Sportsmanship

This is a big one for me. My mother always taught me to be a good sport, and I expect no less from my step-children, or my skaters. I certainly understand disappointment if you don't do as well as you were hoping, or if your child doesn't do as well as you'd hoped. I also understand that sometimes people may feel there are bigger things (such as "politics") at play. What is important to me is that I don't hear this, and that my skaters don't hear this, and that other skaters don't hear this. There is few things worse than a parent standing in front of a group of skaters who competed together telling them that their child should have placed higher than they did. Or skaters putting down other skaters, gloating about winning, etc. This also carries over to talking about things with other parents.
Also, when you are at a competition, treat the volunteers running it with the utmost respect. Events do not always run smoothly, and these volunteers are working hard to make it the best they can. Sometimes result postings take a long time, sometimes events run a hour late. It happens. Expect it. Do not treat the skating volunteers at the hosting club (or your own club, for that matter!) in a manner that you would not like to be treated in. Instead, try saying thank you to them for all their hard work, or offering an understanding smile when they tell you it's not going as planned.
You will not always win. You will not always place as good as you thought you would, hoped you could, or expected to. Sometimes you will. When you are getting ready to go to a competition, take a few moments and think about how you are going to react if the results are not what you wanted. Make a concious effort to practice good sportsmanship. Congratulate all skaters in your team or club. You can complain about it at home later if you need to, but at the rink, keep it to yourself.

Basic Body Posture

It is important to have proper posture when skating as it helps you to perform simple and even difficult tasks.

The basic position is Head up, arms out, shoulders over your hips, hips over your ankle and free foot fully extended.

Zuca Bags

I LOVE my Zuca bag. I can't imagine skating without it now!

Check out the Squidoo page I wrote all about the great features of this awesome little bag. (including it's funky light up wheels!)

http://www.squidoo.com/ZucaBags

A little about me . . .

I am a professional figure skating coach based out of Eastern Ontario Section in Canada. I started figure skating when I was 10 years old, and have competed in freestyle, pairs and ice dance.I am NCCP Level 2 Certified, and my skaters have been successful in tests from Preliminary to Gold in Freeskate, Skills, Dance and Interpretive. Currently I am working towards my NCCP Level 3 Freeskate. Many of my skaters have competed at Invitationals, Sectionals, EOSIC, and All Ontario Competitions. I am active throughout the year in attending numerous clinics, sessions and training seminars to upgrade my professional skills.On top of that, my other passion is my family! I stay at home during the day with my two step-children. Both children also figure skate, so we are kept very busy.To find out even more about me, check out my website! http://www.scottwaddell.ca/

My homeclub was Pembroke, Ontario. As a teenager I decided I really wanted to start coaching as well, and that is how I started! I aspire to get my NCCP Level 3 freeskate someday soon. I love working with children, and I have a very holistic approach to coaching. I feel it's not just about what the skaters do on the ice, it's about enpowering them with confidence, healthy lifestyles, and positive attitudes.

This blog is going to be all my little thoughts on figure skating, from simple tips to instructions - whatever crosses my mind! Thanks for checking me out.