Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  • Roller derby is a fast-paced, full-contact team sport played on quad roller skates. Teams score points by helping their jammer pass opposing skaters while blockers work together strategically to stop the opposing jammer.

    While many people remember the televised roller derby of the 1970s and 1980s, modern flat-track roller derby is a real athletic competition governed by standardized rules, trained officials, and a strong focus on safety.

    Modern roller derby experienced a revival in the early 2000s and is now played by leagues around the world. Swan City Roller Derby competes under the rules of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), the international governing body for women's flat-track roller derby, which establishes the rules and standards used by hundreds of member leagues worldwide.

    To learn more about roller derby and the WFTDA, visit the links below:

  • No. Roller derby is a real competitive sport with trained athletes, certified officials, and standardized rules. Every game is played live, and the outcome is determined entirely by the teams competing on the track.

  • Roller derby has a long tradition of skaters choosing a derby name that reflects their personality, interests, sense of humor, or skating style. For many athletes, a derby name becomes part of their identity within the sport and helps celebrate the creativity and individuality that roller derby is known for.

    While derby names remain a beloved tradition throughout the roller derby community, they are not required. Some skaters choose a derby name, while others prefer to compete under their real name.

    No matter what name appears on the roster, every skater earns it the same way: through hard work, a common passion for the sport, and the community that makes roller derby unlike anything else.

  • Like any contact sport, roller derby carries a risk of injury. Safety is a top priority, and skaters are trained in proper techniques, gameplay, and rules designed to promote safe competition.

  • Each team has five skaters on the track during a jam: one jammer, one pivot, and three blockers.

    Jammers wear a helmet cover with a star and are the only players who can score points. Their goal is to fight their way through the pack and lap opposing blockers.

    Blockers work together to stop the opposing jammer while helping their own jammer move through the pack. Strong communication, positioning, and teamwork are essential for blockers.

    Pivots wear a helmet cover with a stripe and are a special type of blocker. In addition to blocking, pivots often help direct strategy on the track and are the only skaters who can receive the star helmet cover from their jammer during a jam, allowing them to become the point scorer.

    Together, all five skaters must work as a team to create opportunities, control the pack, and score points.

  • Points are scored by the jammer, the skater wearing the helmet cover with a star. After completing an initial pass through the pack, the jammer earns one point for each opposing blocker they legally pass. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

  • A jam is a short period of gameplay where both teams attempt to score points. Each jam can last up to two minutes and begins with a whistle.

    Before the whistle, officials call “five seconds” to let skaters know the next jam is about to start. During the jam, blockers work to stop the opposing jammer while helping their own jammer score points.

  • The lead jammer is the first jammer to legally pass through the pack during the initial pass. Lead jammer status is awarded only once per jam and provides a strategic advantage because that jammer can choose to end the jam early before the full two minutes expire.

    However, a lead jammer can lose the ability to call off the jam in certain situations, such as receiving a penalty. If that happens, lead jammer status is not reassigned to the opposing jammer. When there is no active lead jammer, the jam will continue until the full two minutes have elapsed unless officials end the jam early due to safety concerns or an injury.

    Lead jammer status is one of the most important strategic elements of roller derby, as it allows teams to control the pace of the game and manage scoring opportunities.

  • Absolutely! Volunteers play an important role in helping our league and events run smoothly. Contact us at swancityrollers@gmail.com to learn about current volunteer opportunities.

Game Day Questions

  • Our home games are held at the Mulberry High School gym, 1 Panther Pl, Mulberry, FL 33860.

    Visit our Events page for the latest game schedule, venue information, and ticket details.

  • Tickets can be purchased through the event links listed on our Events page. Prices may vary by event. Some events may also offer tickets at the door.

    Visit the specific event listing on our Events page for the most up-to-date ticket information.

  • Absolutely! Our home games are family-friendly and welcome fans of all ages. Whether you're a longtime derby fan or attending your first bout, we strive to create a fun and welcoming environment for everyone.

  • Expect fast-paced action, enthusiastic fans, hard hits, strategic gameplay, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Home games are a great opportunity to support local athletes, learn about roller derby, and experience one of Lakeland's most unique sporting events.

  • A standard roller derby game consists of two 30-minute periods separated by a 15-minute halftime. Including introductions, halftime, and other game-day activities, spectators can typically expect to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours at a bout.

  • Not at all! Whether you're a lifelong fan or attending your first bout, roller derby is exciting to watch and easy to enjoy. Before the first whistle for each of our home games, we host a Roller Derby 101 session where we'll explain the basics of the game, scoring, penalties, and what to watch for on the track.

  • At this time, SCRD does not provide food or beverage services at our home games. We are actively exploring partnerships with local food trucks and vendors for future events.

    Food and beverage options may vary by venue, so we recommend checking the event details on our Events page or contacting us at swancityrollers@gmail.com for the most up-to-date information.

  • Yes! Our current home venue offers plenty of free parking for spectators.

    Parking availability may vary for away games or future events held at different venues. We recommend checking the event details on our Events page for the most up-to-date parking information.

  • Our current home venue offers plenty of bleacher seating for spectators. Unlike some roller derby venues, guests do not need to bring their own chairs to enjoy the game.

    Seating arrangements may vary for away games or special events held at other venues, so we recommend checking the event details on our Events page for the most up-to-date information.

  • Yes! Our current home venue is wheelchair accessible and offers designated accessible parking spaces.

    While spectator seating is primarily provided through bleachers, we also have space available in front of the bleachers for guests using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

    If you have specific accessibility questions or accommodation needs, please contact us at swancityrollers@gmail.comprior to the event, and we'll do our best to assist you.

  • Yes! Swan City Roller Derby merchandise is available at most home games. Purchasing league merchandise is a great way to show your support and represent the Swans wherever you go.

  • Yes! Many of our skaters enjoy meeting fans before and after games. Feel free to stop by our merchandise table, say hello, and learn more about the league.

    At the conclusion the game, fans are invited to circle the track and high-five the skaters from both teams. It's a fun tradition and a great opportunity to celebrate the athletes!

  • Yes. In addition to our home games, Swan City Roller Derby regularly travels throughout Florida and beyond to compete against other roller derby leagues. Visit our Events page or follow us on social media to see where we'll be playing next.

  • Absolutely! Volunteers play an important role in helping our events run smoothly. If you're interested in volunteering, please contact us at swancityrollers@gmail.com to learn about current opportunities.

Joining Our League

  • Fill out the form by selecting the “I Want To Join!” button above to sign up for our Skater Training Program or to simply learn more information about other opportunities in our league. One of our New Skater Coaches will reach out with info about recruitment and practice schedule. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our email newsletter to stay updated on upcoming events.

  • SCRD is an adult league, and all participants must be at least 18 years old. While we do not offer a junior roller derby program at this time, we welcome adults of all ages who are interested in learning the sport.

  • Monthly dues for new skaters are $20, charged on the first of the month. Once you graduate the Skater Training Program and become a bout-eligible skater, monthly dues increase to $40.

  • Not at all! SCRD offers a training program where we teach you all the skating skills you need to know to start playing roller derby.

  • No! New skaters are not required to have their own skates or gear to get started. We have a loaner gear program that can help you get rolling while you decide if roller derby is right for you. Because our inventory is limited, we may not have every size available at all times, but we'll do our best to find equipment that works for you and help guide you through your next steps.

  • Tier 1: Glitter Skaters
    Designed for those who are brand new to quad skating or have limited skating experience. You'll learn foundational skills such as falling safely, stopping, skating backwards, and overall skating control.

    Tier 2: Purple Skaters
    Designed for skaters with previous skating experience or those who have completed Glitter training. You'll begin learning roller derby-specific skills such as blocking, hitting, counter-hitting, and working with a wall.

    Each tier typically lasts about six weeks and includes two practices per week. Everyone learns at a different pace, and our coaches work closely with skaters to ensure they are comfortable and confident before moving on.

  • That's completely normal. Everyone learns at a different pace, and some skaters may repeat portions of training before advancing. Our goal is to help every skater build confidence and develop the skills they need to be successful.

  • As skaters progress, they move through different skill levels based on skating ability, derby knowledge, gameplay awareness, and overall readiness. Advancement is determined through evaluations by our coaching staff and is designed to help skaters develop safely and successfully.

League Questions

  • SCRD follows the Womens’ Flat Track Roller Derby Association (WFTDA) statement regarding gender. Any individual of a Marginalized Gender, regardless of presentation or the gender they were assigned at birth, is welcomed and encouraged to participate in the WFTDA in any capacity, including skating with a WFTDA team. At the time of writing, the WFTDA considers the following to be examples of Marginalized Genders:

    • Women (the WFTDA uses women to refer to all women, including trans, cis, intersex, and gender-expansive women).

    • Individuals with gender identities belonging to the trans umbrella.

    • Those who are genderqueer, agender, genderfluid, and/or non-binary regardless of their presentation or the gender they have been assigned at birth.

    • Individuals with culturally specific genders such as Two-Spirit.

    • Intersex individuals.

    • Any combination of the above (or other) Marginalized Genders.

    Participation as a volunteer or referee is open to individuals of all genders.

  • SCRD is typically active January through October of each year.

  • We typically play several games throughout the year, with most of our schedule consisting of travel games against other leagues across Florida. We also host home games in Lakeland throughout the season. The exact number of games varies from year to year, and roster placement depends on skater eligibility, skill level, and the needs of each game.

  • After successfully completing Purple training, you'll advance to Silver status and become bout eligible. At that point, you'll be added to the roster pool and may be considered for game placement. Becoming bout eligible does not guarantee placement in every game, as roster selections depend on attendance, skill level, position needs, and the requirements of each matchup.

  • To be eligible for game placement, skaters must:

    • Be current on league dues

    • Maintain at least 60% practice attendance

    • Be Silver level bout eligible or higher

    • Be in good standing with the league

    Coaches also consider skating skills, derby knowledge, position needs, and the level of competition when selecting game rosters.

  • Our practice locations vary throughout the week based on facility availability and training needs.

    Monday

    • 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

    • Skateworld Lakeland

    • 911 N Lake Parker Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801

    Wednesday

    • 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

    • Southwest Middle School

    • 2815 Eden Pkwy, Lakeland, FL 33803

    Saturday

    • 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM

    • Polk Athletic Complex (PAC)

    • 3395 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815

    Practice schedules and locations are communicated to league members and prospective recruits. If you're interested in attending a recruit night or visiting a practice, please fill out our interest form and we'll provide the most up-to-date information.

  • Not at all! Roller derby wouldn't happen without officials, volunteers, photographers, announcers, and other supporters. If skating isn't your thing, there are still plenty of ways to get involved.

  • Feel free to email us at swancityrollers@gmail.com, or via our social media DMs.

Donations

  • Yes. Swan City Roller Derby is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations may be tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your specific situation.

  • Donations help support league operations, practice facilities, game day expenses, uniforms for new members, community outreach, marketing efforts, website and technology expenses, insurance, and other costs associated with running a skater-owned nonprofit organization.

  • Yes! Recurring donations provide reliable support that helps us plan for the future and continue growing the sport of roller derby in our community.

  • Possibly! We welcome conversations about in-kind donations, sponsorships, and other ways to support the league. To discuss donation opportunities, please contact us atswancityrollers@gmail.com.

  • Absolutely. Sponsorships help support our league while providing local businesses with opportunities to connect with our fans and community. To learn more, visit our Sponsorship page or contact us at swancityrollers@gmail.com.

  • There are many ways to help beyond financial contributions. Attend our games, volunteer at events, become an official, share our events on social media, or help introduce new people to the sport.

  • Swan City Roller Derby is a skater-owned and operated nonprofit organization. Our members volunteer their time both on and off the track to help keep the league running. To learn more about our leadership team and members, visit our Team Roster page.

  • As a skater-owned and operated nonprofit organization, Swan City Roller Derby relies on donations, sponsorships, and fundraising to help cover the many costs associated with running the league. Contributions help support practice facilities, game day operations, league uniforms, insurance, website and technology expenses, marketing and outreach efforts, and other operational needs that keep our league rolling.

    Donations also help offset travel expenses as we compete against other roller derby leagues both within Florida and across the country. Every contribution helps us continue providing opportunities for our athletes, representing Lakeland wherever we play, and growing the sport in our community.