Suzanne Schulting (NED) and Coach Jeroen den Otter (NED) during the 2021 ISU World Cup Short Track Speed Skating in Dordrecht, Netherlands. @Getty Images
The sustainable development of Skating is dependent on the number and quality of Coaches within the sport. They provide the specialist expertise to improve and maintain the performance of Skaters and they also motivate, inspire and develop individuals. The high quality of coaching integrity, passion and expertise is vital.
Sigurd Henriksen (NOR), Coach Edel Therese (NOR) competing during the 2023 ISU World Speed Skating Championships in Heerenveen, Netherlands. @Getty Images
In collaboration with the KNSB, the International Skating Union (ISU) has therefore created a “Coach Education Framework” for Speed Skating and Short Track Speed Skating to provide a standardized structure for the education of Coaches. This document serves as a reference and guide for ISU Members establishing a Coach education program, and thereby contributes to the recognition of coaching as a profession in Skating and enhances its prestige and value.
Coach Jac Orie (NED), Beau Snellink (NED) competing during the 2023 ISU European Allround Speed Skating Championships in Hamar, Norway @Getty Images
The ISU Coach Education Framework has been influenced by the ”Long Term Athlete Development” (LTAD) model of athlete development, which provides a useful scaffolding for the appropriate, staged progression of an athlete from initiation to full competition participation. Understanding and accommodating the individual needs and ambitions of the Skater is the focus of the program.
Coach Yan Li (CHN) speaks with Jinyu Li (CHN) while teammate Chunyu Qu (CHN) during the 2018 World Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Montreal, Quebec, Canada @ ISU
While technical and physiological knowledge is a prerequisite for Coaches in Skating, there is also a constant inter-personal relationship dimension, which may impact on performance and retention. Through educating Coaches, the ambition is to develop Skaters who are self-determined, and who are encouraged to think for themselves and to understand and contribute to their own development.
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Team Hungary's coach Jing Zhang (HUN) yells out instructions in the women's 1500 meter heats during the 2018 World Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Montreal, Quebec, Canada @ ISU
The Framework can be downloaded here and is also available on the Development page of the ISU website and on eRink, where related Coach education materials can be found as well.
While this Framework is focused on Speed Skating and Short Track, many aspects also apply for Figure Skating disciplines. A specific Coach Education Framework for Figure Skating is currently under review and will be published in due course.
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