Tips to Succeed
     1. Start Practicing
     2. Meet RCRG Requirments
     3. Join derby Yahoo groups
     4. Sign up for RCRG News
     5. Join the RCRG Forum
     6. Tips for gear
     7. Volunteer

Official Logo of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association
SO YOU WANT TO BE A RAT CITY ROLLERGIRL?

It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it. It could be you! The Rat City Rollergirls hold tryouts periodically when we are looking for new skaters. To get your rear in gear for the next round of tryouts, there are few things you can do to put yourself ahead of the pack:

  1. If you don't already know how to skate, strap those skates on and get moving! Many girls interested in joining the league have the tattoos, crazy hair and the moxie (you know the type…), but when it comes time to skate, well.... While it's true that not all girls currently on the league started out as kick ass skaters, the skill level is getting better and better with each round of tryouts. The more prepared you are, the better off you'll be come tryout time. Get thee to a local rink, basketball court, trail, or any smooth surface and get comfortable with basic skills such as:
    1. Skating smoothly with long strides (no flailing arms)
    2. Doing crossovers (one foot crossing over the other) when taking a turn
    3. Maneuvering between obstacles
    4. Being able to make a controlled stop (i.e. not running into a wall or falling)
  1. Make sure you meet the basic requirements to be on the league. You must:
    1. Be 21 years old
    2. Have proof of birth (a physical paper copy of your birth certificate or passport; a driver's license is NOT acceptable)
    3. Have proof of primary insurance (it's not a case of IF you will get injured, it's WHEN you get injured - you'll need to be covered)
    4. Have approximately $35 annually for secondary USARS insurance (covers you when your primary doesn't)
    5. Have approximately $25 for monthly dues (this will be due in full on or before the first of every month)
    6. Be able to purchase your own skates and safety gear (if you don't already have it), which includes elbow, wrist and knee pads, helmet and mouth guard
    7. Be able to attend 3 two-hour practices per week (what days you practice on depend on what team you end up on)
    8. Be able to attend Saturday night bouts once a month during our on season as well as participate in either helping set-up before or clean-up after the game
    9. Be able to attend monthly league events, including meetings, fundraisers, promoting or volunteer work (this is on top of practices)
    10. Be aware that becoming a roller girl is a BIG time commitment. We often tell potential rollergirls that if you don't have time to take on a part time job on top of whatever commitments you have now, you don't have time to be a rollergirl
  1. Join the Yahoo group for potential rollergirls. This group is not officially affiliated with the Rat City Rollergirls, however, the majority of the girls in this group are looking to join our league. If you are too, you'll be in good company.
  1. Join our main mailing list to get periodic updates about upcoming Rat City Rollergirls events.
  1. Join our on-line forum to chat with rollergirls and other fans.
  1. If you're looking to snag your own gear…
    1. The internet is your best bet. Deals can be had on eBay (search under "Sporting Goods") or at various websites (search on "roller skates")
    2. There are a few skate shops around town that sell gear and some can order skates for you thru catalogs:


      3. Fast Girl Skates
      252 NE 45th St
      Seattle, WA 98105

      Bombshelter Skate Shop:
      2325 ˝ NW Market Street (in Ballard WA behind Azteca/under Hot Dog store)
      Phone: (206) 781-BOMB

      Gravity Sports:
      126 Rainier Ave. So, Renton
      Phone: (425) 255-1874
  1. Lastly, if this does't sound like your cup of tea, consider volunteering for RCRG. Set up and break down for our bouts are the main areas we need we need assistance, but if you have a specialty then we might be able to find a use for it as well. While it ain't glamourous by any means, it's a great way to get in on some of the behind the scenes action and meet the players. Check out our Volunteer page for more info.
Copyright 2005 RCRC LLC