Frequently Asked Questions:
What do I need to play roller derby?
All skaters are required to wear quad roller skates, elbow pads, wrist guards, knee pads, a helmet, and a mouth guard. If you have gear of your own, bring it with you. If you don’t, we have some that you can use. Borrowed gear is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with preference going to those who come early to practice. If you decide to stick with derby, you’ll need your own gear and start attending regular practices. Luckily, we have an awesome rink owner who will help you get your own gear. Also, feel free to ask another skater for advice!
Who can join the Warrin’ Wrecking Dolls?
Skaters must be 18 or older, and female.
Referees, NSO, announcers, coaches, or volunteers can be male or female, 18yrs or older
Do I need any sports experience to play roller derby?
No, athletic experience is not a requirement. We can teach you the skills and techniques needed to become an athlete.
Roller derby is a physically aggressive sport that requires speed, endurance, agility, strength, awareness and communication skills. The more in shape you are, the more quickly you are to pick up on basic skating and derby skills, and helps decrease your chance for injury.
That being said, many of our skaters have never played sports until they discovered roller derby and have grown to be remarkable athletes. Since we only practice 2-3 times a week, we encourage skaters to work out and complete cross-training outside of our regular practices in order to stay in shape.
What can I expect at skill practice?
Skills practice start out with a basic warm up followed by skating skills. This will included posture, stops, falls, stride, weaving, arm and upper body movement, head placement, one-foot glides, cross-overs, backwards skating, stepping, agility, balance, juking, lateral movement, hitting and getting comfortable on your skates. We can also answer any questions you might have. If you’re just getting back on skates or you’ve never been on skates, feel free to just skate around for a bit to get used to them again.
What else should I bring to my first practice?
1.Water Bottle
2.Athletic Attire
3.Mouth guard (available at Russell Roller Rink, sport stores and Walmart)
4.Paperwork. BEFORE you put on your skates you must fill out a skater profile sheet, waiver, and newbie information sheet, our training director will have them available for you
5.A positive attitude and willingness to learn
What skills do I need to learn to become a skater?
Before you can play derby, you will need to master some basic roller skating skills that will allow you to feel comfortable on your skates, for your safety and the safety of those around you. Once you’ve filled out the proper paperwork, you can begin our skills practice and/or derby fix fitness. This will help you learn proper form and your basic skills, including: posture, stopping, falling, stride, weaving, arm-upper body movement, head placement, one-foot glides, cross-overs, backwards skating, stepping, agility, balance, juking, lateral movement, hitting, hopping, jumping, focus, and speed/endurance. The more comfortable you are on your skates, the better skater you will be.
When can I bout?
Skaters are considered to be bout eligible after passing their minimum skills and written rules tests. Play time is determined by the coach. New skaters will receive instruction and direction on skills needed to pass the physical test.
What if I get hurt?
Roller derby is an aggressive contact sport and injuries are common. Bumps and bruises are to be expected, and although uncommon, torn ligaments and broken bones can happen. Off-skate conditioning is recommended to reduce the risk of injury.
How much time will WWD take?
Roller derby takes time. Skaters are expected to attend two practices a week during the season (at 80%). In addition to practice, members are also required to attend monthly meetings and promotional events. Roller derby is a big commitment but the reward of building a better you and a better community is worth the effort.
How much does roller derby cost?
Your largest expense will be equipment. You’ll need to purchase and replace skates, protective gear, and other incidentals on an ongoing basis. There is gear out there for practically any budget — we usually recommend that newbies to invest in a roller derby “rookie package” offered by Mike Sharp at Russell Roller Rink– it will make sure you’re protected while you’re learning the game without breaking the bank. You can always invest in higher end gear later. You will also have to purchase a team jersey and uniform items.
We collect dues to help cover the costs of practice space and running the league. After attending their four practices free of charge, newbies contribute dues of $5 per skills practice. After joining the league, skaters contribute dues of $40 per skater per month (no dues are charged during the off season from October - December.) This will included open skate and skills practice. If you plan to scrimmage or bout you will also be required to purchase USARS supplemental insurance annually for $75.
What does my membership include?
Dues help cover the cost of league expenses including rink rental time. Upon paying dues, members receive:
Free admission to WWD league practices (held twice a week)
Free admission to WWD skills practices (held once a month)
Free admission to all Open Skate times at the Russell Roller Rink
Will I need insurance?
WWD does not require you to have health insurance to play, but it is STRONGLY recommended. All skaters must have USARS insurance once they begin scrimmaging and bouting. USARS supplemental insurance annually for $85, which is required for every skater.
What else do I need to know about joining WWD?
You will need to learn the rules of the game. WWD follows the most current rule set from WFTDA (women’s flat track derby association). They’re about 40 pages long, so it’s never too early to start reading: www.wftda.com/rules.
Of course, the best way to learn roller derby is to watch it. Come to our bouts, either as a spectator or as a volunteer, which is a good way to learn the game. New recruits are also encouraged to volunteer at WWD league scrimmages, which immediately following skill practice.
What if I have more questions?
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us.
All skaters are required to wear quad roller skates, elbow pads, wrist guards, knee pads, a helmet, and a mouth guard. If you have gear of your own, bring it with you. If you don’t, we have some that you can use. Borrowed gear is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with preference going to those who come early to practice. If you decide to stick with derby, you’ll need your own gear and start attending regular practices. Luckily, we have an awesome rink owner who will help you get your own gear. Also, feel free to ask another skater for advice!
Who can join the Warrin’ Wrecking Dolls?
Skaters must be 18 or older, and female.
Referees, NSO, announcers, coaches, or volunteers can be male or female, 18yrs or older
Do I need any sports experience to play roller derby?
No, athletic experience is not a requirement. We can teach you the skills and techniques needed to become an athlete.
Roller derby is a physically aggressive sport that requires speed, endurance, agility, strength, awareness and communication skills. The more in shape you are, the more quickly you are to pick up on basic skating and derby skills, and helps decrease your chance for injury.
That being said, many of our skaters have never played sports until they discovered roller derby and have grown to be remarkable athletes. Since we only practice 2-3 times a week, we encourage skaters to work out and complete cross-training outside of our regular practices in order to stay in shape.
What can I expect at skill practice?
Skills practice start out with a basic warm up followed by skating skills. This will included posture, stops, falls, stride, weaving, arm and upper body movement, head placement, one-foot glides, cross-overs, backwards skating, stepping, agility, balance, juking, lateral movement, hitting and getting comfortable on your skates. We can also answer any questions you might have. If you’re just getting back on skates or you’ve never been on skates, feel free to just skate around for a bit to get used to them again.
What else should I bring to my first practice?
1.Water Bottle
2.Athletic Attire
3.Mouth guard (available at Russell Roller Rink, sport stores and Walmart)
4.Paperwork. BEFORE you put on your skates you must fill out a skater profile sheet, waiver, and newbie information sheet, our training director will have them available for you
5.A positive attitude and willingness to learn
What skills do I need to learn to become a skater?
Before you can play derby, you will need to master some basic roller skating skills that will allow you to feel comfortable on your skates, for your safety and the safety of those around you. Once you’ve filled out the proper paperwork, you can begin our skills practice and/or derby fix fitness. This will help you learn proper form and your basic skills, including: posture, stopping, falling, stride, weaving, arm-upper body movement, head placement, one-foot glides, cross-overs, backwards skating, stepping, agility, balance, juking, lateral movement, hitting, hopping, jumping, focus, and speed/endurance. The more comfortable you are on your skates, the better skater you will be.
When can I bout?
Skaters are considered to be bout eligible after passing their minimum skills and written rules tests. Play time is determined by the coach. New skaters will receive instruction and direction on skills needed to pass the physical test.
What if I get hurt?
Roller derby is an aggressive contact sport and injuries are common. Bumps and bruises are to be expected, and although uncommon, torn ligaments and broken bones can happen. Off-skate conditioning is recommended to reduce the risk of injury.
How much time will WWD take?
Roller derby takes time. Skaters are expected to attend two practices a week during the season (at 80%). In addition to practice, members are also required to attend monthly meetings and promotional events. Roller derby is a big commitment but the reward of building a better you and a better community is worth the effort.
How much does roller derby cost?
Your largest expense will be equipment. You’ll need to purchase and replace skates, protective gear, and other incidentals on an ongoing basis. There is gear out there for practically any budget — we usually recommend that newbies to invest in a roller derby “rookie package” offered by Mike Sharp at Russell Roller Rink– it will make sure you’re protected while you’re learning the game without breaking the bank. You can always invest in higher end gear later. You will also have to purchase a team jersey and uniform items.
We collect dues to help cover the costs of practice space and running the league. After attending their four practices free of charge, newbies contribute dues of $5 per skills practice. After joining the league, skaters contribute dues of $40 per skater per month (no dues are charged during the off season from October - December.) This will included open skate and skills practice. If you plan to scrimmage or bout you will also be required to purchase USARS supplemental insurance annually for $75.
What does my membership include?
Dues help cover the cost of league expenses including rink rental time. Upon paying dues, members receive:
Free admission to WWD league practices (held twice a week)
Free admission to WWD skills practices (held once a month)
Free admission to all Open Skate times at the Russell Roller Rink
Will I need insurance?
WWD does not require you to have health insurance to play, but it is STRONGLY recommended. All skaters must have USARS insurance once they begin scrimmaging and bouting. USARS supplemental insurance annually for $85, which is required for every skater.
What else do I need to know about joining WWD?
You will need to learn the rules of the game. WWD follows the most current rule set from WFTDA (women’s flat track derby association). They’re about 40 pages long, so it’s never too early to start reading: www.wftda.com/rules.
Of course, the best way to learn roller derby is to watch it. Come to our bouts, either as a spectator or as a volunteer, which is a good way to learn the game. New recruits are also encouraged to volunteer at WWD league scrimmages, which immediately following skill practice.
What if I have more questions?
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us.