StarSkaters need a professional coach to oversee their development, testing, and to guide them through participating in local competitions.

The role of the coach is to give your skater the one-on-one attention that is necessary to teach specific disciplines of the sport. All Silver Blades coaches are certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) of the Coaching Association of Canada; however, their personal achievements and teaching experience vary, and not all coaches teach all the disciplines of figure skating.

Each coach will have their respective areas of expertise. If you can, it's a good idea to observe the coaches during a session. This will give you a sense of their techniques/methods and their rapport with skaters. Coaches are as unique as the individuals they teach. Involve your skater in the decision. Shortlist your choices to one or two coaches, and then meet with them individually to assess their style/philosophy and also to understand their rates. It is important to find the right combination of expertise and personality in order for your young skater to enjoy his or her instruction and to work cooperatively with the coach to achieve goals. There are also practical considerations, such as coach availability and rates, that will impact your decision.

Typically, coaches teach 15-minute lessons, but this could vary depending on the needs of particular skaters or the length of time available for private coaching on a session. The coach, parent and skater should determine the frequency of lessons per week. Lessons range from $14 - $20 for a 15-minute lesson and vary depending on the coaches’ qualifications and achievements. Some coaches offer semi-private or group lessons, a shared-cost arrangement that can help parents manage the price of coaching. It is important to acknowledge that the Silver Blades Board of Directors has no role in the private coaching arrangements or dealings between skaters, parents and coaches. This is a private matter between families and the coach of their choice.