samflamont:

Testimonials are a joke because how many times would you go out and print an opinion of yourself that was negative.  Do not look for testimonials in brochures or in the office when you are looking for instructors or coaches.  Yeah it is nice to know what people think about someone but please understand testimonials that are printed have been solicited.  I thought about getting a bunch for my website but then I thought, why?  Do I need them to prove people I know like me, or do I need them to prove people who I call friends will write nice things about me?  No, I do not, and you should not select an instructor based on what their friends think about them.  If you want to know about an instructor simply ask if they will give your kid a trial session.  This session will probably be shorter and not as in depth as a normal lesson because the instructor does not want to give everything away.  Also, this trial should be used more for your kids sake, to find out if they are comfortable and if they understood what the instructor was trying to teach.  Any instructor worth a darn will give a 10-15 minute trial session because they believe in themselves and know it could turn into a client.  So instead of reading all the nice things their friends have to say, find out for yourself.  Do not be afraid to ask for free trial either, because if your kid likes the instructor chances are you will be making a decent sized investment with them.

All in all make sure your kid is comfortable, make sure the price is right, and ignore any opinion you read or hear while you are inside the facility.

Have fun, play hard, and think spring.