2024 schedule is now available!

Learn to Play

Jacksonville's Roller Derby Training Program

Our twelve-week training program has been carefully crafted to teach you everything you need to know about how to play roller derby! We welcome skaters of all genders and offer two opportunities to join each year, around January and June. For more information, please email us at jrdbod@gmail.com .

Practices and Recruitment Nights are held at:
Mandarin Skate Station
3641 Kori Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the things I will learn in Fresh Meat?

BASIC SKILLS like forward skating using crossovers, power stride (getting the most out of each push), gliding on one foot at a time, balance, and squats.
DERBY SKILLS including skating low, plow stops, T-stops, blocking strength, and the ability to fall in a safe and controlled manner.
ENDURANCE skating a number of laps in five minutes.

Most importantly, you’ll gain a positive attitude, basic knowledge of the sport, ability to listen and apply new knowledge, ability to pick up new skills quickly, time commitment and availability!

Are there a lot of injuries?

As with any sport, injuries happen, but we work to prevent them. This includes injury-preventative exercises. Full protective gear is required for all skaters. Although primary health insurance is not currently required if you want to skate with us, it is still strongly recommended. For Jacksonville Roller Derby’s insurance purposes, you will be required to sign a waiver for tryouts.

How much of a commitment is required to be a skater?

You will be expected to attend league and team practices.

In addition to making practice attendance, everyone is asked to work at bouts and other official events. We are a skater run organization, so we also ask you to work on a committee and attend meetings to remain an active member. Additionally, skaters are required to pay monthly dues that help to pay for the League’s operational costs.

Despite the time commitment, any skater will tell you that it is completely worth it!

Do I have to be a seasoned skater to try out?

Not necessarily. Being a member of Jacksonville Roller Derby is a lot more than just being a good skater. Yes, we will primarily be looking for skating skills, but we also look at your athletic potential.

Is there an age limit?

You must be 18 years of age to be chosen for the League and placed on one of our teams. If you are under the age of 18, you can join Jacksonville’s Jr. Derby! Go here to learn more.

How can I get ready for recruitment?

Get to know us! Come see our bouts. Get to know the rules. Sign up for our newsletter to keep up with our activities. Volunteer to find out how we pull it all together.

What equipment will I need?

Every skater is required to wear a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads, a mouth guard, and quad roller skates. We have some gear to loan out for practices.

2024 Training Team Coming Soon!

Other Ways to Get Involved

Maybe being a skater isn’t the best fit for you right now. There are plenty of ways to be a part of the action:

Check our Facebook page for upcoming events and more information or email us if you have any questions!