Proper Procedures for Changing Pros
Making the decision to change Pros and actually going through the process can be stressful. One thing to remember is that skating Pros are professionals and understand that changing of Pros does occur from time to time. This is something that may be uncomfortable to the parent and skater but Pros have gone through this type of change and accept it as part of skating.
Parents
- Contact your current Pro and express your reasons for wanting to switch to another Pro. There may be a way to correct the situation and the need to switch could be resolved before a change in necessary.
- Make sure that you have paid your account balance in full with your current Pro.
- Discuss this change with your child. Make sure that he/she is comfortable with the changes you are about to make.
Future Pro
- Direct the client to first make contact with the current Pro.
- When this has been done, contact the current Pro. Make sure there is no possible resolution to the situation.
- Confirm that all outstanding balances are paid in full with the current Pro prior to scheduling any lessons. No lessons should be given prior to receiving confirmation of account status. There are often exceptions and discrepancies. These need to be handled on a case by case basis.
- Respect what the former Pro has done for the skater. If technique changes need to be made, do so without degrading the former Pro’s method.
- Support your fellow coaches. Staff meetings are helpful to discuss these procedures and numerous other topics related to a happy and successful environment within the rink.
Skaters
Switching Pros, if the above procedures are followed, should not affect the skater’s relationship with other skaters.
- Do not isolate or make an outcast of a skater who has switched from your Pro to another Pro.
- Do not encourage others to switch from their current Pro.
- Treat all skaters and Pros with equal respect.
- While on the ice everyone must follow the same set of rules.