Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who Are the FM Derby Girls?
FMDG is a league of guys and gals that have come together from the Fargo/Moorhead and surrounding areas to bring the new and exciting sport of womens flat-track roller derby to Fargo. We are North Dakota’s first and premier roller derby league. FMDG is different from your run-of-the-mill sports team in that all of our skaters and support staff run all business aspects of the league-from bout production, graphic design, to filing taxes-you name it. Everything that’s needed to run a successful business in the state of ND is handled by one of our volunteers. All positions in our league from skaters to coaching, referees and security are 100% volunteer. We work together to unlock our inner athletes by pushing and supporting each other both physically and mentally. We give to the league in the hopes that we can create a great life-changing experience that will affect our lives for the better. Really-what more can you ask for? Ask a FMDG rollergirl and you’ll get your answer.
Who Can Join FMDG?
• All skaters must be female and at least 21 years of age.
• Men and women 18 and over may join in a variety of roles including, but not limited to, referees, stat trackers, coaches, announcers and general help.
• Anyone of any age can help support FMDG through promoting, fundraising, sponsoring, volunteering and attending events and bouts.
What Are the Rules?
FMDG currently plays by the Women’s Flat-Track Derby Association (WFTDA) ruleset. The current set of WFTDA rules along with information on member leagues, national rankings, referee hand signals, and the minimum skills requirements can be found on the WFTDA website at www.wftda.com
How Is the Game Played?
During a bout, two teams of five skaters each face off on the track. In our case, it's a flat track. Each team consists of a pivot, three blockers and a jammer. The pivot sets the pace and leads the group of blockers-or defense players. The blockers usually stay behind the pivots, guarding each other in what we call "the pack." The jammers are the scoring skaters and start about 20 feet behind the pack. When the whistle blows, the pack takes off. On a second whistle, the jammers race to start fighting their way through the pack. When the first jammer makes it through the pack legally, she's designated the "lead jammer" and the jam officially begins. The jammers must lap the pack once before sprinting through the pack to score points by passing members of the opposing team. A jam lasts a maximum of two minutes, but the lead jammer has the right to call off the jam by putting her hands on her waist. The rest of the team tries to stop the opposing jammer from passing them and scoring. At the same time, they knock around the opposing team's blockers to help their jammer score.
Here's a few of our favorite Youtube clips that help explain it better:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T8izdlc-dY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLB7EjhtFZE
What If I Get Hurt?
Pulled muscles, sprains, strains, bruises, and/or broken bones will happen in any contact sport. This is why protective gear is required. We will also train, stretch and practice falling correctly to help reduce injuries and their severity. The stronger you are the less likely you are to seriously injure yourself. Once you join the league, you will be required to have supplemental insurance offered through the league. If you don't have primary insurance through your employer, this plan will cover catastrophic injuries. It picks up where primary insurance stops. Injury is part of derby, so common sense says it's wise to have a primary health insurance plan. Research individual health insurance costs: www.bcbsks.com, www.insurance.com and www.healthinsurancefinders.com.
How Much Time Will It Take?
We won't lie, derby is a definite time commitment. We have practice several times a week. Everyone is required to have an attendance rate of 60% for your safety and the safety of others you share the track with. We also require participating at our fun public events and working a minimum of 4 hours a month on your committee of choice. Roughly 2 practices a week, 1 meeting a quarter and 1 or 2 events a month to equal an estimated 8 hours of time per week or 32 hours a month give or take.
Since it's your league to help run we require you to join a committee. You can find a job to do that requires little time, up to as much time as you would like to give. We are an all-volunteer army, and in addition to our on-skates training, we do all of the organizing ourselves, with help from many fantastic volunteers.
How Much Does It Cost?
The biggest expense will be for your equipment and dues. Dues are currently set at $40/month. You'll need: protective gear, skates, a uniform, and other incidentals as well. FMDG will hold fundraising events to help pay for rink expenses, advertising, and admin costs.
Because it is nearly impossible to find a store that sells roller skates (let alone good ones) most skating equipment must be purchased online. Because of the nature of mail order, and the costs of shipping, if you are unsure of what size you need or if you will like a particular item, first see if someone has a pair of skates or pads you can try on, so that it will be more likely you will not have to spend time and money returning equipment that is the wrong size. When you get your equipment in the mail, make sure you love it before you use it. Try on your skates on a carpeted surface and roll around for a while. Once you wear them out skating, they are yours and cannot be returned. Before ordering skates and equipment from an online vendor, check their return policies. Also, ask around about the different sites as some have better reputations for good service and merchandise than others.
Here are a few sites we recommend:
http://www.viaderby.com
http://www.rollergirlskates.com
http://www.emeraldcityskates.com
http://www.rollerderbydepot.com
http://www.fastgirlskates.com
What Equipment Do I Need?
The first thing you'll need is protective gear; a skate helmet, wrist, elbow, knee pads and mouth guards are required for practice and bouts. We recommend 187 pads for your knees. Tailbone and hip pads are also highly recommended. It makes good sense to avoid and reduce the severity of as many injuries as possible. Once you've decided that roller derby is really for you, you'll want to invest in a good pair of speed skates, which will run $100 - $300. Once you're hooked, you'll find the cheaper skates will slow you down, and make skating harder. In the very beginning at open skate sessions you'll be able to rent skates at the rink.
Is Roller Derby Fake?
No. The flat-track roller derby we play is a real sport, just like hockey, rugby or soccer. It is an aggressive full-contact sport and our skaters consider themselves athletes. We train accordingly to keep our skills up to speed and our bodies trained for the grueling workout. We also like to keep a sense of humor with our smart and/or saucy names. After all, the real reason we play the game is because it's so much FUN!
What If I'm Really Little?
The smaller girls are, generally speaking, the faster girls and are usually placed in the jammer position as team scorers. They are squirrelly, quick, and easy to whip around the rink, and generally fall down less, since they have a lower center of gravity.
What If I'm Really Big?
Big girls are hard to push around and make for great blockers. Skating on a Roller Derby team will most likely get you in the best shape of your life!
What if I Haven't Been On Skates Since Junior High? Don't I Have To Be A Great Skater To Even Attempt Roller Derby?
Nope. A lot of us had not been on skates for years. We all started out at different skill levels, but with a lot of practice we aim to create a nationally ranked roller derby team in a short amount of time. Skateland in Fargo has many open skate nights where you can rent out a pir of skates and skate around to get your derby legs ready to go.
This Sounds Great! How Do I Join?
Contact us at recruiting@fmderbygirls.com for more information. We’ll let you know when our next practice/meeting/event takes place so you can come out and meet us! We’ll put you in contact with our skaters who can introduce you to the rest of the girls and run through a little derby 101 with you before you start. If you decide that you’d like to join us the following will be some of the requirements:
1. Photocopy of valid ID & insurance card (insurance is not required, but strongly suggested)
2. Sign legal waivers and complete info sheets
3. Attend 60% of practice sessions, meetings and public events (roughly 2 practices a week, 1 meeting a quarter and 1 or 2 events a month)
4. Pay monthly membership dues of $40
5. Bear the expense of all personal equipment, practice fees, uniforms, dues.
6. Understand and accept the inherent risks of playing in the league as per the waivers
7. Understand and accept the time involved to be part of the league
Support staff and volunteers are required to complete info sheets and legal waivers.
What About Dues? I Need More Info!
When you are ready to commit to our league, you can begin to pay dues. Dues are currently set at $40 per month. Dues must be paid at the first practice of each month to our league Treasurer. Your $40 per month will pay for the rental of practice space each month, practice and bout equipment, FMDG club insurance, legal fees, bout rental space, events, etc.!
How Do I Get A Rollergirl or Ref Name Registered?
Your derby name can be anything you want it to be, provided that its something that is suitable to be said in front of a large crowd of people. Here's the catch, it has to be a name that no one else in derbyland is currently using. There is a master roster of all currently registered derby names. So, once you think of a name that fits you, check the master roster to make sure that no one has it. The roster is located at: http://www.twoevils.org/rollergirls/ Don't worry if it takes a while to find a derby name you love. Get creative, and you'll find something that fits.
Once you have officially joined the FM Derby Girls and you have met the requirements in the code of conduct, you can submit your requested derby name to the name wrangler. She will submit requested names to Paige Burner, who will then check your requested name against the master list. If it is not too similar to a name currently registered, it will be approved and your name will be added to the master roster. If the name is similar, you may receive a request to ask permission of the skater with a similar name and it will be up to that skater to decide if your name is too close to hers. Or, if the name is extremely similar your request may be denied and you will need to think of a second choice. Please, DO NOT email your name to the national list on your own. This causes MUCH added stress to the ladies that keep that list updated.
How Long Is A Bout?
There are 60 minutes of actual playing time in a bout. However, because of a bout's half-time entertainment, time outs, and player injuries, the event can last up to two hours.
Are the Bouts Kid-Friendly?
Yep! We are a family-friendly event. However, our fans get excited! If your child is scared easily by loud noise, a roller derby bout may not be a good place to be. You may also want to bring ear protection for your little ones. We also ask that children not be allowed to sit rinkside in case of flying rollergirls!
Why Is It Called A Bout Anyway?
As in boxing - each roller derby bout is a fight to the finish!
Do People Skate In Roller Blades?
Some refs skate in blades... but we make fun of them. All skaters are required to skate in quad skates.
Did we answer your question? If not, please feel free to send us an email and we’ll be happy to help: