Hello!  I would like to welcome you as one of my clients.  I'm happy you have made the decision to train with me and I am confident that within the near future you will start to see results.  I believe that the best approach to teaching and learning is through positive reinforcement.  I know that there is way to learn without negativity.  You will soon notice that I like to have fun while I teach.  I know that learning can occur, and does occur, in a happy fun-filled environment.   Of course there is a time when it is necessary to be very strict and stern, but even that can be done in a way that is a positive experience.  My goal is to teach you or your child how to figure skate, whether it is competitive or recreational skating, and to enjoy the learning process along the way with you.  With that goal in mind, there are some points I’d like to mention to help the learning process along.

1. I expect you to show up to the rink early enough to be properly warmed up for your lesson.  Rushing in at the last second and jumping right into a lesson without warming up and stretching properly is an open invitation to injury.  None of us wants that.

2. I expect that you get up early enough so you can have a proper breakfast before you skate.  You are asking a lot from your body so you must help it out by giving it the proper nutrition.  This is especially important in the morning.

3. I expect you to show up with a positive attitude.  I realize that skating is a very difficult and at times frustrating sport to learn, but that is no excuse for a poor attitude.  As a matter of fact, it is at the most frustrating moments that you really need to focus on a positive attitude.  Negative thinking is probably the biggest obstacle to overcome in ice-skating.  A positive approach will greatly speed along your progress.

4. I expect you to conduct yourself as a young lady or gentleman at all times.  Your conduct reflects on me also.  I ask that my students be well behaved and courteous at all times.   If a conflict arises with someone you should immediately approach me and tell me about the situation.  Kicking the ice, kicking the boards, shouting or arguing with other skaters or your parents are not appropriate behaviors.  They will only take your focus away from skating and learning.  You can be sure that if you are displaying poor behavior I will mention it to you!

5. I ask that you take personal pride in the way that you look at the rink.  I ask that you do not wear articles of clothing with obscene or vulgar language on them.  Remember that there are young children around.  I also ask that you do not wear baggy sweatshirts and sweat pants as it makes it very difficult for me to see correct body line and positions. 

6. I ask that you refrain from getting on and off the ice while practicing.  You may leave the ice if you need to use the restroom, of course.  Getting off the ice to chat with friends or parents will not help your skating improve. 

7. I kindly ask from my skating parents that they do not try to coach their own children from the boards, a doorway to the ice, from the stands or from home.  I realize that you want to help your child progress but this is too much of a distraction for them while practicing.  Conflicting information they receive can seriously impair their progress.  Your children are trying to learn a very specialized sport that requires an incredible degree of mind – body connection.  I teach very specific technique and even having one hand, arm or foot out of position on a jump or spin can prevent the element from being correctly learned.  I teach technique in stages, by building on a strong foundation, so you must trust me that they will get all the information necessary.   I know that, as parents, it is sometimes hard for you to sit back when your children are concerned, but it really is the best way for your child to learn.

8. I ask that you be willing to meet to discuss goals, progress and training strategy.  I like to keep everyone informed and this helps to eliminate any miscommunication that can occur between coach, student and parents. 

If at any time you have questions or concerns please feel free to talk to me about any concerns.

Again, welcome aboard.  I look forward to seeing you on the ice!

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