Figure Skating/Technical Specialist

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Expert: Dianne DeLeeuw - 9/1/2009


Question
I'm interested in being a certified technical specialist, but am not necessarily interested in coaching.  I'm not sure how to obtain this.  My daughter skates at the juvenile level competitively and I feel attaining this qualification would benefit my daughter, especially around understanding the ISJ system.

Answer
Hi,
This is something you cannot do unless you were a skater.  All the criteria is set forth on the US Figure Skating website.  Look for Technical Specialist info.  Only highly ranked skaters are accepted to train for this demanding position.  Then it takes alot of schooling and practice.  At the school most are weeded out because they cannot meet the demands and take the stress.  It is not as easy as it looks!
You can however become involved with judging.  Check it out on the website for qualifications etc.

Good luck,
Dianne

Figure Skating

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Dianne DeLeeuw

Expertise

I can answer questions about figure skating, choreography, ISI or USFSA. Also questions about competing (my Olympic experience or your own competition). I`m a National referre for ISI. Recently I also have been appointed a National Technical Specialist for US Figure Skating. But remember I am not your substitute for a coach! They can see what you are doing! To correct or instruct you on manuevers is really not what I want to do.

Experience

Experience: World Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist, coaching all levels of skaters at in California. I coach all levels and ages of skating from tiny tots to adults, first timers to International competitors. I also do choreography, music editing, teach specialty classes and give seminars.

Organizations: USFSA, ISI, PSA, Los Angeles Figure Skating Club

Publications: Recreational Ice Skater, The Edge

Awards: 1976 Olympic Silver Medalist, 1975 World Champion, 1976 European Champion, 6 time National Champion, US and Canadian Double Gold Medalist, 1999 ISI Great Skate Award, 2002 Woman of the Year

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