Summary. The objectives of roller derby are relatively simple. Each team fields a single point scoring skater (“Jammer”) whose object is to lap as many opposing skaters as they can.

What is the purpose of roller derby?

The objectives of roller derby are relatively simple – to score points. The team with the most points at the end of a game (’bout’) wins! Each team fields a point-scoring skater (‘jammer’) whose objective is to lap as many opposing skaters as they can.

Has anyone died playing roller derby?

Only a few of the 23 passengers escaped the burning wreckage, and two of them died later from their injuries, bringing the total fatalities to 19 or 20 (sources vary). The ghastly tragedy nearly put Seltzer out of business, but replacement skaters were signed and Roller Derby survived.

Who created roller derby?

Leo Seltzer, a Chicago-based sports promoter, is credited with inventing roller derby in the 1930s, in the midst of the Great Depression. The idea came to him after he read an article stating over ninety percent of Americans had roller-skated at least once.

Do roller derby players get paid?

Talented derby players can earn money on the side by hosting training clinics. I’ve attended two, each of which charged $5 for entry. Many of these skaters are raising travel funds. It’s vital to mention here that there is virtually no way to make a career out of playing roller derby.

What is a roller derby wife?

Derby Wife: (n) A skater’s best friend in the entire world of derby. Derby wives are ethically required to always have each others’ backs, even to the point of arguing and fighting when they know their derby wife is in the wrong.

Is roller derby fake?

The roller derby you may have watched in the 70s and early 80s was often scripted and rehearsed. The roller derby of today is real and is thought of as more of a sport than a spectacle. The skaters involved are athletes and take the sport very seriously.

What is the end goal of roller derby?

The object of Roller Derby is simple. Each team is trying to score more points than the opposition. Points are awarded when the offensive player from one team, known as the jammer, laps a member of the opposing team.

How do I start roller derby?

Roller Derby: How to Get Started

1. Ask yourself: “Why do I really want to play roller derby?”
2. Do some research.
3. Contact your local roller derby recruitment coordinator.
4. Attend a bout.
5. Skate.
6. Ask yourself again: is this what you want to do?
7. Work out, eat right, and take care of your body.
8. Skate some more.

What is the game of roller derby?

Roller derby is a fast-paced, full-contact sport played on quad roller skates. Each game is two, 30-minute periods composed of two minute plays, or “jams.” Each team starts with four skaters playing defense (“blockers”) and one player playing offense (“jammer”).

Where is roller derby most popular?

The United States, where roller derby started, has the most roller derby leagues; its biggest roller derby state is Wyoming, with an incredible 24 leagues per million people, followed by Alaska (20.3 leagues per million people), North Dakota (10.8 leagues per million people), and Vermont (9.6 leagues per million people

When did roller derby stop?

Lipschultz eventually took complete control of the league and under the IRSL banner, signed many of the old Derby stars. Roller Derby was finally back in business. The new organisation lasted until 12 December 1987, when the last game was skated at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Is there men’s roller derby?

The Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) is the international governing body of men’s flat track roller derby. It was founded in 2007 under the name Men’s Derby Coalition (renamed to Men’s Roller Derby Association in 2011), and currently has 75 open gender leagues under its jurisdiction.