Roller derby is a full-contact sport played on quad roller skates, by players skating around an elliptical track. The game consists of a series of two-minute countdown jams.

At the start of each jam, each team sends five players onto the track: one Jammer (point scorer), three blockers (defensive/offensive players) and one Pivot (a special kind of blocker). The players are identified by their helmet covers – a stripe for the pivots and two stars for the Jammers. The pivots and blockers form a pack at the start line and the two Jammers line up on or behind the Jammer line. The Jammers’ aim is to make it through the pack of skaters and skate a full lap to enter the pack again. Once they re-enter the pack, they score a point for each opposing skater they pass legally.

Now for the fun bit: the skaters in the pack are doing their utmost to stop the opposing Jammer passing them and scoring points, while at the same time trying to help their own Jammer to pass opposing players. They do this by landing heavy shoulder or hip checks on opposing players, shoving them out of the way or knocking them to the ground. Skaters may use specifics parts of their body to engage opponents, and skaters may only target their engagements to specific parts of their opponents’ bodies. Illegal hits result in time served in the penalty box, legal hits often result in skaters flying off the track and landing in the crowd!

The game is fast and furious and full of adrenaline – once you see it you’ll be hooked.

Portsmouth Roller Wenches were formed in June 2010 by a team of skaters hailing from across the South, caught up in the momentum of the roller derby movement sweeping the country and wanted to bring this exciting, fast-paced, full-contact sport to their home town.

Roller derby is all about teamwork and pushing past people to score points or gain position.

Their full fifteen-week training course starts on Sunday 13th October 2019 which gives you all the skating skills you need – from tying your laces to playing the game.

We are running a free taster session on 22nd September 2019 to give people that are interested in a chance to participate. Please contact us via facebook or PRW_join_us@htomail.com for all the info and to secure your place! If you decide to join their course then their friendly coaches will help you to grow in confidence on and off skates in a safe and enjoyable environment.

– Your first session is free. £25 / month after.
– Open to all
– the minimum skills training course is for both derby skaters and refs (who are on skates too for the games).
– We can offer a loan kit to a limited number.

What are you waiting for? Register with us and start your roller derby journey today. Simply email PRW_join_us@hotmail.com and their dedicated new skater committee will give you all the details.

Website: www.portsmouthrollerwenches.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PortsmouthRollerWenches
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RollerWenches
Instagram: www.instagram.com/portsmouthrollerwenches