Welcome to Swan City Roller Derby
Our mission is to play a sport that improves our members’ individual wellness of mind and body, athletic ability, self-discipline, character, and empowerment while promoting the sport of roller derby in Polk County. The league is also dedicated to providing community outreach through bouts, events, appearances, and charity partnerships. Swan City Roller Derby follows the gender policy of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association for its skaters, which is inclusive of cis-gender women, transgender women, intersex women and gender expansive individuals. Individuals who do not fall under the gender policy of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association are still welcome to join us as skating officials, non-skating officials and volunteers.
Getting Started
All skaters begin their journey being a New Skater (aka Glitter). This process of training is to prepare you for the rigors of playing roller derby. Skating experience is not required, we’ll teach you all about your gear, how to skate, how to stand, how to hit, and how to fall safely!
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All Skater Practice
When: Mondays, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Location: Skate World (911 N. Lake Parker Ave, Lakeland)
All Skater Practice
When: Wednesdays, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Location: Southwest Middle School (2815 Eden Pkwy, Lakeland)New Skater (Glitter) Practice
When: Saturdays, 8:30am - 10:30am
Location: Polk Athletic Complex (3395 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland) -
Dues are $20/month for skaters participating in the New Skater Program (Glitter and Purple levels). Once a skater becomes bout eligible and advances to Silver, monthly dues increase to $40 per month.
Dues are payable between the 1st and 7th of each month. A $5 late fee may be applied to payments received after the 7th.
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50% Practice Attendance while Glitter
Everyone learns at their own pace, but regular attendance is key to building skills, gaining confidence, and preparing you to bout.
New Skater Program Break Down
Tier One - 12+ Weeks (24+ practices)
During Tier 1 practices, your coaches will cover roller derby Minimum Skill Requirements (MSRs) as laid out by WFTDA standards.
These include the following skills:
Skating posture
Proper falling procedures
Stride & Crossovers
Balance, Agility, Speed & Endurance
Stopping
Knee Drops, Knee Taps, & Knee Slides
Hopping
Weaving
Backwards Skating & Transitioning
In order to graduate from Tier 1 to Tier 2, skaters must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the above mentioned skills
If, when coming to SCRD, you feel that you have enough skating experience to meet these skills, you may take the Minimum Skills Test early and be placed in the Tier 2 program.
Tier Two - 6+ Weeks (12+ practices)
During Tier 2, you continue working on basic skills while also beginning to integrate with rookie and vet skaters. We also refer to Tier 2 skaters as Purple Skaters. Your coaches will begin to cover more advanced MSRs and start to introduce contact. These include the following skills:
Pushes
Hitting
Blocking with a group
Jamming
Basic Pack Strategy
Tier 2 will also start to cover WFTDA gameplay rules. There is a written test which you must pass with an 80% in order to graduate to being a bout-eligible skater.
In order to graduate from Tier 2 to rookie status, skaters must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the above mentioned skills during scrimmage play.
Bout-Eligible Skater Expectations
Graduating Tier 2
Congratulations! Time to celebrate all your hard work! You are now considered a Rookie skater and are eligible to roster.
You submit your Skater Name and Number for approval. If they’re not taken or too similar to another skater’s name, and there are no other outlying issues, you’re good to go!
Transfer Skaters
For a skater to transfer to the SCRD team, they will need to pass a coach evaluation to ensure the skater meets bout-eligible expectations.
Transfer skaters should provide a letter from their past league to ensure that the skater left their league in Good Standing.
Rostering Standards
When there are more than 15 bout-eligible skaters in good standing with the league, the first thing taken into account for the roster is attendance percentage. Skaters must have a 66% attendance rate in order to be considered for the roster.
Rosters are created at the coaches’ discretion, but factors that come into play are: attendance percentage (higher attendance percentages are considered first), whether or not a skater’s dues are paid, a skater’s most recent evaluations, and attitude.
Gear Rental Program
There are a lot of skate and gear options out there, so getting started in roller derby can feel a little intimidating. To help make the process easier, we offer a gear rental program and discounted team orders through S1.
The basic equipment you'll need includes:
Quad skates
Multi-impact helmet
Knee pads
Elbow pads
Wrist guards
Mouth guard
SCRD has a limited inventory of gear available for rent to skaters participating in the New Skater Program. Rental gear is intended to help you get started while you decide whether roller derby is right for you and work toward purchasing your own equipment. Most rental gear has been previously used, and availability varies based on inventory and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The rental fee is $20 per month, with no security deposit required. This fee covers all rented gear and is billed alongside your monthly dues.
Gear Overview and Recommendations
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![Quad Skates]()
Quad Skates
Recommended beginner-friendly skates:
Sure-Grip Rebel Avenger
Riedell R3
Bont Prostar
Bont Quadstar
Riedell Dart
Most complete skate setups include the boot, plate, wheels, bearings, and toe stops.
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![Helmet]()
Helmet
A multi-impact certified helmet is required for roller derby. Bicycle helmets are not permitted, as they are designed for a single impact and do not provide adequate protection for roller derby.
Recommended brands:
S1 Helmets
Triple Eight Brainsaver
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![Knee Pads]()
Knee Pads
Recommended options:
S1 Pro Knee Pads
187 Killer Pro Derby Knee Pads
Smith Scabs Elite Knee Pads
TSG Roller Derby 3.0 Knee Pads
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![Elbow Pads]()
Elbow Pads
Recommended options:
187 Killer Elbow Pads
Smith Scabs Elite Elbow Pads
TSG Roller Derby Elbow Pads
S1 Pro Elbow Pads
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![Wrist Guards]()
Wrist Guards
Recommended options:
187 Killer Wrist Guards
187 Killer Derby Wrist Guards
Smith Scabs Wrist Guards
TSG Wrist Guards
Ennui Wrist Brace
S1 Wrist Guards
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![Mouth Guard]()
Mouth Guard
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![Optional Gear]()
Optional Gear
These items are not required but are commonly used by skaters for added comfort, protection, and performance.
Toe Stops: Gumball Superball, Bionic Super Stopper, PowerDyne Jupiter
Toe Guards: Protect skate boots from scuffs and wear (Bont and Etsy are popular options)
Knee Gaskets: Additional support and cushioning (Old Bones Therapy recommended)
Padded Shorts: Extra protection and confidence while learning
Waxed Laces: Help keep skates securely tied during practice and games
Where to Get Gear
For S1 Products
Special Order
SCRD has a direct partnership with S1, allowing our members to receive 30% off eligible S1 gear and equipment. Because minimum order quantities apply, group orders are coordinated periodically through our Treasurer.
Browse S1 Products https://shop.s1helmets.com/
Ready to place your order with our team? Fill out this form and our Treasurer will be in touch: S1 Order Form
Local Skate Shop
Skater's Choice
5121 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL
Specializing in roller derby, roller skating, and protective gear.
Instagram: @skaterschoiceskateshop
Online Purchasing
Derby Warehouse
Roller derby gear, skates, protective equipment, and accessories
Website: www.derbywarehouse.com
SISU Mouth Guards
Lightweight, low-profile mouth guards designed for sports.
Website: www.sisuguard.com
Other Ways to Participate
On-Skates Official (Referee)
Individuals of any gender are welcome to become referees. Referees must have proficient skating ability, knowledge of the WFTDA ruleset, and familiarity with the officiating hand signals used during gameplay.
WFTDA officiating requirements and resources can be found here:
WFTDA Officiating Standards & Procedures
Our New Skater Program covers the skating skills necessary to become an on-skates official. If you're interested in refereeing but don't know how to skate yet, you can join the New Skater Program and we'll help you develop the skills needed to get started.
Non-Skating Official (NSO)
Non-Skating Officials (NSOs) play a critical role in making roller derby games possible. NSOing is a great way to learn the sport, stay involved, and support the game without skating.
Common NSO positions include:
Jam Timer – Tracks jam time and the time between jams
Penalty Tracker – Records penalties committed by skaters during a game
Penalty Timer – Tracks time served in the penalty box
Scorekeeper – Works with the Jam Referee to record points scored
Scoreboard Operator – Updates and manages the game scoreboard
Lineup Tracker – Records which skaters are on the track for each jam
No prior experience is required, and training is provided.
Bout Volunteers
It takes an entire community to make a roller derby bout successful. Volunteers assist with a variety of game-day responsibilities and help create a great experience for skaters, officials, and fans alike.
Volunteer opportunities may include:
Ticket sales and admissions
Merchandise sales
Setup and teardown
Fan engagement and information tables
General game-day support
No roller derby experience is necessary!
