You’ll need quad roller skates with adjustable toe-stops (the sort that screw in on a 5/8″ bolt and get locked in position with a hex nut). You’ll also need a helmet that can handle multiple impacts (skateboard or snowboard helmets are OK; bicycle helmets aren’t) and pro-quality knee pads as well as elbow pads, wrist guards, and a mouth guard.
Recruiting
Do I have to be a great skater?
Skating experience is great, but not required. We recommend that you get out on your skates with proper safety gear and get familiar with what it feels like to be on skates prior to your first day with BCRD. Come prepared to challenge yourself both mentally and physically, and to listen closely to all your trainer’s instructions. Let them know if you’re brand-new to skating or recovering from an injury.
BCRD’s training curriculum is designed to teach you basic skating skills as well as derby-specific skills. At the end of the 12-week program, trainers will assess your safety, stability, and skill-set to see if you’re ready to play roller derby!
Do I have to be a certain size to play?
Absolutely not! Our league, like many others, has a wide range of body types and athletic backgrounds. Your body is always an asset–that’s one of the beautiful things about roller derby! No matter what size or shape you are, there is a position for you!
Who can join?
In accordance to the WFTDA Guidelines, BCRD is committed to inclusive and anti-discrimination practices in relation to all transgender women, intersex women, and gender expansive participants. Any person over the age of 18 can join BCRD as a skater if they feel women’s flat track roller derby is the best place for them to pursue the sport. Everyone is welcome to join our Bomb Squad as a referee or non-skating official if on-skates game play is not their preferred way to engage with the sport. We also have a juniors league with two age ranges: 6-11 and 12-17.