Who wants to be a Gotham Girl?
Well, everyone really. Who can blame them? We are nice, and we smell oh so good.
As a skater owned and operated organization, we are always looking for more skaters. Do you have what it takes to clash skates with us?
Gotham Girls Roller Derby holds annual tryouts during the off season (November-January), and any female 18 and older is invited to tryout. Be sure you are signed up on the mailing list so you’ll be the first to hear when the dates are announced.
Want to know more? Here are some FAQ’s about tryouts:
When are tryouts?
The Gotham Girls held tryouts in December 2009, and we can't wait for you to see our newest class at our 2010 bouts. The next set of tryouts will be in the late fall of 2010 for the 2011 season. Be sure you are on the mailing list to hear about Skill Nights and other skating opportunities for the public at large.
I know tryouts are in the off season, but I’m ready now! Other leagues have multiple tryouts; why don’t you?
We totally know that waiting for tryouts is really hard and can become nerve wracking, but trust us - it’s worth it. One tryout means all tryout-ees can be judged more fairly and more objectively. Once picked for the Meat class, you’ll get dedicated, focused training from the coaching staff while prepping for the skills test and team placement. Plus, you’ll have fellow Meat comrades to bond with. All in all - you’ll advance quicker and be the best asset to your team come draft time. You’re a better skater, we get to know where you should be placed, and you get a pack of awesome Meat friends to share war stories with.
I’m sorry? Did you say Meat?
Well. . .yes. New skaters (during their probationary period) are called Fresh Meat. Although it’s a little bit of a hold over from when Derby was more violent, we still think of our newbies as Fresh Meat. But I promise it’s said with much affection.
What is life like as a Fresh Meat?
If you are offered a slot in our Fresh Meat class, you have a three month probationary training. Your class will start skating 2-3 weeks before the rest of the league. This gives you time to really concentrate on the basics - derby skating form, speed, agility and the game in general. After this dedicated period, the veterans come back and everyone skates together.
You will be required to make no less than 8 practices a month (including both league and Fresh Meat practices), join a committee, pay dues and help with any bouts and events during that time. After the three months are up, Meat take a skills test, a rules test and must pass both to be entered into the draft. After being drafted on a team, Meat become Rookies and are introduced to our fans at the annual Derbytaunt Ball as members of their new home team. It’s pretty great and the three months fly by.
I want to play for a specific home team. Can I request a team?
No. It is a common misconception that GGRD skaters live in the borough they represent, but that is not how skaters are placed on teams. Just like with professional basketball or football, skaters are drafted onto a home team after their Meat time is finished. Don’t worry: even if you’ve never been to the borough you skate for, you’ll defend it to the death.
I’m really, really good. I only want to skate for the All Stars.
Wow, I’m so glad that you are confident in your abilities as a skater! I can’t wait to see you at tryouts! I can understand wanting to skate with the All-Stars, but Gotham strongly believes that the All Stars must play on a home team, too. There are no exceptions. And while we’re talking about it: Rookies are not eligible to skate on the All Stars or the Wall Street Traitors but can play on the Meatpacking District.
I already play Roller derby for another league. Do I have to tryout?
Skaters from a league within 80 miles of New York City are required to tryout in our annual, end of season tryouts. If you skate for a league further than 80 miles away, we currently have two other times for Transfer tryouts. But you still must tryout and go through a probation period to become an active member of the Gotham Girls. If you need more information on our Transfer policy, please email Bonnie Thunders.
Do I have to be a seasoned skater to try out?
Don't be too scared by the term "tryouts." Skills are one thing, but being a Derby Girl is a lot more than just being a good skater. We will primarily be looking for basic skating skills, but we also look at your potential as a Derby Girl. Through the tryout and call back process, we try to get to know you AND look at your skating skills.
How can I get ready for tryouts?
First off, get to know us! Come see our games and get a taste of how fast, aggressive and awesome the game is, and to see what an undertaking it is to be a Gotham Girl.
Then, once you are hooked, skate, skate, and skate some more! The more comfortable you are on wheels, the faster you will forget about the fact that you are on wheels and you’ll be able to work on learning the game. Skate outdoors.
Derby Girls are athletes first and foremost, so work on your fitness off skates as well. Increase your endurance and strengthen those leg and core muscles – you’re going to need them!
But there aren’t any roller rinks! How am I supposed to get in shape for tryouts?
A lot of us have taken lessons from Lezly Ziering, aka “the Skate Guru” and have found him extremely helpful with basic skills. Contact him through his website at www.skateguru.com to learn more about his upcoming lessons and classes.
GGRD will also be offering a handful of Skill Nights before tryouts (dates TBD), so be sure to be on the mailing list to learn the scoop.
Additionally, there are a handful of part-time rinks in New York City with open hours for the public where you can rent quad skates and work on your skating basics -- the Riverbank State Park in upper Manhattan, RollerJam USA in Staten Island, and Lola Staar's Dreamland Rink on the Coney Island Boardwalk. And on Wednesday nights, you can usually find Lezly teaching and dancing at Crazy Legs Skate Club in Brooklyn.
Ok, I’m practicing my skating. What do I need to be able to do at tryouts?
Some of the things we will be looking for in tryouts are:
Basic skills:
- Forward skating
- Power stride (getting the most out of each push)
- Gliding on one foot at a time
- Crossovers
- Balance
- Squats
Derby Skills:
- Skating low
- Plow Stop
- T-stop
- Blocking strength
Endurance:
- Number of laps in 2 minutes
Other:
- Attitude
- Basic knowledge of the sport
- Ability to listen and apply new knowledge
- Time commitment
What do I need when I tryout?
Every skater will be required to wear a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads, mouthguard and quad roller skates. Mouth guards are usually around $2 at any sporting good store and are way cheaper then a whole new set of teeth.
For insurance purposes, you will be required to sign a waiver for tryouts. (It's a very standard waiver and when tryouts are near, we'll have lots of copies for you to look over and sign.)
I have 5 really perfect names picked out. I heard there is a national registry and I want to save my name before I tryout.
There is a national registry of Roller derby names, as no two skaters (or refs!) can have the same name. However, you must complete your Fresh Meat time with GGRD before you can register your 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.
I go to school and work, will I have enough time for roller derby?
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 twice a week in addition to team practices which are about two hours once a week. In addition to practices, everyone is expected to work at bouts and other official events and fundraisers. We are a skater run organization, and also require at least 1-2 hours of work on a committee to remain an active member. 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. There are lots of ways to join in: volunteer for bout set up and take down, join our awesome Jeerleaders, come to all our parties, and the list goes on and on! But despite the time commitment, any Derby Girl will tell you that it is completely worth it. And you instantly have over 50 sisters in NYC and over 16,000 around the world!
I've seen pictures of injuries and I'm worried. The game looks kind of dangerous.
Well, it's not croquet. Injures happen BUT we work really hard to prevent as many injuries as possible (by spending lots of time on how to skate safely) and we slow down and help everyone heal after games and injuries. 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!) is covered under a roller sports insurance. This supplemental insurance is extremely affordable and is required. But, primary health insurance is still strongly recommended. We also recommend buying a supply of ice packs for after practice.
Ok, you people seem nuts. I think I would rather be a Jeerleader or a Referee. Can I do that?
Yes! We have the very best refs and Jeerleaders in the whole country. Specify in a mail to volunteers@gothamgirlsrollerderby.com that you are interested in joining our stellar Referee squad, or visit www.ggrdjeerleaders.com for info on our talented Jeerleaders.
I’m antsy waiting for tryouts. Can I help out?
Absolutely! Aren’t you kind to ask! I like you already. Email volunteers@gothamgirlsrollerderby.com to join our volunteers and see all the hard work behind this league—minus the skating.
