About Us: Join Us!
Want to be a Derby Grrl?
So you wanna skate?! As long as you've got the correct biological female parts and have a positive sports minded attitude, WE WANT YOU!
Oh, also, you have to meet these few other teensy weensy requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Individual health insurance is recommended. We will not be held liable for injuries, sicknesses, etc
- Be able to attend practices, at minimum, 2-3 times week.
- Must be involved, in some way or another, with off-rink activities, fundraisers, committees, etc
- Must be responsible for purchasing your own skates (quad speed skates, not inline) and protective gear, as well as uniforms and some other incidental expenses along the way
- Must understand that this is a fierce and competitive sport and that injuries will be part of the game.
- Must agree to pay monthly dues and a yearly liability payment, once you have graduated from Fresh Meat status
Any girl 21 and over can play as long as she can make the time commitment to practice and be involved with the League! We are athletes and we train like it. If that sounds like something you want to do, come join us!
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to skate?
You Must be 21 or older to be a derby grrl. However, we would love to have you volunteer or become a referee!
I haven't skated in YEARS... Does that matter?
Not at all. Most of the girls on the league hadn't been on skates since Junior High. That's what all the practicing is for, to gently and lovingly pound and beat you into shape! We train and work with everyone to make you the best you can be no matter your skill level!
What if I am a bit out of shape?
No problem there. Skating is amazing exercise. Many of the girls have lost weight since they started skating. We're looking for girls not only of all skill levels but girls of all sizes as well! Big girls make good blockers and tiny girls make good jammers, so go ahead already and get yourself to a practice and let us show you how great you can be at roller derby!
I'm ready! When and where do I show up?
All practices are held at Gold Coast Roller Rink at 2604 South Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Fresh Meat sessions are held every Sunday from 6:30PM to 8:30PM. You must make 4 consecutive Sunday sessions and pass a written and basic skills skating evaluation in order to graduate. After graduating, you are an official Broward County Derby Grrl (be thinking of your new derby name)! During your fresh meat status you are welcome to come and watch active player practices which are held Mondays from 7:30PM to 9:30PM and Wednesdays from 6:30PM to 8:30PM. Additionally, there are additional on-skate and off-skate training sessions that Freshmeat are encouraged to attend.
What kind of equipment do I need to start practicing?
Quad speed skates (no inline skates please, might result in a sound tongue lashing) and protective gear: knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, helmets, and mouth guards. When it comes to protective gear, you get what you pay for. Remember- these are your most important (and easy to injure) parts, so get the best possible equipment that you can afford. We do have quad skates available for rent, however buying your own is always the best option.
We also recommend, but do not require, crash pads/shorts to protect that phanny!
Not sure what kind of pads or skates to buy? Feel free to email us!
What are practices like?
A good clean hard workout no doubt! Broward County Derby Grrls hold practices 3 times each week with additional optional practices, including optional (but recommended) off-skate conditioning sessions. Many of our players skate 5 days a week in addition to their off skates work outs. We have a serious commitment to the league and it takes a lot of self motivation to keep it ::ahem:: rolling.
However, we'll start you slow and easy! At our Fresh Meat sessions, we'll teach you all of the basic skating skills that you need to survive our regular practice sessions- basic skating, stopping, maneuvering, working on speed, etc. And before you can come to regular sessions, we'll put you through an evaluation to make sure that you are ready to skate with the big grrls. This is for everyone's safety. Everyone develops at different levels and we will work with you until you're ready to graduate and become a full BCDG!
During a regular practice skaters are usually put through drills and scrimmages. Drills consist of learning to start and stop, to skate at high speeds, to block properly, to dodge obstacles and to fall without injuries. Scrimmages are basically practice runs of jams; they teach you what to expect and build endurance.
Practices are usually two hours long.
Does it cost me anything?
Freshmeat are required to pay $5 cash each Sunday. After becoming an active player, monthly dues are $40. Players are also responsible for their uniforms, travel, gear, and other incidentals.
Still interested and wanna be a part of the League?
We are currently recruiting girls of all shapes and sizes for all things roller derby; skaters, sponsors, and volunteers to help with publicity, fundraising, and event staff. Email us!
Derby sounds cool, but I'm not into bruises. How do I volunteer?
Producing a Broward County Derby Grrl event is no walk in the park. There is A LOT of behind-the-scenes work that must go into it. That's why we are so appreciative of the time and services BCDG volunteers will be putting into our organization — we can’t kick ass without kick ass volunteers!
Click here for more details about volunteer opportunities.