The Santa Cruz Derby Girls hold tryouts a couple of times a year. If you are interested in being a skater for the Santa Cruz Derby Girls we recommend you contact our Recruiting Committee at
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for more information. If you would like to be a non-skating member of our league, contact Recruiting as well. If you are interested in being a referee or NSO, contact our Head Ref at
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or Head NSO at
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to get set-up with the Track Pack.
SEPTEMBER 18TH BOOT CAMP ANNOUNCED! READ MORE HERE!
Player Program
These are the skaters that play on a competitive level within our league and with other leagues. This type of membership is the most difficult to maintain because of the enormous time commitment and physical demands. You must skate in five SCDG practices in every two-week period, or maintain a 75% attendance ratio (whichever is offered), to maintain eligibility. You must be active on one committee or ongoing project at all times and pay monthly membership dues.
Fresh Meat
This program is for skaters that need to build basic skills and agility. Only females can be Fresh Meat (FM). As a FM, you are welcome and invited to come to any private SCDG practices or events. You also must be actively involved in at least one committee or project. FM have the opportunity to eventually move into Player status as the need arises and will be chosen by skill-level and history of league involvement. You must be active on one committee or ongoing project at all times and pay monthly membership dues.
Referee Program
Any person can be an SCDG Referee/NSO (male or female). You must attend a skating practice once per week to be a referee. You are welcome and invited to come to any private SCDG practices or events. Everyone is new to this sport, so you will be learning the WFTDA rules and the game alongside your peers. You must be active on the Ref Committee and must pay a one-time affiliation fee.
Damaged Deck Hands Program
This is a non-skating membership. Any person can be a SCDG Damaged Deck Hand (male or female). You find your own niche in one or more committees or projects, and set your own limitations as to how much work you’d like to take on. You are welcome and invited to attend any private SCDG practices (no skating) or events. This is the most flexible of all the programs. You must be active on one committee or ongoing project at all times and pay a one-time affiliation fee.
List of Skills
Each recruit will be asked to complete the skills listed below. Points will be awarded based on skill level.
Basic Skills | Derby |
FAQ
Is Roller Derby fake like wrestling?
No. Roller Derby is a real sport with real injuries! Similar to wrestling, the fun, competitive, and aggressive nature of the sport lends itself to rink-side theatrics and drama that has nothing to do with the sport. This just adds to the fun and spectacle that is roller derby!
What are the age requirements for players?
We require that all players be at least 18 years of age.
Do skaters get hurt?
Yes! Bruises, sprains, strains, broken bones, and twisted ankles are a reality when playing roller derby. For this reason, we require that all skaters have their own health insurance.
How much of a time commitment is required?
Being a skater involves much more than skating during practice; all skaters participate in at least one committee and attend bi-monthly league meetings. We train for approximately 8-12 hours each week and devote about 5-10 hours per week to committee work. All members are expected to help with events and bout production.
What equipment is required to play roller derby?
Safety is pivotal in derby. The following safety gear is required to practice and play roller derby: helmet, mouth guard, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. In addition, skaters need skates!
Do I have to be an expert skater to join SCDG?
No. We'll train you! Many of our players hadn't been on skates for years before becoming Santa Cruz Derby Girls — some had never been on skates! We do stress that our tryouts are competitive and we are not taking everyone. So if you really want to make the team we suggest checking out some open skates and getting more information on what you can do to become a member of the league.
Can I come watch a practice?
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate spectators at practice sessions. We encourage anyone who is interested in watching a practice to contact our
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or
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committees. Special arrangements may be made for members of the press and potential new recruits. For press arrangements, please send an email to
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