Ever picture yourself lining up on the track before the whistle, waiting to hip-check your opponent? Or sprinting up to the back of the pack proudly displaying the jammer star, plotting your course through the sea of blockers? Or maybe you look really good in stripes? GRRD would love to have you!
Referees, Non-Skating Officials (NSOs), and volunteers are invited to join the league at any time. E-mail us for more information. Potential skaters are required to participate in GRRD’s Basic Training program and must be at least 18 years old.
Basic Training
Generally offered 3 times per year (January, April, and September), our Basic Training (BT) program teaches potential skaters about GRRD and how to safely play roller derby. No previous skating or derby experience is needed!
If you are interested in attending an upcoming BT session, please complete the registration form below or available here. A GRRD coach will email you with details several weeks prior to the next session.
Our next Basic Training session starts Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 9:00 am at GR Skate and Event Center Kentwood (14 52nd St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548).
What to Expect
The first day of Basic Training will be classroom style. You will learn about our league, equipment, roller derby, and what you'll need to succeed. After this basic introduction, we will start to teach you basic skating skills and introduce you to the sport. You will then progress, at your own pace, through defined skating levels.
Please bring the following to the first day of BT:
Signed waivers
Water bottle
Athletic apparel
Tennis shoes
If you already have gear (quad skates, helmet, mouth guard, knee pads, wrist pads, elbow pads), please bring it with you. Our coaches can answer any questions you might have and/or check the fit. If you don't have roller derby gear, no worries! We will show you what you'll need and where to purchase it. We also have loaner gear to borrow, but cannot guarantee proper sizing or that we will have enough gear for everyone. You will be required to purchase your own gear by the end of your first month of BT.
All skaters are required to purchase Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) insurance and pay league dues. More information will be provided to you on your first day of BT.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Do I need to know how to skate?
No! You do not need any skating or roller derby experience to join Grand Raggidy! We will teach you skating skills, roller derby gameplay, and everything you need to know.
Q: What gear do I need?
If you already have skating and safety gear, bring it with you to Basic Training. If you do not, we will provide information on your first day about what gear is needed and where you can purchase or temporarily borrow it. You will need gear to advance through Basic Training.
Q: How much does it cost?
Roller derby insurance through WFTDA is $75/year. The cost of gear is variable, and we can talk to you about cost-effective options. The league also has monthly dues that you will get information about after officially joining.
Q: When and where are practices?
Currently, Grand Raggidy practices on Sundays (9-11 AM), Mondays (7-9 PM), and Wednesdays (7:15-9:15 PM) at the GR Skate & Event Center in Kentwood. The Sunday practices have a Basic Training focus. BT skaters are also encouraged to participate in Monday and Wednesday practices.
Q: Will I get injured?
Roller Derby is a full-contact sport, and injuries do unfortunately happen. However, you will not be cleared for full contact until you are steady on your skates, have learned how to fall safely, have made progress in Basic Training, and feel comfortable and ready for it.
Q: HOW Else Can I Get InvolveD?
You can still join the team without taking the hits! Come to Basic Training if you are interested in learning how to referee (skating) or officiate (non-skating). You do not need any experience. We will teach you all the rules, gameplay, hand signals, and whistles you need to know.