We are always looking for more skaters. Do you have what it takes to clash skates with us?
Stockholm Rollerderby holds try-outs a couple times a year and any female 18 or older are welcome to try-out. Check our calendar regularly to make sure you don’t miss out!
Next Tryout session will be March 19, 2012
Time: 19.00-22.00 (Suggested time to be there is 18.30)
Place: SMC Gocart, Magasin 7, Palermogatan 30
Frihamnen, Stockholm.
What you need to bring: A pair of trainers, work-out clothes, water bottle.
If you have gear or skates, bring it! There will be a limited amount of skates and gear at the venue.
The venue can be a bit cold, so dress accordingly.
Until then you can read more about requirements and training (below) to see what you can work on until then.
Here are some FAQ’s about our Newbie tryouts:
What does it mean to be a Fresh Meat?
Once you’ve passed try-outs you are what the derby world calls ”Fresh Meat”. We offer all Fresh Meaters two free-of-charge practice sessions to get a feel for what roller derby is all about! After the two free-of-charge practice sessions you will be required to pay a yearly members fee as well as monthly practice fees. Once you are a full fledged member you are welcome to attend our monthly members meetings, join any of our committees and have a voice in the development of Stockholm Rollerderby.
Do I have to be a seasoned skater to try out?
No! And don’t be scared by the term “try-outs.” Skills are one thing, but being a Derby Girl is a lot more than just being a good skater. The tryouts are more about helping you learn the basic skating skills, more than judging your skills and comparing you to the other girls. Everybody has been a newbie at some point in time and before you know it you’ll be a full blown Derby girl.
How can I get ready for tryouts?
First off, get to know us! Keep an eye on our calendar for up and coming events. Check out clips on YouTube to get an idea of how fast, aggressive and awesome the game is, and to see what an undertaking it is to be a Roller Girl.
Then, once you are hooked, skate, skate, and skate some more! Fryshuset has “girls night” every monday and what better was is there to learn to skate than try out there beginers rampsThe more comfortable you are on wheels, the faster you will forget about the fact that you are on wheels and you’ll be able to work on learning the game.
Derby Girls are athletes first and foremost, so work on your fitness off skates as well. Increase your endurance and strengthen those leg and core muscles – you’re going to need them!
I just missed your try-out, what can I do on my own until your next session?
We have tryouts a couple times a year! If you’re bummed out about missing a try-out, please don’t stop skating. If you have a basic skating skill you can move forward in your training even before you come to tryouts. Some of the things you will be learning as a roller derby girl are:
Basic skills:
- Forward skating
- Power stride (getting the most out of each push)
- Gliding on one foot at a time
- Crossovers
- Balance
- Squats
Derby Skills:
Fall techniques: (Don’t try these on asphalt)
Endurance:
What do I need when I tryout?
All participants are required to wear all of the following protective gear. In some cases we might be able to lend you some extra gear, but be sure to ask on our Facebook page in advance.
• Helmet
• Wristguards
• Elbow pads
• Kneepads
• Mouthguard
• 4 wheel (quad) roller skates (Inlines are not allowed)
Check under Requirements for more information about the equipment.
I go to school and work, will I have enough time for roller derby?
Roller derby is a big commitment: it’s like a second (or third) job. You’ll be expected to attend team practices for around two–three hours twice a week.
As we are a skater run organization, everyone is asked to help any way possible! Some join committees, others help out at events, meetings etc. We’re not telling you this to scare you, but we want to be honest: If the time commitment is too much, maybe being a skater isn’t the right fit for you right now. There are lots of ways to join in: volunteer to help on events, join our awesome cheerleaders, come to all our parties, etc! But despite the time commitment, any Derby Girl will tell you that it is completely worth it. And you instantly have over 50 sisters in Stockholm and over 20,000 around the world!
I’ve seen pictures of injuries and I’m worried. The game looks kind of dangerous.
As in any full contact sport injures do happen BUT we work really hard to prevent as many injuries as possible by spending lots of time on how to skate and fall safely. As mentioned above, full protective gear is required for all skaters (and refs!) and we follow that rule strictly.
I think I would rather be a cheerleader or a Referee. Can I do that?
Yes! Specify in a mail to recruit@rollerderby.se that you are interested in joining our stellar Referee squad, or beeing a cheerleader and you will recieve information on how to get started.