USA Roller Sports - FAQ#

Roller skating can be learned at virtually any age. Coaches and competitors often start teaching their own children to skate as early as 3 years of age. And, given the recognized health benefits attributable to skating, many skaters continue to skate well into their 70’s and 80’s.  

Competitive divisions similarly range from toddlers to 65+. At the annual National Championships, nearly 45% of the competitors are 25 years of age or older.

All USARS competitions are formally sanctioned by USARS, and are conducted according to specific guidelines and rules under the supervision of a qualified Meet Director.  Qualified judges are selected from a list of certified judges.  Skaters competing at a USARS sanctioned event must have a current USARS amateur (membership) card, and may belong to a USARS member club or skate as unaffiliated (or unattached). 

Skating divisions are generally defined by several factors, including age, skill level, and prior placement (i.e., finished in the top 3) in a division.  This ensures a skater is competing against others of similar age and skill level, and encourages accomplishment with the goal of moving up to the next level.  Events themselves are dependent upon the discipline.  Figure/artistic events include individual (singles) freestyle, pairs freestyle, team dance (set pattern and free), quartet, solo dance, creative solo, show team, and precision team.  Speed events include a variety of distances from 100m to 3000m for individuals, 2-person relay teams, and 4-person relay teams.  Distance is dependent on the age of the skaters. 

The benefits of roller skating run the gamut from health benefits to building life skills and simply having fun.

Roller skating provides aerobic, strength, and endurance benefits.  Research shows that roller skating can provide an aerobic workout similar to running that improves cardiovascular health.  Recreational skating also causes less stress to one’s joints than an activity like running.  And, skating’s low-impact quality also allows people with joint injuries or chronic joint problems to enjoy a fun and thorough workout.   

Roller skating helps build strength, especially in the muscles of the lower body.  The various leg-extension and rotation movements required for skating work the thigh, shin, hamstring, butt, and calf muscles.  Stronger muscles and better coordination work together to prevent injuries and keep you active and limber as you age.

In addition to increasing muscle strength, roller skating can help increase muscle endurance, according to GetRolling.com.  Adding a few uphill climbs to each skating session trains your muscles, along with your cardiovascular system, to use the body’s energy stores more efficiently.  This means you can skate longer distances without becoming exhausted.

A low impact, aerobic activity that can be as effective in burning calories and working the heart  as running, skating can be done indoors at a rink, with or without music, as well as outdoors in good weather.  States with an abundance of sunny days, such as Florida, California, New Mexico, Texas and Arizona, are particularly suited to outdoor roller skating. 

In addition to the health benefits, training to become a good competitive skater builds strong minds and teaches skills useful throughout one’s life.  Among these are self-confidence, goal setting, dedication, effective time management, mental endurance and focus, good memory/recall, cooperation, and teamwork. 

And, finally, whether you enjoy the camaraderie of belonging to a skating club, or simply enjoy rolling in the beautiful outdoors, or shuffle skating with your friends on a Saturday night at the local rink or at the beach … whether it’s inline skates or quads … skating is simply fun for everyone.