Roller Derby Unleashed: A Guide to the Thrills and Skills of this Unique Sport

Your Full Guide to Roller Derby: Including Rules, Gear, Origin and More

Welcome to the exciting world of roller derby.

Read everything you need to know about this fascinating sport before you get started!

A roller derby game in full swing

Roller derby is a thrilling and super-competitive sport that can be as exciting to play as it is to watch.

Read a guide to everything you need to know about roller derby before you start playing!

A Little Background…

Roller derby originated in the United States in the 1930s as a competitive sport invented during the Great Depression by Leo Seltzer, who was a Chicago-based sports promoter.

Initially, roller derby consisted of endurance races where teams of two skaters raced on a banked wooden track.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the sport gained momentum, as the sportswriter Damon Runyon suggested emphasising the use of violence to attract larger crowds.

This forever changed the course of the sport! Specifically, from that point on, a points system was implemented, encouraging rough play and physicality.

Roller derby became a spectacle, with skaters engaging in headlocks, spin moves and using teammates to knock down opponents.

Intense rivalries developed, captivating spectators who eagerly cheered for their favourite teams and enjoyed the theatricality.

Modern roller derby players include Toughie Brasuhn, Ann Calvello, Alex Cohen, Danielle Colby and Shauna Cross.

This sport has grown into a popular and fun game for people across the world, including adrenaline-pumping action, a strong sense of community and inclusivity.

A Beginner’s Guide to Roller Derby

If you’re intrigued by roller derby and eager to dive into this thrilling sport, there are a few things you should know beforehand.

The following beginner's guide will provide you with lots of need-to-know information - from gear to simple moves, basic terms and more.

So, let's lace up those skates and embark on an unforgettable roller derby journey!

The Track

Roller derby is typically played on an oval-shaped track that can be made of polished concrete, synthetic game-court material or wood.

The track can either be banked (tilted) or flat. Banked tracks offer higher speeds and more opportunities for strategic gameplay, whereas flat tracks are more commonly used in modern roller derby.

The Teams and Players

There are two teams, and teams have 14 skaters in total. Only five of these skaters can be on the track at a time.

Each team has a scoring player and four skaters on the tracks called blockers; of those four blockers, one is designated as a pivot.

Offensive Players

Known as jammers, these players are the only ones who can score. It is their job to skate through the pack and pass the opposing team’s blockers and score a point for their team.

Blocker Players

These are the defensive players who need to stop the opposing team’s jammer. To achieve this, they form a pack ahead of the jammers on the field.

Pivot Player

This is a defensive player who leads the pack ahead of the jammers and sets the pace of the jam. This player also leads players and formations.

The Game of Roller Derby: How does it work?

The game is played on the track, and it’s separated into two 30-minute periods. Each period is played in as many two-minute jams as time will allow.

A jam is the basic unit of gameplay in roller derby. A jam can end early, but it can’t exceed two minutes.

During a jam, points are scored when a jammer on a scoring pass (which is every pass a jammer makes through the pack after the initial pass) laps members of the opposing team.

Each team’s blockers use body contact and strategically position themselves to help their jammer in the scoring, while simultaneously trying to hinder the opposing team’s jammer.

Blocks

Blocks can only be executed within specific target zones, which range from the shoulders to the knees.

Any contact made outside of these designated areas is considered a violation. It is illegal to hit above the shoulders, below the knees or anywhere on the back of the buttocks, torso and thighs.

Additionally, the use of elbows for blocking is prohibited. The most common blocks are the hip check, butt block and shoulder check.

Penalties

In roller derby, there are strict rules to ensure player safety and fair play. Penalties can be incurred for actions such as illegal blocking, cutting the track or blocking with excessive force.

Players who commit penalties are sent to the penalty box, leaving their team short-handed for a specified amount of time.

No shrinking violets: Roller Derby is not for the feint hearted!

Gearing Up For Roller Derby: What Kit to you need?

When starting roller derby, it is crucial to choose the right equipment, particularly when it comes to necessity and protective gear.

The fun, recreational skates - as beautiful as they may be - simply are not strong enough to compete on the roller derby scene.

You need strong gear that will help you slide through the challenge, but also not break your wallet, considering that you are a beginner and not a professional roller derby skater.

So, how do you choose the right gear? Here are our tips.

Consider Your Needs

You need to answer the following questions: how committed are you to roller derby? Is this something you will continue doing or is it just an activity you want to try out?

How likely is it that you continue to skate for fun if you don’t pass try-outs? Based on these answers, what is your budget for gear?

This will set you up for a realistic approach and help you make the right decision for you.

Consider Your Stamina

While anyone can play roller derby, roller derby certainly is not for everyone.

This is because roller derby is a high-contact sport that requires a lot of stamina, so you can’t just go from being physically inactive to a roller derby star without working on your physical activity first.

But this is not to say that you can’t play!

Regardless of your size, shape or physical ability, roller derby is inclusive and suitable for everyone.

You can practice cardio exercises to get in better shape and build your stamina, and practice skating to improve your skills.

You should also look into the rules of the sport before jumping in, and there may be a few things you need to know before you get started.

Different leagues have different programmes for new members, and most are required to meet the WFDTA minimum skills at least.

Join a Local Club or League

This is a great place to start. At a local club or league, you can learn more about the game.

You can watch and see if it is a right fit for you, get an idea of the rules and basic moves, try coaching seasons and consult others regarding your beginner steps, gear and entry process.

Some clubs may have specific seasons when they accept new members, which may give you more time to gear up and prepare. 

Shop Wisely and Choose the Right Gear

As a beginner, it may be tempting to invest in expensive skates instead of expensive protective gear; but please, do the opposite.

Take care of your health and invest in your knee and other pads as you will probably be falling more than skating at the very beginning.

Skates

Expensive skates have better components that will be more responsive to the shifting of your weight, but this also means you’ll need a good level of control.

As a beginner, you will be learning basic skills, so you want your feet to be in control of your skates rather than your skates in control of your feet.

Until you have mastered the beginning stages, you don’t need expensive, professional skates - and it is actually better to start with cheaper skates and then progress to better ones once you’ve developed your skills.

When deciding on your roller skates, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Choose the same size as your shoe size or go half size up. Don’t go with oversized, this will only hurt you and your game

• High-top boots offer better stability and are ideal for beginners, while low-top boots provide more freedom of movement for more experienced players. Roller skates should not be higher than your ankle and should be soft on the inside

• Plates and trucks for beginners are typically nylon, but if you’re a bit heavier, opt for aluminium plates as they will better support your weight

• Wheels come in different sizes and hardness levels. Larger wheels provide better stability and speed, while smaller wheels offer more manoeuvrability. The hardness of the wheels is categorised by durometer, with softer wheels providing better grip on indoor surfaces and harder wheels suitable for outdoor skating. Generally speaking, gripper wheels like 88A are better on slick surfaces such as concrete, while harder wheels like 93A through 96A have less traction on slick surfaces, so they are better for speed and also good for wood floors

• Consult the other skaters of your league about which wheels to use, as different wheels are better suited for different surfaces. Your team will know which ones work best for your area

• Toe-tips are essential for quick stops and stability. They come in two styles: adjustable and non-adjustable. Adjustable toe-tips allow for customisation based on your particular needs, while non-adjustable ones need to be replaced if you want to make any changes. We recommend sticking to adjustable toe-tips as a beginner, as they are important for safety

Helmet

A helmet is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment to wear when you play roller derby.

You should get one that fits your head nicely and will protect it. For trick roller skating aim for ASTM- and CPSC-certified helmets.

The most important thing is for it to feel comfortable and it should feel snug when you wear it.

The helmet should not move around when you shake your head from right to left.

Pads

Don’t skimp on pads. Good pads are of utmost importance, and knee pads should be your priority. You need aggressive skate pads to protect your knees from falls or when the opposing team smashes into you.

The pads need to be a good fit; there are several types with different foam and padding.

Most of the mid-range to high-end pads have a ‘butterfly closure’ - in other words, you can wrap them around your knees with straps.

Generally speaking, the more expensive pads offer thicker and more protective padding. When scaling up, make sure you prioritise knee pads. 

Other pads you need are elbow pads. You may think that you don’t need them, especially if they don’t fit well and slip off your elbow, but take a second and look at older players’ pads. All those scratches are avoided potential injuries, so don’t question their validity and make sure they are the right fit.

Wrist protection is also important. This protection comes in different materials and sizes.

Most skaters will reflexively try to break their falls with their hands first, so a good pair of wrist guards are important for support and protection.

Mouthguard

Last but not least, a mouthguard is a highly recommended piece of protective gear that can protect your jaw and teeth from potential injuries.

There are three main types of mouthguards: stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards and custom-fit mouthguards.

Stock mouthguards come pre-formed and are ready to wear but may not provide the best fit.

Boil-and-bite mouthguards can be customised by softening them in boiling water and then biting into them to shape them into the individual's mouth.

Custom-fit mouthguards are professionally made based on dental impressions and offer the highest level of comfort and protection.

When deciding which one to choose, consider your mouth size and your age; it is important that the mouthguards offer a secure fit, proper cushioning and good protection.

Are You Ready to Play Your First Game of Roller Derby?

Now that you know the fundamental basics, it is time to take your first step into the thrilling world of roller derby.

There's so much more to explore and learn. Embrace the camaraderie of the roller derby community and don't hesitate to ask questions along the way. Good luck!