U.S. Figure Skating today announced the addition of a coaching membership category to launch July 1, 2024. The initiative passed with a 983-9 majority vote on Friday, May 5, 2023, at U.S. Figure Skating Governing Council in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The integration of a coaching membership into U.S. Figure Skating will be a key component in growing the sport by becoming active and engaged partners of the governing body. The membership category addition will include establishing an elected coaches council for governance as well as building a headquarters team to lead the charge in developing coaching education, certification and development.
“The integration of coaches under the U.S. Figure Skating umbrella is a great step towards streamlining and growing our sport,” U.S. Figure Skating President Sam Auxier said. “Coaches are an integral part of figure skating, so we wanted to ensure they have a seat at the table and are a part of the decision-making process. We look forward to working with and supporting U.S. Figure Skating coaches to better develop and grow the sport.”
The transition from the Professional Skaters Association (PSA) to a U.S. Figure Skating membership will take place during the 2023-24 skating season, with U.S. Figure Skating delivering continuing education requirements (CERs) starting January 1, 2024, and taking over fully by July 1, 2024.
“Under U.S. Figure Skating, the membership will allow coaches to be integrated into the sport in a way they haven’t before by providing streamlined education, certification, professional development opportunities and compliance,” U.S. Figure Skating Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives Kelly Vogtner said. “We wanted to take a more robust and synergistic approach to athlete development by leveraging the expertise and knowledge of coaches since their success directly correlates with athlete development. We’re excited for the opportunity to create a stronger partnership with coaches nationwide and continue collaborating with the Professional Skating Association to ensure a smooth transition."
The membership will include enhanced member benefits such as special promotions for ticketed events, custom coach merchandise, all certification and continuing education opportunities, as well as the right vote for and serve on the coaches council.
For more information and updates on the coaching membership, visit usfigureskating.org.
