Issue link: http://pgaofcanada.uberflip.com/i/182277
CASE STUDY - MARIPOSA FIGURE SKATING CLUB www.skatemariposa.com OVERVIEW: Mariposa School of Skating is a training centre for all levels of figure skaters, from beginners to Olympians. Mariposa has produced world champions and Olympic medalists Brian Orser, Elvis Stojko and Jeff Buttle. Skaters from 26 countries have trained with Mariposa since they began in 1973. Mariposa incorporated in 1980 and moved 100% of their operations to Barrie, Ont., and currently operate out of Allandale Recreation Centre and Barrie Molson Centre in Barrie, Ontario 12 months of the year. COACHING STRUCTURE: There are 35 coaches on staff at Mariposa, with 10 being full time competitive coaches. Twenty-five are considered part time or specialists. Two of the part time/recreational coaches have other jobs outside of the figure skating industry. All but three of the 35 coaches work at Mariposa and at another skating club (typically in the evenings and/or weekends). The 10 full time competitive coaches are considered base coaches who drive the career of their skaters. They arrange specialty coaching as needed. On staff at Mariposa are specialty coaches in spins, stroking/edges/footwork, jumping harness, power skating, dartfish video analysis and choreography. All base coaches access the specialty coaches on a regular basis. 30 USE OF VOLUNTEERS: Adult volunteers are used for: • competition logistics (registering and organizing skaters) • judging at testing sessions and competitions • basic administrative functions of the club such as writing newsletters and fundraising • assisting with the Learn to Skate Programs (the skaters volunteer in this role) ADMINISTRATION: Two of the part time/recreational coaches are also administrators for Mariposa. They are in charge of registration, collecting fees, arranging boarding for out of town skaters and booking ice time with the City of Barrie. A third administrator is not a coach but is a volunteer evaluator/judge. All coaches are self employed and they bill skaters/clients directly with a portion going to the Mariposa Club. The administrators are paid by Mariposa. Most of the competitive coaches get invited to lead skating seminars at other facilities across Canada and around the world. Mariposa has an annual one-week seminar for out of town skaters. Most of the competitive coaches support and help coach at this annual seminar. HOW LTAD IMPACTS THE BUSINESS: LTAD is considered a great asset for skating at Mariposa. The club uses help from parents of their young athletes' progress and pathway. Using it in this fashion ensures the skater/ family continue to stay in the skating pathway as described in LTAD and the Mariposa Figure Skating Club. It has been the experience of the Mariposa coaches that the parents and athletes love the simple planned progression system that accounts for different rates of growth and development.