Derby 101

What is roller derby, anyway?

Roller derby is a contact sport where the players are on quad skates. (Not inline skates!) Derby is played on an oval track by two teams of five skaters. It is played by adults and youth in leagues worldwide. Read more about roller derby or check out this Roller Derby 101 video.

Rules of the game

We play using the rules developed by the adult Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), with modifications for younger players from the Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA). Junior derby teams worldwide use these rules to keep games safe and fun.

Code of conduct

On and off the track, we treat everybody with dignity and respect, and everybody is expected to follow these guidelines.

Learning to play derby

Check out these links from the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) to learn more about how to play roller derby:

Building skating skills

JRDA divides skaters into four levels:

  • Levels 0 are beginners and often still learning to skate
  • Levels 1 and 2 are still learning the rules and skills of roller derby
  • Level 3 skaters are proficient

Each level has its own set of required skills. To move up from one level to the next, a skater must pass a physical skills assessment and a written rules test.

Derby is everywhere!

We are one of many leagues worldwide who are members of the Junior Roller Derby Association.