It is a female dominated sport



Roller derby is, and likely will always be a female dominated sport. Men’s roller derby certainly does exist, but nowhere near in the same numbers, and in comparison, quite a lot less popular. Regardless of the eventual inclusion of men’s leagues, the fans come out for women’s teams primary; quite the opposite of any other major sport.

2. It is a LGBTQ friendly sport

WFTDA TXRD, and many other leagues, coalitions of leagues and governing bodies have adopted similar gender policies, which are specifically worded to include transgender women, as well as intersex, and genderqueer people. Yes, the TQ matters in derby, and that has been exemplified by the many trans skaters for high profile teams. Leagues have incredibly high rates of queer individuals; it is not uncommon for leagues to be made up with a 50/50 split or higher of straight/or cis / LGBTQ skaters. Roller derby culture has always celebrated LGBTQ interests and has been an aspect of the sport since it’s revival, and only grown since then. Leagues are known to participate in parades, charities, and work with queer vendors.

3. It’s largely DIY in nature



The vast majority of derby leagues pay their own warehouse space. They have their own internal jobs and positions. Derby is big enough to make the kind of money to need governing bodies, but too small to be really owned by large companies; meaning the women in derby work tirelessly to keep their leagues alive. Occasionally, high profile players will get gear sponsorships, but those will only go so far, and will not pay the rent. Leagues will often have their own internal groups like a company; accounting, marketing, and so on. Some leagues even continue to make their own costumes for bouts, opting out of jerseys.

4. It’s a full contact sport

Heavy beatings on roller skates; sometimes inside of a bowl/falling from pretty far. Large, muscular, or bony people hitting you at high speeds with very basic protection. It’s no wonder derby girls are so tough! Risking injuries such as broken bones and concussions is just part of the every day for a derby girl..even in practice. Some leagues even allow the use of elbows, making it easy to knock the wind right out of your opponent.

5. It is worldwide

From Israel to Canada, more and more countries are starting to join the exciting world of derby, and international competitions are fierce! More importantly, derby gives power and agency to girls in countries where women are still battling hard for safety, acceptance, and equality. Dubai for example, boasts the gulf’s first derby league. Egypt also has a relatively new team that is fighting cultural perceptions both in their own country and the way that Egyptian women are seen overseas. The Lebanon team has a similar experience. In Japan, there are even unique versions of derby that have found themselves breaking into mainstream. There are growing numbers of leagues in Europe and South America…and of course in the US as well.

6. It is a sport that encourages feminism & body diversity

Derby has always incorporated feminism into it’s revival, and it is getting more intersectional by the year with strong policies regarding gender, race, and non discrimination. Skaters are typically highly liberal, and feminist beliefs are carried through the spirit of derby across all leagues. It has been called “the ultimate feminist sport” . A common saying is “there is no sorry in roller derby”; women are encouraged to not apologize on the track, even if a mistake is made, to reject patriarchal standards that women are held to that make us almost instinctively apologize for well…everything.

More importantly, derby is a sport where all body types are welcome..whether you are 94 or 294 lbs….and you can SUCCEED at both as well. A large women and a small women both have equal value in derby and are highly sought after. There is a role for every body type, and while women are expected to work very hard to exercise, weight is hardly considered in your success rate. Derby is the ultimate representation of health at every size, because a team can not succeed without body diversity.

Women are also encouraged to love and celebrate their bodies within derby. Heavy set women can often be seen in sexy and revealing outfits and this is and acceptable and encouraged standard. All women are equally beautiful and valuable; and each women is encouraged to find out what makes her body special, whether it’s to get a big hit or to squeeze through small spaces. each girl is an athlete in her own right.

7. Puns are funny

If you have ever watched the film Whip It, you know that Derby names are well….at least 70% pun and pop culture based. Each name gives the girl a special character and identity that she embodies on the track. Names like Jamit Janet, Bruisin B Anthony, and Hermione Danger sum it up pretty well. Do you have a fandom you love? Do you like puns? Well theres your derby name!

8. You have different options

Flat track, banked track, RDCL, TXRD, independent leagues, men’s derby…the list goes on and on. From crazy circus to serious and traditional, you can find a type of derby that you enjoy watching and playing most..or check them all out for diverse and exciting experiences.

9. You have access to it

Here are the links to some of the many amazing derby streams out there:

WFTDA (women’s flat track):

TXRD (banked track, costumes and craziness)

Roller Derby TV

and be sure to check around to see if you can find lIVE DERBY in your city, especially if you are from the US (most cities have leagues)

10. You are supporting women

When you pay for merch or to see a game..or if you watch online and spread the word, you are supporting a sport that encourages hard work, creativity, and empowerment in a diverse mass of women all over the world. This is a sport that breeds entrepreneurship, confidence, and feminist values in it’s many hard working players and gives them a safe and understanding community where they are able to connect to other women. The bigger that derby gets, the more these resources are spread to women no matter where they are. If you don’t fit in, you belong in derby, and that goes for fans too.