Sports association: Jackie Blyth from Skate Australia
Sports Resources > Interviews with the sports community > Sports association: Jackie Blyth from Skate Australia > Interview With Jackie Blyth, The SA Development Officer For Skate Australia
Interview with Jackie Blyth, the SA Development Officer for Skate Australia
Jackie Blyth, the South Australian Development Officer for Skate Australia talks to Sporting Central about the diversity of this exciting organisation.December, 2008
Q. Tell us a little about your sport
A. Basically anything on wheels, either quads or in line.
In Line Hockey
Inline hockey is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Players of all ability levels, children and adults of both sexes, are drawn to the game because it’s fast, it’s competitive and above all, it’s fun. Skating, passing, shooting and puck control are some of the key skills developed by the players; It’s like Ice Hockey on wheels.
It is an internationally played sport and Australia competes internationally in juniors, men’s & women’s competitions.
Skateboarding
Skateboarding Australia’s goal is to ‘deliver a stream of consistent, high quality competition events to the skateboarders of Australia, to encourage continual and ongoing participation’. We also provide a nationally recognised development program for Skateboarding, called ‘Streetwise’
‘Streetwise’ is a targeted national grassroots sports development program designed to offer kids from all walks of life the opportunity to become actively involved in freestyle sports in Australia. StreetWise provides opportunities for young Australian’s to get active, stay healthy and enjoy action sports such as skateboarding on a regular basis, in a safe and well managed environment.
Artistic Skating
Artistic skating has many facets including dance, figures, free skating, pairs and precision. It is a unique sport which can be as simple or challenging as you like! You can be a recreational skater or a world champion in one or many individual or team disciplines.
Speed
Speed skating is an extremely fast and exciting sport where skaters travel in excess of 60kph under the power of their own legs. It can take place outdoors (road) and indoors (track) where skaters can participate in various types of races, such as, time trials (against the clock), line honours (1st over the line) & points/elimination (most points win with last skater eliminated); something suitable for all.
Q. How many clubs, associations and members do you have?
A. There are 8 clubs in South Australia with approximately 350 members and many thousand recreation skaters.
• 3 In Line Hockey
• 2 Artistic
• 1 Artistic & Speed
• 2 Skateboarding
Q. Marketing is a big aspect of sport, what have been some successful initiatives by your sport?
A. Skate Australia, in conjunction with each of the disciplines has packaged 5 very successful development programs.
• Mighty Pucks
• Rising Stars
• Rink Rats
• Quick Kids
• Streetwise
Q. What are the biggest issues you are currently facing?
A. Our biggest issue is not getting the clubs to visit the site, nor to request Player Profiles. It’s the shortage of players willing to register and benefit from our service.
Q. What are some interesting facts about your sport that the general public may not be aware of?
A. Roller skating in all it’s disciplines is huge in Europe, America & Canada & in some countries it’s their number 1 or 2 sport. In Australia we have club members ranging from 5yrs up to veterans in both sexes, for those who wish to skate individually or bond with a partner or a team. We are truly a sport for all!
Q. What are the biggest issues/challenges your sport is currently facing?
A. Venue availability is the number 1 issue for all the skating disciplines. There is a misconstrued & unsubstantiated idea that skating (especially In Line Hockey) will ruin wooden floors, although numerous skating National Championships have been successfully held annually at one of Adelaide’s iconic basketball stadiums, The Home Dome.
Q. Where do you see your sport heading in the future?
A. Recreational skating is currently booming and if we can translate these numbers into club members, there is only one way skating can head, and that’s up.
Q. If anyone wants to join your sport, do you have any hints, tips or advice?
A. To join any of the Skate disciplines or simple try it out first before deciding, contact my office (08) 8353 7755 or skatesa@skateaustralia.org.au. If you’re worried about making a fool of yourself & want to test the waters, there are many skate friendly recreation centres around South Australia who offer social skating, skate discos/events & skate birthday parties.
Q. What event(s) does your sport have coming up in the near future?
A. Level 1 Coach Accreditation course for Skateboarders held at Salisbury North Skate park Sunday Jan 17th 2009
SbA Dew Series held at Adelaide City Skate Park Sat 21st Feb 2009
Speed National Championships held in Qld 12th – 18th Jan 2009
Thank you very much for your time. Visit www.skateaustralia.org.au
A. Recreational skating is currently booming and if we can translate these numbers into club members, there is only one way skating can head, and that’s up.
Q. If anyone wants to join your sport, do you have any hints, tips or advice?
A. To join any of the Skate disciplines or simple try it out first before deciding, contact my office (08) 8353 7755 or skatesa@skateaustralia.org.au. If you’re worried about making a fool of yourself & want to test the waters, there are many skate friendly recreation centres around South Australia who offer social skating, skate discos/events & skate birthday parties.
Q. What event(s) does your sport have coming up in the near future?
A. Level 1 Coach Accreditation course for Skateboarders held at Salisbury North Skate park Sunday Jan 17th 2009
SbA Dew Series held at Adelaide City Skate Park Sat 21st Feb 2009
Speed National Championships held in Qld 12th – 18th Jan 2009
Thank you very much for your time. Visit www.skateaustralia.org.au
If your club or business would like to participate in an interview and receive free promotion, contact me at info@sportingcentral.com.au.