Last month, we shared
with you how to implement the Learn to Skate Program that the RSA’s
Achievement Committee, headed by Deb Wahlig, created for members to use.
Since its creation, many have shared that their Learn to Skate classes are
overflowing with over 90 skaters in some rinks! President Cort Wahlig’s goal
has been to get a roller skating teacher in every single skating center in
the country because better skaters mean better customers. From what we are
hearing, you’re doing a great job of implementing this!
This month, I will
share with you the RSA’s Roller Skating Achievement Program, what it is, and
how to utilize it in your skating center to help create even better skaters
who can potentially attend regional and national competitions. By using this
program, you’re giving skaters goals and new skills.
The RSA’s Roller
Skating Achievement Tests, originally called the RSROA Proficiency Tests,
were established in 1956 to incentivize skaters to increase their roller
skating skills without the pressure of competition. The tests offer skaters
attainable goals. Winning a test award (a lapel pin for each specific level)
is something of which to be proud and encourages your skaters to advance
further in their roller skating skills.
There is a separate
sequence of tests for each of the nine categories that include: ·
American Team
Dance ·
International
Team Dance ·
Solo Dance
(includes American and International Style Dances) ·
Loop Figure
Skating ·
Circle Figure
Skating ·
Freestyle
Skating ·
Roller Hockey ·
Quad Speed
Skating ·
In-line Speed
Skating ·
Style Skating
Each sequence includes
beginning tests in which skaters earn bronze lapel pins, traditionally
referred to as “medals.” These skaters may then advance to the intermediate
tests, earning silver lapel pins, then on to the advanced tests, earning gold
lapel pins.
After all pins in a
series have been earned, the skater may take the final test for the large
gold medal in the category. The final gold medal in each category is an
Olympic-style medallion, engraved with the winner’s name, the year in which
the test was passed, and strung on a ribbon. A 14K gold medal is also
available for purchase by a skater who passes a gold medal achievement test
or any skater that has ever passed a gold medal achievement test. These
medals are finely crafted pieces of jewelry (about the size of a quarter)
that can be worn with pride by any skater.
How do I incorporate
the Achievement Program into my skating center? The first thing you
will need to do is download all of the materials that you will need to run
the program, which can be found under the SRSTA tab at www.rollerskating.com under the Achievement
tab. Here you will find the achievement program book
and all the forms you need when testing skaters. The book goes into detail
about all of the guidelines for the program. Second, you must
certify a coach with the SRSTA (the Society of Roller Skating Teachers of
America) portion of the RSA. This part can be particularly tricky because you
need to have someone who is either a former skater or knows the skills
required of an artistic, speed, or roller hockey skater. If you can’t find
someone who understands the dances or requirements, then you will need to have
a very motivated individual who can learn the moves and requirements of every
dance for each level.
For instance, what is
a Glide Waltz and all of the steps required of it; the beats per minute of
the song, the positions, patterns, and axis? The RSA offers the American
Style Test Dance Booklets in Bronze, Silver, and Gold for purchase from the
RSA’s online store to assist you in teaching artistic skating
requirements.
Each discipline has
its own branch: SCA (Speed Coach Association), RHCA (Roller Hockey Coach
Association), and ACA (Artistic Coach Association). Each coach will be
required to complete an application and a background check.
Once you have your
coach certified, you can begin marketing the program to your customers,
including those who recently completed the Learn to Skate Program. Keep in
mind this program can also be marketed to adults who want to progress through
the program and compete with other skaters.
Your rink and/or
coaches can charge whatever fee to their customers they choose. The coach and
rink receive $1 for every achievement test they administer, with a portion of
the fees for the tests submitted back to the RSA to cover the cost of
administering the program and for lapel pins or medals shipped to the
coach.
Who can take an
achievement test? These tests may be
taken by anyone without regard to their status as a recreational skater,
amateur skater, professional instructor, rink operator, or official. There
are no membership requirements or restrictions other than the fact that the
tests must be taken within an RSA member rink. Skaters don’t need to be a
member of any organization, and there are no age restrictions for taking
these tests.
Achievement tests may
be skated only at RSA member roller skating rinks unless advance written
permission is granted by the RSA Board of Directors. This means that your
skating rink is poised to be an official testing and training location. This
is something that skaters can’t get elsewhere!
How do I arrange for
skaters to take achievement tests? In most cases, the
tests are given at a specially organized test center. An event where skaters
who have been practicing their skills in the achievement program will take
their tests to earn their awards.
Your rink can
establish a time for the test center whenever you’d like. The person, called
the test center director, will make the necessary arrangements which include
scheduling the test, contacting and confirming the judges and officials,
preparing the test forms and applications (all are available on the RSA
Website under SRSTA), and sending them to the RSA within ten days of the test
center.
Skaters who want to
take a test will notify their rink’s roller skating teacher or coach,
complete an application, and pay the appropriate test fee for each test
skated. Each skater must receive a receipt from the test center director upon
completion. The test center director will send those forms and fees to the
RSA within ten days.
Skaters who have
successfully completed their tests will be awarded Achievement Test Pins. The
pins are sent to the care of the skater’s home rink, where they take their
classes or lessons. Should a skater fail a test, the fees are forfeited, and
they must wait at least 30 days before retaking the tests, with the exception
of Gold Medal tests. A skater who fails a Gold Medal test isn’t required to
wait 30 days to retake that test.
Can my skaters compete
in regional and national competitions? Yes! The American
Roller Sports organization lists events for regional and national
competitions for all skating disciplines at www.americanrollersports.com
under their events tab. Each discipline offers different age categories in
which a skater may participate. Whether they’re incredibly talented in their
sport or just getting started, these competitions encourage skaters to show
off their athletic skills and potentially earn awards. As a certified SRSTA
coach, one can register their individuals or teams.
What is the benefit of
the Achievement Program to your skating rink? The benefit of
utilizing this program is that you’re helping skaters improve their skills;
you’re showing other skaters what is possible when you’re coaching students
where customers can watch; you’re creating long-time customers who promote
the roller skating industry through their athletic skills. If it’s
encouraging roller skating and developing long-time, hard-working athletes
who help promote the industry, it’s worth it!
We hope you can
utilize this program to your benefit in your roller skating rink and are here
to help if needed. Should you have any questions about the program, we
encourage you to contact Sharon McMahon at membership@rollerskating.com or
317-347-2626 Ext. 108. |