Accreditation
Ratings
The PSA Rating System is for coaches who want to validate their skating skill and teaching experience. Ratings are an assurance to clubs, rinks, skaters, parents, and the general public that the coach they hire is technically qualified to coach at the level in which they are rated regardless of personal background and skating achievement.
Excellence on Ice
Excellence On Ice (EOI) is a National Award Program established by the PSA that provides rinks and clubs with national recognition as a progressive training facility dedicated to excellence in coaching both on and off-ice.
Rankings
In the Rankings program, the career coaching record of a PSA member is established only through the accomplishments of a skater/team under his or her direction.
Hockey Skating Program
The PSA Hockey Skating program is designed to teach skating coaches the proper methods of teaching hockey skating. The primary focus is up-to-date techniques to help hockey players become better skaters.
Affidavit
To fulfill PSA-rated continuing education requirements, a rated professional must acquire 28 educational credits in a three-year period to keep his/her ratings active. (E.g. 2020, 2021, 2022 — 28 credits)
If you have passed the Basic Accreditation (BA) written exam or the Foundations of Coaching Course (FCC), you are considered rated.
Live Events
*Education credits are available for PSA members at all PSA events
RATINGS PREP TRAINING
Ratings Prep Training prepares coaches for verbal rating exams. This program features a master rated coaching faculty presenting on- and off-ice topics. Each discipline and level are offered based on interest and registration.
WEBINARS
PSA offers periodic webinars on a variety of topics. The webinar platform allows for video, audience participation, and live Q&A with presenters. Webinars can be viewed live or at a later date with an on-demand recording. Prior recordings are available in PSA TV.
FOUNDATIONS OF COACHING (FCC)
This course (one hour a week for five weeks) is a recommended resource to provide introductory strategies to successfully navigate the world of coaching and optimize your teaching potential. On and off ice sessions will give a foundation of resources and tools for your business of professional coaching for both new and experienced coaches. After completion of the course and submission of the accompanying Workbook, coaches will earn a certificate that has the equivalency for the Basic Accreditation (BA) exam. All registrants will receive a free copy of the Coaches Manual, and non-members will also receive a complimentary Basic membership with PSA for the current season.
ACCELERATED COACHING partnerships (acP)
The ACP (formerly Apprentice Program) hopes to encourage more participation in this valuable educational program by fostering new relationships between coaches, while offering more committee support to the program. The ACP will help you form an alliance with a master-rated coach who can help increase your knowledge and teaching technique in a personal one-on-one format. You and your master-rated colleague will develop a plan that pinpoints your needs as a coach and fosters your growth in the areas that you choose. This will give you the ability as a professional to make a better living, be more successful, and inspire the next generation of our figure skating community. Get ready to be inspired as you form your alliance with a master rated coach in your area.
PSA E-LEARNING ACADEMY
The PSA E-learning Academy contains all of the online courses and exams offered by the PSA, including the Basic Accreditation and Sport Science & Medicine exams, Continuing Education Requirements (CERs), Hockey Skating, PSA E-learning Series, and more.
CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (CER)
In cooperation with the Professional Skaters Association, U.S. Figure Skating requires the mandatory yearly continuing education requirement (CER) for all coaches at U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned events.
PSA TV
Access a library of PSA videos from past conferences, summits, webinars, and seminars, as well as tips from master rated coaches on the PSA TV platform. This on-demand video streaming service brings PSA education right to your home.
SEMINAR
Full day seminars provide continuing education with the focus on valuable information for all levels of coaches to stay on top of their game. Hosts work closely with the PSA office to develop an on - and off-ice agenda best suited for area coaches.
ANNUAL summit
The annual PSA Summit (formerly known as conference) is a multi-day event, for both coaches and judges, offering presentations on all disciplines, sport science and medicine, motivation, rule changes, and technical teaching. Keynote presenters, as well as featured guest speakers highlight this extraordinary educational experience.
SUPER SITES
Education PLUS! The value of hosting or attending a super site is endless. The PSA office partners with local clubs and hosts to find the magic combination of topics and sessions for ALL to learn. With the super site format, hosts are able to combine multiple events over the course of two or three days to educate coaches, judges, skaters, and parents.
Other Events
ENDORSED EVENTS
Any person or organization can apply for an event to be recognized as a PSA Endorsed Event providing the event agenda meets predetermined guidelines for educational content and speaker qualifications. Applications for consideration must be received at least 70 days prior to the proposed program date to receive the full marketing package by PSA.