Roller Derby 101
- AWSN Editor
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
You asked for it! AWSN is bringing you roller derby! Fewer women's sports have such a deep and dedicated fan base as roller derby. As we gear up to air the sport, we want to give you a quick rundown on what to expect!
Roller Derby 101: A Fast, Fierce & Fun Guide
Welcome to the wild world of roller derby, where skaters zoom, block, and juke their way around a flat track with style, grit, and glitter. It's one of the most exciting, empowering sports out there—especially for women and LGBTQ+ athletes—and it's only growing in popularity.
The Basics
Roller derby is played by two teams of five skaters: one jammer and four blockers. The jammer wears a star on their helmet and scores points by lapping members of the opposing team. The blockers play both offense and defense—trying to help their jammer through the pack while stopping the other team’s jammer. One blocker on each team is designated as the pivot, identifiable by a stripe on their helmet, and they can become the jammer under certain conditions.
Each game consists of two 30-minute halves, made up of multiple "jams" that can last up to 2 minutes. The game is fast-paced, strategic, and often full of contact (legal hits only—no elbows or tripping!).
A Brief History
Roller derby began in the 1930s as a co-ed endurance race in the U.S., but it morphed into a theatrical, professional sport by the 1940s. After fading out in the '70s and '80s, it roared back in the early 2000s—this time with a DIY, punk-rock, feminist spirit that made it a global grassroots phenomenon. The modern version is real, athletic, and tough, with skaters organizing leagues, refereeing, and even sewing their own uniforms.
Icons of the Sport
Bonnie Thunders – A dominant force in flat track derby, known for her skill and agility.
Scald Eagle – Fierce jammer and crowd favorite with jaw-dropping moves.
Suzy Hotrod – A longtime icon of Gotham Girls Roller Derby and a face of modern derby.
Texas Rollergirls – The league credited with launching the 2000s revival in Austin, TX.
Worldwide Wheels
The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) is the sport’s main governing body, boasting hundreds of leagues across the globe. There's also Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) and Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA) for younger skaters. Roller derby is now played on nearly every continent!
Why People Love It
Roller derby is more than a sport—it’s a community. It celebrates body diversity, gender expression, self-empowerment, and teamwork. Many skaters choose fun alter egos (like "Pain Eyre" or "Smackie Chan") and wear bold uniforms, but make no mistake: these athletes train hard and play harder.
Fun Facts
Roller derby may look chaotic, but it’s incredibly strategic!
Players often referee, coach, or manage their leagues—by the skaters, for the skaters.
The 2009 movie Whip It brought derby into the mainstream (thanks, Drew Barrymore!).
So grab your helmet and lace up those skates—there’s always room on the track for a new derby hero.
Derby love is real, and it hits hard—in the best way!
The Rose City Rollers, the world’s largest roller derby league and reigning WFTDA World Champions, are now available on AWSN! Check the schedule for local airtimes!
Over the coming months, Rose City will present the All-Star Roller Derby Series—a multi-game
event designed to showcase the sport’s intensity, strategy, and electric energy to millions of
global viewers. While future matchups are still being finalized, each game promises to deliver
elite competition and elevate Portland’s status as an international epicenter for roller derby.
Learn more at rosecityrollers.com
Connect with them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosecityrollers