Just got off the phone with PSA

[Phuket]

In light of the current concerns expressed by parents about finding an *appropriate* (for lack of a better word) coach for their children, I called the PSA. I asked if they had a list of coaches who had been banned, along with the reason why the coach had been banned.

The person who answered the phone took my question and said she would transfer me to membership. I posed the same question to the person who answered the phone in membership. She told me all questions of this nature were to be handled by Carole Shulman, who is listed in the PSA as the Executive Director. Ms. Shulman was not in and I declined to be put through to her voice mail, as I felt my reason for calling had been answered...how to find out from the PSA which coaches had been banned.

Both people I spoke with were curteous, professional and helpful. What I got from this is there is not a list that they will automatically give out. However, if you have true concerns and want to find out the status of a particular coach, you will have to address your issues with Ms. Shulman.

Hope this helps.

[mary]

Several months ago, I phoned the PSA and asked for PSA rated coaches in my area. I was told I would be mailed a list, which I never received.

Also, I e-mailed PSA for qualifications of a potential coach new to the area. Also, nothing.

:(

[Phuket]

Thank you mary. You made my point.

Now will everyone with a telephone please call Carole Shulman on Monday at PSA? 507-281-5122

[??!!?]

I haven't been very impressed with the PSA. I hope with the revelations that have been taking place within skating, they also take the same initiative. They cannot sit back and protect themselves, standstill, not progress, etc. Disreputable coaches must be reprimanded. And how reliable is Master rating level? What measures are being taken to attain a universal and reliable standard? I have noticed some quesitonable professionals attain this status.

If they are truly the Professional Skater's Association, then they need to make sure they uphold their credibility. Protect not only themselves, but the skaters who make this association even possible. If the skaters weren't present, there would be no need for the professionals. I believe the saying is, "don't bite the hand that feeds you."

[vesperholly]

Originally posted by ??!!?
And how reliable is Master rating level? What measures are being taken to attain a universal and reliable standard? I have noticed some quesitonable professionals attain this status.

It's not. A coach I know recently passed their Master Freestyle test. Knowing how this coach's skaters skate, I have lost a lot of respect for the PSA.

Jocelyn

[blades]

8-)

i have a couple of questions:

just my curiosity...but...how many of the above are skaters and/or parents of skaters?...and...if so...how long have you been involved in the sport?...

[WeBeEducated]

Well blades, I have been involved for several years, in several states, at several rinks as a parent of skaters.
In talking to coaches who were involved with the PSA from its conception, I learned that their main concern at that time was protecting their income, and organizing coaches in order to gain power and a voice within the USFSA.
Many of those uncredentialed coaches were grandfathered into the system and were able to achieve rank as "master rated" rather quickly.I know some whose test levels would be about at the juvenile level in freestyle, but they were given "credit" for having coached for many many years.
As time passed however, they didnt want too many coaches established as master rated too quickly.
There are alot more hoops to jump through now in order to get a rating, but in many ways the rating represents not talent as a coach, nor previous skating accomplishments, nor test level, but simply the number of years one has worked as a coach, plus the number of seminars attended,etc.
Coaches were wise to establish their own organization It has helped them define their profession and legitimize their income.
Now skaters desperately need to do the same, with their own interests and needs represented in a powerful organization with its own voice too.

[??!!?]

What are you implying Blades?

I have been around enough to know what I am talking about.

[dr.frog]

Originally posted by blades
just my curiosity...but...how many of the above are skaters and/or parents of skaters?...and...if so...how long have you been involved in the sport?...

Are you perhaps suggesting that only people who've been involved in the sport for a long time have any business questioning the credentials and qualifications of coaches, and that clueless newcomers ought to remain clueless instead of taking any initiative to become better informed?

[blades]

8-)

i'm suggesting nothing...

was simply curious where y'all were comming from...

[Skatewind]

I have been involved with skating for many years & am unimpressed by the PSA. They may lobby effectively on behalf of their coaches, but they leave a lot to be desired as far as addressing skater related issues. It is clear their bottom line when it comes to integrity & ethics focuses mainly on things affecting peers, like soliciting each other's students, & not on areas involving skaters, or rink or club management.

[??!!?]

I'm curious....did anyone call the PSA today?