2024-25 Coach Recognition Awards
USOPC-Based Coaching Awards
U.S. Figure Skating Coach I .C.E. Awards
Nominees are selected based on their official c oaching record and specific USOPC eligibility criteria
Nominations are welcome from all Coach I.C.E. members.
Sports Science Coach of the Year Awards Choreographer of the Year Awards Prism Award 5 Under 35 Recognition Circle of Distinction Award Guide the Glide Award Impact Awards
Coach of the Year Award Developmental Coach of the Year Award
General criteria: All award nominees must be current members of U.S. Figure Skating and Coach I.C.E. and adhere to the U.S. Figure Skating Coaching Standards of Professionalism.
AWARD
DESCRIPTION
CRITERIA
Recognizes a coach who utilizes scientific techniques, technology, and/or equipment as an integral part of their coaching and engages in research, development and education in sports science and medicine as it relates to figure skating and coaching. * Derived from USOPC award criteria Awarded to a choreographer who demonstrates the skill of combining movement with music for programs on the ice for figure skating and who best exemplifies the dedication to artistic excellence. Awarded to a choreographer who demonstrates the skill of combining movement with music for programs on the ice for figure skating and who best exemplifies the dedication to artistic excellence.
Sport Science Coach of the Year
Works with athletes/teams in the qualifying competition pipeline. A ctively engaged in professional development and coach and/or athlete education. Recognized for choreography for singles or groups of two: Singles, Pairs, Ice Dance , Showcase (solo or duet), Solo Dance Nominations m ust be for a specific program(s) at a U.S. Figure Skating or an ISU sanctioned competition during the past season. Recognized for choreography for ensembles/teams of three or more: Synchronized Skating, Theater on Ice, and Showcase (ensemble) group show or exhibition number. Nominations m ust be for a specific program(s) at a U.S. Figure Skating event or an ISU sanctioned competition during the past season.
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Choreographer of the Year Category 1
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Choreographer of the Year Category 2
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Leader in a skating program, team, or group that has built and maintained a welcoming environment for all. OR
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Celebrates a coach or coaching team that promotes inclusion, diversity, and a positive culture by leading others to embrace differences.
Prism Award
A coach who actively encourages one or more programs, teams, athletes, or fellow coaches throughout the country by sharing their vision and support. Under 35 years of age as of 12/31/24 (DOB is 1989 or later) . Focused on coaching as a full - time career. Coach es athletes competing in the National Qualifying Series and/or synchronized sectionals. Actively participate s in coaching education. Includes three or more coaches with supportive roles. The team demonstrates collaboration , resulting in creative solution s or ideas that wouldn’t have been possible individually. Demonstrates a visible culture of collaboration that has impacted the success of their athletes/teams . There are tangible measures of success. Must be a director connected to a registered Learn to Skate USA, Aspire, and/or U.S. Figure Skating disciplines and programs. The program has high participation and retention rates (based on USFS and LTS official registration) . Program includes U.S. Figure Skating core certified and accredited coaches . Program includes a pathway from LTS to figure skating programs. Demonstrate pipeline success rate of LTS members moving to figure skating programs. Committed to promoting the professional development of their staff.
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Recognizes young, up - and - coming coaches who have demonstrated potential through innovation, early career achievements, and the ability to influence athletes with positive character traits.
5 Under 35
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Circle of Distinction
Recognizes a coaching team for exceptional performance in any program or discipline that has achieved success with multiple athletes/teams and that demonstrat es and promot es collaboration and cooperation in athlete - centered coaching .
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Guide the Glide
Recognizes a skating director/program director for exceptional work in growing and promoting comprehensive, well - rounded registered Learn to Skate USA, Aspire, and/or U.S. Figure Skating disciplines and programs .
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Impact Award for Excellence
Coaching Tenure •
Recognizes a coach that exemplifies the U.S. Figure Skating Value of Excellence through Education by modeling the pursuit of personal and professional development through education or engaging in education with fellow coaches, athletes, parents, clubs, etc. Excellence: “Highest standards in all endeavors.” Recognizes a coach that exemplifies the U.S. Figure Skating Value of Integrity by demonstrating ethical behavior, prioritizing athlete well - being, and promoting integrity in the sport. Integrity: “Honesty and openness in all we do.”
Must be a member of Coach I.C.E. and actively engage in their own education and professional development. • Must have actively coached figure skating for at least three years and coach one or more athletes participating in U.S. Figure Skating competitions and tests at any level . • Must demonstrate adherence to U.S. Figure Skating Coaching Standards of professionalism . Nominations must give specific example(s) of how the coach demonstrates integrity through three or more of the following: • Demonstrated success in developing skaters’ skills, technique, and artistry. • Evidence of skaters achieving personal bests, competition milestones, or progressing through competitive ranks. • A clear, athlete - centered coaching philosophy that fosters confidence, resilience, and a love for figure skating . • Introduction of innovative training methods, choreography, or technical advancements in figure skating . • Continuous pursuit of professional development through certifications, workshops, or seminars. • Engagement with the latest research and best practices in coaching and athletic training. • Encouraging athletes to succeed not just in skating but also in their academic, social, or professional lives. • Contributions to building character qualities, discipline, and life skills through coaching. Must be a member of Coach I.C.E. and actively engage in their own education and professional development. • Must have actively coached figure skating for at least three years and coach one or more athletes participating in U.S. Figure Skating competitions and tests at any level . • Must demonstrate adherence to U.S. Figure Skating Coaching Standards of professionalism . Nominations must give specific example(s) of how the coach demonstrates integrity through three or more of the following: • Demonstrates adherence to U.S. Figure Skating Coaching Standards of professionalism . • Encourages fair play, honesty, and sportsmanship among athletes. • Exhibits behaviors and attitudes that set an example for athletes and peers. • Communicates openly and honestly with athletes, parents, and colleagues. • Challenges unethical practices, including doping, rule manipulation, or misconduct. • Advocates for fair judging and transparent competition practices. • Shares knowledge and mentors other coaches to uphold integrity in the profession. Coaching Tenure •
Impact Award for Integrity
Impact Award for Respect
Coaching Tenure •
Recognizes a coach that exemplifies the U.S. Figure Skating Value of Respec t in their coaching and interactions . A coach who exemplifies respect in their interactions, teaching methods, and contributions to the sport. Respect: “We value each other’s voices, contributions and well-being” Recognizes a coach who exemplifies the U.S. Figure Skating Value of Resilience demonstrated in the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging experiences on and off the ice. Resilience: “We get up and adapt to challenges on and off the ice”
Must be a member of Coach I.C.E. and actively engage in their own education and professional development. • Must have actively coached figure skating for at least three years and coach one or more athletes participating in U.S. Figure Skating competitions and tests at any level . • Must demonstrate adherence to U.S. Figure Skating Coaching Standards of professionalism . Nominations must give specific example(s) of how the coach demonstrates respect through three or more of the following : • Prioritiz es the well - being, growth, and long - term success of their skaters while maintaining a safe and supportive training environment. • Cultivat es positive, respectful relationships with skaters, parents, peers, judges, and administrators. • Adher es to a high standard of fairness, integrity, and sportsmanship, both during practice and in competition. • Adherence to ethical coaching practices, including a commitment to safe sport standards. • Emphasis on holistic development, including physical, mental, and emotional well - being. • Shows zero tolerance for abuse, harassment, or harmful coaching behaviors. • Prioritizes the physical and mental well - being of skaters. Must be a member of Coach I.C.E. and actively engage in their own education and professional development. • Must have actively coached figure skating for at least three years and coach one or more athletes participating in U.S. Figure Skating competitions and tests at any level . • Must demonstrate adherence to U.S. Figure Skating Coaching Standards of professionalism . Nominations must give specific example(s) of how the coach demonstrates or teaches resilience through three or more of the following: • Has overcome significant challenges (personal, professional, or external) and s ustained their dedication to the sport despite setbacks such as injuries, limited resources, or unexpected obstacles while continuing to support and mentor athletes. • Advocating for the well - being and growth of athletes during difficult circumstances. • Maintaining a positive and motivating environment for skaters during times of adversity. • Developing creative solutions to address challenges, such as adapting training methods during external disruptions (e.g., pandemics or facility closures). • Acting as an inspiration to the skating community through their actions and attitude. • Contributions that extend beyond their immediate athletes, such as mentoring other coaches, volunteering, or fostering inclusivity in the sport. • Evident progress or success achieved with their athletes or program despite earlier challenges, showcasing their resilience in action. • Effective adaptation to new trends or changes in figure skating rules and scoring systems. Coaching Tenure •
Impact Award for Resilience
Impact Award for Community
Coaching Tenure •
Recognizes a coach or coaching team who exemplifies the U.S. Figure Skating Value of Community by building a strong positive coaching culture in their rink or club that exhibits the positive
Must be a member of Coach I.C.E. and actively engage in their own education and professional development. • Must have actively coached figure skating for at least three years and coach one or more athletes participating in U.S. Figure Skating competitions and tests at any level . • Must demonstrate adherence to U.S. Figure Skating Coaching Standards of professionalism . Nominations must give specific example(s) of how the coach contributes the to the community through three or more of the following : • Actively contributes to the figure skating community, fostering unity and collaboration. • Volunteers time or resources to support skating programs and initiatives. • Serves as a role model for other coaches and members of the skating community. • Demonstrates a willingness to mentor newer coaches, sharing knowledge and encouraging respect as a cornerstone of coaching. • Creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for training. • Demonstrated efforts to make figure skating accessible to underrepresented groups. • Evidence of fostering long - term relationships with athletes and their families. • Creating an inclusive environment where skaters of all backgrounds feel valued and supported. • Significant contributions to the local or broader figure skating community (e.g., mentoring other coaches, hosting workshops, or volunteering at events). • Leadership in advancing the sport, such as serving in organizational roles or advocating for positive change.
effects of coaching.
Community: “Nurturing connections through the skating community”
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