Coaching in Australia

Some general information

At present there are 18 ice arenas in this country from Olympic size to several small studio rinks with plans for new constructions in the next three years. 
With the exception of one co-operative rink all are owned by private individuals or companies – none are owned or operated by skating clubs. Most managers are non-skaters and are responsible for the hiring of staff. Many rinks charge coaches for the use of teaching ice – this can be as high as $140 per week in some cases. 
Training times are scheduled around school and general public sessions and most have early morning and some early evening sessions allocated for coaching. 
Currently we have 140 coaches accredited and registered with the Australian Coaching Council (ACC). Several have teaching as their primary occupation however the majority work part time. Presently in addition to our Australian teachers we have staff from South Africa, China, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, America, Canada, Britain and many Russians.

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Coaches are encouraged to join the Australian Professional Skaters’ Association (APSA) as we are able to provide insurance cover (which is obligatory in most rinks) at a very reasonable cost. We also conduct Accreditation seminars and workshops. Our website shows we are an active association. 

To join APSA we require:- 

1) A letter of reference, similar to that required when applying for a passport. 

2) A letter from a rink or club, verifying the standard and length of tenure relating to coaching. 

3) A letter from the governing body of whichever country confirming the above. 

It is current policy of the ACC to require all coaches to sign an agreement to abide by the Code of Ethics/Behaviour as set down by each individual sport and also to declare any police record. 
NB. A 'working with children check' must be done before you can be accepted as a member of APSA.

List of rinks, managers names and contact numbers. Click here