Image Courtesy of Eugene

Fargo Moorhead Derby Girls is North Dakota’s first woman’s flat track roller derby team. Most home bouts take place at the Fargo Civic Center. All positions in the league from skaters to coaching, referees and security are 100% volunteer. All skaters must be female and at least 21 years of age. Men and women 18 and over may join in a variety of roles including referees, stat trackers, coaches, announcers and general help. Anyone of any age can help support the Fargo Moorhead Derby Girls through promoting, fundraising, sponsoring, volunteering and attending events and bouts. Fargo Moorhead Derby Girls is a family friendly event although it is very loud. Children may want ear protection and should not sit rink side in case of flying roller girls   There are 60 minutes of actual playing time in a bout. However, because of a bout’s half-time entertainment, time outs, and player injuries, the event can last up to two hours.

During a bout, two teams of five skaters each face off on the flat track. Each team consists of a pivot, three blockers and a jammer. The pivot sets the pace and leads the group of blockers or defensive players. The blockers usually stay behind the pivots, guarding each other in what is called “the pack.” The jammers are the scoring skaters and start about 20 feet behind the pack. When the whistle blows, the pack takes off. On a second whistle, the jammers race to start fighting their way through the pack. When the first jammer makes it through the pack legally, she’s designated the “lead jammer” and the jam officially begins. The jammers must lap the pack once before sprinting through the pack to score points by passing members of the opposing team. A jam lasts a maximum of two minutes, but the lead jammer has the right to call off the jam by putting her hands on her waist. The rest of the team tries to stop the opposing jammer from passing them and scoring. At the same time, they knock around the opposing team’s blockers to help their jammer score.

Interested in joining the league? TRYOUTS ARE JULY 20th. Contact the Fargo Moorhead Derby Girls at recruiting@fmderbygirls.com for more information. The Derby Girls have practice several times a week. Everyone is required to have an attendance rate of at least 60%. The team also requires participating at our fun public events and working a minimum of 4 hours a month on your committee of choice. Roughly 2 practices a week, 1 meeting a quarter, and 1 or 2 events a month to equal an estimated 8 hours of time per week or 32 hours a month. The cost to join the league will be the cost of equipment and dues. Dues are currently set at $40/month. You will need: protective gear, skates, a uniform, and other incidentals as well. Fargo Moorhead Derby Girls will hold fundraising events to help pay for rink expenses, advertising, and administrative costs.

info@fmderbygirls.com