The Gambler

The Gambler

Originally published Nov/Dec 2016 PS Magazine


In the last issue I wrote about the necessity of change. The editorial was written prior to PSA’s decision to withdraw from the potential merger with ISI. After the announcement was made that the merger was not moving forward, I had the opportunity to pull the editorial from the magazine. I decided against it. The point that I made was making was still valid – change is inevitable. So are challenges and opportunities. While it was an emotionally difficult decision to make, it was in the best interest of PSA. It also reminded me of the Kenny Rodgers song, “The Gambler”:


You've got to know when to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run


PSA folded the hand…we didn’t walk away or run. We are still at the table and hopefully the three organizations can still find a way to support one national learn to skate program. 


This is important as we need to rebuild the industry from the bottom up, not the other way around. Comparing Learn to Skate USA and ISI’s weSKATE shows that skill progressions are similar and both be successful when taught by properly trained instructors. That being said, there is no comparison between the management system, and the marketing and support materials of Learn to Skate USA. When I reviewed the new Learn to Skate USA program, it was obvious that U.S. Figure Skating and their partners spared no expense and capitalized on their considerable resources to deliver a first rate product. Learn to Skate USA is endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, U.S. Speedskating, Special Olympics, and the PSA. That is going to be tough to beat. 


There will, however, be numerous challenges and opportunities to overcome and capitalize on. The two biggest challenges will be overcoming a perceptual loss of ISI philosophy of participation and the stigma that ISI skaters are less than their U.S. Figure Skating counterparts. The reality is that U.S. Figure Skating has been developing and promoting recreational skating for many years. The Compete USA (formerly Basic Skills) competitions, National Showcase, Theatre on Ice, and Test Track events are several examples of U.S. Figure Skating events open to recreational skaters. Can ISI help U.S. Figure Skating improve those programs and events? A resounding yes! ISI was built upon the notion that skating can be rewarding for everyone. ISI encourages participation as a recreational sport for skaters of all ages and abilities. ISI Competitions also are team events. Skaters represent their rink or club and while a skater can win individual awards, they also gain points for their team towards an overall competition title. 


As for producing the best skaters, the very best U.S. figure skaters have come from both organizations. They all started somewhere. Personally, I don’t believe it’s about the system, but rather the skills of the skating director and the quality of instruction. 


The greatest opportunity is that itself…opportunity. Together we can achieve more and have the resources to make skating great again. If U.S. Figure Skating were able to adopt the best of what ISI could offer, along with their great resources and experience, I would say, “I’m all in.”



The Gambler lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC Songwriter: Don Schlitz