Talk:USA Roller Sports

RSROA and USARSA history missing
Where the article mentioned the merger of the RSROA and the USARSA, what it didn't mention was the history of these two organizations, and what led to their original split.

There were stylistic and political differences between the two organizations; RSROA dance skaters seemed rigid and unexpressive to ARSA skaters, while ARSA skaters seemed imprecise and wild to RSROA skaters.

Technically speaking, RSROA skaters weren't really in the RSROA, but in the USFARS (U S Federation of Amateur Roller Skaters). The RSROA was an organization of rink operators, and the teachers belonged to its sidekick SRSTA (Society of Roller Skating Teachers of America). Until the Bowerman/Prefontaine vs AAU case, an American athlete could not belong to a professional organization and still be eligible for amateur competition.

The ARSA contended that RSROA skaters were in fact professionals by association with the RSROA. On the other hand, the USFARS practiced rigid adherence to AAU rules; if you had ever been seen on television with a pair of skates on, or skated as an unpaid floor guard, you were disqualified from competing in RSROA competition. (This last rule relaxed a bit in 1967).

There were other items of interest and controversy in this split, notably rabid homophobia on the RSROA side and some amazing skaters on the ARSA side who were known to be homosexual. It is said that before the split, a skater who deserved a championship was denied it because of that.

Presumably, during the heyday of art roller skating in the 50's and 60's this split between the two sides prevented roller sports from being considered for Olympic competition. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.82.9.83 (talk) 23:27, 2 September 2006 (UTC)


 * That's some interesting material. Got any cites? Otherwise it really doesn't have a place on Wikipedia. TimBRoy (talk) 23:16, 8 July 2009 (UTC)
 * P.S.: It's good manners to sign your posts.


 * Note, that while the above does offer a very good and credible explanation of the split of the two associations, it does lack the details that one should have to fully understand what took place. To learn more, there is an excellent book: Titan and Heroes of American Roller Skating, by George Pickard - who was there. This book not only offers a detailed understanding of the "split" it includes a detailed biography on the key players of both associations. Follow this link http://www.usarsarollerskaters.org/about.html for a brief understanding of the split. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 174.50.133.84 (talk) 01:57, 27 May 2014 (UTC)

Fun sport
Im Chance Moyer and i have speed skate for over 3 years my rank in speed skating is freshmen. What i think about speed skating is that its a fun sport and should no be used for betting or gambling. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Mrmoyer (talk • contribs) 11:27, 1 August 2009 (UTC)

USARS vs. WFTDA Controversy Missing
There is significant tension between USARS and WFTDA when it comes to roller derby: USARS claims some level of "jurisdiction" over roller sports and has Olympic aspirations for their flavor of roller derby, while WFTDA focuses on being a democratic organization made up of member leagues that focus specifically on roller derby. These tensions have existed for several years between the organizations with occasional flare-ups, and should be considered as notable as anything in roller derby. cmh (talk) 08:49, 19 July 2014 (UTC)