Do you Have What it Takes to be Part of the Rockford Rage?
Q: How old do I have to be to join?
A: You must be 18 years old and out of high school to join the league.
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: No, there is no age limit.
Q: I haven’t been on skates in years, can I still join?
A: Of course! Many of our current skaters were not very seasoned when they started. It just takes hard work, dedication and practice to get better. We have coaches to help guide you! Basic skating skills are a must and if you are feeling rusty, get out to a local rink and work on your basic skills.
Q: Will I get hurt?
A: You might. This is a CONTACT sport! It does get a little rough and it's not uncommon to be sore, have bumps, bruises, scrapes, strains, sprains, floor burns. We have had a couple broken bones.
Q: Do I have to have insurance?
A: Yes! You must purchase skating insurance once you start skating at our private skating venue. It is required of all skaters. A primary personal insurance is not required, but is HIGHLY recommended. Deductibles are very high and injuries are possible. Protect yourself the best you can.
Q: What kind of equipment do I need?
A: All skaters are required to have (and wear during practice) helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards and mouth guard. Other gear, like butt pads, hip pads, shin guards, can be worn as well, but are not required. You also need quad skates...no inlines.
Q: Is roller derby expensive?
A: Cost for an inexpensive pair of skates is around $100. All other equipment will average about $50-$100 total depending on the quality of equipment you purchase. Each skater within the league pays $20/mo in dues. These fees help pay rent for our practice facility and support the league.
Q: What kind of skates do I need?
A: The Rockford Rage is a quad skate league. On Thursday nights, at our open skate at SkateCo, you can rent quad skates. It is required for you to have your own skates once cleared to skate at our private practice facility.
Q: What is the time commitment?
A: Structured practice is offered 3 nights a week. Open skate is available on Thursday at local rink, SkateCo, for fun and endurance. Skaters are required to make at least 2 practices/week. Referees must attend 1 structured practice/week. The more you skate, the more comfortable you will be and the faster you will pick up useful skills.
All skaters are required to participate on at least one league committee. This is a DIY (do-it-yourself) league. Everything that the league does (events, fundraisers, bout planning, etc.) is run by the members of the league. We keep this league alive! We need your helpoff the track to keep us skating. At least two non-skating derby events are required of you once per quarter. Events are planned in advance to give skaters time to arrange their schedules.
Q: Do I get paid to skate?
A: Nope, none of the league participants are paid (including board members, skaters, stats, refs, etc.). It’s all volunteer! If you are chosen to participate on the travel team (skater or ref) you may be given a stipend to assist in covering travel expenses.
Q: When will I start bouting?
A: All skaters must be cleared to practice at our private facility. Skaters must then practice in strucutred practice until they pass minimum skating requirements and obtain approval by the Sports Management Committee. Then they'll be ok’d to skate in a bout. If the Sports Management Committee feels that you are skating unsafely they have the authority to keep you from bouting. Typical time to skate with the league prior to bouting is 4-6 months. This is for your safety and the safety of other skaters.
Q: What if I don’t want to skate? Are there still ways I can help out?
A: Certainly, the league is in need of excellent support staff! We have volunteers who help with scoring and stats at the bouts, act as derby thugs, help sell merchandise, assist in rink set up and tear down, make upr our spirit squad, The Rageinettes, etc. There are many ways you can help and we would love to have you! Please ask to talk with our volunteer coordinator.
Do you have more questions?
Contact Killswitch, Co-chair of our Recruitment and Retention Commitee.