Roller Skating

History

A Belgian named Joseph Merlin invented twowheeled roller skates in 1760. James Plimpton of the USA made the first 4-wheeled or quad skates in 1863. The skates had a pivot that enabled the skater to take curves just by bending a little to one side. They became such a hit that the first public skating rink opened in New York in 1866. Plimpton’s skates ruled the rinks for more than a hundred years.

‘Inline’ skates, actually an older design, have 2, 3, 4 or 5 wheels in a single line and a braking mechanism in the heel rather than in the toe as in quad skates.

The International Roller Sports Federation (FIRS) is the governing body for the sport and conducts international competitions.

Styles

The types of roller skating sports are inline speed skating, roller hockey and inline hockey, artistic skating, skateboarding, inline downhill and inline freestyle skating.

Rules

While roller hockey is played on quad skates, inline hockey uses inline skates.

In both each team consists of five players (including the goalkeeper). There are two 25minute halves in roller and two 20-minute halves in inline hockey.

The game is played on a dry rink made of wood or cement, with a net at either end.

The puck is made of plastic and is either hollow or filled with liquid.

Champions

The USA and Europe, and lately South America, have dominated the world roller skating championships. In India, Gujarat and Maharashtra have produced many stars who have taken part at the international level.

Did You Know?

Rollerblading is used synonymously with inline skating, especially in the US, but Rollerblade Inc is actually the name of the company that first popularized inline skates!