Frequently Asked Questions
General
WFTDA stands for the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. WFTDA is the governing body of TVRD and over 400 other leagues world wide. They set rules and standards, provide documents, calculate rankings, put on tournaments, and supply skater insurance (WFTDI). Treasure Valley Roller Derby has been a part of WFTDA since 2011.
Roller derby is a roller skating contact sport played on an oval track by two teams of skaters. It is played by approximately 1,250 amateur leagues worldwide.
A 60-minute roller derby game, or bout, is a series of two-minute timed jams. Each team, typically with a roster of 15, fields five skaters during each jam: one jammer, designated with a star on their helmet, and four blockers. The jammer scores a point for each opposing blocker they lap. The blockers simultaneously defend by hindering the opposing jammer, while also playing offense by maneuvering to aid their own jammer. (per Wikipedia )
There is no ball, but there are people who wear a star on their helmet called Jammers. Jammers are responsible for scoring points by passing the opposing players blockers with their hips after their initial pass through the pack has been made.
No, skaters cannot make contact with an opponent using their heads, elbows, forearms, hands, knees, lower legs or feet. If this is seen by a skating referee they will call the skater to the penalty box, even if it is an unintentional act.
The origins of roller derby may have initially started with theatrics and staged fights, but today’s roller derby comes with a large book of rules, strategy and significant training on how to maneuver on 8 wheels safely.
TVRD would love to work with business or individuals in sponsoring our league. Reach out to [email protected] to become a sponsor!
Joining Our League
For our league, players have to be 18 years or older. We have skaters nearing 60 years old! So any adult can come and learn!
There are leagues that have skaters from 8-17 years old in the Treasure Valley area. Reach out if you are interested in the league for minor skaters.
It is ok! Many of us started with zero experience on skates. We will teach you how to skate, how to fall appropriately and the rules to play roller derby! Just come try it out! Sign up for our next new skater program, details here.
Anywhere skating gear is sold, however the skate shops in Idaho carry a limited amount of items that can be used for roller derby. Most skaters purchase items on-line or visit derby specific skate shops in larger cities outside of Idaho. Luckily TVRD is full of skaters with different preferences in skates and gear that are willing to share their knowledge to assist other skaters in purchases. TVRD also has discount codes with Derby Warehouse and Bruised Boutique. Reach out to the leadership team for more information.
Yes, we are a WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) affiliated team so in order to play, insurance needs to be purchased through WFTDI which costs $75/year. More information can be found here: https://wftdi.com/
We encourage medical insurance as well since it is a contact sport and you never know what can happen, but this is not a requirement.
In order to transfer to our league, a skater must contact [email protected] and attend a Sunday practice. Transfers skaters will be assessed to make sure they’re safe to skate with the league and can begin doing so after passing the assessment. If a skater fails the assessment, they are welcome to skate with our Bonneys. Transfer skaters must have WFTDI. Skaters must be current on dues and insurance with a 66% practice attendance after 30 days to be eligible to draft.
We do accept visiting skaters! We will need proof of WFTDA insurance and have you sign waivers in order to participate.
Message us on social media or send an email to [email protected] for practice information.
Events and Ticketing
Our home season bouts are being held at the Idaho Central Arena downtown at 233 S Capital Blvd, Boise, ID.
In the off season time, we have home team bouts that take place at Treasure Valley Skate, 4712 W State St, Boise, Idaho.
See our website or Facebook for details about these events.
Yes, you can use a credit card to purchase tickets through Ticketmaster and for purchasing our merch we use Square.
We are a family friendly league and have family friendly events.
Although we would love to offer discounts, our tickets are through a third party and we don’t have the ability to offer discounts at this time.
Ticket sales do go to the league and they help us function, put on events, travel, offer skater sponsorships, provide gear, etc. so we appreciate your support!
Outside food and drink is not allowed at our events. There is concession food & drinks – including beer and alcohol – are available for purchase at our events.
No, we are not able to provide refunds for tickets as the tickets are purchased through a third party vendor. You can pass along the ticket to a friend or family member so they can come enjoy though!
We welcome media creators. If you’d like to photograph our team or video them at bouts, please reach out to [email protected].