Join Our League

Never skated before? You're not alone.

Many of our skaters started exactly where you are now: no roller derby experience, no gear, and plenty of questions.

Our league is made up of people from all walks of life, and we welcome skaters of all experience levels. Whether you're looking to challenge yourself, stay active, make new friends, or try something completely outside your comfort zone, you'll find a supportive community ready to help you learn and grow.

Have questions? Check out our FAQ below. If you're curious about roller derby, fill out the interest form and learn more about getting started.

I WANT TO JOIN!
Two women wearing roller derby helmets and blue jerseys, smiling and making a heart shape with their hands.
Young woman roller skating indoors, wearing purple helmet and sportswear, with teammates sitting in the background.
A group of women participating in a roller derby practice or game, wearing helmets, protective gear, and roller skates on an indoor rink with a blue wall in the background.
Women participating in a roller derby game on an indoor rink, wearing helmets, protective gear, and roller skates, with some players reaching for the floor and others standing or kneeling.
A group of female roller derby players sitting on a bench during a game or practice, wearing helmets, knee pads, and roller skates, with some spectators or coaches standing nearby.
A group of women roller derby players standing close together inside a roller rink, wearing helmets and protective gear, with American and Canadian flags hanging in the background.
A group of women roller skating in an indoor rink, wearing helmets, protective gear, and matching blue jerseys that read "Swan City Roller Derby." The women are smiling and posing for the camera.
A group of roller derby players in protective gear skating around an indoor rink, with spectators watching in the background.
A group of women roller derby players celebrating and cheering inside a roller rink area, some standing and others sitting, with people watching and stalls in the background.
Women in roller derby gear and uniforms engaging in a bout, with spectators behind them in an indoor rink with ceiling lights and a scoreboard.
A group of women roller skating indoors, wearing helmets and protective gear, celebrating and smiling, with some clapping and taking photos, under string lights and an industrial ceiling.
Group of women with roller skates and protective gear in an indoor roller derby rink, some wearing uniforms with logos, celebrating and posing for a team photo.
Two women wearing helmets and roller derby uniforms, standing close together with one adjusting her helmet strap, at a roller derby event with blurred spectators in the background.
A group of women roller skating indoors, with some wearing protective gear and colorful clothing, while spectators sit in the background.
A group of women on roller skates competing in a roller derby game inside a gymnasium, wearing helmets and protective gear.
A group of women roller derby players skating in a line on an indoor court with spectators in the background.
A group of women roller skating indoors, wearing helmets and protective gear, and engaging in a team activity or game on a gymnasium floor.
Two women roller skating indoors, smiling and facing each other. Both are wearing protective gear including helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads. One woman is wearing a white helmet and striped socks, while the other is wearing a black helmet with a st
Group of women roller derby players and a coach posing inside roller skating rink, wearing helmets, knee pads, and roller skates.
A group of women wearing roller derby gear, including helmets and knee pads, posing for a photo in an indoor gymnasium with a wooden floor and a high, curved ceiling. There are children and a few other people in the background.
A group of women on roller skates competing in a roller derby match inside a gymnasium, with an audience watching in the background.
A roller derby game is taking place in an indoor gymnasium with spectators watching from the background. Several women are wearing protective gear such as helmets and knee pads, skating on a marked rink. One woman in a blue jersey is actively engaged
A group of women roller skating indoors during a roller derby game, all wearing helmets and protective gear, with some players wearing team jerseys and others in casual attire. Spectators are watching in the background.
A group of women roller skating indoors, wearing helmets, knee pads, and other protective gear, with some dressed in white and others in blue jerseys.
A group of women roller skating indoors, celebrating and posing for the photo. They are wearing white and purple roller derby uniforms with helmets and protective gear, some making celebratory gestures. The background shows an indoor sports court wit
A roller derby match with players wearing helmets and pads, some with colorful tattoos and outfits, on roller skates on a wooden indoor rink, while spectators sit on bleachers in the background.
A group of women wearing roller skates, helmets, and protective gear standing in a line indoors, possibly preparing for a roller derby game or practice.
A group of five women sitting on a bench in an indoor roller derby rink, wearing helmets, knee pads, and roller skates, with a blue seating area and a sign that says 'Swan Bench' behind them. They are wearing matching purple tank tops with 'Swan City
A group of women roller derby players huddled together in a team cheer, wearing helmets, protective gear, and colorful uniforms in an indoor roller rink.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

  • 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.