Embedded Files
What are “skating levels” and how do I get cleared to play?
What are “skating levels” and how do I get cleared to play?
Skaters must notify the Training Committee when they want to be assessed.
Level 0 / Bootcamper:
Level 0 / Bootcamper:
Skater has little to no skating experience/capabilities.
No contact is allowable (with the exception of light pushing/pulling for certain drills).
Skating 101 Bootcamp participation encouraged! Skater may also attend no/low contact and all-level practices.
In order to Level Up: Skater should graduate Bootcamp, or successfully complete a Level 1 Assessment.
Level 1:
Level 1:
Skater possesses some basic skating capabilities.
No hitting. Forceful pushing is allowable after initial contact is made (similar to JRDA Level 2 contact).
Skater may attend no/low contact and all-level practices.
In order to Level Up: Must successfully complete a Level 2 Assessment.
Level 2:
Level 2:
Skater is proficient in basic skating skills, and ready to apply more derby skills.
Full contact (in a controlled drill environment) is allowable, while the skater is working toward contact in live gameplay scenarios.
Skater is welcome at all non-scrimmage practices.
In order to Level Up: Complete a thorough an informal evaluation with the Training Committee.
Scrimmagable:
Scrimmagable:
Excels in basic skating and derby skills/knowledge.
Skater is cleared as safe for full contact, and to participate in full-contact HRD Scrimmages. (Consultation is encouraged before participation in scrimmages with other leagues.)
Skater may attend all HRD practices.
In order to Level Up: Complete an informal evaluation with the Training Committee.
Level 3 / Roster-Ready:
Level 3 / Roster-Ready:
Mastered basic skating and derby skills/knowledge.
Full Contact
May attend all practices.
Eligible to be rostered by HRD.
What levels should I expect at which practices?
What levels should I expect at which practices?
Check out our current practice calendar!
It is every participating skater’s responsibility to;
know which practices are what level, and to attend level-appropriate practices.
understand their own level, understand the level of the skaters around them, and to work with your teammates to adjust the drill at hand to an appropriate level for all participants.
Mixed-level practices should contain drills in which skaters are challenged to partner/group up with different levels, mixed in with opportunities to separate by level.
Skaters Level 0-2 will wear colored tape as a level indicator on their helmets (provided by the league) for a quick-reference for teammates to know each others’ skating levels.
Can I drop in/transfer?
Can I drop in/transfer?
Yes, but you may be asked to refrain from contact drills without further assessment of your skating level. Please email us your health insurance info ahead of time at hello@hellgaterollerderby.org
Leveling Up: What skating skills are tested during assessments?
Leveling Up: What skating skills are tested during assessments?
The following skills are assessed to level up from;
Level 0/BC to 1:
Level 0/BC to 1:
Double-footed Plow Stop
T-Stop (both sides)
Knee Tap (both sides)
Double-knee Slide
Flying Squirrel / Fall Small
Skating Posture / Derby Stance
Striding
Crossovers
Single-footed Glides (both sides)
Sticky Skating
Lateral Cuts / Slaloms
Weaving
Stepping
Shuffle
Grapevine
Stationary One-footed Balance (both sides)
Leaping
Hopping
Level 1 to Level 2:
Level 1 to Level 2:
Plow Stop (both sides)
Pushes (giving & receiving)
Hip Whips (giving & receiving)
Timed Skate (laps & speed)
Transitions (all turning and skating directions)
Track Awareness
Pack Skating
Hitting (giving & receiving)
Positional Blocking
Scrimmagable and Level 3:
Scrimmagable and Level 3:
The ability to safely give and receive full contact is assessed to level up from Level 2 to Scrimmagable.
The ability to safely give and receive full contact in an uncontrolled/unpredictable environment is assessed to level up from Scrimmagable to Level 3/Roster-Ready.
How are rosters set?
How are rosters set?
The following things are taken into consideration when setting rosters for any given game or tournament:
Is the skater safe to play at the anticipated level of gameplay?
Is the skater a league member in good standing?
Is this skater appropriate to play at the anticipated level of gameplay? (i.e. We may want to roster newer/lower level skaters for “C level” bouts)
Is the skater consistently attending practices?
Coaches & Captains may consider other relevant information on case-by-case situations. Reach out early with any questions or concerns!
2026 Rostering Schedule
2026 Rostering Schedule
Are there Attendance Requirements?
Are there Attendance Requirements?
Attendance Requirements for Good Standing, Maintaining Skater Level, and Rostering
Attendance Requirements for Good Standing, Maintaining Skater Level, and Rostering
Member Skaters must attend at least 3 HRD practices every quarter (an average of once per month) to maintain good standing and maintain their skating level.
If a Member Skater does not attend 3 practices in a quarter, they may not participate in contact drills, scrimmages, or be rostered until they are reassessed for their previous skating level by the Training Committee.
Any skater needing re-assessed for skating level should coordinate with the Head of the Training Committee to schedule an appropriate practice time to do so.
The above describes minimum attendance requirements for good standing & maintaining skater level Roster & play time decisions will continue to be based on practice attendance, prioritizing skaters with higher attendance.
Anything that can help me level up?
Anything that can help me level up?
Cross-training is the fastest way to improve and prevent injuries! Check out some of our recommended Training Tools to level up your abilities. Your teammates are also a fantastic resource! Reach out in our group chats for advice or to see if you can find a work out buddy.
Iron Octopus Fitness - Workout programs, technique videos, tips, and more.
Roller Derby Athletics - Derby-specific workouts and training tips
Report abuse