Fall 2024 Free Derby Prep Class

This Fall Prep Class runs October 8 and 15 on Tuesday nights from 6-7 p.m. at Skate-A-While Longer in Rome NY.
Joining roller derby can be very exciting, but also a little intimidating. This class is to prepare you for the upcoming roller derby bootcamp. We will primarily work off-skates to strengthen ourselves and learn how we use our bodies in roller derby.
  • Together we will discuss the rules of roller derby and basics of game play strategy.
  • We will engage in off-skates game play.
  • We will also fit you for derby gear. Gear provided.
  • This program is open to women and gender expansive folks of all skill levels.
  • No experience necessary.
  • Must be 18+
  • This prep class is two sessions and FREE.
  • If you attend both Prep Class sessions, you will receive a discount for the Fall Rookie Bootcamp.
Save your spot and register today! https://forms.gle/VCZkki3QCgms2bw46


Fall 2024 CNY Roller Derby Bootcamp

Hey Boo, turn up your spooky spice this Fall and join roller derby!
  • 6-7 p.m., Tuesday nights from Oct.22-Dec.10.
  • We will teach you everything you need to know about skating and roller derby.
  • No experience necessary.
  • Gear provided.
  • Must be 18+
  • The eight session program is $50 total.
  • Our bootcamp is open to women and gender expansive folks of – all skill levels.
Don’t let your regrets haunt you, sign up here to register today! https://forms.gle/kyQsefSPQZCA4jmE9

Interested in learning to be a skating official or non skating official?  We accept new officials year round! Contact us via the form if you are interested.


What is roller derby?

Roller derby is a sport predominately played on a flat track. There are five players on the track from each team. One player wears a star cover on her helmet and is designated as the jammer. The jammer is the point scorer and must get through the rest of the players, called the pack. As she continues, she receives one point for every player on the opposing team that she laps. There are two 30 minute periods that are broken up into up to two minute sections, called jams. The first jammer that passes everyone in the pack legally and inbounds receives the title of lead jammer. This means she may strategically call off the jam prior to two minutes elapsing.

There are many places you can go to buy your gear. Visit Black Mamba Skates in Syracuse at ShoppingTown Mall. They specialize in roller derby and skate gear, and have a skate rink/park. You can also order your gear online, some popular sites are Five Stride Skate Shop, Bruised Boutique Skate Shop, Derby Warehouse, and many more.

CNYRD can provide all gear to rent for a small fee other than a mouthguard. Many of our skaters really like the SISU brand mouth guards, but less expensive varieties can be found at any sporting goods store. You can also get a custom one from your dentist. Popular brands for pads include: 187, Smith Scabs, Triple 8. Popular brands of skates are: Riedell, Antik, Bont, Mota. Don’t be afraid to try on other skaters’ pads in order to figure out what size and type works for you. It is not required, but is highly encouraged that you purchase a skating helmet that is dual certified (CPSC and ASTM; Triple 8 and S-One make these type) or a hockey helmet. Elbow and knee pads need to have a hard shell.

Other items needed: tools to adjust your skates, gear bag, wheels, bearings, skate parts (toe stops, nuts, cushions/bushings)

Visit here for basics and here for more in depth information

What gear is needed to play roller derby?

  • Mouthguard
    Helmet
    Elbow Pads
    Wrist Guards
    Knee Pads
    Quad Roller Skates
    Hip Pads (optional)
    Shin Guards (optional)
    Face Shield (optional)

Where can I buy gear?

There are many places you can go to buy your gear. Some have found pads locally at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Play It Again Sports. You can also travel to Black Mamba Skates in Syracuse at ShoppingTown Mall which is specialized in roller derby gear and has a skate rink. You can also order your gear online. The most popular places are Five Stride Skate Shop, Bruised Boutique Skate Shop, Wicked Skatewear, and 808 Rollerskate (and many, many more). CNYRD can provide all gear to rent for a small fee other than a mouthguard. Many of our skaters really like the SISU brand mouthguards, but less expensive varieties can be found at any sporting goods store. You can also get a custom one from your dentist. Popular brands for pads include: 187, Smith Scabs, Triple 8. Popular brands of skates are: Riedell, Antik, Bont, Mota. Don’t be afraid to try on other skaters’ pads in order to figure out what size and type works for you. It is not required, but is highly encouraged that you purchase a skateboarding helmet that is dual certified (CPSC and ASTM; Triple 8 and S-One make these type) or a hockey helmet. Elbow and knee pads need to have a hard shell.

Other items needed: tools to adjust your skates, gear bag, wheels, bearings, skate parts (toe stops, nuts, cushions/bushings)

This website has a good guide to gear: click here

What should I wear to practice?

Wear comfortable athletic clothes. The majority of our skaters wear leggings, capris, or shorts with a t-shirt or tank top.

What are the member requirements?

Members need to be at least 18 years old. Secondary medical insurance is required and costs approximately $75 per year. You must purchase your own gear and uniforms eventually. You need to attend practices regularly.

Where do we practice and play games?

We practice in Rome N.Y., at Skate-A-While Longer. Our home games are played at various off-site locations. Both teams do travel, the CNY Nightmares are the charter team, the CNY Day Breakers are the B travel team.

When will I be ready to play in games?

It typically takes six months – one year of training before the average skater is ready to play in a game. Skaters will be assessed by the coaching staff regularly so they can gain live gameplay experience.

What if I can’t or don’t want to play in games?

Skaters, volunteers, and skating officials are welcome to continue to attend practices even if this is the case. There will be opportunities to scrimmage or or officiate within our league, and also with other leagues, throughout the year that are low stress and fun. We also have many opportunities for anyone to be trained and help as a non-skating official.