FYI

Trainers and Managers

The 2012 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
Belle Starr – Trainer
Fender Bender – Trainer
Me Shove You Long Time – Trainer
Peppermint Bratty – Trainer
Ruby Wring – Trainer
Shank – Trainer
Tomax Blade – Trainer

SweetHurt – Administration
Hannthrax – 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:

• Shirts: Our team shirt colors are the same as last year: black, white, red, blue. We will have Rec-League branded merch for sale, but any shirt in your team color will work.
• Boil and bite mouth guards can be purchased at Academy & local skate shops. Custom mouth guards can be purchased through your dentist or on line via a few websites, including http://www.customguards.com/.
• Helmet, pads, and wrist guards may be purchased local skate shops such as Medusa Skates (www.medusaskates.com) or Apparition Skate shop (apparitionskateboards.com) or local sporting good stores such as Academy or Sun & Ski Sports. If you want to get top-of-the-line custom-made pads, reach out to Wild Bill of Pro Designed (http://prodesigned.com/) – he’s a Texas Rollergirls League sponsor, so be sure to mention that you are joining Texas Rollergirls Rec-League to be eligible for a TXRG discount.
• Skates can be purchased locally from Playland Skate Center, Sun & Ski Sports, or from a local, independent retailers like Medusa Skates (www.medusaskates.com). Also, many of those 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. We recommend using quad-skates designed for speed skating and/or derby skating.
• 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.

Childcare

Child care is not provided. If you need to bring your kid/s to practice, please BYOS (bring your own sitter). We only rent the skate zone, so kids & their sitters have to remain in that area if they come to practice.

Children under 10 are not allowed at the rink unattended while mom skates.