Roller Derby?

[Anonymous]

DD wants to join Roller Derby. She is 16 and think it would be fun seeing as she like roller skating. Are there any derby teams around here, let alone for 16 yr olds?

[Anonymous]

Good lord, how'd I miss this?

OP, I play for the Baltimore league. There is also a DC league. I can't speak to DC's junior derby plans, but there IS a nascent movement to form a jr. league in Baltimore.

Here's what I can tell you. There are a lot of leagues out there with a jr. component that play with a slightly modified ruleset. The ones I have looked at relatively closely (mostly on the west coast), have a really good sportsmanship, body-positive vibe.

If the jr. league isn't getting off the ground close enough or fast enough, DC and Baltimore accept skaters as young as 18.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good lord, how'd I miss this?

OP, I play for the Baltimore league. There is also a DC league. I can't speak to DC's junior derby plans, but there IS a nascent movement to form a jr. league in Baltimore.

Here's what I can tell you. There are a lot of leagues out there with a jr. component that play with a slightly modified ruleset. The ones I have looked at relatively closely (mostly on the west coast), have a really good sportsmanship, body-positive vibe.

If the jr. league isn't getting off the ground close enough or fast enough, DC and Baltimore accept skaters as young as 18.

Hi PP, new poster here- been to two DC Rollergirls bouts and am thinking of joining! I do know that the DC chapter is also hoping to start a junior league and have recently added a rec league but I am unsure of the ages allowed.

Can I ask you as a league member how much it cost your per month? I know it might be slightly different than the DC league but I am looking for a rough estimate to include insurance, gear, and dues...

[Anonymous]

Happy to try and answer.

Monthly dues - B'more is $35 a month.

Factor in gas and baby sitting.

Equipment: initial purchase and maintenance- it wears out, and you occasionally upgrade. I looked at some rookie packages, and a lot are between $300-$400. That's skates, helmet, mouthguard, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards.

DC requires you to be covered by a health insurance policy of some kind. Baltimore does not, for better or worse.

So there is the money issue. But there is also the time issue. There is a minimum practice requirement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Happy to try and answer.

Monthly dues - B'more is $35 a month.

Factor in gas and baby sitting.

Equipment: initial purchase and maintenance- it wears out, and you occasionally upgrade. I looked at some rookie packages, and a lot are between $300-$400. That's skates, helmet, mouthguard, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards.

DC requires you to be covered by a health insurance policy of some kind. Baltimore does not, for better or worse.

So there is the money issue. But there is also the time issue. There is a minimum practice requirement.

Thanks so much for your help! I appreciate it

I think I am most worried about the extra insurance, but it might not be a bad idea to have!!

[Anonymous]

Not "extra insurance". Just having health insurance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not "extra insurance". Just having health insurance.

See this was something I was unsure about, because it looked like there were two different places to buy plans endorsed by the league- even though I already have existing coverage through work. It lead me to beelieve that I needed supplemental coverage to participate...I guess I need to find out if my existing plan is enough! Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

WFTDA league skaters are also covered by WFTDA insurance in addition to whatever else you are carrying. Our league (B'more) makes folks pay for this the first time, but then the league covers it every year thereafter. Not sure how DC handles it.

[Anonymous]

I want to say WFTDA coverage is something like $60, but don't quote me on that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:WFTDA league skaters are also covered by WFTDA insurance in addition to whatever else you are carrying. Our league (B'more) makes folks pay for this the first time, but then the league covers it every year thereafter. Not sure how DC handles it.

ahh, that makes sense- thanks for helping clear this up for me!