We are an inclusive start up flat track Roller Derby Team. We are looking for dedicated women of all shapes ans sizes to learn and play Roller Derby.
NO DUES! NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! NO EQUIPMENT NEEDED! JUST YOU! (18+)
Tuesday and Thursdays: 3:00-5:00pm, Saturdays: 12:00-2:00pm at David Potell Memorial Sports Facility 11455 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601. For More information call or text: (818) 634-7006.
We have loaner gear that you may borrow. If you like, just come by and see what we are all about! If you don’t know how to skate, no worries! We teach! You will learn skating basics and rules. Still not sure you want to jump on the track? We are always looking for referees (females and males, 18+) and Non-Skating Officials.
How did the NoHo Derby start?
The founding members, Terrible Tues and Tankgrrrl were playing derby at the David Potell rink with a now-defunct group called the So Cal Rollerpunks. When the group disbanded, and the coach and other members left, Tankgrrrl suggested starting their own recreational league. They talked to other league owners and trainers, and built a relationship with the North Hollywood Hockey League, the roller hockey organization that runs and maintains the rink for the YMCA. Being out of work at the time, both women thought it would be great if they could introduce this wonderful sport to people that might not otherwise be able to afford the expenses and fees normally associated with starting to play a new sport. They collected safety equipment and skates from thrift stores and skater donations, obtained permission to use the facility for their practices, and thus North Hollywood Roller Derby was born.
What type of training is involved?
Skaters first learn the principals of skating and stopping, as well as falling safely. They learn about their gear and skates, including how to do routine maintenance and adjustments for themselves. All the while they learn about the rules of the game. Once they pass a minimum skills test required by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), the most common rules set in America, skaters learn to block (hit) and counter block. Once they have acquired these skills, they are considered safe to scrimmage with other players.
What are some of the benefits of this game?
Roller derby is a highly demanding game. It requires and builds core strength, balance, agility, and “pack awareness” (awareness of your surroundings). To play well requires a working knowledge of strategy. As both teams are traveling along the track together as a pack, players of both teams are required to play both offense and defense simultaneously.
Playing also requires teamwork. We rely on our derby sisters on the track to help us do our job and to have our backs. This sport creates strong, supportive relationships and builds confidence both physically and mentally. If you can learn to face a bunch of strong aggressive women that are determined to take you down, it only goes to show that you can do anything!
Who are the players in NoHo Derby? (types of players)
There are three positions of player:
Jammers are the point scorers. They wear a star on their helmet cover. They have to be fast, agile, and tenacious to force their way through (or sneak by) the opposing players in the pack. They earn one point for each opposing team player they pass, after their initial pass.
There are blockers. Their job is to block progress of the opposing jammer, and block (hit) them out of bounds, forcing then to repeat their attempt to pass the pack. Their secondary job is to help their jammer pass the other team’s blockers.
A pivot is a special blocker who wears a stripe down the center of their helmet. They control the speed of the pack, interpret/repeat calls from or by coaches. Basically they are an extension of the coach. They make the players on the track do what the coach on the sideline wants them to do. And in certain circumstances, can also replace the jammer and score points!
Rules of play are designed for player safety and fairness. If any player breaks a rule they will be removed from the track for a penalty. Players that are out of play for penalties give the opposing jammer “ghost points”– they get to score on someone even though they aren’t physically on the track at that time.
Website: www.nohoderby.com
Facebook: facebook.com/nohoderby
Instagram: @NoHoDerby
Twitter: @NoHoDerby
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