FYI

Trainers and Managers

The 2011 Rec-n-RollerDerby trainers and managers are devoted to training flat track roller derby in a safe and fun environment.

Kat A. Killzem – Head Trainer
Devil Grrl – Trainer
Fender Bender – Trainer
Ruby Wring – Trainer
Peppermint Bratty – Trainer
Tomax Blade – Trainer

SweetHurt – Administration
Me Shove You Long Time – Production
Killer Crouton – Skater Liaison
Hydra – Program Coordinator

Gear

You could spend years digesting all of the information that exists about gear. (Trust us, we have!!!) Much of it comes down to a decision about cost, comfort, and protection. Many new skaters opt to start with very basic gear to be sure that they like the sport and want to continue participating before they spend a lot of money on gear. Also, many new skaters don’t have the experience to appreciate the differences between basic gear and higher-quality gear. The best thing you can do is to find a friendly rec skater or Texas Rollergirl and ask to try on her skates, pads, helmet, etc. When you do purchase your skates and safety gear, make sure everything fits well and offers the protection you need to play flat track roller derby. After a few months of skating, you will know whether you want to put more money into your gear.

• To play roller derby, you’ll need the following equipment: quad skates (not inlines), a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and a mouth guard.  Need resources for all that gear?  Here are a few:
• Inexpensive boil and bite mouth guards can be purchased at Academy.  Custom mouth guards can be purchased affordably on line via a few website, including  http://www.customguards.com/.  Custom mouth guards are SO much more comfortable, but a boil ‘n bite will get you started.
• Helmet, pads, and wrist guards may be purchased at sporting good stores such as Academy, Sun & Ski Sports, or local skateboarding shops such as Apparition Skateboards.  Apparition Skateboards gives Texas Rollergirls a 10% discount! Just ask & mention the Texas Rollergirls Rec League.  If you want to get top-of-the-line custom-made pads, reach out to Wild Bill of Pro-Designed, Inc.—he’s a sponsor, so be sure to mention that you are joining Texas Rollergirls Rec League to get a discount!
• Skates can be purchased locally from Playland Skate Center, Sun & Ski Sports, or from a local, independent retailer and Texas Rollergirl, Speedyrella.  She knows her skates!  Also, many local retailers give discounts to our league, so be sure to ask & to mention that you are a derby girl with Texas Rollergirls Rec League.  Skates can also be purchased online through a large variety of skate dealers, many of which also give a discount for roller derby skaters (just ask!).  If shopping online, check-out the “rookie packages” for a one-stop shop.
• Please make sure the equipment fits correctly – helmets should not shake or move freely on the head and chin strap should be tight; elbow and knee pads should cover the joints and not slip or fall down during movement.  Skates should be snug, not let the heel slip out with each stride, and not squeeze the ball of the foot too tightly.  Most skates are sold in men’s sizes, so pay attention when ordering.

Code of Conduct

Rec-n-Rollerderby participants are expected to adhere to the same Code of Conduct as Texas Rollergirls, including but not limited to:

• Respect the game of flat track roller derby, follow its rules and regulations, and always play fairly and safely.
• Respect the authority of the trainers, league managers, and game officials.
• Demonstrate good sportswomanship before, during and after games. No fighting is allowed.
• Help fans and folks outside of roller derby understand the game of flat track roller derby so they can watch and enjoy.
• Be courteous to opposing teams and treat all players and trainers with respect.
• Respect the privilege of the use of the Millennium and other practice facilities.
• Be modest when successful and gracious in defeat.
• Refrain from the use of drugs, alcohol, and abusive language during practices and games.
• Always behave in a professional manner when representing the Rec League and Texas Rollergirls.

Safety Requirements

New skaters are strongly encouraged to have basic skating skills before joining Rec-n-Rollerderby, such as controlled starts and stops, crossovers on the corners, gliding on one skate, and skating at least 10 laps without stopping.

All skaters must purchase WFTDA insurance and are encouraged to have personal insurance.

All skaters must wear quad skates, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, a helmet and a mouth guard in order to participate in practices and scrimmages.

Trainers will make sure that minimum safety requirements are met before a skater may participate in a scrimmage.

Attendance Requirements

As a recreational league, there are no formal attendance requirements. However, skaters who have missed an excessive number of practices, or who have not mastered basic safety skills, may not be allowed to participate in the official scrimmages.

Babysitting Policies

Unattended children under the age of 10 are not allowed in the rink during practice.

All children under the age of 10 must supervised by a babysitter. Kids are to stay in the general childcare area–the skating area & areas outside the Millennium’s Skate Zone are off-limits. If your kids are over 10 & do not need a sitter, please let them know & strictly enforce that they are not allowed to leave the Skate Zone.  All areas outside of the Skate Zone at the Millennium are closed during our practice times, including the bowling alley and arcade.

Rec-n-Rollerderby provides a babysitter during some practices.  The babysitter requires payment of $20/hour.  A babysitter is present during Tuesday practices from 5 to 6:30 pm.   A babysitter will be arranged, if need exists, for practices on Tuesday after 6:30 pm and Thursdays from 5 to 6:30 pm.  No childcare is provided during Sunday practices.

Moms must sign their kids in at each practice.  If the babysitter is late, parents should stay with their kids until she arrives. All parents must bring activities for their child/children to do. No outside food or drink is allowed at the Millennium.

Please help clean up at the end of practice – moving tables, cleaning up toys, etc.