THE WELL-DRESSED INLINE SPEEDSKATER
REASONS WHY
Safety is
most important. Especially indoors, skaters spend much time in very
close, fast, contact, so what’s worn must be close fitting which will not catch
on other skaters. Nothing like exposed jewelry is allowed; it could cut or snag
someone else on impact. Skaters fall; another reason
exposed jewelry isn’t allowed is that it could tear into the person wearing it
as they slide across the floor after a fall.
Skaters want to be aerodynamic because overcoming wind resistance is a big part
of successful skating.
Skating is a family and spectator sport which encourages dress which will not
offend the people who make our sport possible. Therefore, derogatory
phrases and the like aren’t allowed. Rules, standards, and customs of the
host facility, such as skate rink, must also be complied with.
The following guidelines are similar to USARS Speed Rules 360-398 and indoor
speedskating as done at USARS-sanctioned meets. Other skating is similar,
although outdoor races are less restrictive because of less contact between
skaters.
CLOTHING
Many
skaters wear uniforms, or skinsuits. Uniforms can be purchased many places, and
virtually all are safe. But if you expect to wear a uniform in a national
championship, or in a meet to qualify to skate a national championship, check
with the national sanctioning group (USARS for
Skaters who don’t wear a uniform are appropriately dressed in clothing made for
other sports such as running or bicycling. Skating shorts are mid-length,
aerodynamically tight rather than floppy, but not obscenely tight or
short. Athletic ankle-length tights are also OK. For
tops, athletic tight tops are worn for national championships or
qualifying meets and by more experienced skaters; T shirts are sometimes worn
for practice and by beginners. Sleeveless tops, bare midriffs, and bikini
or French-cut shorts are all typically not allowed. Fashion statements,
controversial phrases and much advertising detract from skating itself, so are
inappropriate. Tops must be tucked inside pants.
ACCESSORIES
No exposed
jewelry is allowed. The only exception is a wedding ring, but even these are
dangerous, especially those with large stones, so covering
them is safest and sometimes required. Removing jewelry is safest, but
covering it with adhesive or duct tape is OK. Jewelry includes anything on a
finger, arm, wrist, leg, ankle, face, ear, hair, or neck. Rubber bracelets
aren’t OK, nor are hair bands worn on a wrist. If a neck chain is worn,
it must be covered by the uniform.
Wrist, knee, and elbow guards are OK; gloves are also OK.
A fastened helmet must be worn whenever on the skating floor or other race
course, and is always advisable whenever on skates. Most good bicycle
helmets are OK; to be sure check that the helmet complies with ANSI Z90.4,
SNELL Bicycle, or ASTM F-1477m or CPSC Bicycle Helmet standard, or the
comparable standard for your country.
Stickers or labels shouldn’t be added. Helmets must be tight; the
front of the helmet should be slightly above the eyebrows. Hair in the
front should be under the helmet (hair between the front of the helmet and the
skin would allow the helmet to slide back in case of impact). Helmets
must fit tightly; adjusting the position of a helmet when on the skating
surface usually means the helmet isn't properly fitted,
and a skater may be required to correct this before being allowed to continue
to skate.
Eyeglasses must have plastic, not glass lenses. Eyeglasses must be
secured by safety straps.
Hair may be tied using cloth, elastic, or soft plastic. If a bandana is
worn, it must be entirely under the helmet.
No attachments, such as good luck charms, may be worn on skates, uniform,
helmet, or elsewhere. Boot covers are OK. Pockets must be
empty. Headphones aren't allowed.
If ointment or cream is worn, it must be covered. (A fall which would rub cream
onto a skating floor could leave it too slippery for skate wheels to grip, a
problem that could be quite hard to clean.) Open wounds must be covered
securely enough that they will stay covered in case of collision with another
skater, or wall or floor. Medical appliances, such as casts, can be worn
only if they will not hurt another skater in case of collision, and only if the
basic condition, such as a broken arm, would be no more at risk than a normal
body part in case of collision.
The skater should have nothing in their mouth, especially not gum; nor are
skaters allowed to carry any food or drink onto an indoor skating floor.
EQUIPMENT
In the
For World championships and qualifying meets, wheels must not be larger than
100mm.
Any skate
boots and frames you buy are probably OK.
THE FINAL DECISION
Local
situations may cause variations in the preceding. Decisions regarding whether
what's worn is acceptable are made by the officials responsible for the skating
event. If in doubt, it's best to ask
your coach to check well before the race.