Mighty Pucks

Learn to Skate programs have been part of the rink/club environment for a number of years. In 1988 Mr. Eric Millett from Western Australia, a rink owner and executive member of Roller Sports Australia Inc. suggested that a National Learn to Skate Program be inaugurated so that a uniform Learn to Skate program could be implemented throughout Australia.

The Skate Australia Executive adopted the idea in principle in 1989 and in 1994, after discussions with coaches and rink operators; a Skater Achievement Program was completed. This program was introduced nationally through the Australian Roller Skating Industry Association (ARSIA). Since that date the program expanded in 1996 to include skate sports specific programs for Speed Skating, Artistic Skating, and Roller/Inline Hockey. In 2006 the old Skater Achiever Program for inline hockey was updated and replaced with the “Mighty Pucks Inline Hockey Program.”

Objectives & Goals

The goals and objectives of the “Mighty Pucks” Program is to:

To increase and enhance the participation in Inline Hockey
To develop opportunities and services in Inline Hockey for both the competitive and recreational market.
To establish a good working relationship with commercial rink operators.
To realise the social, health and economic benefits of participation in the sport of Inline Hockey and in recreational skating activities.
To provide coaches and clubs with an easily digestible and structured program that can be used to teach new inline hockey players of all ages.
To provide incentive and rewards for Inline Hockey Players as they participate and learn the game/skills.

In 2012, the program was revised to ensure that opportunities are provided to expand the membership base for beginner participants both on inline skates and traditional skates. The revised program also provides for the opportunity to include competitions in an environment that is based on learning rather than on winning. The revised Inline Hockey program includes the following structures and achievement levels:

Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum

About the Program

The duration of the program will depend on the skill and determination of the participant, and tests may be conducted at any time during the program to suit the individual needs and requirements of each participant.

It is however, recommended that all participants complete the test together depending on the availability of the venue and coach. It is usual for the beginner levels to take between 5 to 7 weeks, however participants may progress at a level that suits them. They may take longer or less time and their readiness to undergo a test should be assessed carefully by the coach to ensure that the emphasis is on fun and achievement rather than on winning. The basic Mighty Pucks duration per level will be 10 weeks.

Each test is designed to assess the participant on ability in order to progress to the next level of the program. However the approach should always focus on "Learning to Skate for Fitness and Fun".

While it is appropriate to expect a minimum standard in order to progress, the Mighty Pucks Inline Hockey Program is not designed to create unnecessary competitiveness especially amongst juniors. The assessment is therefore based on success and competency.

How to Access Mighty Pucks Resources

This program was originally developed to be available to Skate Australia affiliated members only.

In January 2020, the Skate Australia Board and the Inline Hockey Australia (ILHA) National Executive Committee (NEC) decided to make the resources available publicly and FREELY under the principles of Creative Commons (cc), to encourage the development of inline hockey everywhere.

Acknowledgements

Throughout the writing, design and production of this resource a number of people have played an
invaluable role in seeing the resource present itself today. With this in mind Skate Australia would
like to acknowledge the contributions of and extend their sincere appreciation to the following
people:

Gordon Young

Matt Helmers

Eric & Alma Millett

Victorino Rodrigues

Michael Hurley

Ron McColl

Alison Barber

Harold Hey

Margaret Clough

Dave Easter

Richard Ropchan

Julie Hawes & Chris Bell