Clinic Etiquette

[davincisop]

There is a clinic going on at my rink tonight that can't hurt me to take and I'd be taking it with a friend of mine, however I don't know the etiquette involved, as in do I have to ask my coach permission to take the clinic or just take it. I think she will be there observing anyways because she will be watching coaching style and coaching tips and such, but I don't want to show up and her tell me I couldn't take the clinic. The guest coaches are not allowed to work on jump technique with us because they teach the litz technique, but they'll be working on power stroking and such.

[jjane45]

Hmmm interesting. I do remember coaches running private summer camps at our rink saying private coach's permission is required before signing up for the camp.

Would a clinic be viewed as semi-private or group lesson? I would treat this clinic like any group lesson, something nice to have a discussion about but does require private coach's permission.

[Skittl1321]

I would tell your coach you are planning on attending the clinic.
Not so much ask permission, more just inform.  If the coach has serious reservations about it, s/he could then ask you not to attend, and then give you reasons why.  If you "ask" it leaves a much bigger space for him/her to say no without a good reason.

I think, based on the "rules" of the skating world, it would be bad form to go to the clinic without your coach knowing.


What is the litz technique? I'm curious as to why guest coaches would be told they cannot work on jumps.

[Isk8NYC]

http://files.leagueathletics.com/Images/Club/2989/TomLitz_TriFold%5B1%5D.pdf

Doesn't explain much, but apparently Litz has a different technique that makes going from a Waltz jump to a double Axel very easy, or so the brochure says.

[davincisop]

I called my coach and left a message. I'm sure she will be fine with it since she's observing the clinic anyways, but you all are right, it's good to just let her know.   Plus it's a cool opportunity that can only help my skating. My friend and I will probably be the oldest ones there. Unfortunately this could mean a crowded public session afterwards.... eek!

And from what I understand of the litz technique, it's just a very different technique from what our coaches teach and our skating director would rather our tiny skaters not get confused being shown two different techniques and have them think one or another is wrong yada yada yada.  I think if the coach requests then the guest coach can critique the jumps, but they are not allowed to teach the jumps. I think they're not supposed to tackle spins either. They will be tackling choreography, artistry in motion, form, etc.

[AgnesNitt]

Just a note of humor from me. I told my coach I was going to Lake Placid for Adult Skate Week and he asked, "Why do you want to do that?"

I dunno, maybe he figures I could stay home and take lessons all week and save money.

[Skittl1321]

Your coach would be right. You would save a lot that way. But there are definetly advantages to clinics and adult.weeks.