Frequently Asked Questions
- Q. What does it cost?
- A. There is a monthly dues that each player must pay. (It helps pay for the rental of our practice space.) Also every player must pay for USARS coverage (USA Roller Sports insurance.) which is $40 once a year. You are required to pay for your own uniform and gear –prices vary on how fancy you want to get, so that is up to you!
- Q. Do I need gear before I join ECRG?
- A. Yes and no. We do have loaner pads available but they are in limited sizes and have not been “gently used”. It is in your best interest to get your own gear as soon as you can afford it. As for skates, rentals are available, but you will eventually want to get your own.
- Q. Where do you practice at?
- A. Currently we practice at Regional Sports Center at the corner of 32nd and Main Street in Springfield.
- Q. When is the next tryout/clinic?
- A. If it is not posted on our website, we are currently in-between tryouts/clinics. Keep checking – as soon as we finalize the dates, it will be posted.
- Q. What are some of the skating skills I need to have?
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A. You need to know the basics:
- Steady on your feet. (If you are still holding the wall or wobble a lot, you need to practice more.)
- Crossovers. They don’t have to be fabulous, but they need to be there.
- One foot. Be able to balance on one foot through the straightaway, and then balance on the other foot through the other straightaway.
- Speed. During a tryout you will be timed to see how many laps you can make in one minute.
- Weaving. Being able to weave between cones approximately 2 feet apart, or closer – the better you are, the higher your score.
- Close proximity. Be comfortable skating in a close pack of people. Hey, it’s what we do.
- Posture. Good skating form – knees over your feet, back arched, elbows in, chin up.
- Stopping. Be able to do a T-stop. Must be able to come to a complete stop.
- Sticky Feet. Be able to start from a standstill – without picking up your feet! Then skate a full lap – without picking up your feet!
- Skate in opposite direction. Again, it doesn’t have to be fabulous, but the better your form and control – the better your score.
- Q. Do you have to be 21 to be involved at all?
- A. No. If you are 18 or older, you can join our referee crew. We are always looking for volunteers for our bouts, and we are gearing up to have our first Junior Derby summer camp (ages 10-18) this summer.
- Q. If I don’t pass on the first tryout, can I try again?
- A. You betcha!! We love those stubborn, you-can’t-keep-me-down-forever types!
- Q. What’s a skate clinic?
- A. A skate clinic is in preparation for a tryout. This gives any derby hopeful a chance to hook up with some derby girls and see where their skills are at and what they need to work on.
- Q. Do you provide childcare for practices or tryouts?
- A. Unfortunately, we do not have daycare available at this time. If you want to work something out with fellow derby mamas though, you are more than welcome.
- Q. Anything else I need to know?
- A. Check out the rules!! Go to http://www.wftda.com and study the rules. It’s a great way to learn more about the game and you will eventually be tested on your knowledge!
