• PSA Entry Level Coaching Course (ELCC)
• Registration Form

This one-day course is an introduction to coaching at the entry level. It is a recommended learning resource for new or beginning coaches of ice skating. The purpose is to build a foundation of resources and tools for the new coach to start his/her business of professional coaching. It involves both on-ice and off-ice classes.

Upon completion of this one-day course the coach will:

• Have an understanding of the figure skating sport system in the United States and the rules that govern it.

• Have an awareness of their role as a coach and be better prepared to conduct his/her business as a professional coach.

• Understand basic skating movement and be able to deliver instructions clearly.

• Be able to reproduce basic lesson plans and teaching progressions using information provided.

• Be aware of skill analysis and how to develop this skill.

• Have an awareness of ethical coaching behavior and the proper procedure for skaters to change coaches.

• Be able to develop an emergency plan and provide for a safe learning environment.

• Apprentice Program Guidelines
• Apprentice Application and Agreement
• Becoming a Mentor Article

Apprenticing offers an opportunity to work under a Master rated coach to learn new skills and update current ones. Apprenticeship involves: on-ice observation of private or group lessons, on-ice lessons to improve teaching techniques and off-ice discussions of teaching techniques, music editing, training schedules, tests and competitions, parental interaction, etc. Apprenticeships are offered in all disciplines and at all levels. Certificates are issued designating the number of hours of study (minimum of 30 and adapted to the Individual).

The Apprentice Program provides an opportunity for professionals to improve their teaching skills by training with PSA Master-rated coaches.

Through this unique program coaches can share in the years of experience accumulated by the Masters. The Apprentice Program provides training in moves in the field, freestyle, dance, pairs, choreography, team and group instruction.

Credits: 8 Ongoing

Test

• Conference

PSA’s Diamond Anniversary
1938-2013 - Celebrating 75 years of coaching excellence through education and accreditation

For the Professional Skaters Association, the year 1938 marks its humble beginning. On August 10 of that year, thirteen prominent figure skating instructors from the United States and Canada held a meeting in Lake Placid, New York, for the purpose of forming an association of professional figure skaters. Over the next 75 years, the thirteen grew to over 6000 to become the largest and most renowned coaching organization in the world! Celebrate our history by joining us in Chicago for the 2013 International Conference and Trade Show at the Hyatt Regency, Rosemont. To honor our rich history, PSA is bringing in our past presidents and the entire PSA Coaches Hall of Fame members.

• Host a State Workshop

Half-day workshops are held in every state at various times of the year. Many are held off ice and include topics relevant to that specific state. Topics that may be covered would include Group, Free Skate, Moves, Equipment, Ethics, Ratings, Synchro, Technical Specialist, Nutrition, etc.
State Workshops are one of the best means we have for providing education conveniently and economically to our coaches.  Coaches can attend without travel/hotel, and still continue to keep their teaching schedule in place.

If you are interested in hosting a workshop yourself, this is a great way to offer the coaches in your area a way to receive their educational credits right at home.

Credits: 4-6
Throughout the year

• Continuing Education Requirements

Registration for 2012-13 CER courses opened on November 1, 2011.

The 2011-2012 CERs are for 2011-12 compliance only. The 2012-2013 CERs are for 2012-2013 compliance only.

Compliant Coaches
U.S. Figure Skating/PSA
Continuing Education Requirement
In cooperation with the Professional Skaters Association, U.S. Figure Skating requires the mandatory continuing education requirement
(CER) for all coaches at U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned events as of July 1, 2012.

CER A
QUALIFYING LEVEL
U.S. Figure Skating Qualifying Levels of Qualifying Sanctioned Events

CER B
NONQUALIFYING LEVEL
U.S. Figure Skating Nonqualifying Sanctioned Events and Test Sessions

CER C
BASIC SKILLS INSTRUCTOR
U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills Program and Approved Events

CER D
Professional Sport Science Support Services

The purpose of the coaches college is to provide education and information to selected developmental pair and dance coaches who ave shown potential via the placement of their team(s) at U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championship.

Credits: 12-14

• Ratings Zones

The PSA Official Rating System is for coaches who want to validate their skating skill and teaching experience. Ratings are an assurance to clubs, rinks, skaters, parents, and the general public that the coach they hire is technically qualified to instruct at the level in which they are rated regardless of background and skating achievement. More and more coaches are required to become rated and many are choosing to do so because it is so beneficial. Ratings are offered in Free Skating, Figures, Pairs, Dance, Group, Program Director, Synchronized Team, Free Dance, Choreography, and Moves in the Field. They are offered at the Registered, Certified, Senior and Master levels. Ratings consist of both written and oral examinations. Once a rating has been earned, a coach must maintain a minimum of 28 educational credits over a three-year period through attendance at educational events. Attending a PSA State Workshop, Nationwide Seminar, Conference, PACE, completing an E-Learning course or PSA Apprentice Program, all accumulate educational credits. An Affidavit must be sent to the PSA office so that the credits can be recorded.

More info.....

• Event List
• Nationwide Seminars

One (1) day seminars feature a guest coach presenting on and off-ice topics. Various disciplines are included and each year a sport science focus is highlighted.

Credits: 8-12 Held August through December in 14-16 sites across the country