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FAQ
What is roller derby?
How old do I have to be to join the Richmond Derby Demons?
You must be at least 18 years old and have a current photo ID to join the league.
I haven't been on roller skates in 10 years, can I still join the league?
Yes! Our coaches and trainers are here to help get you rolling again! If you haven't been on skates in years and you're interested in roller derby, the best thing to do is to start attending public skates. This will help you be reacquainted with skating. All new skaters must pass a basic skills assessment test before they can participate in the formal league practices. This is for your safety as well as for the safety of your teammates. The test includes crossovers, skating stride, balance and stopping. If you don't know how to do these things, we'll teach you!
Roller derby looks dangerous. Will I get hurt?
Just like any other contact sport, there's always a chance you will get hurt in roller derby. Pulled muscles, rink burns, strains, sprains, bruises, broken bones could and will happen. However, with proper training, stretching exercises and protective gear, we hope to keep major injuries at a minimum.
What kind of equipment will I need?
Before any skater can set a wheel in the rink, she must have a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards. These must be worn during practices, scrimmage games and bouts to help protect yourself and your fellow skaters. Mouth guards must be worn during scrimmage games and bouts. Ankle supports and tailbone protectors are optional.
Is roller derby expensive?
When you first join the league, you should expect to spend about $100 on all your protective gear. Roller skates can range in price from $75 to $300 or more. Usually, you can get a good pair of skates for about $145. Skaters also have to pay monthly league dues, which should be about $35.
What kind of skates do I need?
Richmond Derby Demons is a quad-skate league, which means inline skates are prohibited (unless you are a referee). Although skaters are required to have their own skates, you don't have to buy them right away. Rental skates will be available. The brand of skates you choose to buy is up to you. It's best to try on other girls' skates to see which brand works best for you. We do recommend you stay away from the Roller Derby "Cobra" speed skates. They do not have adjustable trucks and you will be replacing them in a couple of weeks.
How time consuming is roller derby?
How involved you get with the league is up to you. As with any sport, if you want to get better you have to practice. Expect to put in two-hour formal practices once or twice a week, possibly more when it's closer to bout time. In order to stay an active member of the league, skaters must attend 50 percent of the formal practices. In addition to formal practices, we recommend skaters also attend open public skates. You need to be completely comfortable on your skates, so get out there and skate!
Outside of the rink, skaters are encouraged to serve on at least one league committee. The committee chair will decide how often that committee needs to meet. As a league, we also are involved in a number of community and charity events. Although it is not required you attend all these events, it is strongly encouraged.
Get to know the rules of the game!
Before you can play the game, you need to know the rules. RDD plays by Old School Derby Association rules, which are based on the orignial rules of the game! You can download them here and check them out!
Old School Derby Association Rules.pdf
Get Involved!
You don't have to get rough and rowdy on the rink to be involved with our league. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities available. We're looking for referees, safety personnel, announcers, scorekeepers, artists, vendors, bands, promoters, sponsors, etc. Download our Volunteer info sheet
volunteer info sheet.pdf (111 KB)
or contact info@richmondderbydemons.com to find out how you can help.
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