Your Role
Parents are the backbone of every successful club
They fill many different roles, such as Member of the Club Executive, Session Monitor, Competition Worker, Test Day Worker and/or Supplier of food for the Judges, Carnival Convenor, Costume Sewer, Ticket Seller, Fund Raiser, and much, much more... and in the end Role Model for your Skater!
Parents should recognize that the Club is being run for the benefit of all Members, not just one group or their skater. The atmosphere in any Club is, to a great extent, set by the adults who are in attendance at the Club's Sessions, as well as by the skaters on the ice. In order to prosper, every Club needs skaters of all ages and levels. It is very much a UNITED WE STAND - DIVIDED WE FALL situation. Parents often forget this concept and try to influence Club decisions to the benefit of only their child. In many cases, individuals acting in this way do not realize that their actions are damaging the Club.
Parents should work for the Club. Skating Clubs are established and run by the parents of the skaters. In addition, we now have Skating Schools that are operated by coaches. Each and every parent has a responsibility too contribute to the operation of their skater's Club or School, in one way or another. Paying fees is not enough. There must be something you can do. Ask the Executive. Offer your services and describe your capabilities:
Accounting - financial or competitions
Engineering - stage construction, lighting, etc.
Writing - newsletters, programs, correspondence
Cooking - judges' meals, Club suppers
Sewing - costumes for Carnival or competitions
Management - Club Executive, Carnival Chairman
Parents should not criticize the performances of any skaters. Criticism of a skater's performance by casual comments in the stands, is inconsiderate and unproductive. Public criticism of one's own skater is unseemly and confidence breaking for the skater. Such criticism is often coupled with parental coaching from the stands. This is generally counter-productive to the professional teaching and training being paid for by the parent.
Parents should not attempt to discipline any skater on the ice. Most skaters are children who make mistakes, act up or get in the way. The coaches and the Executive are responsible for enforcing the rules. Report any significant problems to the Executive and let them resolve it. When parents becomE unnecessarily involved, animosities may be built that tend to damage the rapport within the Club and the friendly relationships between the skaters.
Parents are responsible for transporting the skaters to the arena and home. A skater who is late for a session causes delays in lessons and group practices, which may cause a coach or skater(s) to miss a lesson. Parents "pooling" transportation can make things easier for many.
Great Food for Thought!!