Next Recruitment Night: December 2nd 2012 at 6p.m.

Location: Bamboozles Skating & Event Center: 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers

You must be a female skater and be 18 years of age or older. You can attend a recruitment and orientation night on the above dates. Come out and watch practices, take skating lessons at Bamboozles and get on skates as much as possible . While you’re preparing to join our team, visit www.wftda.com to familiarize yourself with the modern day version of roller derby and the rules! Being able to skate is just half of the “gig”. Knowing the sport and how it’s played is the other half.

When do you host recruitment nights and new skater orientations?

Recruitment and orientation nights for the 2012 season are held every 4 months. Please contact rep@fortmyersderbygirls.com for more information on upcoming recruitment nights or to rsvp for these events.

Do I have to be a seasoned skater to make the team?

We’re currently accepting skaters of all abilities and backgrounds. Don’t know how to skate? We will teach you! Being a derby girl is a lot more than just being a good skater.

How can I get ready to join your training program?

First off, get to know us! Come see our games to gain an understanding of what’s involved. Get to know the rules (you can view a complete copy of the rules by visiting www.wftda.com ) and then skate, skate, and skate some more! The more comfortable you are on your skates, the faster you will pick up the game.
A lot of us have taken lessons to help with basic skills. Contact Bamboozles at 239-482-7789 to learn more about their upcoming lessons and classes.

What equipment will I need for orientation and recruitment nights?

No equipment will be necessary for the orientation / recruitment night. If you decide to join, you will need to bring a check for the amount of $105 to pay for your USARS membership fee, first months dues, and registration fee along with a copy of your drivers license.

Once you begin your official practices you will be required to wear a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads, a mouthguard and quad roller skates.

When will I be put on a team and get a derby name?

Any skater who would like to join our league will first start training in our Minnows program which runs in 16 week curriculums. After each 16 week period – your trainers will review your progress and decide if you’re ready to move onto the next level. Once training is completed and you’ve completed our minnows program and passed a skills assessment tests – you’ll be assigned to a team and you can claim your name and number. There is a national registry of roller derby names, as no two skaters (or refs!) can have the same name. But remember: the sport is more than just a cool name and an awesome outfit. Worry about your name after you have the skating down pat.

How much of a time commitment is required to be a Fort Myers Derby Girl?

Roller derby is a big commitment: it’s like a second (or third) job. You’ll be expected to attend league practices for around two hours at least twice a week in addition to team practices that are scheduled a few times a month. In addition to practices, everyone is expected to work at bouts and other official events and fundraisers. We’re not telling you this to scare you, but we want to be honest: If the time commitment is too much, maybe being a skater isn’t the right fit for you right now.

Are there a lot of injuries?

Injures do happen BUT we work really hard to prevent as many injuries as possible (by spending lots of time on how to skate safely) . As mentioned above, full protective gear is required for all skaters (and refs!) and we follow that rule strictly. Although primary health insurance is not currently required if you want to skate with us, every skater (and ref!) are required to be USARS members. Being a USARS members has an added benefit of insurance coverage if injured during an official practice or sanctioned bout. This supplemental insurance is extremely affordable and is required. But, primary health insurance is still strongly recommended.

In order to begin training you will need to obtain the following equipment:

Mandatory gear- Helmet ( skateboard style – not bicycle ) , Wrist Guards, Knee Pads and Elbow pads, and a mouth guard- All of these can be purchased at Bamboozles or other sporting goods stores.
Skates- (Do not buy cheap skates!!) – Bamboozles carries a full stock of acceptable skates, and can help assist you in your skate selection and even have custom created packages that include good beginning skates and all of your mandatory protective gear for a great price!
Optional Gear- Extra padding like padded shorts and bras can be ordered at Sin City Skates or Rink Rash Skate wear

What money you need to get started :

Insurance- $60.00 Registration / Enrollment Fee – $20.00 (covers set up cost and paperwork)
First Months Dues- $40.00 Total – $120.00
*$120 is due the day of skater registration*

Practices for new recruits are at Bamboozles Skating Rink on Saturday mornings from 8am-10am and Monday evenings 6:30pm-8:30pm .

Who to Contact:

If you have questions about becoming a Fort Myers Derby Girl, please contact Bellicose Blondie at join@fortmyersderbygirls.com .