Coaching Change Protocol

Sibelius said:

Ok experienced skaters and skate parents, it's time for a change. For several reasons, some having to do with the coach and some external reshuffling, we need to consolidate to one coach. My skater has been with her MITF coach for 2 years now (ever since she failed her in ISI Gamma group lessons). She's gotten us through Pre-Juvenile (just last Monday) but we all feel it's time to consolidate with her jumps/spins coach, who also has great success with coaching her skaters' MITF.

So, what is the protocol for moving on? How much notice, weeks, a month? I know it will be hard to let her go, but it's unavoidable at this point. Right now our J/S coach has lesson availability (early mornings, so it probably won't be snapped up) but I'd like to get it done as quickly as possible.

Any advice appreciated.

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Ic3Rabbit said:

I'd give them a few weeks to month notice. That should be enough.

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VegMom said:

So... all the advice I've read says stuff like, 'talk to the coach you're dropping first and let them know you plan to change coaches...' BUT a word or warning: do not do this until/unless you have the other coach lined up and ready to go. You could drop a coach and then be left high and dry without a new coach. There are all kinds of reasons the new coach might not be willing to take you (your skater) on so just prepare for that possibility by talking to the new coach first and making sure they are willing and able to take on new skaters. THEN talk to the coach you're dropping and make a plan to transition. Also, pay all your bills first. Make sure there aren't any hard feelings due to late or missing payments by just paying everything before the switch.

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