I TOTALLY WANT TO PLAY ROLLER DERBY! HOW DO I JOIN?

New recruits sign up through SFV Roller Derby’s First Date program, the league’s recruitment process. Women over the age of 18 are invited to strap on skates and protective gear and train with one of SFV Roller Derby’s highly regarded coaches. First Dates are generally held once a month at The Lot. Go here to learn more about First Date!

If you're a transfer skater from another league, congratulations! You don't have to go through our First Date program. Email transfers@sfvrollerderby.com to get the process started to skate with your new league here at SFV. 

DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SKATE TO JOIN?

Nope!  We will teach you! We'll even lend you some equipment while you learn, and hold your hand for your first few rolls. 

BUT ISN'T ROLLER DERBY VIOLENT? I WOULD TOTALLY DIE!

Roller derby is a contact sport.  However, there are many rules as to where and how that contact can occur.  We wear protective padding, and while the sport is exciting to watch, safety is a main concern. And remember when we said we would teach you how to skate? We'll also train you on how to not die. 

I WANT TO PLAY ROLLER DERBY, BUT I THINK I'M TOO OLD! IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?

As long as you’re over 18 and not recovering from any injuries, you’re all good! The oldest skater we ever had was 65, so, you know, #noexcuses.

I’M UNDER 18, CAN I PLAY ROLLER DERBY?

Yes, however, we no longer have a Junior team! Check out other local junior teams here or send an email to juniors@sfvrollerderby.com to get all your questions answered. 

I don't want to play, but I'd still love to be involved with roller derby. What can I do?

Join the Ref-Necks! SFV Roller Derby is always looking supportive individuals to help officiate scrimmages and bouts. If you don't want to commit to contact sports, you can always become a Referee! We will still teach you how to skate, but instead of following the rules, you get to enforce them! And refs can now skate on either quad-skates or rollerblades! Don't want to skate? Become a Non-Skating Official and enforce the rules from the comfort of your shoes! It's a great way to be involved with the league without the commitment of being a skater.  Send an email to refs@sfvrollerderby.com to start your journey.

I’M MALE, AND INTERESTED IN ROLLER DERBY.  IS THERE A ROLE FOR ME?

Yes, there are many roles for men at SFV Roller Derby, including scorekeepers, refs, photographers, coaches, and announcers!  Email us at recruits@sfvrollerderby.com to get involved. And if you're interested in playing roller derby, check out the Drive-By City Rollers, LA's men's flat track roller derby league, where some of our refs and other male derby affiliates skate!

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

We play at The Cage, located at 11455 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601.

Wait, you play outside?! Is it going to be hot/cold at the bout?

Sadly, SFV Roller Derby has yet to develop the ability to control the weather in Southern California. Therefore, some home bouts may be hot because of the phenomenon known as "summer", but you can still enjoy the event by wearing cool clothing and drinking lots of liquids! Other home bouts may take place during what is called "winter" by locals, and spectators are encouraged to dress warmly. Together, we can all enjoy roller derby in spite of any weather, except rain. 

I'm excited to get drunk and watch roller derby!

Hold your horses! There is no alcohol allowed at The Cage. SFV Roller Derby is a family-friendly venue and our league will not be held responsible for chemically-altered spectators. But don't worry! You can always drink at the afterparty with the team!  Afterparty locations are posted on the Facebook event and regularly announced during the bout. 

What's the difference between the teams? I thought I was going to see the OMGs play, but the game was Bandits versus Wreckers?

Travel Teams (the Like OMGs, the Wipe Outs, and the Fer Sures) will bout and scrimmage teams from other leagues. These bouts can be home at The Lot or away at other leagues' venues.  Home Teams (the Balboa Bandits, the Reseda Wreckers, the Topanga Maulrats, and the Van Nuys Valkyries) consist of skaters of all levels from SFV Roller Derby league only. Home team games give newer skaters a chance to play in public while the seasoned skaters get to play against their travel team teammates in a friendly rivalry for home team bragging rights. 

Okay, what about these Freshie Bouts?

One of the core beliefs of SFV Roller Derby is that anyone can play derby -- and they should! What's the point of perfecting skills if you won't be able to use those skills in a scrimmage for a few years? Fresh Meat Exposition Bouts -- aka "Freshie Bouts" -- allow newer and lower-level skaters a chance to show off their hard work. These bouts usually have a fun theme (DC vs Marvel, Heathers vs Jawbreakers, etc.) and give our fans a chance to see the all-star skaters of tomorrow, today!

What's with the pandas? Are they your mascot?

Pandas aren't our mascot, but they sure are cute, aren't they?! Team PANDAmonium is a collection of people who like to have fun - and that includes a ton of people in SFV Roller Derby! You decide your own level of participation in Team PANDAmonium. 

Why did I hear the Like OMGs yell "COBRA KAI!!" at the bout? You guys do remember that Cobra Kai were the villains in The Karate Kid, right?

Hey, protagonist title fallacy, okay? Cobra Kai dojo were serious athletes that were looked down upon simply because of the fact that they hailed from the San Fernando Valley. And William Zabka is a national treasure! 

WHAT'S THE HISTORY OF THE LEAGUE?

Killo Kitty started playing roller derby in 2007 for the LA Derby Dolls. She played and captained for the Sirens. In 2010, she decided to start a juniors roller derby program in San Fernando Valley, with a little help from Coach Dad, I.M. McShovin, and Whipskey. The adult league started in 2011 with Killo Kitty, Coach Dad, Whipskey, I.M. McShovin and Tiggz.

WHAT IS THE GOAL FOR THE LEAGUE?

SFV Roller Derby’s goal is to provide athletes with an opportunity to learn and play the sport of roller derby by improving fitness and athleticism. We promote volunteerism and involvement within our community while fostering professional development and growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.