How to Join Des Moines Roller Derby

Des Moines Roller Derby is a small but mighty team, and we’re always eager to welcome new players. Whether you’re a brand-new skater or an experienced roller derby player, there’s a place for you in DMRD.

Here’s all the basic info you need to know about roller derby gear, our practice schedule, and what it looks like to be a member of the team.

Who can play for DMRD?

  • We are an all-gender adult roller derby league. That means anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to skate with us!

  • No skating experience is necessary to join the league. Brand-new skaters are encouraged to sign up for our Learn to Skate Bootcamp.

  • Experienced skaters — those who can confidently skate forward, balance on one skate, and stop safely — can email recruitment@desmoinesrollerderby.com to learn more about the league.

When does DMRD practice?

  • Des Moines Roller Derby practices on Wednesdays evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Franklin Jr. High in Des Moines.

  • We hold a monthly scrimmage on the last Sunday of each month.

  • DMRD League members are expected to regularly attend our practices, scrimmages and league meetings. Our schedule is subject to change as our league grows.

Skaters taking off gear after practice in the junior high hallway.

What gear do I need to play roller derby?

Roller derby is a full-contact sport, so we need a full set of pads to keep us safe! DMRD skaters are required to wear the following gear at all times during practice:

  • A helmet. We recommend S1 helmets. Your brain is very important, and it’s worth the investment to keep it protected!

  • A mouthguard. The SISU Aero is a team favorite — it’s thin and easy to talk around.

  • Elbow pads. 187 Killer Pads are a derby classic, but any brand with significant padding is great. Check out Derby Warehouse for pads, including sets of elbow, wrist and knee pads.

  • Wrist guards. Check out Derby Warehouse.

  • Knee pads. We highly recommend buying good knee pads early in your skating career. We fall on our knees all the time, especially when learning new skills! 187 Killer Pads and Triple 8 are two great options.

  • Quad skates. Those are the ones with two front wheels and two back wheels, with a toestop in the front. Some good entry-level skates are Riedell Darts and Riedell R3s. Derby skates are almost always flat, without a heel on the back.

    • If you want to try on skates in-person, there may be some limited stock at Skate South or Skateland. Online retailers will provide measurements to determine which size to buy.

    • It’s better to buy a skate slightly too small than one that is slightly too big. A snug fit is important for playing roller derby.

DMRD league members are expected to purchase their own set of gear. You may be able to find second-hand options on Facebook Marketplace, or on Facebook groups like Roller Derby Recyclables. Just make sure whatever you purchase will fulfill WFTDA gear requirements.

If you’re not able to purchase gear right now, or you’re not sure about committing to roller derby long-term, we do offer loaner gear available for new skaters. Please email recruitment@desmoinesrollerderby.com before your first practice or bootcamp session to ask about borrowing gear from us.

How much does roller derby cost?

In addition to the cost of gear, there are two recurring expenses required to maintain league membership.

  • Des Moines Roller Derby league members pay $45 in monthly dues. This membership fee allows us to rent practice and scrimmage space, and to host bouts and mixers.

  • DMRD is a part of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). Our skaters must purchase WFTDA insurance each year, which is an additional cost of $75. We strongly recommend the purchase of a personal health insurance plan in addition to this coverage.

How do I join the team?

There are two primary ways for skaters to join DMRD.

  • Brand-new skaters are encouraged to sign up for our Learn to Skate Bootcamp. This four-week program will teach you essential skating skills, like skating forward, backwards and laterally, multiple methods of stopping, and safely using your toestops.

    • After bootcamp, you’ll be invited to join DMRD as a full league member.

  • Experienced skaters may skip bootcamp and begin attending league practice at any time. If you can confidently skate forwards, balance on either foot and stop on your skates, we’ll invite you to join us for a Wednesday practice with the team. We’ll teach you about derby gameplay and practice more complex skating skills. Don’t worry — we won’t hit you until you’re ready for it!

Bootcamp participants in two rows making various faces at the camera.