The following information was extracted from the unlinked files on the official USAC/RS Home Page - since it was not available to the Web user, this site will post it until such time as the information becomes available from USAC/RS
A successful program must attract all levels of skaters, from beginners to seasoned world competitors. By offering skaters the breadth of artistic skating - dance, figures and free style each skater is allowed to choose their own path to success. If the facility owners are prepared to offer support for their vision it will be in a position to instill a sense of accomplishment that will keep them involved in the program for many years.
This understanding must also be shared by the skating instructors. The last thing a program needs is a coach who is trying to cultivate the few at the expense of the many. Regardless of a coach s experience, they must understand the value of teaching to all levels of skaters. They should never believe they are too good to teach the beginning levels, for it s at this level that a foundation for a successful program is built. It s also at this level that the future of roller skating depends.
Skating coaches should be encouraged to work together. They ll benefit professionally from the shared experience and the host facility will benefit from having a greater range of services to offer in its skating program. The result will be an ability to attract a wider range of skaters to the program.
Private lessons are often introduced to skaters who have come up through the various classes and have reached a level where the guidance of a professional coach, in a one-on-one approach, can take them to new levels of success.
However, private lessons are time intensive. Although intermediate skaters begin taking about 20 minutes for each private session, advanced skaters can demand several hours of lessons each week. But private lessons can also be scheduled during times not convenient for any other use. It s not unusual for coaches to begin private lessons as early as 5 a.m. and as late as midnight. Managed correctly, facility down time can be practically non-existent.
Coaches are often allowed to keep whatever money they collect through private lessons. As a result, it then becomes their responsibility to promote and collect for their own lessons. However, skaters taking private lessons can certainly be required to also be taking classes and/or be a member of a Junior Olympic or senior artistic club.
Each individual in a senior or Junior Olympic competitive program must also have a USAC/RS amateur card. To obtain the card each skater will need to submit a $20 membership fee and the requested discipline. Although each skater can order his or her card separately, it s advisable to have the club officers submit the request to assure registration of all members.
Once the request and payment are received, an application for each individual will be sent out from the national office. In addition to filling out the form, each first-time applicant will have to provide a photocopy of any legal document that verifies the date of birth - i.e., drivers license, birth certificate, school record, or baptismal record. (DON T send the original - it won t be returned.) The card will only be valid for the competitive season that is active during the date of application. The USAC/RS competitive season is from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31.
Benefits of USAC/RS membership to the skaters include:
In addition to many of the above benefits, USAC/RS membership holds advantages to the operator or sponsoring organization as well. This includes eligibility to obtain $1,000,000 in liability coverage for sanctioned competitions.
Promotion is an ongoing effort which helps guarantee the continued success of an artistic skating program. In the case of skating centers, one of the best methods of promoting their program is to let the session skaters come in while the artistic skaters are still on the floor. Seeing other youth have fun is sure to spark the interest of more than a few session skaters.
Some operators generate interest in their competitive program by making videos of their artistic club in action. By playing the tape during sessions they can make a direct pitch to the club members peers.
If there are other artistic clubs in the area try to establish regular exhibitions. The exhibitions could be hosted on a rotational basis, each operator taking turns at promoting and facilitating the event. The public can be invited to these exhibitions as a way of introducing them to the fun of artistic skating.
Camaraderie is another important aspect of a program s success. Skaters often join a club simply because their friends are doing it, or for some other social need. Encourage artistic skaters to bring in their friends. Even offer discounts to new class members who are brought in by a club member. The result is a solid foundation which can expand a competitive program. Remember, greater numbers equals greater profits.
Selling the program to other organizations is also a way to increase a program s exposure, whilealso giving the operation a broader base for producing income. Potential areas of cooperation include schools, YMCA and YWCA, Scouts, 4-H, other youth groups, and the local parks and recreation department.