Skater Skill Levels for Roller Derby & Park events
RollerCon contact skating events (including all MVP classes) are classified based on skating skill definitions. These definitions can help you determine which events are right for you. We ask for your skill level when you register. We do this to help us schedule events, especially classes, in the right proportions. But skill levels usually change! Don’t worry about updating us. Your skill level does not show on your wristband, and doesn’t need to be updated or changed with us. The most important thing is that you skate in events that match your current skill level when you attend RollerCon. 


Please skate in events that match your current skill level.
Please do not “play down” to join lower level events, especially open scrimmages!


Not 100% sure of your level? Or joining an “All Levels” scrimmage? 

    • 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!

ROOKIE 
skating skill levels RED ROOKIEA rookie derby player is brand new, and has not yet passed 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.

A rookie park skater is probably generally new to skating, as well, and has little or no experience on transitions. They probably aren’t familiar with park customs & etiquette.

LEVEL C: Beginner
skating skill levels YELLOW CC Level derby players might be beginners, new to derby or returning players, but they can skate, stop and avoid hazards. They are generally safe in contact situations. 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.

C level park skaters might be new to the park, but they’re not new to skating. They can usually pump and turn, and are learning fundamental skills like coping tricks, dropping in and more. They may not yet know park etiquette, like how to know when it’s your turn, or why some benches aren’t for sitting.

LEVEL B: Intermediate
skating skill levels BLUE BB Level derby players have experience bouting. They understand rules and common strategies, and can usually execute them with and against familiar skaters; they are able to adapt quickly. They can play with A and AA players without being a hazard.

B level park skaters can drop in, avoid hazards, and have some tricks in their bags and are ready to learn more. They understand park etiquette and can skate in crowded public parks.

LEVEL A: Advanced
A Level skaters are currently bouting and have interleague experience. They understand the rules of the game and common strategic tactics, 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.  Challenge level A includes AA level superstar skaters, as well.

A level park skaters are comfortable at any park, anytime, and can adjust their trick bag to suit their location.


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.