Coaches

Coaches are invaluable in the development of an athlete's skills. They are teachers and mentors for the thousands of young athletes they interact with in their day-to-day work. They work not only with athletes but also the athlete's parents in setting realistic goals and the training required to reach their potential and their goals. All Skate Canada coaches are required to be trained and/or certified in the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).

Becoming a Skate Canada Professional Coach requires planning and commitment to the profession. A certified coach is an experienced, skilled and dedicated professional. Coaches have a huge impact on the lives of their skaters and coaches always need to be aware of this fact and conduct themselves in a professional manner. Coaches need to constantly educate and update themselves in order to be effective.

Currently, all coaches who work at Skate Canada member clubs and Skating Schools must meet the minimum criteria as outlined in Rule 2401 of the Skate Canada Rule Book and other provisions set from time to time by the Skate Canada Board of Directors, and be registered professional coaching members of Skate Canada. To find a Skate Canada coach in your area contact your Section office.

It takes a special person to become a coach; if you think it is a career you would like to pursue then read on for more details on how to become a coach.

Officials

Officials play a very important part in our sport. As volunteers, they donate their time, knowledge and expertise to assist in the development of our athletes and are valued members of the Association. There are different types of officials which fall into three main categories: evaluators/judges, referees and accountants. Judges are perhaps the best known officials and they are usually former skaters who have had a positive experience in the sport and wish to help others attain their goals.

Officials, outside the arena, are doctors and lawyers, school teachers and librarians, domestic engineers, business administrators, police officers, paramedics, financial analysts, university students, professors, marathon runners, writers and so on. You will find more information on the types of officials and how to become involved in this section.