Do any of our users offer coaching services? I’m wondering if you ever receive offers to travel to tournaments with your students for coaching services, and if so, do you bill for those? Could you offer some sample prices?
I would assume you are asking regarding individual players. I have and do see coaches at team events, but they are usually school coaches and likely are already being paid a set amount as the school coach. I personally have never coached, and do not teach. From what little I know second hand a coach usually ask students for games from a tournament to go over looking to help the student improve. I have no idea about rates, but I would think it most natural (assuming we are not talking air travel is involved) that going to a tournament with a student would be the same as a regular lesson at regular rates.
Larry S. Cohen
Terry, I think it depends a lot on the individual situation. The amount I am paid for by the high school for coaching doesn’t really cover the time involved - I’m not doing that for for the money but for the kids, and there are certain limited events that I accepted I would attend by accepting the position. In that circumstance, it would be hard to charge more, it would likely run afoul of school rules.
If it were a private student, I would make a judgement call. For a first event, I’d probably invest my time, and the parents would appreciate the caring; for other specific educational opportunities I might come by for a portion of the event to ensure specific things were happening, and again, donate the effort.
If it were long travel or the parents really wanted me there and there was not specific educational purpose I had in mind (like students ease in a first tournament, etc.) I would discuss with the parents only (kids out of the room) the time, travel, value, what they can afford, and come to an accommodation. There are times with older students that we’ve done things via Skype, and with younger student just a couple of calls for encouragement.
I haven’t set a specific scale because the situations can vary so much.
Hope that helps.
I think one time, I had requests from some parents to go to Scholastic National events, and since I was also asked to be a tournament director, I did not “Double Dip” and only derived income from tournament directing. On one occasion, the parents did actually drive me to an event, and since they saved me on gas expenses and the tournament directing also gave me the hotel room, I had no expenses to speak of, so really no reason to charge the parents as well. The main thing is, we really do it for the kids.
Respectfully Submitted,
David A. Cole, USCF Life Member, Franklin, NJ