So you want to join Adelaide Roller Derby (ADRD)? Awesome! You can join ADRD as either a skater, skating official or non-skating official (NSO). Our league welcomes women, men, trans and gender-diverse people of all backgrounds, shapes and persuasions.
Our New Member Intake (recruitment program) is held once a year and typically begins in late-August through to late-October.
Keep an eye out on our Facebook for details of any upcoming Information Nights so you can find out more about what it means to join ADRD.
Skaters
Our recruitment program is split into three sections:
- Skating skills (no contact)
- Roller Derby skills (light contact)
- League culture
We aim to get you to the point where you’re skilled enough to participate fully in league trainings and start playing public bouts; as well as understand the values and culture of our league and have the confidence to contribute to ADRD off the track.
During the first month you’ll be learning basic skating. Skills taught include skating slow and fast, stopping, weaving, crossovers, stepping and how to fall correctly. If you can demonstrate these skills safely, you’ll move on to the second part of the program and that’s where the real fun begins.
During the second month you’ll start learning how to play Roller Derby. Skills taught include skating as a ‘pack’, avoiding obstacles, blocking (hitting), transitions (turning from front to back while skating), backwards skating, jumping and basic strategy. You’ll be asked to demonstrate all of these skills safely and competently in a test at the end of the program. There are limited skater spots available.
If you’re offered skater membership, you will be assigned to one of our four home teams – Salty Dolls, Road Train Rollers, Mile Die Club or Wild Hearses.
Image: Pete Hayward, 2021
Skating Officials
A Roller Derby bout requires seven on-skates officials. Skating officials wear the black and white stripes of Team Zebra, call penalties, keep track of points and ensure safe game play.
Skating Officials must be competent skaters, have good stops and transitions, and excellent track-awareness. They are required to successfully pass a modified version of the skating skills and Roller Derby skills programs in order to be offered skating official membership.
Image: Shaun Healy, 2021
Non-Skating Officials
A Roller Derby bout requires a handful of dedicated Non-Skating Officials (NSO). NSO’s undertake a range of roles inside and outside the track, including starting and timing jams, recording and displaying scores and penalties, keeping track of skaters visiting the penalty box and collecting derby stats.
If you are interested in joining the league as an NSO, email us at freshies@adelaiderollerderby.com and we’ll put you in touch with Team Zebra.
Image: Shaun Healy, 2021
When does the program start?
Our New Member Intake will begin sometime in late-August. It goes for about 10 weeks with two sessions a week. Compared to other sports it’s a long recruitment program, because it caters for the least experienced skater and gives you plenty of time to progress the necessary skills.
Roller Derby is a full-contact sport and for most people there’s lots to learn. Our league is also run by us – the skaters and officials – so compared to many sports, joining ADRD can be a big commitment and it’s important that you’re prepared for this.
Stay tuned to the Adelaide Roller Derby Facebook page for the start date.
What gear do I need?
Skaters and skating officials must have the following safety gear:
- Quad skates with toe stops
- Knee pads
- Wrist guards
- Helmet
- Elbow pads
- Mouth guard
Our sponsors Da Klinic have a large range of derby gear and can advise on the most appropriate safety equipment for your level of experience. If you’re not ready to invest in new gear yet, take a look at the buy/swap/sell Facebook page. Skate sizing is different to shoes, so be sure to check the skate/shoe comparison of the brand you’re considering.
What level of skating ability do I need?
To participate in the New Member Intake, you must be able to stand up by yourself, balance on your skates and skate one lap unassisted at a slow pace. We will teach you the rest – including how to stop.
No matter what your level of experience is when you begin our program, if you put in the work, your skills development will be fast. Some of our best skaters were new to skates before joining ADRD.
For more information
To keep up to date on our New Member Intake and all of our ADRD events, head to the Adelaide Roller Derby Facebook page.
You can also contact us at freshies@adelaiderollerderby.com with any questions.