How can I join a roller derby league?

How to Join a Roller Derby League

• Answer:

  The sport of roller derby has been around for nearly 100 years. Over that time, little has changed. Before you can strap on a pair of skates and lay down some vicious hits, you'll need to join a roller derby league. Because smaller towns may not have a roller derby league, you may need to help form one before you're ready to compete. Difficulty: Moderate Things You'll Need Fliers Bulletin board Practice space Roller derby magazines Instructions Find a Roller Derby League to Join Talk to the employees at your local gym to see if they're aware of any roller derby leagues in the city. Since roller derby is an excellent form of exercise, gym-dwellers might be able to help you get in touch with derby enthusiasts. Check the gym bulletin board for fliers. Visit your local community center. Roller derby leagues need a place to host their activities, and community centers can help them solve that problem. See if they're aware of any derby leagues that operate in nearby community centers. Search for a roller derby league through online community bulletin boards. Check with the online edition of your local newspaper or other services that help community members get in touch with each other. Visit websites that are run by roller derby lovers. You may be able to find some derby fans in nearby communities to help you. Subscribe to roller derby magazines to get information on their world. Magazines like "Blood & Thunder" and "Derby Gal" cater to the growing roller derby community. Help to Form a Roller Derby League Print fliers advertising your new roller derby league. Hang the fliers in places where young women are likely to see them. In addition to gyms and community centers, consider hanging fliers at a rock n' roll bar, a hip coffee shop or a tattoo parlor. Recruit players for several teams. The league competition will get stale if you only have two teams. Enlist at least 20 players so you can form four teams of five. Find a place for your teams to practice. You'll need a large, open space where you can designate a circular track. Consider a gym, a deserted parking lot or an empty warehouse. Appoint a governing body to oversee the league. Avoid issues of favoritism by appointing a league head who is not affiliated with any particular team. Tips & Warnings Tip: Have all the necessary safety equipment before you join a roller derby league. You'll need knee and elbow pads and a helmet. A team will expect you to furnish your own equipment. Warning: Get health insurance before you join a roller derby league. Bruises, cuts and broken bones are a normal part of the fun, so you'll want to have health coverage to treat your injuries. It's not uncommon for teeth to get knocked out in heated matches, so you should also have a comprehensive dental plan.