Welcome!

Hey! If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken the first step, and we’re really glad you’re here.

This page is a medium-level overview of what joining Shasta Roller Derby actually looks like: how training works, what to wear, what it costs, what we expect from each other, and how the league operates. It’s meant to give you the shape of what you’re getting into, not every fine-print detail.

Heads up: our governing documents are being actively rewritten this season, so anything on this page about specific policies is the current working version. When the new docs are ratified by the league, this page will get more precise. If you ever want to know exactly where something stands right now, just ask! We’d rather tell you straight than have you guessing.

What to Expect When You Join

Practice Schedule

Sundays · 10 AM–12 PM · Redding Sports Park
Gate fee: $7 for adults.
Weeknight warehouse practices (6–8 PM) are added in spring when space becomes available.

Training Blocks

Block A
Foundations only. Balance, footwork, stops, falls, safe movement, building confidence on your wheels. No contact, no derby gameplay yet.

Block B (requires testing out of Block A)
Once you’ve got the skating down, we teach you the actual sport: contact, gameplay, rules, and basic strategy. At the end of Block B, you’ll do a final test-out to be cleared for full-contact league practices and scrimmages.

You move through this at the pace your body needs. We’re not trying to rush you into contact, we’re trying to make sure you’re ready for it.

What to Wear & Bring

Wear comfortable athletic clothes you can actually move in: leggings, shorts, tanks, tees, anything that fits under pads. Bring water (more than you think you need) and a snack.

The one thing you have to buy before your first practice: a mouthguard. We recommend SISU. Everything else — skates, helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards — you can borrow from us through the Loaner Gear Program if needed (more on that below). The mouthguard is the exception because it goes in your mouth and we can’t share it.

Team Culture & Inclusion

Shasta Roller Derby Culture Commitments (Summary)

We are a league built on respect, inclusion, accountability, growth, and safety.
Everyone — skaters, officials, and volunteers — contributes to a supportive, empowering environment.

We commit to:

Welcoming all identities and backgrounds
Communicating with kindness and professionalism
Honoring boundaries and pronouns
Addressing harmful behavior and taking responsibility when harm occurs
Upholding a space where learning and feedback are normal and encouraged

Link to full Team Culture & Inclusion Document

WFTDA Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism (Summary)

As a WFTDA-aligned league, we follow their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. This matters because it sets shared expectations for how we treat one another — with respect, equity, and accountability — both on and off the track.

If any skater experiences discrimination or harmful behavior, the WFTDA Board is an additional resource for support.

Link to full WFTDA Statement

Getting Skates & Gear

Loaner Gear Program: $35 refundable deposit
Includes skates, helmet, knee/elbow pads, wrist guards.
Ask Before You Buy: Derby gear is specific and expensive — we’re happy to guide you.

Required at start of Training Block A: Mouthguard (SISU recommended)

Time & Financial Commitments

Time

Practices: Sundays 9–12, plus a spring weeknight practice.ation: $20
Attendance requirement: 60% to be roster-eligible for games.
League contribution: All skaters support league operations via a committee or “skater job” (bout production, sponsorships, etc.). Governance docs are being updated — more clarity soon.

Costs

New Skater Registration: $20
Loaner Gear: $35 refundable
Monthly Dues: First month free → then $35/month
Gear Costs: Starter skates are anywhere between $150-400, pads are around $200 for kneepads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Helmets range between $40-80

*Ask before you buy! Derby gear is specific and expensive, we can help guide you in your purchasing!

Updates & Living Document Note