Proper Behavior for a Skating Parent:
- Be positive at every practice session
This means to support all skaters and coaches. A figure skating parent needs to encourage every skater in a rink and to not just be concerned about the well-being of his or her own children. - Teach your children that doing their best is more important than winning
Praise both victory and defeat and emphasize positive accomplishments. Encourage your children to learn from mistakes. Teach your children to show good sportsmanship. - Never ridicule or yell at your children at the rink or at a competition or exhibition
- Treat all skaters, coaches, parents, rink employees, and skating officials with respect
- Do your best to make skating fun for your children
Remember that your child is participating in the sport for his or her own pleasure, not yours. - Emphasize the positive accomplishments of each and every skater
Teach your children to praise and encourage other skaters. Don't be jealous of other skaters. - Be a positive role model
Don't take part in gossip or spread rumors. Work at getting along with everyone involved in figure skating. - Follow the rules or guidelines set by the rink
- Appreciate all volunteers and club officials at your rink
- Respect your child’s coach
Don't teach your child from the rail during practice sessions, during test sessions, at competitions, or during exhibitions and shows. That sort of behavior may cause conflict. Let your coach do the coaching. Trust your coach. - Never encourage another skater to leave his or her existing coach for someone you consider might be better or more accomplished
- Resolve conflicts with other skaters, parents, coaches, and officials privately
- Respect and support your child's competitors
Teach your child to congratulate a fellow competitor who wins or places in an event. - Smile at the rink!
Be friendly and help those new to figure skating. Make friends with other skating families and support everyone involved in the sport.