Skater coaches and their benefits?

[Purrsonality]

:?: I'm posting this here rather than the coach/parent section because I want to reach the coaches who are still competitive skaters and may not read the other forum. If you are a Learn to Skate coach doing group lessons what is your rink's policy on discounted or free ice (specifically freestyles)? If you have these benefits is there a minimum amount of hours you must work to get them? If you are an assistant coach do you still get benefits? Does your rink make a differentation between non coach employees and coaches when alloting benefits?

I'm trying to get an idea what the norm is as our rink just coincidentally took away the freestyle benefits when they hired some new coaches who are still competitive skaters because they thought they might actually use the benefits (thus costing them money) whereas the other coaches are older and don't do much skating on their own. Any response from those in the know on this subject would be much appreciated! Thanks.

[AshBugg44]

Coaches and assistant coaches, as well as other employees of my rink get free freestyles and/or group classes, depending on how many hours they work. It's not exactly a clear line though. They don't really care. However, at the new rink I will be skating at for the next 4 years, I have to coach 2 hours to get a 1 hour freestyle.

[dbny]

This kind of thing varies widely not just according to the rink, but also by region. I know that in California, the way coaches are paid and treated would be considered extreme exploitation by those of us working in NY. For example, at one rink in San Diego, coaches have to pay $250 a month just for the privilige of teaching private lessons. Additionally, they are required to teach group lessons at a ridiculous rate (either $3/class or $8/class, I don't remember...I was in shock about it). Sounds to me like they need a union.

[AshBugg44]

Our coaches have to pay for private lessons as well. You can either pay by the session ($5/public or $7/freestyle), or you can pay $220/month if you coach over a certain amount of hours - I think it's 20. You also have the option of paying $110/month (or something like that).

[Kelli]

At my rink, all rink employees - coaches, guards, desk workers - get free ice time. They don't have any minimum requirement, but I think that may be because we don't have a huge staff. I think my rink is very unusual - and generous! - with their employee policy. Skaters not old enough to coach can volunteer during group lessons and skate for free that day (I think).