Roller Derby
What is roller derby? What kind of gear do you need? What is the pledge?
Find the answer to these questions below!
The Game
Jammer
- The jammer is the offensive player who scores points,
- They wear a helmet cover called a panty with a star on each side.
Pivot
- The pivot is the defensive player who sets the pace of the pack.
- They wear a helmet panty with a big stripe down the middle.
- Can be involved in a star pass where the jammer passes the star panty to the pivot. Pivot then becomes the jammer for that jam.
Blockers
- The defensive players on the track.
- Helps their jammer find a path through the pack.
- Stops the opposing jammer from getting through the pack.
The Gear
Equipment
- Roller skates (quad skates)
- Helmet
- Mouth guard
- Elbow and knee pads
- Wrist guard
- Any other protective equipment you feel like wearing, but doesn’t hinder other skaters (e.g., sport glasses, padded shorts, etc.)
Requirements
- Use of all protective equipment is mandatory for practice and games. Missing equipment = no playing.
- Filled out waivers is mandatory before being allowed to participate in the practices and games.
Where to Buy
- Local skateboarding/sport shops for limited selection on pads, helmets, mouth guard, wheels, bearings, tools.
- For quad skates and selection of equipment, purchase at stores or online.
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Toe Stop Derby Shop (Edmonton, AB) – www.toestopderbyshop.caRollerGirl (Vancouver, BC) – www.rollergirl.caBad Girlfriend Skates (Morinville, AB) – www.badgirlfriendskates.comNerd Skates (Calgary, AB) – www.nerdskates.com
The Pledge
Do:
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Join to be a part of a fun, recreational and competitive sport.
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Realize that it is a contact sport and there is risk of injury.
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Look forward to making many new friends and contacts all over the world.
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Plan to commit your time.
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Seek out knowledge on things you’re unsure of. Never be afraid to ask fellow derby people.
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Network as much as possible (the internet makes it easy).
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Promote the sport as a fun but valid one.
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Always look for ways to improve your skills and help your fellow skaters with theirs.
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Treat coaches, refs, and volunteers as equals and with respect. They love derby as much as you and put just as much blood, sweat and tears into it.
Don’t:
- Join for the glory of being a “derby skater”.
- Put more emphasis on the after party than the actual game (you need to earn the after party).
- Get involved if you can’t commit your schedule to attend practices.
- Push yourself beyond your limits physically or mentally (if you need a break, take one).
- Be afraid to stand up for yourself if you don’t agree with something the league is doing or saying (make your voice heard).
- Invite friends or family to join as refs/coaches/volunteers if you think they are only in it to get a date (and don’t be afraid to call them out on it, no one wants creeps in derby).
- Be afraid to get out there and be involved in one of the most awesome sports out there!!