7 Steps – Prepare for Roller Derby Season

Prepare for Roller Derby

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newbie to the sport, preparing for the upcoming season is crucial for success on the track. Here are some tips to help you prepare for roller derby season.

1. Start with a solid training plan

The first step in preparing for roller derby season is to have a well-structured training plan. This should include a mix of strength training, cardio, and agility exercises. It’s essential to focus on building endurance, as roller derby is a physically demanding sport that requires a lot of stamina. Make sure to also incorporate specific roller derby drills into your training to improve your skills and technique.

2. Get your gear in order

Having the right gear is crucial for safety and performance in roller derby. Make sure to check all your equipment, including your skates, pads, and helmet, for any wear and tear. Replace any damaged or worn-out gear to avoid injuries during the season. It’s also a good idea to have a backup set of gear in case of emergencies.

3. Work on your balance and stability

Balance and stability are essential for success in roller derby. As you’ll be skating and maneuvering at high speeds, having good balance and stability will help you stay on your feet and avoid falls. Incorporate exercises like single-leg squats, lunges, and balance board training into your workout routine to improve your balance and stability.

4. Focus on your nutrition

Proper nutrition is crucial for any athlete, and roller derby players are no exception. Make sure to fuel your body with the right nutrients to support your training and performance. Focus on eating a balanced diet with plenty of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially during training sessions.

5. Don’t neglect your mental game

Roller derby is not just a physically demanding sport; it also requires mental toughness. As you prepare for the season, make sure to work on your mental game as well. Visualize yourself performing well on the track, and practice positive self-talk to boost your confidence. Remember to also take breaks and rest when needed to avoid burnout.

6. Attend team practices and scrimmages

One of the best ways to prepare for the roller derby season is to attend team practices and scrimmages. This will not only help you improve your skills and technique but also allow you to bond with your teammates and develop team chemistry. Make sure to communicate with your team and coaches to identify areas where you can improve and work on them together.

7. Take care of your body

Lastly, it’s crucial to take care of your body during the roller derby season. Make sure to warm up and cool down properly before and after training sessions. Stretching and foam rolling can also help prevent injuries and improve recovery. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard, as this can lead to burnout or injuries.

Preparing for roller derby season requires a combination of physical and mental preparation. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to hit the track and dominate the competition. Let us know if you want more information about this topic. Remember to stay focused, work hard, and have fun! Good luck!

The State of Roller Derby After COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the sports world, including roller derby. With lockdowns, social distancing, and restrictions on large gatherings, roller derby leagues around the world have had to adapt to a new reality. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the state of roller derby after COVID-19 and how the sport has changed.

Roller Derby During Lockdown

During the early days of the pandemic, roller derby leagues were forced to shut down in-person practices and events. This led to a surge in virtual roller derby events, such as online scrimmages and virtual roller derby tournaments. These events allowed skaters to stay connected and engaged with the sport while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Roller derby leagues around the world had to quickly adapt to the new reality of the pandemic. They had to find ways to keep their members engaged and motivated while also ensuring their safety. The virtual roller derby events provided a platform for skaters to continue practicing and competing, while also fostering a sense of community despite the physical distance.

The Return of In-Person Roller Derby

As lockdowns eased and restrictions on gatherings were lifted, many roller derby leagues were able to return to in-person practices and events. However, safety protocols such as mask-wearing, hand-washing, and temperature checks had to be implemented to ensure the safety of skaters, officials, and spectators. Many leagues also had to limit the number of people allowed in the venue and enforce social distancing guidelines.

The return of in-person roller derby events was a welcome change for many skaters who missed the physicality and camaraderie of the sport. However, many leagues had to make significant adjustments to their operations to ensure everyone’s safety. The enforcement of safety protocols was critical in making the return of in-person events possible.

The Future of Roller Derby

While roller derby has faced significant challenges during the pandemic, the sport has proven to be resilient. Virtual events have allowed skaters from around the world to connect and compete, while the return of in-person events has brought a sense of normalcy back to the roller derby community.

As the world continues to navigate the pandemic, it’s unclear what the future holds for roller derby. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, coupled with the potential for future outbreaks or lockdowns, means that roller derby leagues will need to remain adaptable and flexible.

However, one thing is certain – the sport will continue to adapt and evolve to meet the challenges ahead. The roller derby community has shown incredible resilience and creativity in the face of adversity, and there is no doubt that they will continue to find ways to keep the sport alive and thriving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on roller derby. From virtual events to safety protocols for in-person events, the sport has undergone significant changes. However, the roller derby community has proven to be resilient and adaptable, and the future of the sport looks bright.

As we continue to navigate the pandemic, it’s important to support our local roller derby leagues and skaters, and to continue to promote the growth and development of the sport. Roller derby is a unique and exciting sport that brings people together from all walks of life. By working together and supporting each other, we can ensure that roller derby continues to thrive long after the pandemic is over.

How to pick a roller derby name and number

Pick a Roller Derby Name that matches your attitude
Pick a Roller Derby Name that matches your attitude

Coming up with a derby name is not so easy for some. Inspiration can be a bitch.For some skaters it can take  a long time to dream up the right name that you can wear with certainty.

For others, the name is right there for the taking. You have been walking around with it all your life. Perhaps it is your alter-ego, petname, etc.

Your skater name represents your identity – who you are. That can take some time to solidify. After all in a few words it describes who you are

Here are some roller derby name selection tips:

Your roller derby name should:

  • Convey your personality, passion and identity as a skater
  • Have a derby feel
  • Project a sense of toughness
  • Be funny, quirky or witty
  • Express confidence and intelligence
  • Have a retro feel (optional)

Many skaters find their name from history, pop culture, old news reels, vintage product names and trends, etc.

Gain inspiration from these websites:

The awesomest names use creativity, word play, puns, rhymes and double entendres.

Check out these 12 awesome skater names:

  1. Crush Limbaugh
  2. Smack Galifianakis
  3. Nuke Skywalker
  4. Princess Leah-pocalypse
  5. Eleanor Hoesevelt
  6. Lady MacDeath
  7. Skate Winslet
  8. The Lady and The Tramp Stamp
  9. Maul McCartney
  10. Hurt Vonneguts
  11. Moanin’ O’Brien
  12. Victoria VonDoom

To complicate it even further, you can’t have the same name as any skater anywhere on planet earth. And until we discover an alien civilization that has roller derby, maybe the universe.

That is because you might compete against that skater’s team at some point. Your first, second and third choices might be claimed. It’s ok, don’t give up.

Your options are:

  1. Alter the name slightly – Play with words, spellings, swap names and words in an out.
  2. Be extra inventive and keep looking. If you like the feel of one name but it is gone, look too today’s newspaper or a song lyric or mix and match names.

Here’s a method to choosing a derby name:

  1. Write a list of words, you like that inspire you.
  2. Write a list of action words that express your own unique nature
  3. Look for puns, rhymes
  4. Mix and match.
  5. Do internet searches on your favorite words or names to see what comes up.
  6. Use a thesaurus.
  7. Share the list of candidates and ask your friends and family to weigh in.

You will have this derby name as long as you are a derby skater. Do don’t settle for any name., pick one that defines you and your attitude and game.

It is also important to create a name that is nothing like your real name. Derby names are not used outside the sport, as a rule.

Keep in mind your name/number must be displayed on your uniform using 6 inch (10cm) high letters. It must be easy to read. A long name and number will be tough to fit across or back, so keep it a reasonable length.

Here are a few more ideas to help you pick a name:

  • Childhood or high school nicknames
  • Goofy or unusual things you do or have done in the past
  • Pet names
  • Favorite celebs, animated characters, books you love, songs or lyrics that are your fave
  • Quirky behaviors, hobbies, pastimes
  • Review our roster for inspiration, but no copying!
  • Ask other skaters for ideas. Brainstorm and crowd source!
  • Remember to check your name ideas against our roster before submitting.

Master roster rules:

Here is a summary of what the master roster rules around skater names say. The master roster rules can are found here:

Choosing a name:

  • Make sure you are committed to your league before putting a name on the roster. You should have attended practice regularly for at least a couple months.
  • Check skater names against the current version of the master roster before submitting them.
  • Duplicate skater names are strongly discouraged. The original skater must give written permission.
  • Written permission is also required from a retired skater if you use their name.
  • You will need permission from skaters with similar names:
    • Names that are pronounced similarly – for example: Paige Burner” and “Paige Burna”.
    • Names that are spelled similarly, for example,, “Paige Burner”, and “Page Burner”
    • These rules apply around names
      • Names that are too generic will be rejected. Examples: “Rollergirl”, “Skater”, etc.
      • Names that end in verbs  like “Speed Skater” is okay, but not “Speed Skating”
      • “First” names where First Name / Last Name combos exist. For example, no plain “Anne”, “Betty”, “Cherry”, and the like.
    • Even if you meet all name requirements, rejection is still at the discretion of the roster maintainers. Following the rules will provide you with the greatest chance of getting on the roster.

Retiring a name

  • Independent and retired status will only be granted to those skaters who were active members of their league. The skater will be listed  for one year from the date that the roster receives a request.  It is up to the skater and/or league to notify the roster at the end of that year of their status. The name will be deleted if the roster is not notified.
  • When you leave a league, it can request that your name be deleted. If you are moving or searching for a new league, or taking a break and don’t want your derby name deleted, it is your responsibility to notify the roster of a new affiliation (another league, independent or retired).

How to pick a roller derby number:

Once you have name you love, the next task is to select a number that goes with your name. It will be used to identify you in the bouts you skate in.

This will be easy for some, and others won’t care what it is. A number can have meaning for you or it can be random. Unlike your derby name, you doesn’t need a number that’s completely unique.

Here are some examples of how some skaters pick their names:

  • If you are a scientist maybe there is a nuclear weight you like
  • If you like to cook, maybe there a recipe with a measurement you use a lot
  • Maybe there is a number from a book you love
  • Your height, your area code, your address number, digits from an IP address, etc etc

Here are some examples of numbers that will help inspire you (borrowed from Cherry Rockette’s post):

  • 1200cc (Iona Harley)
  • 123floor (Rum N. Choke)
  • 12:00 (Cinderswella)
  • 1952 (Killa Fitzgerald)
  • 36DD (Demolition Dolly)
  • 6’2” (Dizzy Heights)
  • 65milB.C. (T.Rex Ya Face)
  • 8675309 (Slaughterama Mama)
  • 90210 (Beverly Kills)
  • 9mm (Patti Smith&Wesson)
  • AK-47 (Resident DeVil)
  • E=MC2(Lucky StaRr)
  • Ezekiel 25:17 (Pulp Friction)
  • IV(Nurse Naughty)
  • T-1000 (Terminate Her)
  • 36-24-36 (Cherry Rockette)
  • Back in 5 mins (Toxic Mama)
  • 15 ½ (A. Pocalypse)
  • $0.99/min (Wanda Whoop Ass)
  • .22 Calibre (Mia Culprit)
  • 00110001 (Terror Byte)
  • ½ pint (Peaches Rodriguez)
  • 100% (Sassy B. Yatch)
  • 103 degrees (Dr. Jenny Fever)

A Quick Note…

Some users are finding that their name already exists in the database search. This is likely because you submitted your name to two evils many moons ago. Roller Derby Roster imported from two evils as a way to make a more comprehensive list from the get-go. If you find your name already in the list from two evils just let us know through the contact us area and we can remove the duplicate and you can then register your name fresh through this site and have full control to edit it as you see fit.

 

Roller Derby Roster

Hello. Welcome to Roller Derby Roster. Our goal is to provide a master list of men, women, and junior skater derby names. This site is meant for fun and entertainment purposes only, and maybe even to help you on your quest to find the perfect derby pseudonym.

Please check out the info section before registering your name, as it has some tips and tricks to help us maintain a successful site.

This website is run by volunteers, kind of like derby and some of the hosting fees are paid for with ads.

Thank you for visiting.

Roller Derby Roster

Hello. Welcome to Roller Derby Roster. Our goal is to provide a master list of men, women, and junior skater derby names. This site is meant for fun and entertainment purposes only, and maybe even to help you on your quest to find the perfect derby pseudonym.

Please check out the info section before registering your name, as it has some tips and tricks to help us maintain a successful site.

This website is run by volunteers, kind of like derby and some of the hosting fees are paid for with ads.

Thank you for visiting.