Behind every podium finish and record-breaking performance, there's a dedicated network of athletes, coaches, judges, and technical officials who make it all possible. The World Skate Academy is where these people sharpen their skills and the numbers for 2025 tell an impressive growth.
A Global Classroom
Over 1500 participants from five continents enrolled in Academy programs this year, spanning artistic skating, rink hockey, speed skating, and skateboarding. Delivered in English and Spanish, these courses are dynamic, interactive programs designed for real-world impact and sport excellence. It's about understanding the philosophy behind the rules, and connecting with people who share your passion from completely different parts of the world, to elevate the sport itself.
The Flagship Event: Artistic's International Seminar and Camp
December's International Seminar and Camp is the Academy's most comprehensive program.
This year, 966 participants converged for an intensive experience that blends education with hands-on practice. This live project is designed to give athletes the opportunity to train with top international coaches recognized as World Skate International Coaches. Coaches can also observe training sessions to learn new techniques and exercises.
The three-day seminar covers every aspect of artistic skating from both coaching and judging perspectives, and it's become the must-attend event for anyone interested about officiating at World Championships level.
Rink Hockey: Mastering the Critical Moments
Rink hockey referees face split-second decisions that can change the outcome of a match. The Referees course (January-March 2025) focused on exactly these pressure points—the controversial calls, the edge cases, the situations that test even experienced officials.
With 15 participants analyzing match scenarios and decision-making processes, the course demonstrates World Skate's commitment to supporting referees in one of the most demanding roles in sports.
Speed Skating: Learning on Your Schedule
The Speed Coaches course offers three progressive levels available 24/7. 82 coaches enrolled, 69 took exams for International Coach Certification.
For judges, the Judging Academy is mandatory every two years—ensuring that as rules evolve, officials worldwide stay at the same pace.73 judges participated this April, keeping their skills sharp and their knowledge current.
Skateboarding: Building Diversity
The World Skate Judging Certification Program 2025 is the first level for becoming a Skateboarding Judge.This year attracted 121 participants from 15 countries—75 in Street, 46 in Park. The progressive requirement that at least 3 of each federation's 10 nominees must be women is pushing the sport toward the diversity it needs.
This year, 15 different countries have nominated their judges, and every year we see growing interest in this program.
Why It Matters
When a coach in Argentina learns a new technique through the Academy, they bring it home. They share it with colleagues. Athletes improve. The sport grows stronger.
Multiply this by more than 1500 participants across dozens of countries, and you see the Academy's true impact: a global network where knowledge flows freely, standards remain high, and everyone who touches the sport is equipped to make it better.
The World Skate Academy it's building the foundation for sports on skating wheels future, one educated professional at a time.
Explore upcoming courses at www.worldskate.org/about/world-skate-academy