Private Lessons & Expectations Policy

 

At the Junior level, it is strongly recommended that skaters hire a private coach to support individual progress, especially if the skater wishes to pursue testing and/or competitive opportunities. While Skate Wheatley provides group instruction as part of regular programming, private coaching is separate, optional, and arranged directly between families and individual coaches. 

This policy applies to all skaters, parents/guardians, and coaches engaging in private lesson arrangements at Skate Wheatley, and aligns with the guidelines and ethical standards set by Skate Canada, Skate Ontario, and the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA).

Establishing a Private Coaching Arrangement

When hiring a private coach, you are entering an independent professional agreement with that coach.

• Skate Wheatley contracts coaches for group instruction; private lessons are a separate business relationship managed by the coach and family

• Communication about private lessons should be between the parent/guardian and the private coach directly

Finding a Private Coach

Parents/guardians may:

1. Contact coaches directly

• Use contact details found on the Skate Wheatley website, or

• Approach the coach at the rink only when they are not actively coaching

2. Contact the Head Coach

• Request help identifying coaches with availability or a suitable coaching style

Note: Coaches often work collaboratively. Your chosen base coach may suggest involving other coaches for specialized skills. This should be discussed directly with your base coach.

Role of the Base Coach

Each skater should have ONE base coach who:

• Acts as the primary contact for the skater’s skating plans, progress, and competitive/test opportunities

• Coordinates communication with the parent/guardian and other coaches on the skater’s coaching team

 

Topics to Discuss with Your Coach

Before starting lessons, families and coaches should clearly discuss:

• Lesson structure (length, frequency, purpose)

• Hourly rate of pay

• Extra fees (testing days, competitions, choreography, music editing, off-ice classes, etc.)

• Billing (how and when you’ll receive/pay invoices)

• Preferred communication method (email, phone, text)

• Process to add or remove a coach from the skater’s coaching team

Open Communication

Families and coaches must keep honest, professional, and respectful communication.

 

→ If concerns arise, parents/guardians should speak first to the base coach.

→ Likewise, coaches should communicate directly with parents/guardians if concerns arise.

 

Changing or Ending Private Coaching

If you decide to end lessons with your base coach:

1. Discuss your concerns directly with the coach.

2. Request a final invoice and ensure payment in full.

3. After closing the account, you may begin looking for a new base coach.

Commitment to Respect & Ethics

All private coaching must follow:

• Skate Canada Code of Ethics & Coaches’ Code of Conduct

• Skate Ontario policies

• Skate Wheatley’s Code of Conduct & Dispute Policy

Coaches, skaters, and parents/guardians must act with professionalism, fairness, inclusivity, and respect at all times.