FAQs

Q?What are the costs of derby?: A.The initial costs will be the greatest. Each skater and skating official will need to have or purchase quad speed skates ($60-$200), pads (elbow, knee, and wrist guards $15-$40), a helmet ($20-$30), and a mouth guard ($2-$20) to start practicing with the Vixens. The league also has monthly dues and a once a year fee for WFTDA supplemental/liability insurance. Monthly dues are required by Adult and Junior skaters.
Q?What are the monthly dues for?: A.Dues help pay for the operating costs of the league. This includes practice space rental, bout location rental, ordering merch, and advertising. As the team’s size and costs change, dues will also change.
Q?How old do you have to be to play roller derby?: A.You must be 12 years or older to become a member of the Magnolia Roller Vixens. The junior team is comprised of skaters, refs, cheerleaders, and jr bench coaches ages 12-17. The adult league is comprised of skaters, refs, and bench coaches ages 18 and up. Don’t ever feel you are too old to play roller derby! If you are in shape and willing to try it, you may suprise yourself!!! There are leagues that have skaters well into their 50s that are very successful in the sport!
Q?I want to ref! What’s required?: A.The same thing that is required of skaters is required of our skating officials. It is important for the referees to learn the game in and out and get as much practice calling penalties as possible. Referees must be 18 years or older, male or female. You will need the same gear as skaters (skates, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards, helmet, and mouth guard). You will also need a whistle (we suggest a Fox 40 whistle) and stop watch. Also, referees are able to skate in either quad or inline skates.
Q?I’m a guy, but I want to participate. What can I do?: A.Men are welcome in derby! We need refs, bench coaches, trainers, volunteers, and cheer persons! If you want to help and be a part of derby, we will find something for you to do! You are not required to skate, unless you want to.
Q?Am I too big or too small?: A.The beauty of derby is that there is a position for EVERYONE! We need tiny girls to get through the pack easily. We also need bigger girls to block the opposing team’s skaters. If you are willing to get out there and give your all, derby is for YOU!
Q?I don’t think I’m tough enough, but I want to try derby!: A.That’s fine! As long as you are willing to be toughened up and give 110%, you will do fine in derby. It is not about who’s the best skater or who’s the fastest. It is about team work and everyone working together!!!! MRV believes in everyone growing as a team and each person helping out each other to become the best they can be on and off the track. We invite you to come check out our practices and see if derby is for you!
Q?Where can I get gear?: A.You will need quad speed skates and protection gear (helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and mouthguard). You can order your gear from Rollergirl Skates and Sin City Skates. We suggest Reidell R3 or Suregrip Boxers as good beginner roller derby skates. Also, Swell-O-Phonic in Fondren can order skates and roller derby gear.
Q?How often do you practice?: A.We currently have 3 scheduled practices per week. All skaters are required to meet 12 practice hours and 8 service hours per month. The practices are tough, but that is what makes us all better skaters!
Q?What if I can’t skate?: A.We encourage you to get the basics of skating down before you try-out. However, we will teach you how to fall and stop properly as well as some basic fundamental of skating and playing roller derby. We will also have periodic boot camps to help teach you how to skate. Don’t be nervous!! If you make into a “freshmeat” class, we will go over everything you need to know so that you can be ready to get on the track and join a team.