Talk:USA Roller Sports

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[edit] 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.