Parent Information

This page is dedicated to helping educate and inform parents of figure skaters. We will try to provide tips for surviving and even thriving in the crazy yet rewarding sport of figure skating.

Figure Skating Parent Behavior Guidelines

Be positive at every practice session.

This means to support all skaters and coaches. A figure skating parent needs to encourage every skater in a rink and to not just be concerned about the well-being of his or her own children.

Teach your children that doing their best is more important than winning.

Praise both victory and defeat and emphasize positive accomplishments. Encourage your children to learn from mistakes. Teach your children to show good sportsmanship.

Never ridicule or yell at your children at the rink or at a competition or exhibition.

Treat all skaters, coaches, parents, rink employees, and skating officials with respect.

Do your best to make skating fun for your children.

Remember that your child is participating in the sport for his or her own pleasure, not yours.

Emphasize the positive accomplishments of each and every skater and coach.

Teach your children to praise and encourage other skaters. Don't be jealous of other skaters.

Be a positive role model.

For example, don't stand at the barrier and yell at your children or other coaches during practice sessions.

Follow the rules or guidelines set by your club or rink.

Encourage your children to keep an ice facility clean. Always pay for ice time. If your rink requires paying for private lessons in advance, make sure you do so. Don't demand that your child gets his or her music played. Don't complain to the rink's management about unimportant issues. Don't demand that things be done your way.

Appreciate all volunteers and club officials at your rink.

There are some people who work really hard to make your figure skating club work. For example, thank the club's test chairman after every test session your children participate in. Don't call your club's secretary to get a permission form signed at the last minute. Help when you are asked to volunteer.

Respect your child’s coach.

Don't teach your child from the rail during practice sessions, during test sessions, at competitions, or during exhibitions and shows. That sort of behavior may cause conflict. Let your coach do the coaching. Trust your coach.

Never encourage a skater to leave his or her existing coach for someone you consider might be better or more accomplished.

Soliciting for another coach is not acceptable. In fact, your coach will be considered at fault if he or she does not stop that type of behavior since it is a violation of the Professional Skaters Association Code of Ethics.

Resolve conflicts with other skaters, parents, coaches, and officials privately.

Don't take part in gossip or spread rumors. Work at getting along with everyone involved in figure skating.

Respect and support your child's competitors.

Teach your child to congratulate a fellow competitor who wins or places in an event.

Smile at the rink!

Be friendly and help those new to figure skating. Make friends with other skating families and support everyone involved in the sport.