What is this “derby thing” I keep hearing about?

Roller derby is a full contact competitive sport that combines speed skating with the drama that only a rink full of females can bring…and I promise you, they bring it hard! With 40 other leagues across the country it’s about time Birmingham gals joined the rank of their bad ass predecessors and started skating and brawling right along side them. With our ponytails tightened, our fishnets donned and our skates ready to tear up the rink, the Tragic City Rollers are ready for the all-girl, all-real, fierce skating competition that is roller derby!

I’ve Heard its Like Wrestling Meets Ice Hockey….Does that Mean its Fake?

In no way shape or form is roller derby fake! Any action, any fight, any fall is completely real! Nothing is ever staged with the Tragic City Rollers derby girls. Tragic City Rollers are real athletes with real appetites for skating and blood!

OK, So its Real, but What the Heck is Going On, How Do you Play?

The game is played in heats or "jams."

There are 3 fifteen minute game periods. Each game period can have an unlimited number of jams; that is to say the more jams “jammed” into a 15 minute period, the better.

Two teams play in each jam, with 5 players in the rink for each team called “the pack.” There are 3 positions in each pack:

1. Pivots - set the pace for the pack and are the last line of defense
2. Blockers - try to stop the opposing teams' jammer from scoring any points and their blockers from interfering with your jammer
3. Jammers - race through the pack and score points by passing any members of the opposing team

The pack starts with a pivot from each team in front, 3 blockers from each team in the middle, and a jammer from each team in the back. When the whistle blows, the pack takes off, and on a second whistle, the jammers start fighting their way through the pack in an attempt to be named "lead jammer." The jammers lap the pack once and when they re-enter the pack, they receive one point for each member of the opposing team that they pass. A jam lasts a maximum of two minutes, but the "lead jammer" has the right to call off the jam at any time.

Sounds Awesome, Can I Play?

Of course, as long as you’ve got the correct biological female parts and have a positive sports minded attitude! We surely wouldn’t mind having you in the league!

oh, also, you have to meet these few other teensy weensy requirements:

1. Must be 19 years old (liability reasons)
2. Individual health insurance is required. We will not be held liable for injuries, sicknesses, etc
3. Must train on and off the rink. It will be mandatory that players attend 75% of practices.
4. Must be involved, in some way or another, with off-rink activities, fundraisers, etc
5. Must be responsible for purchasing your own skates (quad speed skates, not inline) and protective gear.
6. Must understand that this is a fierce and competitive sport and that minor injuries will be part of the game.

Any girl over 19 can play as long as she can make the time commitment to practice and be involved with the League.

I Meet all those Requirements, but I’m Afraid you wouldn’t want me in the League, I haven’t Skated in Years…

Horse rubbish and nonsense! A lot of the girls in the league hadn’t been on skates since Jr. High before becoming a Tragic City Roller. That’s what all the practicing is for, to gently and lovingly pound and beat you into shape! We train and work with everyone to make you the best you can be no matter your skill level!

We’re looking for girls not only of all skill levels but girls of all sizes as well! Big girls make good blockers and teeny girls make good jammers, so go ahead already and get yourself to a practice and let us show you how great you can be at roller derby!

You keep Mentioning Practices, What does that Entail Exactly?

A good clean hard workout no doubt! Tragic City Rollers hold mandatory practices 2 times each week with additional optional practices. We have a serious commitment to the league and it takes a lot of self motivation to keep it ::ahem:: rolling.

During a routine practice skaters are usually put through drills and scrimmages. Drills consist of learning to start and stop, to skate at high speeds, to block properly, to dodge obstacles and to fall without injuries. Scrimmages are basically practice runs of jams; they teach you what to expect and build endurance.

Practices are usually about an hour and a half long.

What Equipment do I Need to Start Practicing?

Quad speed skates (no inline skates please, might result in a sound tongue lashing) and protective gear: knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, helmets, and mouth guards.

Not sure what kind of pads or skates to buy, feel free to email Punkin Disorderly at punkindisorderly@hotmail.com. She has all the info on any equipment pieces you have questions about; not to mention she knows how to save you a buck or two when purchasing equipment!

Still Interested and Wanna be a part of the League?

We are currently recruiting girls of all shapes and sizes for all things roller derby; skaters, sponsors, and volunteers to help with publicity, fundraising, and event staff. Please email Dixie Thrash at bhamrollerderby@gmail.com for information or visit our contact page.