The United States Figure Skating Association (USFS) does not certify a rating system of skating instructors; however, the Professional Skating Association (PSA) presntly has a voluntary "Rating System" for its membershipthat will becocme manitory starting in 2010.

     Although many colleges and universities offer degree programs in recreation education, the University of Delaware is the only one in the USA that offers a degree that is related to figure skating.

     Anyone who wants to teach and can find a skating school director that will hire them can call themselves a skating coach. How can parents and skaters decide who has the qualifications to become your coach?

     Skating instructors/coaches who are pursuing a career in figure skating, by teaching the USFS Figure Skating Tests and participating in the Competition structure, must be members of the PSA as of September 1, 2008.  Parents who are looking for qualified instructors should consider asking prospective coaches if they hold a PSA rating as a part of their evaluation process to select a coach. 

The Rating System
     A rating is a certification of PSA members to determine if the individual is qualified to teach up to and including the specified level in different skating disciplines.  Coaches must qualify by proving their skating knowledge and then pass written and oral exams.   

Registered FS

• Attendance at PSA seminar, conference, etc. or completion of PSA Apprentice program at "Registered" level within 1 year of application

• Must have passed written exam

• Must have passed Juvenile skating test (or ISI 5, or international equivalent) or have coached a pupil through this level.

• Minimum one (1) year teaching experience

• Must pass oral examination for "Registered" rating

Certified FS

• Attendance at PSA seminar, conference, etc. or completion of PSA Apprentice program at "Certified" level within 1 year of application

• Must hold valid "Registered" rating

• Must have passed Novice skating test (or ISI 7, or international equivalent) or have coached a pupil through this level.

• Minimum two (2) years teaching experience

• Must pass oral examination for "Certified" rating

Senior FS

• Attendance at PSA seminar, conference, etc. or completion of PSA Apprentice program at "Senior" level within 1 year of application

• Must hold valid "Certified" rating

• Must have passed Junior skating test (or ISI 8, or international equivalent) or have coached a pupil through this level.

• Minimum three (3) years teaching experience

• Must pass oral examination for "Senior" rating

Master FS

• Attendance at PSA seminar, conference, etc. or completion of PSA Apprentice program at "Master" level within 1 year of application

• Must hold valid "Senior" rating

• Must have passed Senior skating test (or ISI 10, or international equivalent) or have coached a pupil through this level.

• Minimum five (5) years teaching experience (must have taught for minimum 15 hrs/week at least 48 weeks per year during this period)

• Must pass oral examination for "Master" rating

Continuing Education (CE)
     Rated instructors are required to pursue a program of "continuing education" to maintain their ratings. 

     Continuing education credits are received from participation in approved PSA:

• workshops
• training programs
• seminars
• training camps

     CE units are based on content and duration of the education activities. 

    To maintain a rating, instructors must continuously maintain 24 credits throughout the duration of a 3-year rolling window.  Instructors who fail to do so will have their rating inactivated.  Continuing education insures that instructors are current with the latest techniques and requirements.

      The PSA publishes a "Coaches Manual" for member instructors.  A training video for Moves in the Field is also available for coaches to purchase. The training video for Moves in the Field is also available to parents and skaters.

      The PSA also publishes a MITF and a Complusory Dance Manual that are available to parents and skaters.

References:

Professional Skating Association: