USARS Star Skating Program

Instructions

The Star Program Record Book is designed to help chart your progress in the Roller Fun Basic Skills Star Program. Each level of the program consists of several lessons. During each lesson, you will learn one or more of the skills in that level. You will be tested on those skills at the end of each level.

You will note that there is a * symbol next to each of the skills listed further back in this book. This is what you do:

.I. Take this book with you to the skating center, being sure to keep it in your skate bag until the lesson is over. Do not take it onto the skating floor. During the lesson, the coach will demonstrate the various skills

and allow time for you to practice. When both you and your coach feel that you are ready, you will be asked to demonstrate each skill in that

level that you have learned. At the appropriate time, your coach will stamp the star next to each skill you have passed-

.2. Passing all of the skills in a particular level means you are eligible to receive the appropriate USAC/RS patch. When your coach is ready he or she will sign at the bottom of the page for that level, putting the date the level was passed next to the line marked' 'test completed.

.3. Congratulations on having passed! You may now advance to the next level. Be sure to share the excitement with your friends or parents by taking your book and any patches you have earned home with you. After earning all five patches you are ready to join a USAC/RS member club. You are also eligible to be a member of the official USAC/RS Star Club

Getting Started

Roller skating is a great way to have fun while doing something that is good for you. Age is not a factor -skating is a great sport for everyone and it is never too late to learn! Skating is good exercise; it helps build muscles, stimulates your heart, and improves coordination and balance. Combined with a healthy diet, skating can be an important part of your fitness plan. In addition to the health aspects of the sport, skating is just plain fun. Come on, round up your family members, call your friends and let's head for the skating center.

What Will I Need?

Whether skating indoors or outdoors you must wear appropriate clothing. Comfort and ability to move freely are very important. Jeans or tight pants can be restrictive. We suggest pants that are close fitting but not too tight. Sweat pants or warm-up pants are ideal if you don't have skating attire.

Your feet will feel best if you wear one pair of lightweight socks or tights. Bulky or thick socks may limit the support provided by the boot and may also create "lumps and bumps" inside your boot.

Safety helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads are becoming more popular for outdoor skating for beginning skaters as well as advanced skaters. If you are interested in obtaining information about safety equipment contact your local skating center or sporting goods store.

What About Skates?

The boot should provide a snug fit. It should be made of a firm material, preferably top grain leather, to help support the ankle. Make sure tile eyelets are firmly anchored. If the boot is too big it will not provide the necessary support or give you sufficient control over your skates. If the boot is too small you may experience a great deal of discomfort. Proper fit is essential to success in skating! The plate should be of lightweight material, mounted correctly, with proper wheels and bearings so that you may execute the necessary roll and edges.

New, Used or Rentals?

It is not always necessary to buy new skates. If you know what to look for, used skates can be a great bargain. Some skating centers and/or skating clubs hold periodic skate swaps; check the "for sale" bulletin board at the skating center. If you're unsure as to the condition of a pair of skates ask your skating coach for tips. When purchasing used equipment, look for clean, firm leather

boots; fully lined. Check to see that the inner lining is not ripped and that the plate is securely fastened to the boot. For further information concerning the condition of the roller skates check with your local skating center.

If you decide to buy new skates ask your instructor or check with your skating center's skate shop for the name of the skate that will work best for you. Most skating centers carry beginner skates that are best suited for roller skating. As you become more advanced you may wish to check out specialty skating equipment. But when you are just starting out that is not necessary. For the purpose of these lessons, rental skates will be fine if you choose not to invest in your own skates.

Proper Lacing

Loosen the laces, pull the tongue toward you and insert your foot into the boot. A good fit will allow you to insert a finger in the back of your boot before lacing. Center the boot tongue and pull it up. Then tighten the laces through the eyelets so that they are snug (no slack) but not too tight. To insure proper support for the ankles, the tightest point of lacing should be at the instep. When you reach the top eyelet, tie a secure bow. If the laces are too long wrap them around the boot once and then tie a bow in front. Don't let the ends drag on the floor.