Inline
Skating Newsletter Article Inline
Skating Newsletter Article
Have you ever considered becoming an in-line instructor? If you get along well with all types of people and enjoy showing others what you've learned on skates, you are an ideal candidate to become a certified inline skating instructor. The International Inline Skating Association's Inline Certification Program teaches a standard instruction methodology that is used world wide.
Now, more than ever, there is a real need for competent people properly trained to teach basic in-line skills and safety. Retail shops and recreation departments are beginning to recognize how important safety and education are for new skaters. The IISA has been running the ICP since 1992, and its ICP web page refers callers to the nearest instructor in their area.
ICP Level I is a certification for teaching beginner skills, while Level II certifies the teaching of intermediates. Instructor candidates must successfully complete a training course and testing that involves a written exam, a practical teaching exam and a skating skills test.
At Level II, in addition to a learning how to teach a selection of intermediate skills, the candidate's overall professionalism, ability to offer troubleshooting tips, and industry knowledge are added to the test. A third Master level, open to both Level I and Level II instructors, certifies candidates for a specific skating discipline such as fitness or speedskating.
The programs are held over a three-day weekend in major metropolitan areas across the country and internationally. Advance registration is required. The certified instructor's annual liability insurance and ICP membership dues are $125.00 per year. A weekend certification clinic costs about $325 which covers these fees. Certified instructors participate in various activities each year (including teaching) to earn continuing education points for later renewal.
As for your own abilities, for the initial Level 1 certification, you must be proficient at and able to teach basic stroking and gliding, swizzles, simple turns, stopping with a heel brake and the T-stop, among other moves. You'll also have to demonstrate proficiency in backward skating, parallel and lunge turns, slaloms and crossovers, skills that are covered in the Level II certification.
For more information about what's expected of instructor candidates and the dates and locations of each year's certification sites, call 216-371-2977 or visit the ICP page at www.iisa.org/icp/.
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