1. How do I join Helsinki Roller Derby?
Helsinki Roller Derby holds a Freshmeat Training Program (FTP) a few times each year. FTP lasts approximately 2,5 months and in that time you learn all the basic skills that you need to lay the foundation of your roller derby career. The timing of our FTPs varies so to find out when our next one is being planned you can send us an e-mail to freshmeat@helsinkirollerderby.com or keep your eyes glued to our FaceBook -page and website. To join HRD you must be 18 years of age or older.
To get into FTP you have to attend tryouts. Don’t worry, tryouts are not as competitive as you might imagine, and they are just as much for YOU as they are for HRD. Tryouts is like a mini-bootcamp, for free. You learn a few derby skills, you participate in a few endurance drills, and you get to ask questions of the veteran skaters that are there with you. Tryouts will show you what HRD practices are like, and what it is that you are getting yourself into. If after tryouts you decide that the sport is not for you, you can still withdraw from FTP without having to lose any money. At tryouts current HRD skaters and trainers will evaluate all the applicants in a variety of different areas but we are NOT looking for only the best skaters – we are looking for skaters who are compatible with Helsinki Roller Derby. Besides your overall skating skills we are also taking into consideration coachability, potential, attitude, and more. This means that you can get into FTP even if you’re not the best skater at tryouts.
2. How much does tryouts cost?
Tryouts is free for everyone.
3. How much does FTP cost?
FTP costs 80€ and it is to be paid before the first FTP -session.
4. Do I have to have my own equipment for tryouts?
No, but it is recommended that you use your own. If you do need to borrow equipment then you have to notify us as soon as possible before tryouts so that we can find you appropriate loaner gear. Send an e-mail to freshmeat@helsinkirollerderby.com with your shoe-size and pad-size. We cannot guarantee that we will have gear of the correct size for all skaters trying out.
5. Do I have to have my own equipment for FTP?
It is recommended that you have your own equipment for FTP. If you do need to borrow equipment then you have to notify us as soon as possible before FTP starts so that we can find you appropriate loaner gear. Send an e-mail to freshmeat@helsinkirollerderby.com with your shoe-size and pad-size. We cannot guarantee that we will have gear of the correct size for all skaters attending FTP.
6. Once I get into FTP, when do I get to start playing roller derby?
Already in FTP will you be doing some non-contact pre-gameing drills. You will get to participate in scrimmages and play real roller derby once you have passed your WFTDA minimum skills test at the end of FTP. Don’t worry, FTP is designed to prepare all of our new skaters for this test. The test is regulated by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association of which HRD is an apprentice member.
7. What if I don’t pass tryouts or I don’t pass my WFTDA minimum skills test?
Anyone who does not make it through the tryouts and who is not interested in refereeing is absolutely welcome to try out again for the following FTP. Everyone is also welcome to inquire within about why they were not selected so that you know what to work on for the next time.
Skaters who fail their WFTDA minimum skills tests on the first try can also have their situations re-evaluated on a case-by-case basis. HRD trainers will always give feedback and tell you what it is that you need to work on — we want to see every FTP skater succeed and move on to the next level.
8. If I have just missed an FTP, how can I get involved?
You can join Team Zebra! HRD is always looking for referees and NSOs (non-skating officials) and there are no tryouts for these positions. The referees have a slower-paced training program that runs throughout the year, the time commitment for the officials is not as big, and female referees always have the option of trying out for the league later, when the next FTP comes up. To find out more about refereeing and NSOing, please contact ref@helsinkirollerderby.com
9. How can a man get involved with roller derby?
Helsinki Roller Derby is an apprentice league of the Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association (WFTDA) and this means that we only have female skaters on our league. However, men are absolutely welcome to HRD in other capacities! Most of the men that are currently in our league are members of Team Zebra but if refereeing doesn’t feel like your cup of tea then send us an e-mail to info@helsinkirollerderby.
This post is also available in: Finnish
