There are many reasons to consider hiring a private lesson coach:

• To excel at a faster pace than in group lessons
• To supplement your group lessons with an occasional private lesson for more focused attention
• To obtain assistance developing a difficult skill
• To increase your commitment to skating
• To pursue a competitive path with a competitive program / music / costume

4 page flyer - Tip For Choosing A Coach from USFS Aspire Programming - a bit outdated as it mentions PSA, a defunct organization since 2024, but great guidance.

Some of the questions the club recommends asking prospective coaches include:

• What is your coaching philosophy?
• How long have you been coaching?
• What are your greatest coaching accomplishments?
• What is your skating background?
• Do you specialize in coaching certain disciplines (e.g. singles, pairs, ice dancing, synchronized skating)?
• What levels have you passed?
• Did you skate competitively?
• Are you U.S. Figure Skating Coach Core Certified? If not, why?
• Are you U. S Figure Skating Accredited Level 1, 2, Senior or Master in any disciplines? If not, why?
• How do you stay current with the sport and the profession of coaching?
• How often do you meet with the parents of your students?
• How do you manage conflict with your students and/or your parents?
• Do you offer individual goal setting and annual development plans for your students?
• Do you recommend multiple [specialty] coaches for your students? When? If so, why?
• How many lessons per week do you recommend for my child, and why?
• What are your rates for lessons, competitions, cutting program music, etc.?
• How do we pay you? When do you expect to be paid?
• What is your policy if we have to cancel a planned lesson?
• Are there any other policies that we should be aware of in advance?
• What do you believe are the responsibilities of a good skating coach?

Take Your Time

If selecting a coach for your child, keep in mind that even if your child only skates a few days a week, your skater’s coach will have a significant influence on his or her life. Therefore, it is important that you and your child be comfortable with the person you choose. Take as much time and talk to as many people as necessary until you are satisfied that you are making a good choice. If a coach is too busy or not interested in answering all of your questions now, they will be even less likely to have more time for you once hired.

Follow-Up!

As a follow up, after you have selected a coach and they have begun working with your family, you should observe some of their lessons with your child. It is important to make sure that the coach/skater relationship you have invested in is what you want it to be. If after observing a few sessions you have questions or concerns, set up a meeting with the coach. Never interrupt the lesson. A respectful and open dialogue will likely prevent problems down the road. If you have a situation that you feel warrants third-party attention, take it privately to management and allow them to handle it appropriately.