The Emerald City Roller Girls were born in Eugene, Oregon in 2006 when a handful of friends heard about the revival of roller derby and decided to brush up their rusty skating skills. Word spread quickly, and ten months later ECRG had secured regular practice space, elected a board of directors, split into teams, trained though torn muscles and broken bones, and held their first bout to a sold-out crowd!

Much of ECRG’s early success was supported by more experienced leagues who lent us their coaches and provided invaluable advice. In this way, roller derby provides both a local and nation-wide network of grassroots athletes who have made their leagues successful with very few resources other than hard work and creativity. ECRG is proud to be members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, and can’t wait to start making a name for our league on a national level! Long live roller derby in Eugene!

The game:

Imagine a hockey game, but replace the ice with a roller rink. Swap out the baggy jerseys for flashy uniforms often designed by skaters themselves. Abandon ordinary names in favor of pseudonyms like Stinging Nettle and Valentina Slaughter. But what’s the objective? Hint: there is no ball or puck! The scoring is completely different than hockey, but both sports are highly physical and require speed, skill and complex strategy.

Here’s a little video made by the Hammer City Roller Girls that does a good job of explaining the rules of flat track roller derby.

Unlike professional hockey players, the vast majority of roller derby participants are unpaid. Most actually spend money on the sport -- they purchase their own equipment and pay monthly dues to support their leagues. Teams usually practice several times a week, and injuries are common. ECRG is lucky to have a crew of strong and dedicated skaters who have overcome these obstacles to make us one of the fastest growing leagues in the country!

How to get started:

  • Beg, buy, borrow, or rent some skates and hone those skills!!
  • Track down your local derby girl and pump her for information, tips, and suggestions. (Try Skate World on Sunday nights from 7-9pm. We're the sweet looking gals in fishnets and kneepads.)
  • Attend an ECRG skate clinic. There you can learn some of the skills you’ll be tested on at tryouts.
  • GO TO TRYOUTS!!! Kick butt, show your stuff, and basically rock our socks off!

Requirements:

  • You must be 21 or older.
  • You must be female.
  • You must skate in quads!
  • You must be able to attend 50% of practices. (That is at least 2 a week.)
  • You are responsible for your own helmet, mouthguard, kneepads, elbowpads, and wristguards.
  • You must be prepared to fall a lot and take hard hits without getting discouraged or taking it personally!
  • You must be know and live the ECRG Mission Statement!

    • EMERALD CITY ROLLER GIRLS MISSION STATEMENT

    The Emerald City Roller Girls is a Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association (WFTDA) league of amateur skaters, competing at a regional and national level. We encourage athleticism and personal growth in a supportive and positive environment. As a non-profit based in Lane County, Oregon, we strive to strengthen our community with our inclusive activities and events that are locally supported and member-driven.


FAQ's:

Click the questions below to get answers.

Do I need gear before I join ECRG?
You do not need to have your own gear to try out. We have loaner pads available to prospective skaters, but they are limited in size and have not been “gently used.” Once you become a member of ECRG, it is expected that you purchase all your own gear and your own skates.

Where does ECRG practice?
We practice at the Willamalane Sports Center at the corner of 32nd and Main Street in Springfield. Note: practices are CLOSED to the public. If you would like more information about practices, please contact us through this website and we would be happy to answer your questions.

When is the next tryout/clinic?
If it is not posted on our Schedule Page, we are currently in-between tryouts/clinics. Keep checking – as soon as we finalize the dates, it will be posted.

What skating skills do I need to have to become a member of ECRG?
You need to know the basics:
  • Be steady on your feet. (If you are still holding the wall or wobble a lot, you need to practice more.)
  • Be able to do crossovers. They don’t have to be fabulous, but they need to be there.
  • Be able to skate on one foot, balance on one foot through the straightaways, and then balance on the other foot through the other straightaway.
  • Be able to generate some speed. During a tryout you will be timed to see how many laps you can make in one minute.
  • Be able to weave between cones approximately 2 feet apart.
  • Be comfortable skating in a close pack of people. Hey, it’s what we do.
  • Practice good skating form – knees bent, neutral spine, elbows in, chin up.
  • Be able to do a T-stop to a complete stop using all four wheels.
  • Be able to start from a standstill – without picking up your feet! Then skate a full lap – without picking up your feet!
  • Be able to skate in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. 
Do I have to be 21 to be involved?
No. If you are 18 or older, you can join our referee crew, and we are always looking for volunteers for our bouts. In addition, girls ages 10 to 17 can join the ECRG's Junior Gems. (For more information about the ECRG Junior Gems, please visit http://www.emeraldcityjuniorgems.com/pages/ECRG.)
If I don’t pass on the first tryout, can I try again?
You betcha! We love those stubborn, you-can’t-keep-me-down-forever types!

Do you provide childcare for practices or tryouts?
Unfortunately, we do not have childcare available at this time. However, many derby mamas coordinate efforts to allow each other to attend practice as often as possible.
How much does roller derby cost?
Skaters pay monthly dues ($35) that help pay for the rental of our practice space, and every player must pay for WFTDA insurance coverage which is $50 once a year. Skaters also pay for their own uniforms, skates, and gear. Prices on these items vary greatly, but you are STRONGLY encouraged to buy quality brands that are made for high-impact sports.

Anything else I need to know?
Check out the rules! Go to http://www.wftda.com/rules and study the rules. It’s a great way to learn more about the game and you will eventually be tested on your knowledge!

What’s a skate clinic?
A skate clinic is an opportunity to prepare for tryouts. This gives any derby hopeful a chance to hook up with some derby girls, find out what they need to work on, and get some tips.