Switching coaches

How do you tell the current coach (ISI) that you want to switch to another coach in the same rink? Kay

Traci says:
In my opinion, honesty is the most important thing. Be sure that you speak with the current coach about your skater wanting to switch coaches.  Your current coach will be hurt if she hears it from another source.  If you feel comfortable with the current coach you can let her know why your skater wants to switch, but, you are not obligated to do so. Also, somewhere down the road, your skater may decide she wants to change coaches again, so you want to part on good terms.

I am not sure about the ISI organization but I know the CFSA has guidelines on coaches ethics.  Coaches are not supposed to solicit other coaches skaters.  You may want to let your current coach know that the new coach did not solicit your skater. (I am assuming that this wasn't the case.)  Good luck!

Linda says:
This can be a very difficult task. How you approach the current coach depends alot on her/his personality. Try to keep the conversation short, stick to facts, and thank the coach for all she/he has done. You can bring up the issue of both being in the same rink after the change. State that you know this could be a difficult situation and you hope there won't be problems. Ask the coach to come to you, rather than the skater, if any problems do arise after the switch.

It may be helpful if you can be at the rink when your child is skating after the coaching change to observe. If anything does occur, you will have seen it first hand. If any problems do arise, contact the people directly for an explanation. Do not make any assumptions nor rely on second hand information.

Marie says:
That's a tough one!  First of all, make sure that's what you really want to do.  It's not a good idea to switch coaches very often.  A coach develops a certain committment to a student which can't happen if a student doesn't stay with the coach very long.  If you've decided to go ahead, though, just tell him/her that you've appreciated his/her efforts with your child but that you have decided to go to another coach.

It's also good to give a reason so that the coach has some feedback on his/her teaching style, etc. Try to be honest and tactful. Don't feel guilty -- it's important to have a good match between student and coach. Hopefully he/she will understand and you will still be on good terms, even at the same rink. Good luck!