I'm new to derby but really want to play. How do I get started?

E-Ville Roller Derby offers a new skater program called E-Ville's Rookie Rollers. During this program, held on Thursdays, you will be taught how to skate, fall, block, and other skills required to play derby. You can find more information about our Rookie Rollers Training Program here. 

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When are E-Ville Roller Derby practices?

We practice every Wednesday from 6:30pm - 8:30 pm at the Slovenian  Canadian Association Hall.
 

What equipment do I need to play?
You will need a pair of quad roller skates (not roller blades, and Moxi Dance skates are not recommended), and protective gear, including a helmet, a mouth guard, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. We recommend skateboarding pads as opposed to rollerblading pads, as they offer more protection and can take the abuse you are going to subject them to. Fishnets are optional! "Boil and bite" mouth guards are available at any sporting goods store, but we recommend getting form fitting ones or custom fitted by a dentist. 

How much does it cost to play with E-Ville?
Equipment costs vary, but if you buy new you can expect to pay about $200 for skates, $10 - $40 for a mouth guard, $60 for a helmet, $25 for wrist guards, $25 for elbow pads, and $75 for knee pads. New Skater packages are available at some Roller Derby Skate shops.

Dues are $175/10 weeks (Rookie Rollers), $70/month (Full League Member). Once you are placed on a house team, the cost of a uniform will range from approximately $30-60. 

With any full contact sport, there is the risk of injury. Pulled and strained muscles, as well as sprains and the possibility of breaks, are a concern for any player. For safety and protection, all league members are required to obtain insurance. Our league has an affordable plan of $50 per year provided through WFTDi. You can find the insurance policy posted online here.

How long until I get to play in a game, and how often will I get to play?
E-Ville Roller Derby offers our Rookie Rollers Training Program which will teach you everything you need to know about how to skate and play roller derby. Once you have passed your minimum skill requirements, you are able to participate in our monthly league scrimmages, and become members of the Raw Zombies, our group of new skaters waiting to be drafted to house teams. Scrimmages are informal and held during regular practice time. These are where you can learn the rhythm of the game before we thrust you in front of screaming fans! 

After your three month probationary period is up, you are eligible to be drafted by one of our two home teams: Berzerkhers or Slice Girls. During the regular season E-Ville Roller Derby holds monthly public bouts and closed scrimmages. Tryouts will be held for our travel teams, the E-Ville Dead (A-level) and Living Dead (B-level).
 

What are some other ways I can get involved if I don't want to play?

We are always looking for skaters to join our amazing team of officials the Ref'd For Dead! New skaters interested in becoming referees should join our Rookie Rollers Training Program where you'll learn how to skate and the rules of the game. From there you will gain experience at our scrimmages and house team games. If you're interested in becoming a referee, please contact us here. 

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Don't want to be on skates? Not a problem! Non-skating officials (NSO's) are vital to running scrimmages and games by keeping track of penalties, time, and importantly the score! If you're interested in becoming a NSO, please contact us here. 

Why should I choose E-Ville Roller Derby?
We are Edmonton's only all female skater-owned and skater-operated league, and the only Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) member league in the city. We are a welcoming space for women and gender-expansive individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and sizes to develop their athletic abilities and learn to play an exciting sport.

We promote the spectacle, but we play the sport. We understand that derby have a certain titillating reputation, but above all we are athletes. Our games and fundraisers are all family-friendly events, and no skater will ever be asked to wear or do anything they find uncomfortable or inappropriate. 

You will play games. Two house teams, for all levels of skaters who pass minimum skills, and two travel teams (one A-level, one B-level) try outs required to play on our competitive travel teams, our scheduled monthly bouts, and our monthly open scrimmages means lots of opportunity to play.

It's good to be E-Ville!

 

What is E-Ville's gender policy? Are transgender women allowed to join?

We are a trans-inclusive women's league. As members of the WFTDA, we adhere to their gender policy, which can be found online here and states: "The WFTDA recognizes that identifying as transgender, intersex, and/or gender expansive is not in any way related to an individual’s eligibility for participating as a volunteer or employee. An individual who identifies as a trans woman, intersex woman, and/or gender expansive may skate with a WFTDA charter team if women’s flat track roller derby is the version and composition of roller derby with which they most closely identify."

Where can I purchase tickets for E-Ville Roller Derby games?
Tickets are available in advance for $10 and $15 at the door.  Check back soon for game and ticket details!