Why Not Get Rated?

Cheryl Faust (MFS, MM) is the Ratings Committee Chair

Whenever I am asked to help prepare someone for a rating exam, I think it’s always important to start by asking them, “What is your ‘why?’” It can be deeply motivating, and it’s a great place to start.

But if you haven’t started your ratings journey yet, or if you started the journey but haven’t pushed yourself to finish it, I think the most important question is not what your “why” is, but more importantly…why not?

Is it fear?

Imagine just for a moment one of your little skaters taking their very first figure skating test. They are nervous, intimidated, and fearful of a new situation. As a coach you are an expert in preparing that skater for their test. You have taken the time to explain and teach each move, the order of the test, what they should wear, and when they should arrive. No stone was left unturned.

What if you coached yourself just like you coached this little skater? Think of how proud you would be of yourself afterwards. Researching answers, talking to other coaches, thinking through your technique, being able to articulate your answers…you are only making yourself a better coach!

I can imagine why the ratings process can seem intimidating for a lot of people. Being judged in front of three master coaches can seem daunting. But what you have to remember is that your examiners are also coaches, too. We are here to encourage and support you. On the inside, we are cheering for you and want you to do well! Isn’t that what you would say to your little skater?

What should also supersede your fear is your ability to research the answers to the questions from the ratings study guides. Remember that the study guides are a free resource for you. You can review them and print them out at any time. (All of our study guides can be accessed at www.skatepsa.com/ratings.) This gives you a great insight to the exam content and structure, so you know exactly what will be asked of you. If there are questions that you get stuck on during your research, remember that you can reach out to any master examiner at any time!

Is it time?

We are all busy. Fortunately, we get to work as much or as little as we like. If you want your level of clientele to increase, then your level of education and professionalism has to increase, too. As your level of education and understanding of your own coaching technique increases, your athletes will not only succeed, but they will excel faster, be more confident in themselves, and have the opportunity for a longer career. That is worth taking the time for! Even if you set aside a designated small amount of time each week to study, or if you record yourself talking to your athletes in your lessons to see how you could improve your communication, you’re already on your way!

Is it money?

Now that ratings are virtual, there is no cost to travel. Now you can take your ratings from the comfort of your own home and you don’t have to take time off work to travel around the country to different exam sites. Ratings have never been more affordable.

As part of the study process, did you know we also offer a library of e-learning courses, monthly webinars, and streaming content through PSA TV? All of these resources are available to you at a nominal cost, and many of them could be free depending on your membership level. When you spend money to educate yourself, the rewards are so much greater than the money you spend. And whether you realize it or not right now, it will benefit you tenfold in the future.

Think about this…

» Why would a skater choose you to be their coach?

» What makes you stand out?

» What makes you unique?

Maybe you are in a small club or rink. Or, maybe you are in a large facility with many coaches on staff. Either way, ask yourself why clients would choose you over other coaches?

Rink management and skating directors who are willing to do the research to find the best coaches possible for their facilities are looking for the same thing that parents who want the best coach for their kids are looking for—PSA members like you who believe in continuing education, who are constantly striving to learn more, and who seek and obtain their ratings.

In my opinion, obtaining ratings can be the equivalent of earning another college degree. I am proud of everything that went into that journey…it took a lot of time and energy, a lot of money, and a lot of research. It wasn’t easy, but it was so worth it! I know that you will be just as proud of yourself for going through the same process. Whether you’re in an environment that values ratings or not, it is an accomplishment worth being proud of that you can take anywhere.

We are here to help you on your ratings journey no matter what your “why” is!

If you are already rated…congratulations. If you are on your ratings journey…keep going! Educating yourself is the best investment you can make. And, if you haven’t started your ratings journey yet ask yourself…why not?

We look forward to seeing you in a rating exam soon!

Still not convinced?

After a candidate takes a rating exam, we ask them to fill out a survey to provide feedback on the experience. One of those questions asks why that person chose to pursue a new rating. Here are what some recent ratings candidates had to say:

“Preparing for the exam helped me to better organize my methodology for teaching Moves in the Field and encouraged me to look at the bigger picture on how [the way] I teach elements will impact the skater down the road and in other disciplines. Completing this exam will also be a way for skaters, parents, and other coaches to be assured that I am qualified to teach the levels I was rated in.”

“I want[ed] to gain more knowledge and better serve my students as a coach. I also love learning, especially when it comes to skating.”

“My examiners were very knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable while taking the virtual exam. I would recommend all coaches take these exams to assure and adhere to solid coaching techniques for all skating disciplines.”