New Skater FAQ
What should I wear to practice?
Think of practice as working out – because you’ll be doing a lot of work! Tank tops are your best bet. Shorts with tights, leggings, or workout capris are suggested by skaters, but whatever you’re comfortable with it best. Keep your legs covered with as minimal fabric as possible. Tights/leggings help protect your legs from scrapes and “rink rash” all while helping you slide across the floor if and when you fall.
What do I need to bring to practice?
Bring LOTS of water, especially during the summer. Also, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day to be hydrated by the time practice rolls around. You will also want to invest in a small bag or suitcase to keep your skates and gear in. (Remember to “air out” your gear and not keep it bagged up all the time. It WILL stink, but it’s better than having things rust or freeze.)
What should I keep in my skate bag?
Common items that are good to keep in you skate bag for skate repairs and emergencies are duct tape or hockey tape, extra shoe laces, and a skate tool. Some skaters also carry a bandana or small towel for sweat, extra socks, and black/white shirts for scrimmages. If you have any medications you should have on hand, they should also be on hand (asthma inhalers, ibuprofen/tylenol, etc). You should also have a place at home to open up and air out your gear bag to help reduce “derby stank”.
I can’t make it to practice or I don’t know what’s going on – what do I do?
SFRD uses a private Facebook group to keep members updated on practice schedule changes, etc… it’s also a good resource for asking questions! The Coaching Committee requests you email them at coaching@rollerdollz.com to let them know if you can’t make it to practice so they can plan ahead based on the number of skaters attending.
I’m kind of out-of-shape and I don’t know where to begin: what can I do to better prepare?
Roller derby is a hard, total-body workout and the better you do to prepare your body for that hard work, the more positive your experience! Basic cardio is always good, but first and foremost you’ll want to concentrate on the muscle groups you’ll be engaging the most: your legs, thighs, butt, abs, and back. The best way to work these out all at once is to skate! Spend as much time on your skate as possible. Whether it’s the bike trails during the summer (with all your gear!) or an open session at Skate City– skating and becoming comfortable on your skates before you shove your brain with all the minimum skills and rules will make you optimal as possible! Also, becoming an NSO (Non-skating official) will help you learn the rules and how the game works.
When will I be eligible for skater rosters?
After passing the minimum skills set for “B” skaters and meeting certain attendance requirements, you become eligible for unsanctioned rosters. Once you’ve passed the minimum skills set from WFTDA as well as the Roller Dollz team requirements, you become eligible for the Dollz Starz charter and will be eligible to skate in sanctioned bouts. You earn points for each practice you attend. 50-75% attendance is required depending on the bout, plus active participation in a league job, paying league dues, and volunteering for league events. We are a 100% volunteer organization, skater owned and operated, so everyone must also participate to keeping the league running.
Can my friends/family/kids come to practice to watch?
The Roller Dollz have closed practices and only allow league members and approved guest skaters to come to practice. This is for safety and privacy – please let family/friends know that they can see you at our next home bout! Also, because of liability, we do not allow anyone under the age of 18 to be at practices.
What if I get hurt?
The Roller Dollz do not require skater to have personal health insurance, though it is highly recommended. You will find that even minor injuries can become major problems if you don’t allow yourself the time to rest and recover. Always “listen to your body” and distinguish the difference between pain and injury. The most common “rookie” injuries are to the knees from improper fall and the tailbone from poor balance. The best way to ensure you don’t get injured is to keep your body strong and stable!
We pride ourselves on low injury numbers, and utilize pre-exercise prep exercises, warm-ups, and stretches to help keep injuries to a minimum. Our Fresh Meat are not allowed to participate in drills until Coaching feels they are ready to participate safely. Your safety is a priority!!