Gotham Girls Roller Derby is excited to announce the formation of our new Recreational League. We are dedicated to training and developing roller derby skaters at all skill levels and providing opportunities to play roller derby without the commitment or skill level required to play roller derby at the national level. Our mission is to provide a fun, safe and competitive environment for all who participate.
Who can join?
The Gotham Girls Recreational League is the place for anyone interested in learning the sport of roller derby, trying out for a derby league, interested in being a referee or just working on your skating and roller derby skills. We welcome all skill levels. Come in as a beginning skater, an ice or inline skater wanting to try out quad skating, a retiree, or an existing derby girl or referee from another league who wants additional coaching and rink time.
How is it structured?
To give ensure that everyone gets the most out of each practice, the Rec League is broken into three levels. Practices are lead by GGRD coaches, and all 3 levels will practice once a week for 2 hours.
Level 1 is for anyone new to skating and roller derby, is recovering from injury or who has been off skates for 12 months or longer. Practices will cover land drills for general fitness, roller skating basics, and intro roller derby skills. No skating skills are necessary, but you must be able to make it around the track without holding on to walls or people. Women and men are welcome at these non contact practices.
Level 2 is for skaters whose basic roller skating skills -- form, crossovers, stops, starts, and safe falls -- are already strong and are ready to add some contact and learn the game. Practices will include drills that teach roller derby contact, how to play the game, and introduce some scrimmage-style drills. To make sure Level 2 is the correct level for you; your skills will be assessed on the first day of class. Level 2 is open to women and men.
Level 3 is for skaters that are already familiar with the game, comfortable with contact and are looking for a place to just play. Practices will include a mix of skating and bouting style drills, and scrimmaging. Each session will also include 2 -3 full length scrimmages, refereed by members of our own Gotham Ref Crew. To make sure Level 3 is the correct level for you, your skills will be assessed on the first day of class. Level 3 is for women only.
What are the current session dates and times? How much does it cost?
The cost for Levels 1, 2, and 3 is $150 for a 6 week session.
Classes are cumulative, so you must sign up for the entire 6 weeks. All payment is through Brown Paper Tickets here:
Level 1: Saturdays 9am - 11am, June 9 - July 28 (no practice June 23, July 14)
Level 2: Saturdays 11am - 1pm, June 9 - July 28 (no practice June 23, July 14)
Level 3: Sundays 9am - 11am, June 17 - July 29 (no practice June 24)
*Sessions may be canceled and participants' money refunded if there are not enough people signed up for a particular level*
What gear do I need?
All participants are required to wear all of the following protective gear, and for info on where to buy, please see the “Equipment” document in the Files section of the Yahoo Group.
- Helmet
- Wristguards
- Elbow pads
- Kneepads
- Mouthguard
- 4 wheel (quad) roller skates
- Athletic sneakers
What else should I bring? What should I wear?
Bring a big water bottle. We don’t have a water fountain but there are sink bathrooms where you can refill your bottle. You should also come dressed in layers as the climate control at the warehouse is unpredictable. Also come dressed to work out - no tight jeans, short skirts or anything that restricts movement. Tip – pants, shorts or tights that cover the meaty part of your thighs are perfect as they will protect from rink rash when practicing falls and slides.
Do I have to present proof of insurance?
No. While we highly encourage attendees to have coverage, we don’t require proof of insurance. These training nights are strictly at your own risk. There will not be an EMT on hand. Any type of physical activity carries its own risk, and roller skating – let alone derby skating – is no exception.
Can my boyfriend, girlfriend, mom, dad, or pet ferret watch?
We are very sorry, but there are no spectators allowed. If you are in the room, you are on skates and kicking butt!
Great! I’m ready! What next?
Here’s what to do:
- Go to Brown Paper Tickets and purchase a spot in the session.
- Join the Basic Training yahoo group here so you can get more info and reminders: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/GGRDbasictraining/
- Read the Equipment doc and the FAQs located in the files section.
- Print out the Insurance Waiver (in the files section) – fill it out and bring it with you for your first session. You don’t have to sign one for every class you take.
- Directions to our warehouse, aka the Crashpad 2, will be emailed to you upon payment through Brown Paper Tickets. For reference, we are in Bushwick off the Montrose Ave L stop.
- Double check that you have all your gear including your mouthguard. You will not be able to skate without it.
- Come dressed to sweat and have lots of fun!
Any other questions? Contact basictraining@gothamgirlsrollerderby.com.