Report Cards - How well are we doing? 

According to the Skate Canada CanSkate manual, report cards are an important communication tool between the coach and the parent/skater.  Report cards can be an effective communication tool if careful consideration is put into the comments section.  I would recommend avoiding only writing comments such as "great job keep up the good work" since it is very ambiguous and needs to be more specific.  It is more productive to state a skater's strength first, then follow it with an area for improvement - ensuring that it is written in a constructive way.  For example, you could write, "Cole is very brave on the ice and follows instructions well," then add, "he would benefit from practicing his stopping, remembering to bend and shave the ice"

Report cards are also an excellent opportunity to encourage skaters to continue skating in their current program or in a new program.  For example, "We hope to see Cole again in our spring CanSkate program to get started on the next level!"  Insert registration forms or website links in or on the report card for easy reference.   

Writing unique and meaningful report card comments takes effort but you will find the return rate on your investment of time is well worth it!

I was one of the lucky recipients who attended the CanSkate University in Winnipeg in May.   I love the new circuit system that has been implemented as it not only keeps the skaters moving but you can see them improving on a daily basis.  I have been using the circuit system for 2 years and the skaters as well as their parents love it. The circuit is easy to implement and adapt if necessary.  If you have never attended the CanSkate University I would highly recommend applying as you will learn so much from other coaches and the facilitator.  The different ideas alone are well worth the trip.