Thinking about joining Memphis Roller Derby?

MRD is looking for fresh meat. Haven't skated since you were 12?  No problem. MRD will teach you everything you need to know. Rollergirls are fiercely competitive, fitness conscious, excitement loving, strong willed, independent minded, amazing women. Do you fit this description?

Interested women are encouraged to check out MRD at league practice, any Tuesday night, 7:00 PM, at the Mid-South Fairgrounds Pipkin Building. At first, we encourage you just to come and watch.  You will have the chance to fill out some paperwork, and get to know a few derby girls who will be more than happy to share their knowlege about things like where to get skates and other gear.  Please send a message to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are coming for the very first time so we will be expecting you.

***Practices are private so please don't bring your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or a whole cheering section as it might make others trying out uncomfortable and no photography please!***

On the last Thursday of each month, interested women will have the opportunity to join the league!  This will be your first opportunity to lace up those skates and get started.

It's a big plus if you already know how to skate but you might be suprised to know that it's not mandatory. We aren't kidding when we say we will teach you everything you need to know. Of course, It wouldn't hurt to start training on your own at any local skating rink or outdoor park, like Shelby Farms or Greenbelt Park.

Here are the basic skills you will need to master:

* Skating smoothly with long strides (no flailing arms)

* Doing crossovers (one foot crossing over the other) when taking a turn

* Maneuvering between obstacles

* Being able to make a controlled stop (i.e. not running into a wall or falling)

Make sure you meet the basic requirements to be a member of the league.

You must:

* Be 21 years old

* Have some cash for monthy dues (yes we pay to play) and mandatory secondary insurance.

* Be able to purchase your own skates (quads not in-lines) and safety gear (if you don't already have it), which includes elbow, wrist and knee pads, helmet and mouth guard

* Be able to attend a MINIMUM of (2) two-hour practices per week (Monday or Tuesday with your team and Thursday with the league, with an additional open league practice available on Wednesdays)

* Be able to attend Saturday night bouts once a month, pretty much year-round, as well as participate in helping set-up before or clean-up afterwards.

* Be able to attend monthly league events, including meetings, fundraisers, promoting or volunteer work (this is on top of practices)

*** Be aware that becoming a roller girl is a BIG time commitment. We often tell potential rollergirls that if you don't have time to take on a part time job on top of whatever commitments you have now, you don't have time to be a rollergirl.

If you're looking for gear, visit Cheapskates on Getwell. Or, come to practice and ask a rollergirl for advice.

Still think that you can hang? Contact Tenacious B, our head of Recruitment.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Lastly, if this doesn't sound like your cup of tea, consider volunteering for Memphis Roller Derby. If you love to skate but don't think you are cut out for serious contact, consider learning how to referee. There are also spots available for non-skating officials. Set up and break down for our bouts are other main areas we need assistance, but if you have a specialty then we might be able to find a use for it as well. While it ain't glamorous by any means, it's a great way to get in on some of the behind the scenes action and meet the players.