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.
FUTURE SKATER Basic Training
Our next Basic Training (BT) program will be in January 2025. You don’t need to know how to skate!! If interested, please complete the registration form below or available here. We will email you a couple of weeks before the first day to be sure you have a date, time, and location of our first gathering.
The first day of Basic Training will be classroom style. You will learn about our league, the equipment you need, skater requirements, and what you'll need to succeed. Please be sure to bring the following:
Signed waivers
Water bottle
Athletic apparel
Tennis shoes
Skating gear, if you have it (helmet, mouth guard, knee, wrist and elbow pads, quad roller skates)
GRRD offers practices 3 times a week at GR Skate. Skaters are expected at a minimum % to attend available hours of practice to be rostered for games. The days and times are as follows:
Sunday: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Monday: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:15 pm - 9:15 pm
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 approximately $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.