What is the junior league?

The junior league is a group of skaters, ages 9-17 that are learning the rules of roller derby, at a young age. Skaters learn and practice in the same ways as the adult skaters, and are trained by HVHRD coaches.

What do I do if I am interested in joining?

Email us at info@horrorsrollerderby.com to find out more and ask questions. If you’re interested in watching a practice to learn more about the game and skater expectations, we can schedule a time that works! Also, keep an eye on our social media for upcoming boot camps scheduled throughout the year- these provide a great opportunity to skate with our coaches and learn some basic skills. We aim to teach all abilities and levels; we will work with you! Gear and skates can be rented for the first two months of practice. Enrolling in the Fresh Meat program occurs during open enrollment periods, a commitment fee is required, which is the first three months of dues. After, dues are $50 a month, due at the first practice of the month. Derby is for everyone – if this pricing does not work for you, email us to explore ways in which we can help! 

When do you practice?

The Frightmares practice each Thursday from 6:30 – 9:00 at Hyde Park Roller Magic. Level 2 and Level 3 Frightmares also practice Tuesdays from 7:00 – 9:00 at the same location. We aim to provide additional practices, scrimmages and bout opportunities throughout the year to maintain an exciting schedule. Our season begins mid-February and runs throughout December. We take a summer break for a couple of weeks, as well as time off for holidays and winter. 

What will I need my first practice?

If you have any of your own protective gear, bring it! If you have skates, bring those too! Bring tons of water, a small towel, and a molded mouthguard. You can purchase an inexpensive mouthguard at Modells or Dick’s sporting goods, for about $10. They come with molding instructions. We also provide mouthguards for $5 each, but they will not be molded until you are able to bring it home and boil it. We also require that you bring a copy of you/your child’s insurance card to have on file.

Is this dangerous for my kid?

Roller Derby is a full contact sport. Sometimes there are injuries. However, there are not more injuries than any other sport, and we train our junior league according to WFTDA and JRDA guidelines, which ensures skaters are derby ready, before they begin to learn gameplay. Each child goes through a vigorous 3 month process of learning how to stop, fall, and skate safely.

Why do you teach them how to fall?

If you learn how to “fall” or lower yourself with control, you not only are building the “derby muscles” required to have balance and agility, but you are creating memory in your muscles. Once the memory is in your muscles, when you fall by accident you will fall in beautiful form on all of your pads, because that is how you were taught! We also teach how to fall with control, so that you never slam down on your pads, thus protecting all parts of the body!

What kind of qualifications do the coaches have?

In addition to three or more years of competitive roller derby experience, all of our Frightmares coaches are registered Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA) volunteers. The JRDA is the governing body for our Frightmares, all volunteers must undergo background checks with the National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI), concussion training with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), and SafeSport training also with NFHS. Coaches have also passed Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) Risk Coordinator Training. Along with these certifications, our coaches are dedicated to their sport, staying on top of the latest trends, training programs, and individual certifications. We strive to teach roller derby in an all-encompassing manner for a well-rounded athlete.  

I came to a practice, but I can’t do any of the skills.

That’s okay! In fact, thats extremely normal! The skills that we teach are hard; they might even feel weird. Derby uses muscles that you do not normally use everyday, thus meaning that you must first build those muscles before you can execute the skill! You can accelerate this process by going to open skates and doing squats, all in your own home!

What happens when 2 months are up, and I have to buy my own gear? Where can i do that?

We purchase all of our gear through our home rink, Hyde Park Roller Magic. The gear we provide is beginners gear. It does not protect 100% of all the spills you might take while learning the sport. With advanced skating, you will find that you want more protection. We recommend you get knee pads first, before skates. We recommend 187 Pro Knees ($65) or Smith’s which run about the same in price. You want them to fit a little small, as they will stretch out with wear. You will find that once you know you love the sport, you will want to purchase that gear even sooner!

I drive 45 minutes to the rink, can I watch my kids practice?

Yes you can, with some exceptions! As long as you are not interfering with practice, and you are maintaining a positive attitude towards ALL kids, you may stay and watch. There are a few parents that sit and chat during practices, and some leave and come back. it is entirely up to you!

I work late, can another parent bring my child?

As long as you let us know, there is no problem with how your child gets to practice! We are just happy they can make it!

When do the kids start to play roller derby?

After 2 coaching evaluations, advanced skaters may learn to play roller derby. There are 3 levels of skaters: beginners, intermediates, and advanced. Beginners are considered level 1 and must exhibit minimal skating skills and endurance. Intermediates must show advanced proficiencies in minimum skating skills and endurance. Advanced skaters, level 3, must be able to pass the full WFTDA minimum skills test and the written rules test. Only level 3 skaters may learn the game and scrimmage. This ensures safety of all involved!

Is my 9 year old going to get trampled by a 17 year old?

This is a valid concern, and we can see why a parent might be nervous about this. We have hopes of building 2 teams, ages 9-12, and 13-17. This will eliminate those fears. If we do not have a large enough pool of skaters for the 9-12 age group, we can discuss other options at that time. Roller Derby might be an full contact sport, but you will find that size isn’t the safety concern, but skill is! Once our younger skaters pass their basic skills test, we will reevaluate our team structure based on skill level.

Is my 9 year old going to get to play derby?

Once your 9 year old passes a skills test and can demonstrate understanding of the game, maturity, and skill, then we will begin a scrimmage eligible program for that testing group. If we do not have enough skaters for a second team, gameplay may be delayed, as this is the first year we accept 9-11.

If you have any other questions, please email frightmares@horrorsrollerderby.com.