What is roller derby?

Roller derby is a contact sport played by two teams of five members roller skating counter-clockwise around a track.

OCRD plays flat track roller derby, and uses the WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) rules.

Where can I learn more about it?

The best way to understand roller derby is to watch it! Come out and watch a game, or take peak at games online.

When and where can I check it out?

You can check out OCRD at our upcoming events including:

• Games,
• Roller discos,
• and Recruitment Weeks

Keep up-to-date with our upcoming events by following our Facebook page.

Who can play roller derby?

OCRD is an adult (18+) league open to people of all genders.

The league offers a range of playing options depending on your interests and abilities. Our practices are mixed gender and open to all. We have feminine-identified, masculine-identified and mixed gender teams. We also offer low contact, mixed gender derby for those who want to play without the hitting.

How do I get started?

Join us at our next Recruitment Week for a chance to learn about the sport and our league, and also test out your skate legs. We run two intakes per year (one in January and one in September). These mark the start of our intensive 10-week fundamentals program, which teaches all of the skills of skating and stopping, to making and taking hits!

Ready to join? Sign up for the next OCRD Fundamentals Program!

Contact our membership crew for more information at membership@ocrd.ca

What equipment do I need and where can I find it?

Roller derby players wear the following equipment:

• Quad roller skates (roller blades won’t cut it)
• Helmet (most skaters prefer hockey helmets or multi-impact roller derby helmets)
• Knee pads
• Elbow pads
• Wrist guards
• Mouthguard

OCRD is able to provide most skaters with rental equipment during the Fundamentals Program, giving you the opportunity to try out the sport without investing in the gear. Following the program you will be required to buy your own gear.

There are several roller derby-specific stores in the Edmonton area, as well as number of Alberta/Canadian roller derby stores that sell gear online. Many offer starter packages for new players that start around $300 depending on the skates and pads you wish to have. You can find second hand gems through online sites and Facebook groups too! Like most sports, you can get good basics for a reasonable price, or choose to buy top-of-the-line gear for a significant investment – the choice is yours.

What does it cost?

Once you’ve got equipment, participating in derby requires two components:

• Financial commitment in the form of dues – required to rent space to play, and
• Time commitments in the form of volunteering – required to help the league operate

Dues

Dues are $630 for the entire year of skating.This works out to $4 per hour skating, which is great value for activity! Dues can be paid upfront in full, or monthly (for the 9 months of skating) for $70/month. Skaters must also have valid skater insurance, $50 approximately per year.

Volunteering

Volunteer commitment is approximately 4 hours per month, and includes attending most Edmonton-based games. More details are available in the leagues policies.

What commitment is required to be a league member?

Joining derby is an experience! Your commitment includes being part of an accountable community, based on respect and inclusivity. League members all sign a social contract.

The time commitment includes both on-skate (practices and games) and volunteer duties. There is optional social events too! You get out of derby what you put into it, and the commitment will vary depending on your personal goals.

More details are available in the leagues policies.

When and where are practices?

January-April practices are held at the Alberta Avenue Community League
(9210 – 118 Avenue)

Regular practice times are (as scheduled):

• Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

May – July practices are held at Jasper Place Curling Club
(16521 107 Ave NW)

Regular practice times are (as scheduled):

• Recruitment Week
  • May 3 & 4
• May: 3, 4, 8, 10, 15, 17, 24, 25, 29, 31
  June: Mondays & Wednesdays
  July: 5 & 6 and then every Monday and Wednesday for the rest of the month!

There is always an opportunity to participate, with varying types/styles of practices offered.

Our “off season” is in August and December.

How else can I be involved other than playing?

If skating isn’t your thing, of you aren’t able to skate right now, you can be involved with the league as a volunteer. The league is always in need of volunteers to help with games, practices, and more. Some volunteer opportunities include:

• Non-skating officials (NSO) that help run games by tracking scores/penalties/time and more!
• Skating officials that referee the game
• Game day help (eg. set up/tear down, announcing, etc)

If you’re interested in volunteering, email events@ocrd.ca