In-line skating's simple equation: safety + common sense = fun.

Much has been written recently about the potential and estimated dangers of in-line skating. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) predicted that 83,000 skating-related emergency room cases would occur this year--double last year's figure. CPSC was quick to point out that, in general, the user's carelessness, not the skates, was the cause of injury.

Just How Dangerous?

A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) compared in-line skating injuries with those of traditional roller skates (a two-by-two wheel configuration, referred to the in the industry as quad skates) and skateboarding. Regarding in-line injuries, the study found that "the median age for in-line injury was 15....sixty-three percent of injured in-line skaters had a musculoskeletal injury, including 37% with a wrist injury, of which two-thirds were fractures and/or dislocations. Five percent of all injured in-line skaters had head injury and 3.5% of in-line skaters required hospitalization." (Jama, June 15,1994,271:1856-1868)

The study also found that for every in-line skating injury, there were approximately 3.3 traditional roller skating injuries and 1.2 skateboarding injuries. The authors concluded that in-line skating is a safer recreational pursuit than the other two activities.

That in-line skating is safer than biking is supported by a New York Times article that says there were 600,000 reported bicycle injuries resulting in more than 900 deaths in 1993 alone. In contrast, there were only two fatalities documented as a result of in-line skating.

These figures are not presented to minimize the potential dangers of in-line skating, but they do put the relative dangers into proper perspective. In-line skating is a relatively safe and enjoyable activity compared with other, more common recreational pursuits. And, more important, the number of in-line injuries can be reduced substantially if proper safety techniques and common sense are used.

Why injuries Occur

The rise of in-line skating injuries, for the most part, can be explained by the number of new participants. In 1993, there were about 12.6 million in-line skaters in the U.S., of which 44% were first-year skaters. This means that approximately 5.5 million new skaters were out testing their wheels. (Based on CPSC'S prediction of 83,000 emergency room injuries, this amounts to less than 1% of all in-line participants.)

Novice in-line skaters often are injured due to a combination of factors. These include:

* lack 6f basic training by a certified instructor

* not using recommended safety equipment

* improperly sharing trails and roads with other recreational activists such as bicyclists, joggers, walkers, etc.

* improperly fitted equipment.

If these basic, common sense areas were addressed, most injuries would be minimal; and the in-line skating panic would subside. Proper education and safety training for novice skaters in these four areas could greatly improve future injury statistics.

* Instruction. If all new skaters had an instruction course on the rudiments of safe in-line skating, the risk of injury would be reduced significantly. Better educated skaters on the trails and roads mean safer skating for everyone.

* Equipment. Novice skaters must accept the fact that to skate is to fall down. By using the proper safety equipment, a skater can reduce his or her chances of fall-related injuries. Proper wrist protection can eliminate almost all wrist injuries; and wrist guards retail for less than $30. Use of knee pads, also under $30, not only could reduce knee injuries but also eliminate most head-over-heels falls.

Head injuries could be reduced greatly by the use of a helmet. This is the most important piece of safety equipment for the skater. Increasingly, municipalities across the country are adopting rules requiring bicycle helmets for youth of certain ages. The same stipulation likely will be made for in-line skaters as the benefits receive more publicity.

* Sharing Trails and Roads. Park and recreation agencies should take active responsibility to teach safety on their trails. All recreational participants, from cyclists and joggers to skaters, should learn and follow the rules of the road. A minimal starting point should be to convene representatives from running, walking, biking, and in-line skating groups to educate all trail-users and decide on the best way to accommodate everyone fairly.

* Proper Equipment Fitting. It often is tempting for parents to buy expensive equipment a few sizes bigger for their kids to grow into. This cannot be done with in-line skates. A proper fit is an essential part of balance and safety.

In-Line Skating Associations and Organizations

There are many in-line organizations and associations to advance this recreational pursuit and promote safety. Their members are enthusiasts who all agree that safety is the primary concern.

The International In-Line Skating Association (IISA), based in Atlanta, Georgia, and formed in 1991, undertakes many activities to advance the sport and encourage safety. Led by Executive Director Henry Zuver, IISA promotes a campaign called, "Skate Smart," which has published the 10 IISA Rules of the Road (see Figure 1) providing the basic formula for in-line safety. It also recruits and certifies skating instructors. Currently, there are more than 800 certified instructors, but the list is growing rapidly. (See Resources for information about finding instructors in your area.) Having a certified individual to teach the basics of starting, stopping, equipment, fitting, sharing the road, and other tips and rules is the best prescription for injury reduction. IISA also has been instrumental in developing model trail-sharing programs in major cities across the country.

The growth of in-line skating also has brought sub-segments of the craze to the forefront. The National In-Line Hockey Association (NIHA), based in Miami, Florida, and founded in 1993, is devoted to advancing amateur in-line hockey throughout North America. In 1992, an estimated 1.5 million people played in-line hockey. According to estimates by Rollerblade, the country's largest in-line skate manufacturer, up to 7.5 million people will play in-line hockey by 1996.

NIHA, led by President Joe Mireault, aggressively promotes safety in all of their activities. NIHA certifies referees for games and works with the National Youth Sport Coaches Association to certify in-line coaches. While various surfaces can be used to play in-line hockey, there are a number of required rules and regulations that all NIHA members must follow to ensure safety. These include: no body checking, no fighting, and no off-sides. In addition, all participants under the age of 18 must wear head protection, face protection, mouth guard, elbow pads, hockey gloves, knee and shin pads, and--for male players--an athletic supporter with protective cup. For players over the age of 18, the same rules apply, except that face shields/guards are optional.

Park and Recreation's Role

As outlined previously, if in-line skating participants use the proper equipment, take a brief "beginner's course," and use good judgment, injuries would be minimal. Unfortunately, many will refuse to follow these common sense suggestions. As stewards of all recreators in the community, park and recreation agencies should take the lead in helping to ensure safety for one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the country.

By finding certified instructors to help teach those in the community how to skate, setting minimal standards for use in park and trail facilities, and pushing for youth helmet requirements, park and recreation agencies can be on the front lines of in-line skating advocacy. Park and recreation officials also can enable in-line skaters to enjoy the beauty and comfort of parks, while skating safely.

With cooperation from the industry, park and recreation agencies, and the skaters themselves, these actions will add up to a simple equation: Safety Common Sense = Fun.

DID YOU KNOW?

* One-half of all in-line skaters are women?

* Thirty-seven percent of in-line skaters have a household income of more than $50,000 and skate an average of 26 days per year?

* Among the 48 Continental states, Minnesota and Rhode Island registered highest in-line skating participation rates? (Source: IISA Facts Sheet)

FIGURE 1. THE IISA RULES OF THE ROAD

1. Wear safety equipment: wrist guards, knee and elbow pads, and a helmet. 2. Stay alert and be courteous at all times. 3. Control your speed. 4. Skate on the right side of paths, trails, and sidewalks. 5. Overtake other pedestrians, cyclists, and skaters on the left. Use extra caution and announce your intentions by saying, "Passing on your left." Pass only when it is safe and when there is enough room for both of you to be at the full extension of your stride. 6. Be aware of changes in trail conditions due to traffic, weather conditions, and hazards such as water, potholes, or storm debris. When in doubt, slow down. Do not skate on wet or oily surfaces. 7. Obey all traffic regulations. When on skates, you have the same obligations as a moving vehicle. 8. Stay out of areas with heavy automobile traffic. 9. Always yield for pedestrians. 10. Before using any trail, achieve a basic skating level, including the ability to turn, control speed, brake on downhills, and recognize and avoid skating obstacles.

Q AND A

Question: How many in-line skaters use New York City's Central Park on a typical summer weekend?

Answer: It is estimated that up to 20,000 in-line skaters skate in Central Park on a good weekend. (Source: The New York Times, Tuesday, June 1, 1994)

Resources--Where to Turn

International In-Line Skating Association (IISA) P.O. Box 15482 Atlanta, GA 30333 404/728-9707

National In-Line Hockey Association (NIHA) 999 Brickell Avenue, 9th Floor Miami, FL 33131 800/358-6442

For a certified instructor in your area, contact: Pam Earle, CLP NRPA Regional Director NRPA Pacific Service Center 350 South 333rd Street, 103 Federal Way, WA 98003 206/661-2265