Description:

Houston Roller Derby’s Recreational League (also referred to as “Rec League”) is an athletic and social organization formed to give all women the opportunity to learn and play flat track roller derby. Rec League is a place for women to play roller derby without having to make the commitments required to be a home team skater. It offers women a fun, safe, opportunity to express and build their athletic abilities. 

Our members vary in age and athletic ability. Women attend Rec League for different reasons. Many women attend to learn the skills in preparation for future HRD home team skater tryouts, and others just for a great workout. 

 All skaters must be 18 years or older.

 Goals:

  1. Teach the game of flat track roller derby: skills, rules, strategies and referee signals.
  2. Prepare those interested in trying out for HRD’s competitive home teams.
  3. Give tips for healthy living and taking good care of your body.
  4. Get a good workout.
  5. Build relations with fellow skaters.
  6. Have fun.

EQUIPMENT

Like any sport, there is gear that you will need in order to participate in roller derby safely. There are a lot of brands and styles to choose from so ask around and try on other people’s gear to see what size you need. We do have gear that can be borrowed until you are able to purchase your own.  Skates can be rented for $3.

 Unless you have a rich uncle footing the bill, shop around for prices. Some vendors have discounted package deals for new skaters if you buy everything at once. This can be a good deal, but check each of the elements in the package because sometimes substitutions aren’t allowed.

WFTDA Required Equipment

Helmet

  • Look for a quality skateboarding helmet (not a bicycle helmet). It should fit snugly, have a solid, hard outer shell and have a soft foam insert.
  • Estimated price: $20-40

Mouth guard

  • Keeps your teeth where they belong – in your head. Any “boil and bite” athletic mouth guard will work but remember that you’ll need to be able to yell to your teammates while wearing it. If you choose one with a strap to attach to your helmet, be sure to get a safety strap that will release under stress. You can also have a custom guard made by a dentist.
  • Estimated price:
    • boil and bite $1 -$5,
    • custom $50 -150

Elbow pads

  • You’ll spend more time banging on these than you might think. Choose skateboard style elbow pads that have a sleeve, not cheap ones with a couple of straps.
  • Estimated price: $25 -50

Kneepads

  • Go for larger, skateboard-style kneepads, not the tiny, kiddie, outdoor kneepads. The smaller pads simply aren’t built to take the abuse of derby. Avoid knee injuries and get good gear.
  • Estimated price: $30 -$170

Wrist guards

  • They protect your wrists. Check for a solid, plastic sheath on the underside.
  • Estimated price: $20 -25

Skates

  • Roller derby uses quad skates (not inline skates or art skates). The boot is low at the ankle for added movement, has a low heel, and a long wheelbase. Lighter skates are usually better because they allow you to skate with less effort. Skates are available in both leather and synthetic materials. Skaters most commonly choose leather skates because over time they will mold to your feet for a comfortable fit. Vegan skaters choose synthetic skates and some new skaters may also purchase them because they are less expensive. Used skates are available if you don’t want to invest in new ones, but remember that they will be formed to the feet of their previous owner and may never mold to fit you just right.
  • Skates come in men’s sizes so you’ll need to convert your size to get a proper fit.
  • Estimated price: $100 and up

www.montroseskateshop.com

Wheels (8)

  • You need wheels because you’ll be standing still without them. For our surfaces, purchase a set of indoor wheels. These are hard wheels made for speed. If you order them online, check whether they come in packages of 4 or 8 to be sure you get the correct number of wheels. It’s going to take a while for you to find what you like and there is no substitute for strapping them on your feet and taking a few laps.
  • Estimated price: $30 -250

Bearings (16)

  • They come in packages of 8 or 16 so be sure you get a total of 16 when you order (2 per wheel). Again, you’ll want bearings made for indoor surfaces. They will be numbered 7, or 9.  The higher the number, the faster the bearing (and usually the higher the price). Bearings come in 7mm and 8mm so check your skates to see which size you need. You can also purchase high-end ceramic bearings but these are overkill for most skaters.
  • Estimated price: $30, Ceramic bearings $100-$150

Training:

            We have three levels of training. All skaters start off in the beginner group and will have to pass assessments before being allowed to move to the next group.

Beginner Boot Camp (L1)

  • cost $100
  • Sessions length- 6 weeks
  • When- Tuesday Nights @ 7:30pm-9:30pm.  First Session will start at 7:00 to have time to fill out paperwork.
  • Where- Houston Indoor Sports- 221 Barren Springs Dr. Suite 15, Houston, TX 77090
  • All NEW skaters must go through Day 1 of beginner boot camp - skilled skaters could be promoted to Intermediate at their first class

Session 1: January 10-February 14, 2012

Session 2: February 21-March 27, 2012

Session 3: April 3-May 8, 2012

Session 4: May 15-June 19, 2012

Session 5: June 26-July 31, 2012

Session 6: August 7-September 11, 2012

Session 7: September 18-October 23, 2012

Session 8: October 30-December 11, 2012 (Note: No class November 20)

Intermediate Group (L2)

  • Cost $150
  • Session Length- 12 weeks -twice a week
  • When- Tuesday Nights @ 7:30pm-9:30pm
  • Scrimmage- Thursdays @ 8:30pm-10pm
  • Must purchase WFTDA insurance- cost $60 for the year

Session 1: January 10-March 27, 2012

Session 2: April 3-June 19, 2012

Session 3: June 26-September 11, 2012

Session 4: September 18-December 11, 2012 (Note: No class November 20)

Advanced Group (L3)

  • Cost $150
  • Session Length- 12 weeks- twice a week
  • When- Tuesday Nights @ 7:30pm-9:30pm
  • Scrimmage- Thursdays @ 8:30pm-10:00pm
  • Must purchase WFTDA insurance- cost $60 for the year

Session 1: January 10-March 27, 2012

Session 2: April 3-June 19, 2012

Session 3: June 26-September 11, 2012

Session 4: September 18-December 11, 2012 (Note: No class November 20)

Light Session- L2 and L3 only

  • Cost $75
  • Session Length- 12 Weeks- once a week      
    • Tuesdays only
    • Must purchase WFTDA insurance- cost $60 for the year

Session 1: January 10-March 27, 2012

Session 2: April 3-June 19, 2012

Session 3: June 26-September 11, 2012

Session 4: September 18-December 11, 2012 (Note: No class November 20)

 

If you are capable of meeting previously established Rec League minimum L2 or L3 level skills, you may request to test out of the remainder of the Beginner (L1) session via a physical demonstration of skills and assessment by a trainer. You would then pay the difference in price for sessions and join into an ongoing L2/L3 session. However, you must attend and complete day one of a Beginner (L1) session before requesting to test out. A test out cannot be conducted until week 2 of a Beginner (L1) session

Please click here to purchase your Derby Package today.

Safety Requirements:

  • New skaters are strongly encouraged to have basic skating skills before joining Recreational League.
  • All intermediate and advanced skaters are required to have WFTDA insurance.
  • All safety equipment must be worn when upright and on skates.
  • Trainers will make sure that minimum skills and safety requirements are allowed before participating in scrimmaging.

Code of Conduct:

            All Rec League skaters are expected to follow our Code of Conduct. All participants will sign a document stating they will:

  • Treat others with respect, dignity, and fairness.
  • Uphold and maintain the basic tenets of the game, which includes integrity, neutrality, respect, sensitivity, professionalism, discretion, and tactfulness.
  • Strive to master the rules of roller derby and procedures necessary to play by the rules.
  • Uphold the dignity of the sport in all interactions with other skaters, referees, coaches, volunteers and the public.
  • Display and execute superior communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal.
  • Work with other participants in a constructive and cooperative manner.
  • Accept responsibility for all actions taken.

Childcare:

            Rec League does not provide childcare.  If a parent is unable to get childcare, they may bring their child to practice.  Children have to be old enough to be able to sit in the stands outside the glass rink. For safety purposes, children are not allowed on the rink or in the skater gear area.