Fresh Meat FAQ
Wait, you do WHAT?!
Roller derby! Touted as the fastest growing sport in the United States and rapidly expanding internationally, roller derby is a female-only, fast-paced, high-impact sport played on old skool quad roller skates. Unlike roller derby of the past however, we skate on a flat surface as opposed to a banked track. For more on the history and revival of modern roller derby, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_derby
Oh, so you rollerblade?
No! We skate on the original quad speed skates ONLY. However, if you're already an experienced rollerblader, you should find the transition to quads that much easier! If you need help finding a good pair of quad speed skates or other derby equipment, contact our coaches!
Who can join the Dominion Derby Girls?
Insured ladies 18 and over may join our league of skaters. If you're not too sure about skating there's still a place or you! Men and women 18 and over may become involved in a variety of roles including refereeing or general volunteering. Anyone of any age can help support DDG through promoting, fundraising, sponsoring, and attending events and bouts.
Where do you practice?
We have league and team practice at Haygood Skating Center in Virginia Beach. Here is our practice schedule!
What are the rules?
Detailed rules can be viewed at the WFTDA's website - here's the basics:
There are 2 teams of 5 skaters on the track during each 2-minute jam. Each team has one scoring position called a jammer, plus one pivot, and three blockers. The pivots and blockers form what we call a pack. The pack starts out 20 feet ahead of the jammers and starts sprinting at the first whistle blast. The jammers start sprinting a few seconds later, at the second whistle blast. The jammers must break through the pack and skate another lap before they start scoring points. On a jammer's second and future trips through, she gets a point for every opponent she passes. The blockers and pivots try to stop the opposing jammer from getting through, while assisting their own jammer.
Hmm, so roller derby is violent?
Not exactly. While roller derby is a high impact team sport like hockey or rugby, fighting and flagrant fouls are highly frowned upon and will not be tolerated. There are extensive rules governing what constitutes legal and illegal checks - box penalties or ejections are the consequence for misconduct.
What if I get hurt?
Roller derby is a full contact sport and pulled muscles, sprains, dislocations, and broken bones can happen. The safety of our skaters is of the utmost importance and for this reason, protective gear and insurance are absolutely required. We also extensively train, stretch, and practice falling to help reduce injuries and their severity. We take training very seriously and slowly ease our skaters into the sport. All skaters are completely trained over the course of several months and must pass a minimum skills test before they are allowed to scrimmage or bout.
Do I get to have a derby name?
Yes! Once you have have passed your minimum skills evaluation, a big rite of passage is choosing your public or, "derby name". Derby names are a part of the roller derby culture and add a fun element to an otherwise serious sport. Just be sure your derby name is respectful and clean.
How much time will it take?
Practice, scrimmages and bouts take a considerable time commitment. Practices are held several times a week for 2 hours each. Consider 2 of the practices mandatory but we recommend spending much more time on your skates than that. It may sound intimidating at first but you'll quickly realize how much fun skating is and want to do even more! Once in the league and on a team, a minimum attendance expectation is required to skate in bouts or take full advantage of the benefits offered to skaters by the league.
How much does it cost?
The biggest expense will be for your equipment (skates and protective gear) and health insurance if you don't already have it. The league charges monthly dues to help pay for league expenses like rink rental and advertising.
What equipment do I need?
The first thing you'll need is the required protective gear; a helmet, wrist, elbow, and knee pads and mouthguards are required for practice and bout skating. You can find full sets of pads at skate shops or online. We do recommend investing in good knee pads as soon as possible. You'll also want to invest in a good pair of speed skates, which can run anywhere from 75 to 300 dollars. Ask us about reputable online shops and we'll provide you with a detailed list. Once you're hooked, you'll find the investment in equipment and skates well worth the cost and they should last at least 2 years if you take care of your gear. Be sure to do your research and don't hesitate to ask us if you have questions or need recommendations.
Is roller derby fake?
NO! The flat-track roller derby we play is a real sport with no choreographing. (Don't believe us? Check out http://www.derbynewsnetwork.com) Roller derby is an aggressive full-contact sport and our skaters consider themselves as serious athletes. We train accordingly, practicing several times a week, to keep our skills up to speed and our bodies trained for the grueling workout. We also like to keep a sense of humor, with our snazzy derby names. After all, the real reason we play the game is because it's so much FUN!
What if I'm really little? Don't you have to be big and burly to play roller derby?
Nope. Some of the best (and fastest) skaters are the tiniest! Derby skaters come in ALL sizes!
What if I'm really big? Don't you have to be athletic and in shape to play roller derby?
Nope. Some of the best (and strongest) skaters are the burliest! Not to mention that training for and playing roller derby will probably get you in the best shape of your life! Again, derby skaters come in ALL sizes!
What if I'm too old?
Age is a state of mind. While there is a minimum age to join (18), there is no maximum age. We attract women of all backgrounds - mothers, working professionals, students, etc. If you want to play roller derby, you can!
What if I haven't been on skates since Junior High? Don't I have to be a great skater to even attempt roller derby?
You don't need to be a super star to join. More than anything else, we expect you to come with a willing attitude to learn. Some of the best skaters today never had any prior experience roller skating but worked hard and now skate on their leagues' all-star teams. If you're thinking of joining, order skates as soon as possible and wear them as often as possible. Hit local tennis courts, basketball courts, and open skate sessions. Just get comfortable on your wheels and start building up your muscles and endurance.
Okay, I think I can get hooked on this. So what now?
Click here to find out when we are having our next boot camp. If you would like to join us prior to boot camp, email our Fresh Meat Committee at freshmeat@dominionderbygirls.net. Welcome to the family and be prepared for a life-changing endeavor!