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Frequently Asked Questions
"Roller Derby? What's that?"
Roller Derby is an American-made sport that was created during the Great Depression. In it's modern incarnation it is a predominantly female sport, still full-contact, but maintaining a DIY ethos and dedicated to fostering sportswomanship.
"Do you just skate in circles and hit each other?"
There is a highly structured rules and point system in derby. The set-up of the game is as follows: there are two teams of five skaters on the track during a play, called a jam. One jammer from each team will attempt to break through the middle of the rest of the skaters, or pack, lap them, then pass through them again as many times as possible in two minutes or less. The jammers are the only ones who can score points, while the rest of the skaters must protect their own jammer while also trying to hit, or block, the opposing jammer down or out of bounds.
"Is it real? Where's the hair pulling and skates to the face?"
Yes. The hits, blood, sweat, bruises, and other injuries are 100% real. Nothing is staged or fixed. We adhere to the Women's Flat Track Derby Association's (WFTDA) rules and guidelines. There are warnings, minor penalties, major penalties and, of course, a penalty box. We stick to these rules to not only ensure a smooth game, but for the safety of the skaters and all others involved. We also train extensively with specialized drills and maneuvers to help prevent injury.
"I can't do that, I'm too small/big/short/tall/out of shape/can't skate."
There is a position for every body type in derby. Many of our skaters have even reported significant weight loss after a few months of practice. We have also applied the WFTDA's "by the skaters, for the skaters" motto to our practice and workout regimen (we are proudly skater-coached), and have created a set-up that both targets the required strengths and has a steady learning curve. We have skaters of all different skill levels and will work with you to help you improve. There is no required experience or skill level.
"Okay, I want to do this. What are the requirements?"
Skaters must be women of at least 18 years of age. You will eventually need to purchase your own equipment, but we will be able to help you with that when you're confident and ready to commit. The required equipment is quad skates, helmet, mouth guard, elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards. Skaters are required to pay monthly dues of $50 to help pay for private rink time, and attend a minimum of 75% of the three day a week practices. Skaters will need to purchase insurance with USA Roller Sports, an annual fee of $55, which can be done through the league. Primary insurance is strongly recommended but not required. We also ask skaters to participate in at least one committee of their choosing.
"Do I have to wear quad skates? Can I wear inline skates/Heelys?"
No you may not. It's quads or bust, baby.
"Y'all actually practice for that stuff?"
Extensively. Skaters must not only have full understanding of the sport and rules, but the physical conditioning and muscle memory to play. Our open practices are currently Tuesdays from 8-10pm. New skaters are welcome and encouraged to join in. Email info@redstickrollerderby.com and we'll tell you where to find us!
"I can't make the time commitment right now/I REALLY can't skate/I'm of the XY chromosome persuasion but still want to help out. What can I do?"
We are in need of referees. Referees, unlike skaters, can be male or female, do not get hit, and have a smaller time commitment. Refs do not need to be on skates, but it's certainly an added bonus. And it goes without saying that they have the best view of the action. Once we start hosting home bouts later this year we will also be in need of volunteers.
"I'd like to help out financially. How can I make a donation?"
We are eternally thankful to donors and are in need of sponsors to help pay for rink time. Donations can be mailed or made through our paypal account, payments@redstickrollerderby.com.
You can mail a donation to:
Red Stick Roller Derby
P.O. Box 83821
Baton Rouge LA 70884-3821
Please make checks or money orders out to Red Stick Roller Derby.
"When are the games?"
Competitions, called bouts, are typically held once a month. Please stay tuned for updates on our bout schedule!
"What the heck does Laissez Les Méchantes Filles Rouler mean?"
Let the Bad Girls Roll!
For any other questions or inquiries, please e-mail us at info@redstickrollerderby.com.
Links:
Our Myspace: http://myspace.com/redstickrollerderby
Our Forums: http://forum.redstickrollerderby.com
Our Cafe Press Store: http://www.cafepress.com/redstickrd
Our Equipment Shop at Via Derby: http://www.viaderby.com/rage/home.php?partner=redstickrollergirls
WFTDA: http://www.wftda.com
USA Roller Sports: http://www.usarollersports.org
Big Easy Rollergirls (NOLA): http://www.bigeasyrollergirls.com
The Advocate Article: http://www.2theadvocate.com/entertainment/fun/19576784.html?showAll=y&c=y
Tiger Weekly Article: http://tigerweekly.com/article/02-13-2008/7602
Youtube Video "Roller Derby Explained": http://tigerweekly.com/article/02-13-2008/7602
