RollerCon contact skating events (which includes roller derby and skate park competition and classes, but does not include dance and rink events) are classified based on these skating skill definitions. 

We ask for your skill level when you register.
We do this to help us schedule events, especially classes, in the right skill proportions. But we are looking at patterns in the hive, not individual bees. Your self-assessment may change when you get to RollerCon (especially if you haven’t been exposed to a lot of other skaters). Your skill level may change between Fall, when most people register, and Summer. That’s 100% cool, and you don’t need to change your skill level with us, though we require that you skate in events that match your *actual* skill level, regardless of what you reported when you bought your pass. However, if you want to change it in your registration materials, you can do that by logging into events.com (you can also find a link in your email ticket confirmation). Create a login and you will be able to change some of the questionaire info in your reg materials (not all of it).

If you’ve attended RollerCon before, you’re familiar with our skill levels, below. But things are different now. Hardly anyone played roller derby for years, so derby skill levels – who knows? Advanced players might be super rusty, new players might be coming out of years of skate park experience. So we’ve got to play 2022 roller derby by ear. Here’s how:

  • Watch!
    Take a few minutes to check out a scrimmage before joining.
    • Take note of the general skill level, and which players stand out (because they seem really high-skilled or maybe not so much).
    • Have a plan.
  • Communicate!
    Talk to the other players in your jam.
    • If you have new folks in your pack, look out for them. Ask them if they want help from you.
    • If you are new, let people know. Ask them if you want them to talk to you, or assist your blocks, or if you’re jamming, let them know if you’re hoping for offense.
  • Be cool.
    • If you’re an advanced player in an open scrimmage or with newer skaters with or against you, be cognizant of yourself.
    • Body block newbies – and maybe everyone until you’ve been in a few jams. Save the big hits for people you know can take it.
    • Many people haven’t been in mixed level or mixed gender scrimmages before RollerCon; help them
    • If you do hit people, EXPECT to get hit back. Don’t dish out what you can’t take!

Everyone can have fun if we watch out for each other!

 

  • Bouts, Challenges, Scrimmages, classes and challenges will be labeled by skill level to make it easier to sign up or drop in to your level. Please do not drop in to skating events that don’t include your level (that includes “playing down” in a lower skill level open scrimmage).

ROOKIE (red)
skating skill levels RED ROOKIEA rookie skater is brand new, and has not yet pass their league’s minimum skating skills standards for bouting. A rookie may not yet be confident on their skates or with contact. Rookie events at RollerCon may include limited light contact, but skaters will be asked to execute proper safety precautions. There are no Rookie Challenges, but rookies are welcome at many classes and at C3 Open skate no-contact events.

CHALLENGE LEVEL C (yellow): Beginner
skating skill levels YELLOW CC Level skaters might be beginners or new to derby, but they can skate and they are safe. They are ready to start or are already bouting, usually for their home teams. Beginner events are full contact. Many intermediate classes are available to beginners, but coaches may ask them to sit out some drills.

CHALLENGE LEVEL B (blue): Intermediate
skating skill levels BLUE BB Level skaters have experience bouting. They understand rules and most common strategies, and can usually execute them with and against familiar skaters. A lot of skaters that can’t travel but have skated several years fall in this category. They might not have a lot of experience skating on unfamiliar floors or against unfamiliar opponents, but adapt quickly. Interleague “B” team players (especially from new or isolated leagues) sometimes also fall into this category.

CHALLENGE LEVEL A (green): Advanced
A Level skaters are currently bouting and have interleague experience, but are always looking for ways to improve their skating and bouting skills. They understand the rules of the game and common strategic tactics (walls, bracing, pack definition), and can execute them with and against unfamiliar skaters. They play on their league’s travel or all-star team, A or B level (for experienced leagues). They can hold their own with the vets, or maybe they are the vets. Advanced events are full contact and are frequently mixed gender, as well.  Challenge level A includes AA level superstar skaters, as well.

PLEASE NOTE:
The training, opinions, findings, and conclusions offered during Rollercon are those of the authors or speakers and not necessarily those of the speaker’s league or the hosts or planners of the RollerCon conference. The materials and information presented are for informational purposes only & are not legal advice or counsel. Information gathered should be modified to fit your own personal needs, business models, athletic competence, health concerns and limitations, and state requirements. All skaters should execute proper safety precautions prior to attempting any skills demonstrated or shown. All RollerCon registrants participate in conference events solely at their own risk.