The following information was extracted from the unlinked files on the official USAC/RS Home Page - since it was not available to the Web user, this site will post it until such time as the information becomes available from USAC/RS
Most operators have found that a Junior Olympic program is an excellent way to begin acompetitive program. This program uses a developmental approach, offering skaters in their first three years of competitive skating the opportunity to improve their skills while competing against skaters of roughly equal skill and experience levels.
Often times getting a Junior Olympic club going is a simple matter of redefining an existing beginners or novice skating programs. And it doesn t take professional coaches to get the Junior Olympic club up and running.
Programs with an active class structure can often rely on existing teachers to take on the added responsibility of organizing and maintaining an artistic club. USAC/RS offers a wide variety of training materials for artistic coaches, such as instructional videos and technical manuals.
Not only does a Junior Olympic club give the skaters a chance to start from the beginning with basic moves and techniques, but they ll be competing against skaters of similar abilities. The resulting confidence encourages them to move even closer to a senior competitive program. And with three years of Junior Olympic eligibility to work with, these skaters will have plenty of time to contribute to the operation s financial security.
The Junior Olympic name itself can be a drawing card for the program. It s an approach to introducing competitive sports to young people that has built-in name recognition and which is in current use by a wide variety of sports throughout the country. It even implies a level of recognition on the par of world Olympic competition. Only USAC/RS has the right to use the Junior Olympic name for roller skating.
The Junior Olympic program also shares many of the benefits enjoyed by skaters in a senior USAC/RS program - such as insurance benefits and participation in sanctioned competitions. If not done initially, eventually it becomes necessary to merge the Junior Olympic club into a senior program. This gives more accomplished skaters an opportunity to continue in competitive skating long after their eligibility for the Junior Olympic program has expired. And in addition to regional and national championships, exceptional skaters have the opportunity to advance to international competition.
Except for the stipulations outlined in the USAC/RS General Rules book, the guidelines eachclub uses to move skaters into a senior program is largely handled at the club level. It basically depends on each individual skater s skill level and their willingness to advance to a senior program. It s good advice, however, to set a minimum limit in any Junior Olympic program.
Although classes are critical to the success of any operation, competitive artistic skating goes one step further by providing skaters with a reason to stay active with their host skating facility long after they exhausted their interest in the class structure.
To lay the groundwork for the club it s recommended that an organizational meeting be held with the coaches. Although it will ultimately be the operator s decision, coaches can provide some helpful recommendations in establishing club dues, practice fees, class schedule and class structure. It s also a good idea to set consistent times for activities such as private lessons, exhibitions and practices. Establish a schedule that will not only take advantage of facility down time, but which will also meet the needs of the intended customers. Pre-schoolers are pretty flexible during the week but school-age children generally need that time slot between the final bell and the first session. Adults can generally fit into later time slots but be aware of their individual needs as well. On weekends it s not unusual to fill every available time not being used for sessions.
Once the groundwork has been established it s important to promote the artistic program. Use posters and p.a. announcements to encourage session skaters to participate. Have coachesdemonstrate the various types of artistic skating at sessions. Also, have them keep an eye open for talented skaters and personally invite them to join the club.
A registration form should also be developed for the program. Not only can it be used to obtainsome basic biographical information on each applicant, but it can also be used to explain the sport of artistic skating and the benefits of the program. In addition, the form should list the various age divisions, schedules (to include practice times, classes, private lessons, etc.), any restrictions (such as facility rules), membership fees and anticipated expenses (include everything - don t leave any surprises that could sabotage the success of the program).
Each applicant should also provide their name, address, phone number, person to contact in case of emergencies (for minors, this would be the parent or guardian), some idea of the applicant s skating ability, t-shirt size, and any insurance coverage. Also include a space on the form for potential volunteers.
Each skater must also understand that they must register as amateurs with USAC/RS in order to be part of the club and the competitive structure. As registered USAC/RS amateurs, the club members are covered by a secondary insurance package.
The methods used by successful artistic clubs are almost as varied as the number of clubs. However, the one common thread is that there must be a solid foundation of beginners classes. From there, a program can move skaters into progressively more advanced classes, leading to a solid club that will secure for generations the host facility s place in the community.
Beginners classes can be something as simple as a basic 15 minute freebie before or after sessions that covers skills such as standing up and falling down. However, a more structured approach can teach the fundamental skills, allowing skaters to achieve more advanced techniques, such as backward and forward skating, scissors, crossover, step over, or shoot the duck.
Regardless of the approach used, be sure to make it easy for beginning skaters to get involved in the class structure. In time their skills and self-confidence will progress to the point where they will be demanding better skates, private lessons, and increased practice times. Pressure them too soon and they ll be packing their bags for some other recreational activity.
One way to inspire beginners is to hold club exhibitions. This is a great way of showing less experienced skaters what they can accomplish if they maintain their involvement in classes and private lessons.
When advancing skaters through the class structure be sure to define the skills that each skater must learn before graduation to the next level. This gives them measurable goals to reach and discourages favoritism by the coaches. It also helps assure that by the time the skaters reach the competitive ranks they have the broad base of experience that is necessary to reach regional and national recognition.
One of the best ways to introduce progressively more advanced levels of skating to beginners is through the USAC/RS Star Program. Many operators and coaches have discovered that the USAC/RS program works well for the session skater who wants to learn more about the sport but is not ready for the demands of structured lessons or competition.
Virtually anyone can earn any or all of the patches. The idea is to reinforce participation on the simplest level, and build a foundation for further learning. By far the most flexible of test programs, the USAC/RS Star Program allows coaches to design their own requirements for skaters to earn a Merit, One Star, Two Star, Three Star or Four Star patch. Skaters need not belong to USAC/RS to participate in this beginner s program. As with other test programs, the idea is to stimulate and reinforce participation.
The suggested program involves a series of eight weekly classes in which skaters learn three items per week. Divided into three groups, the skaters work for 20 minutes of each hour-long session on one of the three activities for the day. The group rotates until each skater has tried all three activities, which might include backward and forward skating, couple dancing, scissors, Glide Waltz, Progressive Tango, basic jump, shuttle skate, figure eight, slalom, criss-cross, step over, wide-spread eagle, race the track, shoot the duck, spin or ride the slate. Skaters are then tested and patches are awarded on the following basis: One Star rewards attempting basic skills; Two Star rewards learning basic skills; Three Star is for intermediate skaters; and Four Star is for the highest achievement.
The program encourages serious pursuit of the sport through classes and lessons. Club members can also set an example for session skaters as they progress through the tests.