The Emerald City Roller Girls were born 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!