What is Roller Derby?
Old School 1950

What The Hell Is Roller Derby?
The 1930's version of roller derby was played on a banked track & was similar to wrestling, with its for show fights & antics. Back in these days safety gear wasn't even considered & the sport was a lot more brutal & had far less rules. Roller Derby fever took hold, becoming very popular across the US & Australia during the 50s-60s, with weekly bouts being televised. Most teams were for-profit in these days.

Contemporary Derby
These days, roller derby leagues are predominantly all female, self-organised & not-for-profit. In the US & UK, leagues are well established & have been operating for a few years. Australia is just starting to see the derby wave with around 3 leagues ready to compete & 7 leagues either just starting up or in their early days of operation. Derby today is a culture, a community and a sport, with the emphasis of sport over spectacle; derby leagues want to be taken seriously as athletes. This being said, derby is not your run of the mill sport. There is great pride in costumes, themes, alter egos & theatrics.

Rules

Them's The Rules
Roller Derby is played on a flat oval track, with two teams of 5 players a side. There are 3 positions: Jammers, Blockers & Pivots. The aim of the Jammer is to make their way through the pack, scoring points for each opposing team member they pass on the way. Blockers must try to stop the opposition Jammer from getting through. The Pivots set the pace for the pack. Unlike old school derby, there are strict rules on what, where & how you can make contact with another player & a strong safety ethic.

Why Do We Like Derby?

Why Do We Like Derby?
Because it's unique, it's a sport, it's a creative outlet & it's something you can be really passionate about. We love everything about derby. Whether you get involved in the game, refereeing, behind the scenes or as a spectator, there's something in it for everyone!

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