Heya!

I'm about 6 weeks into my fresh meat program, and I'm having a few frustrations I wanted some advice about.

Yesterday, at practice, a skater whose been there since the beginning asked about a skating skill that we have been working on since day 1. She insisted she'd never heard of this very basic skill, so the coach took time away from the class to teach her about this skill.

The very same skater will talk EVERY time the coach explains a new drill. Practice yesterday was tense, the first time I've heard a coach call someone out for talking during her explainer.

She distracts others during drills, she isn't really a safe skater (can't really roll forward, holds up the entire class when doing drills, is not able to do 4 pt falls, or a lot of other basic skills) She's really negative, gives lots of excuses, and generally isn't very positive or happy to be there. And I'm at the point now where I feel her behaviors are starting to affect my learning, especially with her talking.

I'm guessing that the coaches know. After she got called in for not paying attention yesterday, I though perhaps things would get better. They did not.

I'm just a beginner skater. Rocking the boat isn't something I want to do. Assessments are in a couple weeks, and I'm guessing she won't pass, so dealing with her won't be a thing for very long. But what if she comes back to try the next fresh meat? What if she messes up this experience for other skaters?

Do y'all think I should notify the coaches about this in a group discussion? Or should I keep my mouth shut?

Also, a good four or five of us in the fresh meat program who feel this way. It's not just me.

Edit: I want to thank each of you who took a moment to share wise words with me. I appreciate your time!

I think I'm just going to wait it out til assessments are over to see if this skater moves on. The three other skaters who I've spoken to about unsafe skater who agree with me that she is a distraction may not, tho. And if they choose to address it, I will stick with the group.

Our head coach has made it clear that they will not pass folks who are unsafe. There are a handful of folks in the first half of fresh meat who didn't pass, and opted to take it again to build skills. Everyone in the class, and I mean everyone has their head in the game. They commit and focus, and honestly- I feel really lucky that unsafe skater is the biggest issue we're having, and that it's not something much worse.

In the meantime, I'm going to try and encourage her, instead of avoiding her. Perhaps that will help me feel less distracted, too.

💕💕💕