Like, literally everyone. All shapes and sizes are welcome, and useful in the sport of Roller Derby! That’s what makes it so unique. Most people do not come to roller derby with the skill set needed to be amazing off the start. You are not “too small” or “too big” to do derby, there is a spot for you out on that track! That’s the beautiful thing about roller derby, you just need to get out there and claim it. We have a team of coaches who are dedicated to helping you with your journey. You can read through some of the common FAQ we get asked. We have a team of coaches who want to help get you started. You can message them at rockstarrollerderby@gmail.com.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Follow our official facebook page for updates regarding our Fresh Meat program. Our fresh meat program is an 8 week program aimed at teaching you the basics and how to play roller derby safely. You can message us or email us at rockstarrollerderby@gmail.com if you are interested and we’ll give you the information needed and answer any questions you may have.
WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?
Roller Derby is a contact sport, so you will need safety equipment. We have loaner gear available to help you until you get your own. This is in limited supply, so it can be first come first serve depending on how many are in need of gear. You will need to supply your own mouthguard to start, because…that’s gross.
You will need a helmet, mouthguard, elbow pads, wrist guards, knee pads, and skates. Until you can get a sweet pair of your own, rental skates are available so you can get started right away.
AGE OR GENDER REQUIREMENTS?
Rockstars must be female-identified. We use an inclusive definition of “woman” and “female” and we welcome trans women, genderqueer women, and non-binary people who are significantly female-identified. You must be at least 18 years old. We have skaters ranging from 18-50+. So, no, you are not too old!
As for size, roller derby as a place for all body types. A larger build is harder to push around, while a smaller build may be faster. The beauty of roller derby is that ANY body can play the sport, and RRD has experienced players of all shapes and sizes. We encourage you to give us a try!
WHAT IF I CAN’T SKATE?
If you do not now how to skate or are terrible at it, that’s ok! We have an experienced team of coaches who are dedicated to giving you the tools to succeed. Trust us when we say that we have had many skaters start with us with little to no experience. We train up, and we take the time to teach you the skills needed to ensure the safety of you, and our skaters. We’ll encourage you be on your skates as much as possible, as the only way to master skating is to skate.
WHERE & WHEN DO WE PRACTICE?
All of our practices and live bouts are hosted at Ringing Rocks Roller Rink, located in Pottstown PA. You can check the schedule page for a list of our upcoming bout dates. Once you are a league member, league practices are held Monday & Thursdays from 8PM-10PM. Fresh Meat classes are held on Sundays from 9AM-10:30AM. Fresh Meat are also required to join the league skaters on Thursday evenings 8PM-10PM.
Ringing Rocks Roller Rink – 1500 Ringing Rocks Park – Pottstown, PA 19464
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT MY FIRST PRACTICE?
We will teach you everything you need to know in order to play derby! Practices will consist of foot work drills, endurance drills, or drills geared towards learning pack work. We take safety seriously – as it is a contact sport! To do that, we will teach you the basics which will help you in all aspects of the game. During your beginning practices we will teach you how to do proper crossovers, correct stopping techniques, and possibly the most important – how to fall and recover quickly. All of these are crucial in order to play roller derby safely. Your first practice will be the most challenging part of the process. What you walk away with is a network of women who will continue to support, and push you through your fresh meat journey.
HOW CAN I JOIN?
Follow our official facebook page for updates regarding our Fresh Meat program. Our fresh meat program is an 8 week program aimed at teaching you the basics and how to play roller derby safely. You can message us if you are interested and we’ll give you the information needed and answer any questions you may have.
HOW DO YOU PLAY ROLLER DERBY?
Roller Derby is an intense, fast-paced, full contact sport that is not for the faint of heart but is dedicated to the empowerment and fitness of its players. Roller derby is a contact sport played by two teams of five, traveling counter-clockwise around a track. Game play consists of a series of short match-ups (jams) in which both teams designate a jammer (who wears a star on the helmet). The jammer scores points by lapping members of the opposing team. The teams attempt to hinder the opposing jammer while assisting their own jammer—in effect, playing both offense and defense simultaneously.
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE? Check out our schedule for the next live bout!