Attention all UK coaches. skaters and parents!

The Great Debate

A WAY AHEAD FOR OUR SPORT???

Coaches, Skaters, Parents

The British Ice Teachers Association Committee want to give you an opportunity to contribute your thoughts and comments on skating in general and the poor state of competitive British figure skating.

It is our intention to compile these contributions into a report which will form the basis of future discussions with NISA (National Ice Skating Association) and IRMA (Ice Rink Managers Association).

At Camps, competitions and in our home rinks we all whinge and moan about all aspects of the ice business. Generally the view seems to be that what is currently in place is clearly not working.

The “Dancing on Ice" phenomenon has made rinks busier than ever before, but like the successes of John Curry, Robin Cousins and of course Torvill and Dean, unless the moment is seized there will be no long term benefit to the sport. TV interest will disappear and ice sport (without a stunning success) will be out of the public eye again.

Why is the current system not working?

How would you like to see it work?

What can be done to improve coach education?

Are the influences outside skating, in schooling, society, incomes, parental control etc. affecting the development of skaters.

We would like your thoughts on any or all aspects of the ice business.

Any comments you make will be in confidence to the BITA Committee and will only be summarised in a final report. No individuals’ names will be used or revealed.

To this end we have established a special e-mail address to which you can send your thoughts. This is: comments@bita-uk.com

Please use this opportunity to contribute to the future of your Sport.

Regards,

The BITA Committee

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maybe you should look at the short track speed skating program you have in the U.K. as they seem to have a great deal of success both in Europe and at the World level which is pretty amazing considering the smaller percentage of competitive level skating?

Not to be critical, but how about asking for "ways to improve" rather than "What is wrong..."

Several of our board members who ARE from the UK have mentioned the US "Adult Track" tests and competitions. Are there any plans to incorporate something like this into the UK system?

What feedback have your posts on this and other skating boards brought about so far?

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