Join the Revolution

So… you wanna be a Rollergirl?

The first point of contact is our Fresh Meat Co-ordinators. Email them at vrdlfreshmeat@gmail.com.

If you already know how to rollerskate, that’s great. There is still a lot to learn to play Roller Derby.

Here is some more information to help you on your way to becoming a Rollergirl.

The VRDL recruits women aged 18 and above to skate in the League.
All skaters are required to assist the League through work groups and projects as a requirement of membership.
All skaters pay dues to the League, either Monthly, Half Yearly, or Yearly.
All skaters are required to pay for insurance with Skate Victoria.
All skaters MUST abide by the League Code of Conduct.
Many women have joined the league who were not previously rollerskaters, or who have not skated for a long time. We run Fresh Meat classes to assist people to learn. Skaters must follow the instructions of the session coaches and all safety requirements and procedures.
All skaters skate at their own risk.

YOUR PRIMARY CONTACTS

The VRDL has 2 Fresh Meat Co-ordinators to help you find your way in the league. They are Bella DuBois and Mother the Razor – they can be contacted on vrdlfreshmeat@gmail.com. Please go to them with your questions.

TRAINING TIMES

Fresh Meat Training is on Sundays in November so please contact us for the exact dates and times.
During these sessions you will be introduced to roller derby skating skills, fitness and contact drills.

We encourage all skaters to skate outside the Melbourne Museum on Tuesday night, weather permitting, to go to Caribbean Rollerama on Thursday night and to engage in cross training for fitness whenever possible. If you need advice on making an exercise program for yourself, talk to Kittie Von Krusher.

Have a look at the Beginners Skating page for some tips on learning to skate, and check out the VRDL Beginners Skills Test.

EQUIPMENT

ALL Fresh Meat Skaters must wear
Quad Roller Skates – the wheel nut of your skate must not protrude from the axle. This is a hazard to skaters and to the rink surface. (If in doubt, ask your Fresh Meat Co-ordinator.)
Knee Guards
Elbow Guards
Wrist Guards
A Helmet
A Mouthguard

Skaters must have a stretch bandage in their skate bag.

Skaters must notify the session coach if they have an injury or illness, or if they need medication. If you are injured we will ask you for a Doctor’s Certificate to clear you for skating. If you do not have one, you cannot skate.

Skate at a level you are comfortable and competent at. We will teach you new skills, but learn at your own pace. If you have not exercised in a while, join in slowly and at a level that will not cause you injury. If you have never skated before, it make take you a while to become comfortable, so engage in the drills you feel that you can undertake safely and competently.

 

DO

attend General Skate Sessions at rinks

skate outside the Museum, or in parks, or anywhere that is flat

wear your protective gear when you skate

spend a little bit more on protective gear and get something of good quality

be patient when learning new skills, getting to know the league and how it works

be respectful of your trainers and co-ordinators. They are volunteering to help you.

carpool to training and league functions

ask a skater on the league to be your derby sister

ask lots of questions about equipment and skates and try lots of different skates and wheels on to find out what works for you

buy Ambulance Cover

join in with League work groups and contribute positively to the league

DON’T

be disheartened if you can’t skate as well as you did when you were a kid

buy Micro, Zinger or Cobra brand skates. They are not suitable for Roller Derby and are unsafe.

wear really flimsy knee pads. Knee reconstructions cost a lot more than good knee pads!

push yourself too hard, especially if you have not exercised in a while

skate while you are injured

think that Roller Derby just happens magically on its own. All of us have and continue to put in time and energy to make the league run.

 

Looking forward to seeing you rinkside!

Slugs and kisses,
VRDL