Tryouts
READ THIS FIRST!
We are so glad to hear you are interested in becoming a DC Rollergirl! It is the fastest-growing women’s sport in the United States, and for a good reason. It rules!
PLEASE READ THROUGH THIS ENTIRE PAGE CAREFULLY. If all your questions are not answered, please join and post to http://groups.google.com/group/dc-rollerderby. That is the place to ask questions, get information about tryouts, skating, gear, and all things derby. 
Is this sport for me?
DCRG welcomes competitive women from all walks of life who can dedicate the time and energy it takes to become a roller derby skater. You must be at least 18 years old and have health insurance to play roller derby. NO EXCEPTIONS. It certainly helps if you are already athletic or have skating experience, but it is not required. If you are accepted into our training camp, our league trainers are prepared to help you whip yourself into a roller derby skater! All you need is a positive attitude, an open mind and the willingness to work your butt off, skate hard and learn.
To better accommodate our growing number of new skaters, we offer an annual training camp, also known as Fresh Meat Camp, to those who make the cut in our tryout. Skaters who pass tryouts and receive an invite to Meat Camp should expect to attend one to two practices a week for twelve weeks. You MAY NOT begin skating with us unless you have been accepted into and have completed this camp, or are an approved transfer from another league.
Can I come watch you practice?
You are more than welcome to come out to one of our practices to WATCH ONLY and get a feel for the sport! Because our practices are held on different nights each week, you MUST email one of the Training Co-Chairs before you come so we can make sure it is a good night to watch and there will be someone to meet you and answer any questions.
We typically have league practices at the DC Armory (2001 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington DC, near Stadium/Armory metro station on Orange/Blue lines) from 7:30pm – 9:45pm. Any of our skaters would be happy to answer your questions (before or after practice) on how much work it is, what kind of time commitment to expect, and how much fun it is, etc. Please do not interrupt anyone during practice as we take our training time seriously.
Can I help at a practice?
We definitely encourage potential skaters to attend our scrimmage practices as “ref help.” This also helps you learn the game! By assisting the referees, you help yourself learn the game and the rules (see wftda.com/rules for the official WFTDA rules). The rules, penalties, and point system may seem complicated at first, but it is easy to pick up.
Please see the Google group for more information on the many ways you can get involved; coming to DCRG events and volunteering at bouts is a great way to learn more about derby, get to know the league, ask any questions you may have, and get ready for training and tryouts. If you’d like to come out and watch some scrimmages you are more than welcome, and you are always more than welcome to come on out to DCRG events and participate with the league!
When are tryouts?
Generally they’re once a year in summer but please check our website and our Google Group; we post details as soon as we have them!
Where can I get my skate on to prepare for DCRG tryouts?
Check the Google group to see if we have a Derby 101 Clinic scheduled!
You can also head out to a local skating rink (you can try Skate N Fun Zone in Manassass, VA, or Temple Hills Skate Palace, in Temple Hills, MD) in order to work on getting your “skate legs.” There is also Anacostia Skate Pavilion outdoors in DC, and numerous trail skating opportunities. Ask in the Google group for more info! That’s also a great place to see if other potential skaters are hitting open skate nights. Now is the time to start to get comfortable on eight wheels, work on speed, endurance, crossovers, and general skating stance.
We strongly recommend that you also read the rules and basic skill requirements at http://www.wftda.com/rules. In addition to reading the rules you may find a derby basic overview helpful.
Try to actually see derby somewhere! If you cannot come see our next bout (our website has the latest schedule), then check it out on YouTube, or other leagues’ websites. It is essential that you see how the game is actually played.
You should also plan to start working on general endurance and strength training off-skates, as we train incredibly hard in derby, and many do not realize how physically intensive the sport is. Things like squats, lunges, leg lifts, crunches/planks, and push-ups will work some of our most commonly used muscle groups. Also, endurance training through running, biking, and other activities will be a great way to start.
What kind of skills should I work on?
Please review the Safety Assessment document on our DC Roller Derby Google Group. That’s what we use to assess potential new DCRG skaters during tryouts.
What type of gear do I need?
The purchase of protective gear is also a must before you can begin skating! To skate in roller derby, you must use hard shell kneepads, hard shell elbow pads, hard shell wrist guards, a mouthguard, helmet and of course quad roller skates. Please note: it is strongly encouraged to spend the extra dollars for high quality kneepads. Good ones will cost $60 or more, which is a pretty good price for having working knees in twenty years.
Unfortunately, there are no local places to buy appropriate derby skates. Here are some of the top derby-skater-owned stores:
If you email or call them, they will be more than happy to answer your questions and get you the right gear! Another good source, for protective gear only: www.xsportsprotective.com. If you want to shop locally, skateboard stores and large sports retailers may carry the protective equipment you need.
What do rollergirls do besides skate?
Being a DC Rollergirl isn’t all just hitting and skating. In order to have fun on the track, all DCRG members take on some responsibilities to help keep the league running. Members are responsible for volunteering to make it all happen: we produce all the bouts, train the skaters, run the media outreach, book the practice space, maintain and protect the DCRG brand. It’s a ton of work, and a ton of fun! In order to keep the league running, league members pay dues of $40 a month for practice space rental and other league expenses.
See you on the track!
Yours in derby,
Dyke Diggler & Lois Slain
Co-Chairs, Training Committee
DC Rollergirls
