Photograph provided by Amanda “Bruiser” Mason
Not sure what’s happening on the track? Looking for a ball? And, what’s going on with those helmet covers?!
Never fear - we’ve got answers! Derby is a full-contact sport played on quad roller skates, in which the objective is to score points by helping your team’s Jammer (designated points-scorer) skate past the other team’s players on the track, while keeping the other team’s Jammer from getting past you and your teammates.
The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association has a great video that explains in more detail how the game is played:
Frequently asked questions:
Is it fake?
No! Nothing is pre-determined, the competition between teams is real, and all of the hits, jumps, and fancy footwork you see are the result of hard work by the skaters and coaches.
Why isn’t roller derby on a banked track anymore?
Building, storing, and transporting a banked track takes pretty significant resources, so the overwhelming majority of roller derby leagues you’ll find now skate on a flat-track. It’s much more egalitarian - all you need is a flat surface, rope, tape, and the measurements, and you’re in business!
Why don’t skaters shove, elbow, or punch each other?
Roller derby is a hard-hitting sport, but there are rules on the type of contact allowed. The purpose of the contact is to render an opposing skater ineffective or remove them from play at a key moment, such as by knocking them out of bounds or blocking their path. It is never to harm the other skater! Our valiant referee crew keeps close watch on the action at all times, to make sure we are following the rules and not endangering ourselves or others.
So, what is allowed, then?
The contact in roller derby is similar to what is allowed in hockey. You’ll see a lot of hip-checks, shoulder-to-chest blocking, and “covering” or “screening” opposing players to get in their way. And occasionally, you’ll see a full-body hit that sends another skater flying! Make no mistake, the action can get pretty intense!