The most accurate count for roller derby teams can be found at April King’s International Roller Derby Roster. As of June 23, 2009, there are at least 622 roller derby teams worldwide. If there isn’t one near you, there soon will be. With the roller derby movie Whip It! set for release in October 2009, increased popularity of the sport is inevitable.
Why Roller Derby?
For those old enough to remember, roller derby conjures memories of banked track mayhem on television: games more focused on dramatic personalities and fake fights. Most of modern roller derby is played on a flat track, dominated my women’s teams, and focused on true athleticism. Today’s banked track teams are far more like their sisters on the flat track than their ancestors on television in the 70’s and 80’s. More and more men’s teams are popping up everywhere, and junior leagues are catching on. One of the most appealing things about derby is the all-inclusive attitude. This is not a sport of look-alike clones, as many seem to be, particularly by those who do not easily fit into a mold.
Skaters
The most popular volunteer job in a roller derby league would have to be the skaters. In many places, it is as easy to become a skater as having enthusiasm, time, gear, and insurance. More popular leagues, mainly in major cities may have a very competitive tryout process.
Referees
If someone’s favorite zoo animal is a zebra, then refereeing might be the perfect roller derby job for him or her. Referees are crucial to roller derby leagues, and it takes many refs to run a bout. If a league is a member of WFTDA, there are special requirements for becoming a referee, and training to accompany them.
Coaches
Many leagues are looking for people with roller derby knowledge to help shape their growing teams. These can be men or women, and are above all else scholars of the game of roller derby. They watch video, plan drills, and create line-ups. Coaches are definitely the brains of the operation, and the best are constantly dreaming up new strategies.
Floor Crew
Running a roller derby bout can be a huge undertaking. Most of the leaders of the league are skaters, and they are very busy with their own routines when it comes to game time. Many leagues require volunteers to take care of their track. This means setting it up, tearing it down, and monitoring it for safety during the bout.
Stats
Keeping track of statistics is a excellent way to learn the game of roller derby. On a league, the stats crew takes note of everything that happens on the track. They then are able to calculate team rankings and player stats. It is not necessary to be a mathematician to contribute to the stats crew; only an eye for detail.
Bout Planning
Especially in the more common d.i.y. venues, it takes many volunteers to plan a great game. The bout planners have to worry about tickets, insurance, security, vendors, and publicity, among others. Leagues are looking for people to volunteer to take tickets, sell t-shirts, and even coordinate with the venue and sell tickets.
A/V Club
Many leagues need volunteers to help out with the audio and visual aspects of their game day performance. Music is set up for between jams. Photographers capture the action on film, and more often than not, a video camera is used to tape the game, but for promotional use and review by coaches and players.
Bout Entertainment
Roller derby’s fun-filled atmosphere is always enhanced by great music and entertainment. If you have a talent or a musical act, then offer it as pre-bout entertainment or a halftime show. Even if a talent is unusual, the inclusive roller derby family would probably not only welcome it, but put it center stage.
Announcers
Many fans with knowledge of the sport and outgoing personalities make great announcers and commentators. Fun announcers help the crowd understand the events of the game while making it even more entertaining. They get to know the skaters very well, and enjoy their own little notoriety with the fans.
Medical Professionals
Leagues also need help from some very specific people. It is always necessary to have volunteer medical professionals on site in case of injury. Doctors, nurses, paramedics, and athletic trainers are some of the most important people at a roller derby bout, although if all goes well they will do absolutely nothing.
Other Professionals
Accountants, lawyers, public relations experts, bar owners, chefs, travel agents, web designers, and many others have skills that the local roller derby league needs from time to time. These professionals support their local roller derby by volunteering their services, or offering them at a discounted rate. In exchange, they are welcomed into the derby family.
In short, there is something in a roller derby league for everyone. Get out there today and get involved!
