Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Ice Skating Instructor

🎯 Role Definition

As an Ice Skating Instructor, you are the face of our skating program and the catalyst for our students' passion for the sport. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality instruction based on proven curricula, ensuring the safety and progress of every skater. This role involves more than just teaching; it requires being a mentor, a safety supervisor, and a brand ambassador. You will foster a welcoming community on the ice, helping beginners take their first glides and guiding experienced skaters to refine their techniques. Your expertise and enthusiasm will directly contribute to the growth of our programs and the development of a lifelong love for skating in our community.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Competitive Figure Skater or Hockey Player
Skate Guard or Rink Monitor
Camp Counselor with skating experience

Advancement To:

Head Skating Instructor or Lead Coach
Skating Program Director or Manager
Rink General Manager

Lateral Moves:

Specialized Coach (e.g., Figure Skating, Hockey, Power Skating)
Off-Ice Strength and Conditioning Coach
Choreographer for Ice Shows and Competitions

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, plan, and execute engaging and structured ice skating lessons for diverse groups and private clients, encompassing a wide range of ages and skill levels from beginner to advanced.
Demonstrate proper skating techniques with exceptional clarity, including foundational skills like gliding, stopping, and turning, as well as more advanced maneuvers such as edges, crossovers, spins, and jumps.
Develop and implement comprehensive lesson plans and progressive curricula, often following the framework of nationally recognized programs like Learn to Skate USA or the Ice Sports Industry (ISI).
Continuously assess and monitor the skill development and progress of each student, providing constructive, individualized feedback and encouragement to foster improvement and confidence.
Uphold a culture of safety at all times by rigorously enforcing all rink rules, safety protocols, and proper on-ice etiquette to prevent accidents and injuries.
Maintain clear, professional, and consistent communication with skaters, parents, and guardians regarding student progress, scheduling, upcoming events, and program expectations.
Adapt and modify teaching styles, communication methods, and drills to effectively accommodate various learning styles, abilities, and the unique needs of different age groups.
Create a consistently positive, fun, and encouraging learning environment that motivates students and cultivates a lasting passion for the sport of ice skating.
Respond swiftly and professionally to any on-ice incidents or injuries, administering basic First Aid and CPR as necessary and completing required incident reports.
Stay current with the latest coaching methodologies, sport-specific rule changes, and safety standards through continuous professional development, workshops, and certifications.
Prepare skaters for formal skill-level testing and competitive events, providing guidance on program music, choreography, and performance strategy.
Manage group class dynamics effectively, ensuring each participant receives adequate individual attention and instruction within the group setting.
Act as a positive role model and ambassador for the sport, maintaining a professional appearance, a positive attitude, and a high standard of personal conduct.

Secondary Functions

Actively promote the arena's skating programs, clinics, and private lesson offerings to patrons and the public to drive enrollment and program growth.
Assist in the organization, coordination, and execution of special events, including annual ice shows, holiday skates, competitions, and exhibitions.
Provide exceptional customer service by professionally and knowledgably answering inquiries about schedules, pricing, program details, and facility amenities.
Maintain meticulous administrative records, including class attendance, student skill progression charts, and communication logs.
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Assist with skate rental operations, including properly fitting patrons for skates and providing advice on personal equipment selection and basic maintenance.
Collaborate effectively with fellow instructors, coaching staff, and the Skating Director to ensure program-wide consistency, quality, and a cohesive team environment.
Participate in regular staff meetings and training sessions, contributing ideas for program improvement and operational efficiency.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced proficiency in ice skating, with the ability to clearly demonstrate a wide range of skills from basic to complex.
In-depth knowledge of and ability to teach according to a structured curriculum (e.g., Learn to Skate USA, ISI, Skate Canada).
Current First Aid and CPR/AED certifications are mandatory.
Expertise in fitting rental skates and knowledge of different skate types, blade sharpening, and general equipment maintenance.
Ability to choreograph basic routines and programs for shows or competitions.
Membership or certification with a recognized governing body, such as U.S. Figure Skating (USFSA) or the Professional Skaters Association (PSA), is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

Exceptional verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex movements simply and clearly.
Unwavering patience and a calm demeanor, especially when working with young children, anxious beginners, or large groups.
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Strong leadership and class management abilities to control the flow of a lesson and maintain a safe on-ice environment.
An energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate personality that inspires and motivates students.
Superior customer service orientation and a friendly, approachable manner.
High degree of adaptability to adjust lesson plans on the fly based on group needs and energy levels.
Excellent time management and organizational skills to handle lesson schedules, administrative tasks, and communications efficiently.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.
Must hold or be willing to obtain required safety and coaching certifications.

Preferred Education:

Some college coursework or an Associate's/Bachelor's degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Kinesiology or Exercise Science
Physical Education or Early Childhood Education
Sports Management or Recreation

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3+ years of experience in coaching or instructing ice skating.
Alternatively, 5+ years of a strong competitive background in figure skating or hockey.

Preferred:

Demonstrable experience teaching the Learn to Skate USA curriculum to various age groups.
Experience coaching both group classes and private lessons.
Prior involvement in planning and executing ice shows or skating camps.
A proven track record of student retention and program growth.