Training with WARD

As you can probably tell, Roller Derby is an intensely physical and technically challenging sport. Unlike when you join your local netball or volleyball team, there is quite a rigorous training program new skaters must complete to make sure everyone is safe on the track. 

Training cycles 

We typically host 4 training cycles each calendar year with a 1-week break between cycles. Our training cycles are ~10-11 weeks long and consist of two beginner (Level 1 & 2) and two advanced (Level 3 & 4 & Travel team) sessions plus one practice scrimmage (Level 3+) session each week. 

New skaters start in Level 1 and can complete an assessment at the end of a cycle to progress to the next level if they meet attendance and volunteer requirements.

Our structure is as follows:

Training Sessions

All sessions are held @ The Rise, Maylands

Level 1 & 2

• Sundays: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
• Thursdays: 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Level 3 & 4

• Sundays: 2:00 - 3:50 pm
• Thursdays: 7:00 - 9:00 pm 

Training Scrims 

• Sundays: 4:00 - 5:00 pm 

Training scrims are open to all members:

NSOs, L1, L2: off skates NSO training

L2-L4:  on skates referee training

*L3-L4: on skates scrimmage!

*skaters who have completed at least one cycle of Level 3 training are permitted to join in at training scrimmages 

Skates & gear

To get started with roller derby you need:

• A well-fitting mouth guard
• Quad skates - unless you intend to ref, in which case blades or quads are fine. Skates that are specifically for roller derby are preferred because they need to be heavy-duty skates with a low-cut style boot to allow ankle mobility.
• Helmet  - this needs to be a derby specific helmet. Bike helmets do not provide adequate skull coverage.
• Protective padding - knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards! 
• Optional extra protective gear - bum/hip padded shorts, knee gaskets, chest pads (can help with contact), ankle booties (for stability and to stop foot blisters). 
• Sneakers - for off skates warm ups 
• Water bottle! 
• To be emotionally and physically prepared for a challenge! That said, if you are feeling a little fragile on occassion please self manage as needed and reach out to management or our member welfare coordinator if we can help.

Please note that full protective gear, helmet and mouthguard (during contact) is compulsary during all training and scrims/bouts with WARD and we will tell you if we notice something is missing!

Skates and protective gear can be hired from us. We recommend always wear your full protective gear and helmet when skating, particularly outdoors, even if you feel silly. You will feel much sillier if you sustain a serious injury that could have been prevented! 

If you're ready to buy your own gear, please chat with some of our members first. We have so many tips and information to share! 

We recommend asking lots of questions and letting Skate shop staff know about your goals, both for now and in the future, so that you can weigh up all of your options.

You can check these places out to buy your gear:

• Lucky Skates
• Morley Rollerdrome

You can also find great second hand derby skates and packages online:

• Facebook Roller Derby - Buy, Sell, Swap Australia
• Facebook Roller Derby & Skate Buy, Swap, Sell & Free Australia 

  Hi I am Brawla and I have been part of WARD for >6 years now. One thing I have learned is how different everyone's journey is, whether you become a skater, ref, or NSO. When I started, I had no skating experieince at all. It took me three rounds of level one before I passed into level two. I then did three rounds of level two and found out I was pregnant just as I was about to assess for level three. I withdrew from assessment and took time off. After I gave birth I returned to the next available cycle at level one. I worked my way up to level four before my son's first birthday. I love skating and the community at WARD. I have just had my third child and I can't stay away. I have been helping out the league by being on the management committee and coaching. I cannot wait to be back on skates, hopefully not for long now.