FAQs

Is roller derby real?

The roller derby you may have watched in the 70s and early 80s was often scripted and rehearsed. The roller derby of today is real and is thought of as more of a sport than a spectacle. The skaters involved are athletes and take the sport very seriously. They train hard every week and wear their bruises and scars with pride. One reason there are so many referees rolling around is to enforce the rules, which are in place to protect athletes' safety and preserve fairness. Among other things, skaters are not allowed to elbow, punch, grab, head butt, trip, or shove the opposing team. There are still plenty of hard hits, hard falls, and fast action.

I used to love watching roller derby on TV! Is it like that?

Yes and no. The fast-paced action, body checks, and whip assists are all still very much part of the game. However, flat track roller derby rules and the different physics of skating on a flat surface, versus a banked track, make the strategies and game play very different. Also, in its later years, televised roller derby was staged, like WWE-style wrestling. Flat track roller derby is a legitimate sport, and the hits, spills, and competition are all 100% real.

What’s up with all those roller derby names?

Skaters are “normal” during the day. We work, we’re moms, students, etc. Roller derby is our escape from day-to-day life and our opportunity to embrace a tougher, edgier side of ourselves. When you step into the rink, your derby alter ego takes over.

Derby names are creative and fun and can either be tough or just plain funny. There are a few leagues whose skaters are starting to skate under their legal names. Since roller derby is a growing sport, using real names may encourage the public to take the sport more seriously.

Why is it called a “bout”?

The terminology “bout” comes from boxing, because a derby match is a fight to the end.

How much do you get paid to play?

Nothing! All skaters, officials, and coaches are volunteers and work together to run Fox Cities Roller Derby.

Are your games family friendly?

Yes! If our games were a movie, they’d get a PG rating. Tickets are free for kids 4 and under, and there are discounted tickets for children ages 5-17. Kids of all ages will enjoy the action and the opportunity to meet the skaters! The bouts are full contact sporting events so there will be the occasional enthusiastic fan – but who can blame them? They’re watching roller derby!

Is there an age requirement to play?

You must be 18 or older to be eligible to become a member of Fox Cities Roller Derby and there is no maximum age limit.

How do I become a roller derby player?

Contact us to get information on how to attend a practice and give it a try. We will get you set up with gear and teach you everything you need to know!

I don’t want to play roller derby. What other opportunities are there to join Fox Cities Roller Derby?

There are many opportunities to get involved with the league. You can volunteer to help with the league on bout day by contacting us with your information. The officials (referees and non-skating officials) also have opportunities to join or volunteer on bout day.

How do I become a sponsor?

Companies interested in sponsoring Fox Cities Roller Derby or receiving more information about sponsorship opportunities should contact us for more information.