LONG-TERM ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT - Skate Canada

Stage of Development Roles/Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians
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Train to Compete Parents/guardians Phone 613.747.1007 continue I Toll Free to have 1.888.747.2372 a key role I Fax in 613.748.5718 the development I Toll Free of Fax athletes 1.877.211.2372 at
this stage of development. Parents/guardians instill discipline by continuing to
manage schedules for school, skating, and social activities though with increasing
input from the athlete. Parents/guardians also remain responsible for dietary
needs. Provide encouragement along with financial and emotional support.
Athletes need to be aware of the financial realities of skating at this level as well
as the shifting focus from personal achievement to outcome. There should be
regular communication with coaches on issues that may affect training (e.g. home
situations, school).
Learn to Win/ Live to
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Active for Life
If it has not happened in the previous stage, at this stage of development an
athlete’s support team will begin to expand and now include such people as
choreographers, specialized off-ice trainers, sport psychologists or mental
trainers, in addition to the main coach. It is very important that parents/guardians
understand each role so that the skater may progress in harmony with the
expectations of the coaching staff. The primary coach remains the director of
athlete development.
The age range in this stage of development is considerable. At younger ages, the
primary coach remains the director of the training program and personal support
team. Parents/guardians must remain role models in terms of healthy living and
providers of positive support. Older athletes in this stage will become much more
involved in the direction of their own training plans and will accept responsibility
for their overall commitment in the pursuit of excellence at this level. Parents/
guardians and personal support teams must continue to contribute to an
environment that allows athletes to achieve independence while also providing
a supportive and positive respite from the stresses and demands related to
participation at the elite levels of figure skating.
Athletes with a Disability Parents/guardians play a critical role in terms of encouraging the athlete to remain
active and involved in the sport of skating. They also play an important role in
providing and encouraging athletes to make healthy lifestyle choices, to make
appropriate decisions, and to support and assist in the implementation of these
decisions as well as contribute to the athlete’s overall life plan. All members of
the support team, regardless of the specific role, must be consistent with support
through successes as well as failures, recognizing the importance and place of
both in one’s life journey.