Q: What is the “Skating Practice” part of the class like?

On skate practice days, you will spend time with 1-2 of HARD’s awesome rookie trainers learning different skate skills. The trainers will break down each skill, answer questions, and then give you time to practice around the track!

Q: What is the “Rules Learning and NSO” part of the class like?

On rules learning days, you will spend an hour learning what its like to be a “Non Skating Official”. This includes timing penalties, keeping score, jam timing, etc. After an hour in the classroom, you will put your skills to to action and practice being an NSO for a live scrimmage!

Q: I want to ref. What can I expect?

A: Rookies on the ref track will start out doing the same thing as rookies who intend to play. You will go through the same testing to ensure that you have the skating skills necessary to keep up with the pack, as well as the ability to take an occasional accidental hit. After completing skating skills our refs will help teach you rules, hand signals, etc.

Q: What does it look like once I finish this class and join the league?

A: Once the new skater boot camp is over and you wish to continue with the league, we will assess your skills and make sure you are equipped to move on to level 2 of our training program. This includes more advanced skating skills, basic contact, blocking, and jamming. You will become an official part of the league and will begin paying skater dues ($50/month). Once you have passed your level 2 assessment, you will join league practices and eventually become eligible to try out for a team!

Q: What will the league practice schedule look like if I join after the class?

A: We currently practice twice per week, Mondays 630pm-830pm, Wednesdays 7pm-9pm. Practice times are occasionally bumped or moved due to Ron a Roll events.

Q: What if I can't make every practice?

A: Remember, roller derby is a sport in that you get what you put in - typically people who attend most practices progress through the program more quickly. That being said, if you need to miss here and there, that is okay too. Once you are a part of the league and wish to try out to be on a team, there are attendance requirements to be eligible to play.

Q: How long will it take until I am playing on a team?

A: That will depend on the person. People who already know how to skate proficiently will progress more quickly than someone with no skating experience, and that's okay! Our programs are designed to bring you through stages slowly so you will feel safe and confident once you get onto a team. Realistically, it takes skaters anywhere from 6 months to a year to officially be on a team.

Q: Will we start hitting each other on the first day? Will I get hurt?

A: Absolutely not! Our New Skater Bootcamp does not include contact drills. Once you complete this program, you will move on to more advanced skills & learn contact if you wish!

Q: Whats it like to be a part of HARD?

A: We are a rad group of people that do more than just play derby! We host community events, fundraisers, volunteer and participate in league bonding events. When you join HARD you aren’t just joining a team, you’re joining a community. Check out our Facebook page to see what we’ve got going on outside of the track!

If you have further questions, please email hartfordrdathletics@gmail.com