Inline skating proficiency tests

Question
QUESTION: Dear Pat,
Hi! Wondering if you know where I can find information on testing in order to compete on inlines for competitons/regionals etc. I used to skate quads years ago and we never had to test, but now I hear you have to pass proficiency tests in order to compete.(Like on ice). If this is true, can you tell me where to find info on these tests and where I can take them? Thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Rhonda,
  Yes it's true that you must test before you can skate a Regional meet.  Only the newer skaters are required to test.  They use to call the division for newer skaters JO now they divided it up into these groups.

 "A"  For standard more experienced skaters
 "B"  Newer skaters
 "C"  Newer Youth skaters

Depending on your age and experience you may or may not have to test.   Here's the web site with all the info that you'll need.

http://www.rollerskating.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=197

If you have to test you'll find the requirements there for the event that you will skate.  Then if you scroll down to "requirement" you'll be able to see exactly what you'll have to test on.

If you're thinking of Regionals this year it may be a little to late to test or enter.  Our Illinois (Great Lakes Region) deadline for entry has already passed.

But I would contact your local roller rink and ask questions about lessons, when they hold test centers, what their coaches teach etc.  Before you test, I'm sure they will have you come in for some lessons to see if you're actually ready to test.  My guess is that most rink will not be testing until after Nationals but you could certainly go in and practice or take some lessons in the meantime to brush up.

Good Luck.....I'm sure that web site will give you all the information you need about testing.  Then all you have to do is find a rink that you like.  If you have more than one rink in you area, go visit them on a Saturday morning to just watch the coaches teach to see which one you would like to take lessons from.

If I can help any further, feel free to write again

Pat

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I will definitely need to test. Unfortunately, I am located in a "dead zone" (Upstate NY). In fact, I will be doing a lot of training at outdoor skate parks due to lack of rinks :(
Is it like ice where I can test at a rink as a "visitor"? (not a member of their club). I think the closest club is 2 hours away, and it is very small, I doubt they offer tests :(
Also, I know this is a dumb question, but I skated roller before inlines... For the competitons, are the inlines included in "regular" Regionals/local events etc. or do they have their own separate competitions? Also do they compete against the quads (same event) or in their own events just during the same competitons? Sorry for all the questions.

Answer
Hi Rhonda,
  How long have you skated on quads and have you ever competed?  What type of skating did you do on quads?   Artistic dance, freestyle, figures, creative solo?   This will help me better understand what level you're at.

  I have never seen a separate event for inline dance,figures or freestyle.   The only event that is specifically for inlines (to my knowledge) is Creative Solo.  I believe you can use inlines for any event but you just don't see it because they are not as versatile as quads.  They do have speed teams that are for quads and inlines if that's what you're talking about.  

  Yes you can test at any rink as a visitor as long as they do the kind of testing you need.

  I've done a little research on rinks that are allowed to test because they are RSA members and here's a list.  Perhaps one of the rink are fairly close to you.

First here's a web site with the complete manual for testing.

http://www.rollerskating.org/associations/2011/files/AchPgmBooklet12.11.07.pdf

Here is the person you would contact at RSA Headquarters should you have any question.  Her email address is:  

Sarah Crist<[email protected]>


Here's the list of rinks you can contact in NY.

Rainbow Roller Rink
101 Oliver Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
716-693-1100
Email Contact:  [email protected]

Skateland of Lockport
1109 Lincoln Avenue
Lockport, NY 14094
716-433-5605
Email Contact:  [email protected]
Website:  http://www.niagarafallsfamilyfun.com

Reva Rollerdrome
359 W Genesee St
Auburn, NY 13021
315-252-8225
Email Contact:  [email protected]

United Skates of America
1276 Hicksville Road
Seaford, NY 11783
516-795-5474
Email Contact:  [email protected]
Website:  http://www.unitedskates.com/seaford1

Coaches from my book:

Depew Skating Center  
Coach lives in North Tonowanda, NY

Evans Skateland
Coach lives in:  Lakewood NY

Wood'n Wheel
Coach lives in  Coxackie,NY & Port Ewen, NY

Rollarama Skating Center, Inc
Coach lives in:  Schenectady, NY & Delanson, NY

Be-Mar Associates, Inc Roller Skating
Coach lives in:  Honeoye Falls, NY

Spinner's Family Skate Center
Coach lives in:  Henrietta, NY

Rainbow Roller Rink
Coach lives in:  Amherst, NY


Please let me know why type of skating you plan on doing then I'll know a little more of which direction to help you with.

Have a good weekend and I'll wait to hear back from you

Pat