Roller Derby Requirements
Roller derby is quickly gaining national attention once again, but things have changed. The leagues are mostly skater owned and operated and the women all pay to play. None of the action is choreographed; this is a sport that takes time and effort to learn. The league is managed by WFTDA, Women’s Flat Track Derby Association and must follow all their rules and guidelines.
Who Plays Roller Derby?
They are a hard group to categorize. A team can consist of single women, mothers, college students, professionals, business owners and combinations of those categories, such as myself, a happily married mother of four who is a full time freelance writer, artist and educator. The referees are generally men who are intrigued by the sport, as well as the husbands and boyfriends of the skaters. Their day to day life could include putting on a suit, diapering a baby, or driving a truck, but once the team hits the track they can transform into a whole different persona and enjoy the high energy escape.
Many of the skaters choose alter egos to skate under. The names have to be approved by the WFTDA and be entirely unique. The national registry contains all the roller derby players from across the nation. When choosing a name for yourself, it is helpful to check this site to be sure your idea has not already been used. Since this portion of the roller derby sport is also run by volunteers, the process can take several weeks or months before your name choice is listed on the national registry. Once it is, it is truly an exciting day!
Cost and Insurance
Skaters all pay for the privilege of skating with a team. The equipment must be purchased and maintained by the skater. The skates and pads have to pass certain guidelines and be acceptable for league play. Your old Barbie skates won’t cut it, nor will the rollerblades you picked up in the 90’s. Equipment includes a good pair of quad skates, wheels for indoor and possibly outdoor training, a helmet and pads are required every time you are on the track. The protective pads are for your own safety and need to be of good quality. Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards will become your favorite pieces of attire once you start skating.
Aside from the equipment, there is the cost of the training facility and league dues. This price includes the use of a rink for practice, administrative work, (also done by volunteers who are also skaters themselves), and advertisement. This can range anywhere from $20 a month for a recreational one time a week roller derby team to $50-$100 a month.
The possibility of an injury is a given and medical insurance is a must. Potential skaters have to show proof of insurance and be informed that it is not a matter of “if you will be injured,” rather it is, “when and how badly”. Proper training and conditioning can prevent many serious injuries, but there is still the ever present possibility of bruises, scrapes, and painful muscle tears.
Time Commitment
Playing roller derby is a team sport that requires a high level of fitness. Skaters need to commit to working out on their own and with the group. Cardio and strength training will only help you improve and prevent nasty injuries.
The team portion of the training is often a mandatory 2 or 3 days a week for 2 or more hours. The team needs to be able to depend on you showing up and learning how to work together.
There is also a volunteer requirement to the sport of roller derby. Those who join a team are often also expected to perform other duties such as helping out at bouts that they are not skating at personally, or help run practices, sell merchandise, and keep stats.
Even with all those requirements, the sport of roller derby truly pays off in the friendships formed and the strides in fitness that it offers. Playing on a roller derby team infuses a woman with confidence that can be used on and off the track.
References
Personal Experience playing with the wRECk Roller Derby team
wftda.com/ Women’s Flat Track Derby Association Official Website