Coaches

A good coach is always open to providing references that you can check, and is primarily interested in your improvement, so that if you feel you need to try another coach, they aren't going to be overly hurt or insulted.  Don't be afraid to have open and direct discussions about what you think you need, and what the coach thinks you need.  Find someone that will hold you accountable for your work so that your time and effort spent is more likely to lead to actual realized improvement.  Remember, FIT with the coach - finding the right combination of demeanor, knowledge, and teaching ability, is more important than price or pure instructor stength.