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Roller Skating Etiquette

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Roller Skating is a fun activity for people of all ages and skill levels. Roller Skating Rinks work to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all people to have the best skating experience possible. As skaters, and patrons of those establishments, we have a responsibility to exhibit a character and conduct that is respectful and courteous to the rink business, the sport of skating, and to other skaters. Below is a guide for Roller Skating Etiquette-- it is not exhaustive-- as the most important take away is to use some common sense, respect, and treat others the way you want to be treated.


Follow All Rink Rules

Most Skating Rinks have rules posted for the safety of their patrons. When going to a new rink, or if you have never read it in your regularly attended rink, search out the rules and get to know them. Some Skating Rinks take a few minutes and read the rules over the loudspeaker/sound system-- out of respect, try to find a safe place to stop skating, be quiet, and listen to the rules/directions/regulations.

Rink rules are there for your safety-- and they are in place to help ensure everyone has an enjoyable time.

Respect the Skating Rink’s rules and regulations-- obey them (unless they go against the Bible of course).

Different skating rinks may have additional rules and regulations to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the rink you’re skating at and adhere to them accordingly. These rules may include restrictions on certain skating styles, skill-level limitations, age limitations, skate equipment regulations, or requirements for protective gear.

Skating Rinks typically employ Floor Guards to enforce the rules and maintain a safe skating environment. Floor Guards will often use whistles to get the attention of skaters in the event of an accident, a rule breaker, or for an issue that needs to be addressed.


Personal Skates and Equipment

Be sure to examine and do safety checks of your personal equipment if you bring it to the rink (check manufacturer recommendation). Be sure to check axle nuts (make sure your wheels are bolted on securely), toe stops, trucks, laces, and whatever else the manufacturer suggests.

Check all additional equipment, such as safety or protective gear. Make sure it is in good working order and will be able to be safely secured to your person without falling off and becoming a hazard in the skating area.

CHECK YOUR WHEELS if you have used your skates outdoors or at other locations! Check to make sure the wheels are reasonably clean-- not spotless, but no excessive dirt, grime, gum, tar, etc, that can cause an accident to yourself, impede your skating, damage the skating rink floor, or harm another skater. MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO ROCKS IN YOUR WHEELS (or caught up in other places of your skates, like the trucks of inline skates).


Follow and Respect The Flow Of Rink Traffic

DO NOT GO AGAINST THE FLOW! Most skating rinks have a set direction of skating-- which can go clockwise or counterclockwise. It is essential to skate in the same direction as everyone else. It is also important to follow the path or lanes established by markings on the floor. If there is a center circle, oval, rectangle, or other shapes on the skate floor, it is important to skate around those marks and not go through them (unless something would cause you to pass through, I.e. avoiding an object or person on the floor). Following the flow of traffic and staying in designated skate lanes/paths helps to avoid collisions, make skating for all present more comfortable, and helps skating rink personnel maintain safety.


Be Courteous and Yield To More Advanced Skaters

Beginners, or those skating at a slower pace (like some friends slowly and causally skating side-by-side talking), be courteous of those who are more skilled or faster skaters. Be aware of other skaters around you-- looking often around you.

If you’re a beginner or skating at a slower pace, be aware of faster skaters approaching from behind. Move to the side or into the center of the rink to allow them to pass safely. Avoid sudden stops or changes in direction that could potentially cause accidents.

Beginners usually find a safe lane along the wall.


Maintain Control

Maintaining control and skating consciously of other skaters is important for you and other skaters. Do not act in ways that put others in harm's way-- avoid reckless acts like excessively fast skating*, weaving in and out of other skaters, playing tag or horse-play, or performing tricks or moves that could endanger yourself or those around you-- there are times and places for that.

Make sure you know how to slow down and stop on skates properly-- and do so without affecting the flow of traffic on the skate floor.

* Many Rinks have a song or two that they use for a fast skate where those not able to do so leave the floor. That time is to let skaters who want to really pick up speed have at it. If you feel the need for speed, wait till those designated times-- and if the rink does not have those times, ask if they would use a song or two (at different times) to allow for a fast skate. But, be sure you can control yourself during those times-- balance, motion control, speed control, and stops.


Entering and Exiting the Skate Floor

When entering or exiting the skate floor, be cautious of other skaters and the flow of traffic on the skate floor. Don’t cut across the path of other skaters, do not cut off skaters, do not move slowly into the path of skaters that are in motion and have speed/momentum, and don’t go in the wrong direction.


Give Space

Keep a safe and comfortable distance between yourself and other skaters to prevent collisions or tripping others. Always be mindful of your surroundings, and try to anticipate the movements of other skaters. Do not cut in front of skaters, especially if they are skating faster, are nervous beginners, or performing specific moves/dances/figures.


If (when) You Fall-- get up quickly

If you happen to end up on the skate floor in a non-standing position, get up as soon as possible.

Do not lay around, or sit, on the floor after a fall-- get up quickly.

Tip- when you fall, do not put your hands down on the skate floor with your fingers spread, someone may run over them by accident. Make a fist if you need to help yourself off the floor.

How to get up: Roll over onto your hands (do not spread fingers out on the floor) and knees. Place one knee up and put both hands on that knee to push up into a standing tall position. Use your toe stop as necessary to get up.


Objects on the Skate Floor

Do not take loose objects on the Skate Floor, especially food or drinks. If objects fall on the floor it can be hazardous for you and other skaters. Cell phones*, electronics (cameras, musical devices, etc), hats, purses or bags, toys, food & drinks are not just a distraction from what is happening around you, they can cause serious injuries to skaters.

Don’t wear clothing or accessories that can easily become loose and fall off.

*Selfies can be fun, and are a great way to record and share your experience-- but please do it off the skate floor. When you are working on a cell phone, you are not paying attention to your surroundings. And, if you lose control of the phone, it is going to hit a hard floor and risk being run over-- worse yet, it could trip a skater and cause injury.


Do Not Carry Children While on Skates

Carrying a child while wearing skates can be very dangerous-- for both the child and the person carrying them. If you need help, seek out an employee or a spectator wearing shoes for help.


Police your Possessions

Skating Rinks are not responsible for your belongings-- so secure all coats, shoes, hats, phones, skate bags, and other personal belongings in a cubby/cubicle or securely locked in a coin-operated locker (if neither are available, try to place your stuff under seating, or leave as much as possible in your vehicle).

DO NOT leave your possessions in the middle of the floor in the path of skaters-- they can easily become a tripping hazard.


Be Respectful

Remember the Gold Rule-- treat others as you would want to be treated.

Treat others with respect and courtesy. Everyone is there to have a safe and enjoyable time.

Besides the “Sirs” and “Ma’ams”, saying things such as “excuse me” when passing by or cutting someone off, or apologizing appropriately if you accidentally bump or cause an accident with another skater.



Get out there and have some fun-- take a friend or family member too. With the guide above, you and your skating partners can have a great experience-- and provide a great, and safe, skating environment for all involved.


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