📖 Glossary of Skating Terms
Comprehensive terminology reference for artistic roller skating
This glossary provides standardized definitions for technical terms used across all artistic roller skating disciplines: Dance, Figures, Freestyle, and Pairs.
Understanding proper terminology is essential for coaches, athletes, judges, and parents to communicate clearly about technique, scoring, and performance expectations.
📥 Download Complete Glossary
Full 19-page PDF reference with detailed definitions and explanations
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What's Included
🛼 Technical Elements
- Edges (Inside, Outside, Hooked, Forced)
- Turns (Bracket, Counter, Rocker, Three Turn, Mohawk, Choctaw)
- Jumps (Axel, Loop, Salchow, Toe Loop, Walley, Euler)
- Spins (Camel, Sit, Upright, Layover, Heel, Toe)
- Footwork (Chassé, Progressive, Cross Roll, Stroke)
💃 Dance Terminology
- Dance Positions (Waltz, Kilian, Tango, Foxtrot)
- Pattern Elements (Baseline, Lobe, Continuous Baseline)
- Timing Concepts (Beat, Accent, Bar, Tempo, Rhythm)
- Movement Quality (Flow, Glide, Interpretation)
- Partnership Terms (Leading, Following, Unity, Hold)
⭕ Figures Terminology
- Circle Elements (Center, Apex, Arc, Crown)
- Axis Terms (Long Axis, Short Axis, Transverse Axis)
- Tracing Concepts (Employed Foot, Free Foot, Closing Circle)
- Pattern Types (Paragraph Figure, Serpentine, Loop)
🏃 Freestyle & General Terms
- Body Positions (Arabesque, Arch, Spiral, Attitude)
- Performance Terms (Artistic Impression, Choreography, Interpretation)
- Technical Execution (Height, Rotation, Landing, Take-off)
- Skating Skills (Balance, Edge Quality, Flow, Posture)
📋 Competition & Judging Terms
- Scoring (Integer System, QOE, Technical Merit, Grade)
- Rules (Requirement, Qualification, Sanctioned)
- Officials (Judge, Referee, Technical Panel, Tabulator)
- Event Types (Championship, Contest, Competition)
Note on Terminology Standards: This glossary represents standardized terminology used in USA Roller Sports (USARS) competition and judging. While some terms may have variations in regional or international contexts, these definitions provide the official reference for American artistic roller skating.
How to Use This Glossary
- For Coaches: Reference when teaching technical elements to ensure consistent terminology with judging standards
- For Athletes: Study definitions to better understand feedback from coaches and judges
- For Judges: Review terminology to maintain consistency in technical panel discussions and scoring
- For Parents: Learn the language of the sport to better support your athlete's development
📘 Developed by the CARS Community
This resource reflects the collective expertise of coaches, judges, and athletes in Competitive Artistic Roller Sports.