPads, iPhones, and related devices) aren’t just going to abandon their entrenched way of communicating. So instead of trying to over-regulate social media use, coaches should embrace it and educate their athletes about how to use it responsibly. For example, new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers Jim Tomsula, who is 47, grew up with a very different set of communication and behavior standards than his current athletes who have an average age of 25. Coach Tomsula and his coaching staff decided that it would be more effective to have social media guidelines that acknowledge how athletes communicate now instead of trying to enforce traditional standards that may have worked in the past. For example, instead of banning cell phones at practices and team meetings, they decided to schedule regular 10-minute social media breaks into training sessions and team meetings to allow athletes to get their ‘social media fix.’ There are two steps to creating effective social media guidelines for athletes. The first step is for coaches to educate themselves about the latest social media trends. Coaches do not need to adopt every new social media tool that comes along, but at the very least they need to stay alert to how athletes are communicating. Coaches should consider subscribing to new technology programs or newsletters so they can learn about new developments in social media. One such example is the ‘Social Web’ report produced by National Public Radio (www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/125104516/social-web/). Recent topics addressed include reports about a new instant communication tool (Livetext Me), new trends on Instagram and Twitter, and a discussion on ‘selfies’.

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016

The second step is to create the social media guidelines for athletes. Coaches should start by raising athlete awareness about the scope and pitfalls of social media. For example, 8-time NCAA championship softball coach Mike Candrea reminds athletes that just one bad picture or message can forever change their life. There are countless examples coaches can use to show athletes what can happen when they rush to post something on social media without carefully thinking about who will see it and how it could be used by others (see the article in The Washington Times listed at the end of this commentary for examples). When creating their own guidelines, coaches should review guidelines that have already been created. Most sport organizations have social media guidelines that coaches can use to get started on creating ones that will align with their personal coaching philosophy and local policies that govern their sport. For example, USA Field Hockey and USA Swimming have succinct social media guideline handbooks that are easily accessible through an online search for ‘social media guidelines for coaches’. Some ideas for coaches to consider when creating their social media guidelines include: • Pause before posting—count to 20 or wait 60 seconds before rushing to post something on social media. Most social media issues can be avoided by avoiding the urge to spontaneously vent about a disagreement with a teammate or post what is perceived at the moment to be a ‘silly’ picture. Teach athletes to get in the habit of using the pause to fast forward into the future and envision what their life would look like if the post went viral and how it might be interpreted by people who don’t know them (such as potential future coaches or employers). Also remind athletes that anything they post on social media is permanent and will be available to see by millions of other people. • Social media ‘black out’ times—set aside times when athletes will not be allowed to use social media.

Make this the year to Coaches should consider banning social media use in the few minutes before and after training and competing. Before events athletes should be focused on listening to their coaches and thinking about how they will practice or the role they are expected to play during the competition. Immediately after training or competition is typically the moment when athletes are most emotional and therefore vulnerable to making a spontaneous and poor decision about social media use. Coaches might decide to extend the ‘black out’ time from 30-60 minutes post-event to allow athletes time to calm down before jumping back on to social media. In the end, coaches should neither try to control nor monitor all of their athletes’ social media use. The effort will prove futile and drain precious coaching energy and time. Instead, make it a priority to learn about current trends in social media use and establish some social media guidelines. Successful coaches focus on guiding instead of controlling, and the best strategy is to regularly educate athletes about appropriate and responsible social media use—lessons that will serve them well both in and out of sport. References: Candrea, M. (2015, August 5). Social media issues by coach Candrea. PlayPositive. Retrieved from https://play-positive.libertymutual.com/article/2276/ Social-Media-Issues-by-Coach-Candrea Clark, K. (2015, June 16). The NFL team that is solving Millennials: The 49ers are changing how they operate to cater to the iPhone generation. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from www.wsj.com/articles/the-nfl-team-that-is-solvingmillennials-1434484144 Elmore, T. (2015, July 14). A model for coaches to connect with Millennials. Growing Leaders: Tim Elmore on leading the next generation. Retrieved from http://growingleaders.com/blog/category/athletics/ Liberty Mutual and Positive Coaching Alliance. (2012, June 15). To friend or not to friend. PlayPositive. Retrieved from https://play-positive.libertymutual.com/ newsletter/468/To-Friend-Or-Not-To-Friend Pfleger, P. (2015, August 6). Livetext Me: Are there too many options for messaging? NPR. Retrieved from www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2015/08/06/429651345/it-s-raining-apps-are-there-too-many-options-formessaging Seip, J. (2015, April 4). Social media an issue for athletes, coaches. The Washington Times. Retrieved from www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/apr/4/ social-media-an-issue-for-athletes-coaches/?page=all

INVEST IN YOURSELF You deserve it. Your skaters deserve the best.

Begin the New Year right by making the decision to invest in yourself. Start the ratings process with the PSA! The PSA is dedicated to helping coaches become the most knowledgeable, confident, and effective coach they can be. Education is an asset to your profession and necessary for the continual growth of the sport. Take advantage of the opportunity to expand your coaching knowledge and become a rated professional with the PSA!

PS MAGAZINE

2016

New website launch Coming soon! 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

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016

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U.S. TEAM STRIKES GOLD

HAPPY SWEET

16!

future

e n i t s i r h

P SA P R E S ID E N T

Charasmatic

Christine with current PSA President Angie Riviello at the 2011 Awards Dinner in Dallas, TX.

By Terri Milner Tarquini CHRISTINE FOWLER-BINDER ALREADY HAS A FAIRLY

good idea what it’s going to take for her to step into the role of PSA president. “History is a big part of our organization, and there’s a lot of knowledge here,” Fowler-Binder said. “I can’t do it without Jimmie (Santee), Kelley (Morris-Adair), Robbie (Kaine) and Angie (Riviello). I will need to lean on them and ask a lot of questions. Relying on who’s been here and knows what’s going on is a big part of my plan.” Kaine, who team coached six international and national ice dance teams together with Fowler-Binder, knows she is up to the task. “One of the attributes of a great leader is that they have to have an understanding that they need to have people around them who will be advisors and give guidance,”

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016

Kaine said. “No one can do everything on your own.” Finding strength not only in the PSA past but in the current hierarchy is also part of the game plan. “When you have good people surrounding you,” Fowler-Binder said, “you can get things done.” While the executive board will surely be a solid contributing factor, there tends to be certain traits and qualities that are often in the make-up of a good leader. By all accounts, Christine Fowler-Binder has those. “As a coach, she’s highly organized and is an excellent leader,” said Kaine, also a former PSA president. “Whenever something needs to get done, she is there getting it done. She doesn’t just talk, she does. She keeps her word and her integrity is amazing.” Kaine was the first to suggest a future with the PSA to Fowler-Binder that has since resulted in her starting as a board member in 2007 and then going from seminar committee chair to national education chair to 3rd vice president to 2nd vice president to 1st vice president - her position with the PSA when the presidency came calling. “Robbie pulled her into the PSA, and I closed the door on her,” said Kelley Morris-Adair, a former PSA president as well. “She is super-intelligent and has a great energy that she brings to the PSA.” Fowler-Binder, a wife and mother of two, is master rated in moves in the field and holds a Level VI ranking. She is the head coach for international and national level dance teams, assists Jenni Meno and Todd Sand with international and national pair teams, and is an assistant to John Nicks with choreography and skating skills. She has also coached nearly 100 skaters through their senior moves in the field—and according to FowlerBinder, that might be where her journey to the PSA presidency began. “The IJS was putting in twizzles and loops as difficult turns in the step sequences and they weren’t in the moves,” she said. “I was asked to be a part of the U.S. Figure Skating task force to recreate the moves in the field. I was fortunate to be surrounded by some amazing coaches and judges during that process: Kelley MorrisAdair, Janet Champion, Janis Engel, Hal Maron, and Wayne Hudley, to name just a few. I didn’t really know what I was getting into, but I jumped in with both feet,

“Affordable education is so

important for us to provide,..

Also, a sense of community and a feeling that we are all in this

together and that we can rely on each other for help.”

and I think that brought around the realization that I had a lot to offer.” Morris-Adair agrees that that process, nearly 10 years ago, was really when Fowler-Binder made her bones in the skating world. “That was a huge undertaking,” Morris-Adair said. “We spent hours and hours, months and months revising the moves. Christine and I really got to know each other during this project. It was truly then I knew she belonged in a leadership role. She was thorough, she listened, and she asked great questions.” And revamping the moves in the field tests proved to be just the tip of the iceberg of that project. Once they passed the governing council, PSA had to educate its coaches—a task that was assigned to a team of 10 moves coaches, Fowler-Binder being the leader of the team. Having scheduled 20 educational seminars for coaches, the team ended up doing over 40 seminars, with over 2,000 coaches and 450 judges attending. “It was a very hectic time getting the coaches educated, but Christine was such a stable force in the process,” Morris-Adair said. “She was a team player and completely dedicated to the process. She showed such strength and commitment to the needs of our membership.” The needs of PSA’s membership is something that Fowler-Binder has given thought to. “Affordable education is so important for us to provide,” she said. “Also, a sense of community and a feeling that we are all in this together and that we can rely on each other for help.” Fowler-Binder knows what the PSA’s job is, and she has goals as to what the association can do. “The top of my to-do platform is facilitating the relationship between U.S. Figure Skating and PSA,” she said. “We are their coaching arm and it is a priority that we help coaches reach their full potential. To that end, fostering the communication between PSA, U.S. Figure Skating, and ISI is also important. I’ve known people from all of the organizations for a long time so I have no problem picking up the phone and keeping the lines of communication open.” While she is comfortable with the leaders and elite coaches of the sport, Fowler-Binder is involved

Christine helped honor the PSA's 75th anniversary with a dedication in Lake Placid, NY, in 2012. Pictured: Christine, Angie Riviello, ORDA President Ted Blazer, Kelley Morris Adair, and Bob Mock.

Family Time: Christine with husband Kurt and children Allie and Owen.

with athletes and coaches at all levels across many disciplines —a quality that certainly will serve her well in her new role. “Christine knows what it’s like to be a coach at all levels—from grassroots on up,” Kaine said. “She’s Christine and very sensitive to the coaches who are Robbie Kaine making a living, not just the coaches at the elite level. She understands the connections that thread through the entire organization, and she sees the larger picture of what needs to get done, as well as what the PSA membership needs. “Her level of integrity, honesty, dedication, commitment and fair play is as high as it gets,” Kaine continued, “and that’s who should be our leader.”

PS MAGAZINE

May 31-June 4, 2016

The odds are in your favor!

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Rafael Arutyunyan

scott hamilton

High Level jumps & methodology of jumping

state of skating today

What sessions are going to be educational for me? Grassroots

Fundamentals of Skating Fundamentals of Jumping Fundamentals of Spinning Fundamentals of Figures Fundamentals of Moves in the Field Fundamentals of Synchronized Skating Fundamentals of Ice Dancing Fundamentals of Pairs Choreography – A Basic Approach Learn to Skate USA Workshop

Free Skate

Intro to Doubles – No Trouble In-depth IJS – Spins, Jumps, Step Sequences IJS 101 – The Basics Jumping Higher More Effectively High Level Jumps

Sport Science

Specialty

Turns and Dance Steps Choreography – Form and Movement Hockey Skating II and III Physical Acting for Skaters USOC Coaching Education Program

Best Business Practices

Resume Writing and Interviewing Public Speaking Workshop for Coaches to Develop and Refine Their Personal Brand Coaching Policies in the 21st Century Music Editing How the FTC Ruling Affects Coaches What Athletes Expect from Their Coaches How to Spot a Predator – Keeping our Kids Safe Open Forum with SafeSport Professionalism & Proper Business Practices for Longevity in Coaching

Sport Performance Concussion Awareness Learning Curves on the Ice Resiliency and Strong Bonds? Back to Basics- Essential Skating Skills and Personal Branding PS MAGAZINE

2015 Survey Since 2007, the PSA has been surveying our members every two years in the fall. While the survey has changed over the years, it has shown some interesting trends in our industry.

The Average PSA coach • Female

• 46-55 years old • Bachelor’s Degree • Teaches 15 hours a week • Does not pay a commission (If paying a commission, it is 10%–23%) • Makes less than $28,000 per year from teaching • Has another job and coaching is not her primary source of income • Does not receive benefits • Predominantly a U.S. Figure Skating test coach and some competitions. This

number is decreasing steadily while recreational has taken a turn upward.

Do you pay a commission? Interestingly, this number has remained consistent over the last four surveys with an average of 36% who pay a commission. The comments included just over 80 different responses regarding what a coach pays for a commission, ranging between a few percentage points to $400 per month!

80% 70% 60%

50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 2009

2010

2011 Yes

2012 No

average

Average memberships 2009-2015 What this graph does not show is the coach who does both U.S. Figure Skating and ISI. The numbers are 96% U.S. Figure Skating members and 24% ISI. The assumption is that 20% of membership participates in both associations.

This was the first time this question appeared on a PSA survey. When comparing the results to the results of the number of hours taught per week and the hourly rates, this should not surprise anyone. While the consumer sees an average rate of $60 per hour, this clearly shows that no one is getting wealthy from teaching skating. About 51% earn less than $20,000 per year. The weighted average is just under $28,000 per year.

$5 ,0 ,0 00 0 1-$ $10 9 ,0 ,9 00 99 -$ $15 1 4 ,0 ,9 00 99 $2 -$ 0, 1 9 00 ,9 99 0$2 $2 5, 4 00 ,9 99 0$3 $2 0, 9 00 ,9 99 0$3 $3 5, 4, 00 99 09 $4 $3 0, 9, 00 9 99 0$5 $4 0, 9, 00 99 09 $6 $5 0, 9, 00 9 99 0$7 $6 0, 9, 0 99 00 $10 9 -$ 0, 99 00 , 99 0 9 or gre at er

What is your annual income from coaching?

20% 18% 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0%

What is your current focus as a coach? The majority of members teach U.S. Figure Skating programs. Most focus on testing goals with an additional focus on competitive or recreational skaters. An interesting development, however, is that the competitive focus is trending down while the recreational focus is trending up.

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

A complete flip from the 2013 survey, this confirms the difficulty coaches are having running a viable coaching business. This has also confirmed what the PSA has heard from several leading skating directors. It has become increasingly more difficult to find qualified instructors for daytime learn to skate classes.

Yes

al ion

cre

Do you have a job in addition to coaching?

Yes No

e t ISI ating ional ional ional ional ther Tes etitiv g t t t O Sk p Re Na erna Sec t ure Com n g I i . F U.S

2013

2015

What is your lesson fee based on 60 minutes? In studying the graph, there are several interesting numbers. The ranges of $36-$45 and $46 - $55 dropped significantly while the $56-$65 range trended upward sharply. However the largest gain was in the $76 - $85 range. While a conclusion could be made that the lower ranges raised their rate to the $56-$65 range, part of the underlying cause is the drop in new coaches entering the industry.

25%

2007

2009

2011

2013

2015

20% 15% 10% 5% 0% s

Les

n tha

-$3

5 $2

-$4

6 $3

-$5

6 $4

-$6

6 $5

-$7

6 $6

-$8

6 $7

6 5 te 105 $9 $10 riva p r 6-$ than e h 9 c $ ov r tea ate ot n gre do

-$9

6 $8

Is your coaching your primary source of income? At first glance this graph appears to contradict the results of the question, “Do you have a job in addition to coaching?” However, it could be concluded the coach has a spouse or partner that also contributes to the household income.

What is the highest level of education completed?

2015

Yes No

2013

2015

50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

Less High than high school school diploma or GED

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Yes

2009

While the percentage of members who have a bachelor’s degree has decreased over the last several surveys, coaches achieving a graduate degree has sharply increased.

2013

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JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016

Some college

Associate's Bachelor's Graduate Current Degree Degree Degree student

professional

W E E K LY T I P S

to keep you competitive

Respondents' Regions

Average 2007-2015

20%

15%

10%

r CP WP WP EGL UGL SW NE SA NA the S N o

Each week we will be revealing a new coaching tip from one of our fabulous PSA coaches! Look for Tip of the Week in our Community Updates that come out on the first and third Thursday of each month. Tip Tuesday will alternate weeks and will be posted on our Facebook page.

Are you looking to build your coaching career? Foundations of Coaching Course

A professional development course for both new and experienced coaches

You can find all of our tips on our YouTube channel ProfSk8rsAssoc

tiptuesd y P RO F E SSI O N A L SK AT E R S A SSO C I AT I O N

PS MAGAZINE

What Do Alexa Scimeca & Christopher Knierim When Alexa Scimeca and Christopher Knierim opened their free skate at the 2015 U.S. Championships with an amazing quad twist, they became the first American pair team in PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. FIGURE SKATING history to do the 1440 degree lift, ultimately posting new U.S. records in both the short and long programs and capturing the gold medal. They followed that at the 2015 World Team Trophy with the highest overall score recorded by a U.S. pair team in international competition. While their scores helped Team USA win the gold medal, it only earned them fourth place—off the podium and a predicament American teams have found themselves in for quite a while now. The last Olympic medal for a U.S. pair team was in 1988; the last medal at Worlds was in 2002. Partners since 2012, and engaged since 2014, Scimeca and Knierim have trained from the inception of their partnership with head coach Dalilah Sappenfield and assistant coach Larry Ibarra in Colorado Springs. With shared goals driving them—on and off the ice—Scimeca and Knierim have their sights set on bringing U.S. pairs back to the international podium.

What drew you each to skating initially? Alexa: For me, it was random. There was a rink five minutes from my house. I was seven years old, and I took it up out of curiosity. Chris: (Laughs) My mom skated when I was younger and eventually she dragged me to the rink so many times that I started skating. You didn’t start out as each other’s partners. What clicked with the two of you in 2012? Alexa: Right off the bat, our physique looks good next to each other. We both

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016

have longer legs and leaner muscle mass. But there also was a chemistry there from the moment we met that made our try-out enjoyable.

What do you think has to be there to pair two skaters together? Chris: They have to look good together and have similar lines and similar skating styles, but they also have to work well together. There’s always a honeymoon phase for a couple of months where everyone is on their best behavior, but through training and hard days, you start to see how the other person really acts. That’s when you start to know if you can work together. Alexa: There also needs to be similar work ethic and commitment. You can both be really talented and look good together, but having similar goals and things that drive you is so key. Speaking of honeymoons, you got engaged to each other in 2014. What goes into the successful fostering of your relationship on and off the ice? Alexa: The biggest thing we’ve learned is that discomfort on the ice is never a personal attack, so we never let it affect our off-ice relationship. On the ice, we are in a business relationship. We are there to do work and to do a job, and it’s not personal. In the end, it’s simple: we’re both trying to be better, and our goals and what we are striving for are the same. The first season, it was a process of learning how to leave it at the rink, but we are so much more mentally sane when we leave it there. We are also so much stronger having each other to lean on. Day in, day out - what keeps you motivated? Chris: It all has to do with our goals —from both the standpoints of our partnership and our personal lives. We have goals on the ice and off the ice, so we keep pushing on both fronts. At the 2015 World Team Trophy you recorded the highest scores by a U.S. pair team in international competition. What are your views of the IJS system? Chris: As far as the technical side, through the technical points, you can

track yourself throughout the year, so it’s nice to see how you’re improving. Yes, the GOE can fluctuate, but there are a lot of ways to gain a lot of points now by doing things that none of us were thinking about doing before. Alexa: When you put us up against the other teams, when we perform our elements, we are clearly in the same league technically. But last season our component marks were low and that pushed us because it was obvious that we needed work in that area. It was so black and white. We’ve come a long way with our maturity on the ice, and a lot of that came from IJS pushing us in a positive direction.

You have been with Dalilah Sappenfield and Larry Ibarra since the beginning of your partnership. How would you describe their coaching? Alexa: They are very yin and yang, very different in their styles, but they have a strategic balance to their coaching. Dalilah can get tough when we’re not producing in practice, but she’s always building up our confidence. What’s nice about Dalilah is that she is always the same personality when she walks into the rink. She is very balanced, so you know who you’re dealing with. It’s also nice that every pair team she teaches has a training regimen made especially for them. It’s great to see how flexible they can be, so each team’s training is customized for their needs. Chris: This is my 11th season with Dalilah, so she knows a lot about me, and she has learned about Alexa. I used to watch Larry compete and now he’s assisting Dalilah. It works so well because they see things differently— even things as simple as the difference between the guy and girl point of view —which is a really good contrast. But, at the same time, they work so well together and are so complimentary with each other that they are on the same page. Dalilah pushes you when you need to be pushed and keeps everything real productive. You can train all day, every day, but if you’re not training productively, it doesn’t matter.

m Say?

By Terri Milner Tarquini

Is there something they say or do with their approach that really works for you? Dalilah says, ‘It’s just another day at the office.’ It speaks to me. We’re just doing another run through. We do this every day. That philosophy really puts things in perspective. Let’s talk about the quad twist at the 2015 U.S. Championships. What made you decide to do it? Alexa: Honestly, it was total curiosity to see if we could do it. We had no idea that we were going to end up putting it in our program for nationals, but we were very fortunate that it came easy for us. We didn’t do it for publicity; we didn’t even do it for points. We did it just to push ourselves. I know you are aware that the last Olympic pairs medal for the U.S. was in 1988. In your opinion, what do the U.S. teams have to do to be contenders? Chris: It all has to do with the second mark. There are a few teams right now that can have good technical marks, but the biggest thing is the skating skills and the speed—that’s what’s separating us from the other countries. For so long, the U.S. teams were trying to catch up in technical marks and now we need to focus on the second mark. That’s what kills us every single time. Alexa: There also needs to be more consistent routines from the top American teams. The more U.S. teams can perform consistently on a world stage, the more credibility we will gain. Are you the team to get back to the Olympic podium? Chris: I think we’re the closest team to get there. We’re not quite there yet, but we will keep climbing. There are other teams that can get there as well, but I think we are on track to be on the podium. Alexa, you’ve said that your nationals program was a challenge for you from start to finish, that it didn’t just flow easily. How did you stay in the zone to make it happen and get the gold? I had to keep refocusing. Everything felt so… (long pause) just so different. I was trying to stay in the present, and

2015 U.S. Figure Skating Championships

| PHOTO BY VICKI LUY

I used muscle memory to get through the program. I was getting distracted so I just kept looking at Chris. That’s actually something we tell ourselves at competition: to slough off our surroundings and keep our focus on each other. Keeping that connection with one another really helps.

If there was one thing you could change about the sport, what would it be? Chris: For me, it would be getting more guys involved, especially in pairs. There’s just not enough in our ranks. Alexa: I’d love our sport to be more unpredictable. There are times when top names and top teams cannot skate great, but they still place pretty high, and a much lesser-known really brings it and just can’t get rewarded for that awesome performance. The possibility for a nonamer to break through would be so fun and interesting to watch.

Do you have an overall philosophy or mission statement when it comes to your skating? Alexa: What I think about, especially during the times that skating is tough, is that our skating is a gift and we are so lucky to be able to do it as our job and to be able to do it together. I value the gift we have of skating. Not many people get to be where we are. It’s very humbling that we get to do what we love. How would you describe your journey in the skating world so far? Chris: It’s just like a life journey. It has its ups and downs and good days and bad days, but we keep on pushing and keep on going to reach our goals. Alexa: The journey of skating is like a ladder. You get to one rung and you think you’re set, but then you start reaching for the next rung. We have so much to improve on, so we keep reaching. PS MAGAZINE

Legal Ease DAVID SHULMAN, MFF, MP

Child Custody T

he plan to write informative legal columns giving advice in areas of importance to coaches is being interrupted by several members asking for explanations of family law procedures. The requests are generally related to child custody, both temporary and permanent. The situation presented: Divorce proceedings, either a current case proceeding or a case completed except as for placement of one or more children under the age of majority. The issue at hand is when does a child get to decide whether they live with mom or dad after a divorce? When answering this question, it first must be asked what is in the best interest of the child? What are the factors to be considered and reviewed by a court? You should not be surprised to learn that when a child is given the authority of making the choice is by most court jurisdictions...NEVER! Courts take the position that a child should never have the burden of choosing between two parents. The courts also observe the decision of where to place a child must remain the responsibility of the court. You, as a client involved in such custody placement hearings, need that law that the judge uses to make such determinations. Your lawyer should review with you the facts needed to provide the court with answers that support your case. In determining the best interest of the child, a court will evaluate the following factors: 1. The wishes of the parent(s) of the child as to custody 2. The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child of suitable age to reasonably express such a preference 3. Who has served as the child’s primary caretaker 4. The intimacy of the relationship between each parent and child 5. The interaction and interrelationship of the child with parents, siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best interest 6. The child’s adjustment to home and school, and community 7. The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity 8. The permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016

9. The mental and physical health of all individuals involved, except that a disability of a proposed custodial parent shall not be determinative of the custody of the child, unless the proposed custodial arrangement is not in the best interest of the child 10. The capacity and disposition of the parties to give the child love, affection, and guidance, and to continue educating and raising the child in the child’s culture and religion or creed, if any 11. The cultural background of the child 12. The effect on the child of the actions of an abuser, if related to domestic abuse that has occurred between the parents or between a parent and another individual alleged to have committed domestic abuse is or was a family member or household member of the parent 13. Except in cases in which a finding of domestic abuse has been made, the disposition of each parent to encourage and permit frequent contact by the other parent with the child This outline of areas the court will explore is only a beginning. Courts consider the testimony of teachers, child placement officers, and witnesses called by party to testify in open court. Generally the court will establish temporary custody, followed by hearings to determine permanent custody. The cost of custody litigation is a function of the couple divorcing. A party entering divorce litigation must ask the attorney for an estimate of cost for the divorce. This will cause you to explore all things to be done to achieve your goal. Child custody is one of many issues to resolve. Property, future support, and request for attorney fees from the other party become significant. Check with sources you trust to get referrals of a lawyer you should retain. Interview with the attorney you may wish to retain. If you do not have good feelings, do NOT retain that lawyer. If you get the feeling that asking a question evokes the response of “that is a stupid question,” under NO circumstances retain that lawyer. You need to find a lawyer that will adequately and professionally answer your questions and explain your options.

May 31, 2016

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MEMBERS NEW MEMBER SPONSOR Ashlee Anderson David Aretz Arye Beck Alyssa Bernardo Emily Branstetter Adira Brown-Devirgilio Mikaela Brumagin Kendal Buckalew Lynette Carroll Michelle Chien Alison Chow Courtney Eilts Sophia Eliazova Chalmers Kristina Favale Jennifer Feldewerd Hannah Foust Nicole Gagliardo Charissa Gliori Arissa Gratkowski Paul Guerrero Jamie Hahn Michael Haskins Susan Headley Denise Hendershot Rachael Henninger Shari Heywood-Jude Iman Hurtubise Irina Jacobs Katherine Jaessing Maren Jensen Bailey Kendall Julie Kim Nakira Kreofsky Sydney Kruszewski Natasha Kuchiki Mariah Lee Jillian Linder Samantha Magraw Paige Mascarenas Leslie Mccormick Betsy McGean Dyllan McIntee Maikki Merilehto Mallory Metzner

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NEW MEMBER SPONSOR Ada Minevich Kathrin Muellerchen Brad Newman Jennifer Nguyen Justine Oestricker Oleg Ouchakov Ashley Owen Mckenzie Pedersen Casey Prange Sarah Prentiss Candace Pyun Jessica Raddock Larissa Rasmussen Lindsey Roman Cody Roppelt Matthew Rounis Kendall Routch Dare Rudnikova Danielle Salvatore Paul Schatz Shannon Senne Miki Shimada Shannon Shopshire Mara Smith Laura Sokil Matthew Spann Kalle Strid Eeva Sunnari Shannon Terhaar Hannah Tovo Alexandra Tregre Chloe Underdahl Amy Vanhouse Isadora Williams Clarissa Wylde Todd Zaleski

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Welcome coac hes!

Do you know coaches who are new to the profession, or are there skaters (age 16 or older) in your rink who have the potential to be a great coach? Help them get a head start on their coaching career, and encourage them to join PSA! As their sponsor, you can guide and encourage them to get educated and maintain professional membership with PSA. Visit www.skatepsa.com or contact Elizabeth at ethornton@skatepsa.com to learn more about PSA membership opportunities.

"This is how I've always done it." "This is what I was taught." We’ve all said it. “This is how I was taught.” But, can we do better for our skaters? We ask/demand our Sheila Thelen PRESIDENT – Champion Cords PRESIDENT – Champion Skating Harness EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR –

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skaters MAKE CONSTANT changes – yet we as coaches completely fight the concept of something new. Why? I look at how many changes I’ve made to my own coaching in the past 10 years. I’ve been influenced by coaching greats like: Audrey Weisiger, Nick Perna, Chris Conte, Tom Zakrajsek, Michelle Leigh, and many other PSA Coaching GREATS. Additional resources like iCoachSkating.com have completely changed my coaching style and skills. I encourage ALL COACHES to make technical changes. Try something new. Learn some new skating technology. Everyone will benefit (especially your skaters.)

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CALENDAR

EVENTS

JANUARY Date: Sunday, January 10 Area 7 Location: The Ft Myers Skatium, 2250 Broadway, Ft. Myers, FL 33901 Event: ISI District 18 Coaches Seminar [8:30am – 4:30pm] Contact: Glyn Jones glynjones20@gmail.com or 813-854-4010 ext. 114 Credits: 7 PSA pre-approved credits Register: ISI Date: Location: Event: Time: Contact: Credits:

January 19-20 Area 10 InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront Hotel, 11 Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55101 Oral Rating Site at the 2016 U.S. Figure Skating Championships Tuesday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm and Wednesday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm PSA Office 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com Register online at www.skatepsa.com 1 PSA credit per oral exam taken

Deadline:

December 18, 2015

FEBRUARY Date: Friday, February 22 Area 13 Location: South Suburban Family Sports – Centennial CO Event: ISI District 12 Instructor Seminar Contact: Debbie Lane debbie.lane82@gmail.com Credits: tbd Register: ISI

Please vis www.ska it tep for the co sa.com mpl Calendar ete of Events

MARCH

Date: Location: Event: Contact: Credits:

March 17-18 Area 16 Courtyard Marriott Hotel, 5835 Owens Ave, Carlsbad CA 92008 760-431-9399 Room rate $125 + tax Oral Rating Site at Ratings Prep [Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-12:15pm] PSA Office 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com Register online at www.skatepsa.com 1 PSA credit per oral exam taken

Deadline:

Oral Rating Exams January 18, 2016

Date: Location: Event: Contact: Host: Credits:

March 18-20 Area 16 Courtyard Marriott Hotel, 5835 Owens Ave, Carlsbad CA 92008 Rink - Icetown, 2283 Cosmos Court , Carlsbad CA 92011 Airport – San Diego CA Ratings Prep [Fri 1-6pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 8am-12:30pm] PSA Office 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com Register online at www.skatepsa.com Leslie Deason ldeason@icetown.com 28 PSA credits

Deadline:

Prep Deadline February 17, 2016

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016

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M AY Date: Location: Event: Contact: Credits:

May 30-31 Area 16 Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas NV 89101 Oral Rating Site at 2016 ISI/PSA Conferences PSA Office 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com 1 PSA credit per oral exam taken

Deadlines:

Oral Rating Exams: March 15, 2016

Date: Location: Event: Contact: Credits:

June 1-4 Area 16 Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas NV 89101 and Las Vegas Ice Center, 9295 W Flamingo Rd Ste. 130, Las Vegas NV 89147 2016 ISI/PSA Conferences & Trade Show PSA Office at office@skatepsa.com or 507-281-5122 28 - 35 PSA credits

Deadlines:

Early Bird Deadline: February 1, 2016 Advanced: April 15, 2016

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