The Post Training Years

Skaters need not give up their involvement with the sport once they are finished competing, even if they do not intend to make figure skating a career. Adult skating can continue to provide enjoyment and challenge for many, many years to come. Former skaters make excellent volunteer judges, technical specialists, data experts and so on at the club, section or national level. It is not likely that a high-performance athlete would join the Adult skating stream but life-long interest in skating and/or other sports should be encouraged. Careers and activities within the skating community include: Administration- institutions such as Section, Provincial and National offices Show business- Involvement in shows doesn’t have to be just performing, skaters might own their own touring company or become involved as a sports agent. Coaching- It is a wonderful thing to work with children and see their love for skating grow with their skill. Full time coaching is a legitimate career choice but part-time involvement or involvement as a consultant or on a seminar basis can be rewarding as well. Owning/running a skating school. Music preparation Choreography- music and/or dance degree Marketing Fitness instruction/physio/dryland instruction Research- kinesiology etc. Costume design/manufacture Lecture/seminar tours Sports store/figure skating boutique, skate manufacture Business management- especially when owning skating schools Sports photography Broadcasting/journalism/colour commentary For skaters who have a firm career plan for their post athletic life whether in skating or not, coaches must support and encourage their athlete’s effort to continue their education while training and to work with them to set a schedule that will allow for both including adequate recovery time from both.