About The League
WHO OWNS AND RUNS THE LEAGUE?
Kennebec Valley Roller Derby is operated as a non-profit organization that is run by a volunteer force of skaters and league members who chip in their diverse skills to make the league roll smoothly.
DO YOU PLAY ON A BIG BANKED TRACK, WITH RAILS THAT YOU FLIP OVER?
No, KVRD skates on what’s called a “flat track.”
In 2001 and 2002, skaters in Austin, Texas, lacking (at the time) the budget for a banked track, created the first drafts of a modified rule set to allow the same basic game to be played on a flat surface. The popularity of this style of play has been exploding around the world, as the 'play-anywhere' nature of the flat game has allowed skaters to learn the game without investing in a banked track infrastructure.
The flat track version brings the skaters closer to the fans, and makes them more accessible than normal pro-sports figures. It literally puts the skaters inches from the fans!
HOW CAN MY COMPANY SPONSOR THE LEAGUE?
As KVRD continues to grow, so will the opportunities for partner promotion. We are working on outlining our sponsorship packages. Please contact our Sponsorship Committee for more information.
About the Game
HOW LONG IS A GAME?
A game - or bout - consists of two 30-minute periods. Each period is made up of “jams”. Jams can last up to two minutes.
ISN'T ROLLER DERBY FIXED, LIKE WRESTLING?
Definitely not! The new wave of derby is totally non-scripted.
DO YOU THROW A LOT OF ELBOWS AND CLOTHESLINES? DO YOU GET TO PUNCH PEOPLE IN THE FACE?
Just like most other contact sports, there are penalties for such infractions. We play our games according to the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association’s (WFTDA) Ruleset. For additional questions about the rules of the game, see the full WFTDA Rules.
About Joining KVRD
AM I ELIGIBLE TO BE A KVRD SKATER?
KVRD welcomes cisgender, transgender and intersex women and gender non-conforming participants over the age of 18.
HOW DO I LEARN TO PLAY?
We teach would-be skaters how to play. Visit the Join Us page for information on Skate School.
HOW DO I BECOME A REFEREE?
If you are interested in being an on-skates referee or NSO (non-skating official) for the league, please contact kvrd.league@gmail.com. We are actively looking to expand our roster of skating and non-skating officials.
AM I TOO BIG / TOO SMALL TO DO THAT?
No matter what size you are, there’s probably a position that works for your body type. A wide range of sizes can help build a team with varied skills that creates a stronger unit.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU TRAIN?
We currently hold practice once a week. As our league continues to grow, we will look at adding additional practices during the week.
WHO TRAINS THE SKATERS?
We have a Training Committee that plans and runs practices. Among our trainers are skaters with extensive derby experience and knowledge. We have created a solid training plan for several levels of play so all can continue to grow as roller derby athletes.
DO YOU GET HURT?
As in any sport, we train hard and do our best to play safely, but the possibility of injury IS there.
DO SKATERS GET PAID?
No. All skaters, refs and all the support staff put in many hours for their love of the sport and our shared desire to see it grow. Our wide range of backgrounds and skillsets help with the administrative, promotional, and production needs of our organization.
CAN I DROP-IN AT A PRACTICE?
Active derby skaters and refs from active bouting roller derby leagues may visit some practices, depending on their prior experience. Contact the Training Committee at to find out if you can drop in for a practice.
I ALREADY SKATE FOR A LEAGUE. CAN I TRANSFER IN?
If you have skated with an actively competing league for a minimum of one year, and you have been an active skater within the last six months, you may be eligible to transfer into KVRD. Please contact kvrd.league@gmail.com for more information.