PRIVATE SKATING LESSONS
Private skating lessons are a one-on-one instruction session that drives the skater’s development. In a private lesson, the athlete has the opportunity to experience a lesson tailored to their specific needs and developmental growth that is often not found in group or team settings. Skaters develop faster because private lessons focus on what each individual needs to succeed.
Below are a few common questions that first time students and/or their parents might have.
HOW DO I START PRIVATE SKATING LESSONS?
First, request a private skating lesson with On Ice Advantage either by filling out the contact form below, or filling out a lesson request form at the Ellenton Ice Front Desk. You will then be contacted to schedule your first lesson at a mutually available time. We will also share contact information, discuss your goals, expectations, and answer any questions you may have. This will help to initially set up the appropriate training plan for you or your athlete.
The first few lessons are an assessment of the athlete’s current ability and skill level and how it relates to their goals. Developing the right plan is not a linear or systematic process because we are all unique. Mastery of skill execution takes time, and patience is key!
It is important to know that this is not a commitment of any sort! The relationship between an athlete and coach is crucial in overall development, so the first few lessons are going to determine if the arrangement is a good fit for everyone. If it is a good fit, a regular lesson schedule will be discussed along with expectations, and coaching policies. On Ice Advantage is always prepared to recommend another coach if it is not a good fit. The athlete’s goals and passion for their sport should always be the top priority.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
As a parent of a skater, or a student yourself, you should expect the following from any potential private coach:
- Clear Communication
- Punctuality
- Honesty, Integrity, and Lesson Focus
- Follow-Up and Feedback
- Dedication
- Professionalism
- US Center for SafeSport
Clear Communication
You should expect clear and consistent communication with your coach within reason. Having clear communication with your coach means you are in the know for present, future, and in the moment events. You are contracting time with a field expert to further you or your skater’s development and you deserve to be in the know. Other clear communication includes regular follow ups and timely responses to any questions, concerns, or feedback you, or your skater may have.
Punctuality
You should expect that your coach is on-time for the lesson. As previous lessons conclude, 1-2 minute overlap is normal and will usually even out. If you do have concerns, you should always feel you can bring them to your coach’s attention. There will be times when “life happens” such as traffic, illness, and other events. You should expect to be informed when your coach might be late or absent from a lesson at the earliest and safest convenience.
Honesty, Integrity, and Lesson Focus
Honesty and integrity should be the heart of every business relationship, so never expect less from your coach. Your coach should be honoring your contracted time by being focused on the lesson and not on their phone, talking with others, and should always remain on the ice or in the vicinity of the lesson. You should expect that your coach is constantly striving to offer their very best of their expertise, experience, and demeanor. Always handle any concerns in this area directly with the coach, club officials, building management, or other factions such as the US Center for SafeSport, US Figure Skating, and when applicable, local law enforcement. Please see more on US Center for SafeSport below.
Follow-Up and Feedback
You should expect regular follow up and feedback regarding goals, growth, behavior, etc. All feedback or follow ups, should be delivered in a professional manner aimed at acknowledging growth and achievements, or addressing areas of concern and/or goal realignment. If a conversation requires a private space, the conversation should be held with a parent if the skater is a minor, or with another non-biased third party present. It should be noted that there will be times when lesson time may be used to follow up or provide feedback. This is an industry standard, but always bring up any questions or concerns with your coach.
Dedication
A coach’s dedication to the development of their students should always be the utmost priority. You should immediately address any concerns if you feel your coach is not dedicated. Dedicated coaching is rewarding because we see our expertise and experience perpetuate through our students helping them achieve their goals. Our dedication shows we care about you!
Professionalism
While many of these topics lend themselves to professionalism, you should also have the expectation that your coach will use appropriate language, be appropriately dressed, and not present in a manner that would undermine the safety of you or your student. All concerns should be addressed with the appropriate organizations, groups, or individuals.
US Center for SafeSport
Coaches are required to be US SafeSport certified and attend regular trainings and re-certifications. All skaters have the right to participate, learn, grow, and skate in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that is free from all abuse, discrimination, and isolation. Any concerns regarding US Center for SafeSport policies, regulations, and guidelines should always be addressed as soon as possible through the organizations appropriate channels and local law enforcement when applicable. Please click the logo below for more information.
FOSTERING RESPECT.
ENDING ABUSE IN SPORT.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME AND MY SKATER?
Many of the same expectations you have of your coach, the coach will have of you or your skater: clear communication, punctuality, honesty, integrity, and lesson focus, follow-up and feed back, dedication, and professionalism. These expectations will be outlined in further detail in the sections below and on the individual pages:
Preparedness
All skaters are expected to be ready to go when their lesson starts. This means being properly warmed up, in the appropriate attire, equipment in good shape, (ie. skates tied snug and blades sharpened), water supply close by, and free from all distractions. Your warmup routine will differentiate based on your sport because each skating discipline has a unique set of needs. More warmup information is contained in the skating specific pages.
MAKE SMART DECISIONS
Once the passion has been ignited for skating, it is a tough fire to put out. This can lead athletes to make poor training and competition decisions when they are not physically or mentally well. When we are not at our best, we cannot produce our best. When on limited ability, injured, or sick, we should not expect that our body be able to handle the physical strain that our sport demands. Injuries and illness is going to happen and smart decisions need to be made in the short term for long-term gain. If you are injured or ill, it is always recommended that you see your doctor and get their clearance to return to the ice. If your doctor clears your return with restrictions, you need to inform your coach and adhere to those restrictions. When skaters push through injuries or illness, or do not communicate when something is wrong, they greatly increase the risk of permanent or more serious injury. Only you know your body and what it can handle! The ice will be there tomorrow and it is always better to take a few days or weeks off to rest then needing months or years to recover.
PRIVATE LESSON FEES, SCHEDULING, AND CANCELLATION POLICIES
Private Lesson Fees
The lesson rate for the On Ice Advantage for Figure Skating and Power Skating lessons is:
$22.50 per 15 minutes.
Lesson rates are set based on experience, locality, availability, and demand. Any adjustments to lesson rates will be addressed well in advance to allow for questions, concerns, or scheduling adjustments.
***All lessons are to be prepaid at the front desk at the Ellenton Ice arena.
Scheduling
Lessons are scheduled in 30 minute blocks, but accommodations will be made for 15 minute and 60 minute lessons. Lessons should never exceed one full hour due to safety and productivity loss.
Regular recurring lessons support skill growth and goal accomplishment. When you schedule a regular recurring lesson, that time becomes “your block.” Changes will be made based on availability and seniority. For example, if a certain time slot becomes available and requested by multiple students, the slot will go to the student that has been taking lessons longer.
Extra availability for lessons happens often due to cancellations, or unique “off days” or holidays. All students are notified when this happens and are offered on a first come, first serve basis. In unique circumstances, certain students will be prioritized based on need. You can always reach out in advance to secure or request any extra available lesson time.
Cancellation Policy
Failure to cancel lessons outside of the requested notification period will result in a lesson cancellation fee.
Please understand that cancellation policies are an industry standard and unique to each coach. If you need to cancel a lesson, please reach out via text, call, or email (in that order).
Cancellation Policy:
- Lessons cancelled with less than 48 hours notice of scheduled start time are subject to half (50%) of the lesson fee.
- Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours notice of the scheduled start time are subject to the full (100%) lesson fee.
- Any missed lesson will be subject to the full (100%) cancellation fee.
- Late-to-lesson will NOT result in a refund for any time missed (example, if you schedule a lesson for 30 minutes, but only make it for the last 15 minutes, you sill pay the full 30 minute rate.
All cancellation fees will need to be paid directly via cash, Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, or Paypal.
DO NOT PAY CANCELLATION FEES TO THE ELLENTON ICE FRONT DESK!
If it is possible to fill your lesson time with any cancellation period, the cancellation fee will not be applied as a courtesy. It is also understandable that life sometimes happens (emergencies, traffic, illness, etc.), so each cancellation is taken into consideration. Skaters and parents should know that consistent cancellations, or unpaid fees can result in future lessons being cancelled and your time being scheduled with another student. Always let your coach know when you need to cancel or will be late at the safest, earliest convenience.
COMPETITION FEES
Currently for Figure Skating Students only!
Competitions are the chance to showcase your skills, cash in all the hard work put into training, and to build your skating resume. It is customary to have your coach at all competitions and as such, this is considered contracted time. Your coach will be there with you to help you prepare for your moment to shine by keeping track of the competition schedule, warmup group, skating order, and any other general information you may need. Your coach will also assist you with your off-ice warmup and walkthroughs, and be standing ice-side during your on-ice warmup and competition skate. After, your coach will be with you when the results are posted (unless they have another student competing at that time).
On Ice Advantage fees for competitions and competition practice ice are:
$65.00 per local competition appearance (within 50 miles of the home arena).
$45.00 per competition practice ice.
Should a competition require travel outside a normal distance (1 hour) or any sort of overnight lodging, additional expenses will be added to the competition fee (ie. using the IRS.gov mileage rate, and reasonable hotel rates). If multiple students under the same coach are attending a competition that requires travel, then all travel fees would be divided among all students.
Competition fees are industry standard and account for costs associated for missed lesson time, travel, preparation work (ie. music editing, costume research, etc.).
Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
RESULTS AND PATIENCE
Mastering any skill with confidence takes time. There is no secret tunnel or fast track to the top. To become an elite level athlete you have to put in dedicated, focused, and consistent work. You train everyday even when you don’t want to. You learn how to shut out whatever else is happening and focus on the task at hand. You give it your all and always leave everything on the ice. There will be ups and downs, challenges and celebrations, good days and bad, but you have to remain in the fight and never give up. Working with a great coach is just as important as your passion, practice, and patience.
IT'S MORE THAN JUST BUSINESS!
Taking private skating lessons is more than just finding a coach with a great resume. The bond between a coach and their student is truly special and necessary for optimal growth. If a good fit doesn’t exist, it is perfectly acceptable to explore other coaching opportunities. Just remember to clearly communicate these concerns directly and always prioritize an amicable change in direction.
A great coach can truly find and fuel their students’ passion, and they often become a pillar of support and a source of comfort in challenging times. All athletes remember their favorite coaches because they helped them grow, accomplish goals, and made them feel valued, seen, safe, and supported. Every coach should strive to be that figure in their students’ athletic journeys because they were once a young athlete with very similar dreams.
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