SSRD Sk8 Of The Union

SSRD SK8 OF THE UNION: THE 20-YEAR LEGACY

Welcome! You are embarking on an adventure into the world of roller derby. It’s empowering, athletic, and cutting-edge. The game is intense, requiring strategy and endurance—but there is no game without YOU.

Derby is for females of all shapes, sizes, ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. Whether you are new to quad skating or a veteran, WE WANT YOU!

THE SSRD ADVANTAGE

  • Elite exercise and fitness.
  • The thrill of learning a new, high-intensity sport.
  • Lifelong friendships with a diverse group of women.

1. MISSION & THE 20-YEAR LEGACY

  • Mission Statement: South Side Roller Derby. is an all-female, skater owned and operated athletic association. Our mission is to promote sportsmanship, female empowerment, and provide an affordable fitness alternative.
  • The Vision: We are building our powerhouse 4 Home Team model, supported by Travel Team A and Travel Team B.

2. FINANCIAL & MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE

To keep the league sustainable while rewarding loyalty and service:

    • Standard Membership Dues: Required for all Active League Skaters
    • Exempt Dues (Free Membership):
      • Referees: Your service on the track covers your membership.
      • Legacy Council (Level 5): Retired veterans providing wisdom and advisory support.
      • Southside OG (Level 6): Lifetime status for retired Level 3 & 4s who mentor and protect the league mission.
  • Injured Reserve (IR) Status Members unable to skate for 30+ days pay $0 dues and retain their skater name and jersey number. To stay on league boards, members should attend three Monday nights per month once they are physically able to stand and walk off-skates. We allow a one-month grace period for those too injured to travel; however, if a member does not "show their face" or check in after 30 days of recovery, they will be moved to Inactive Status and removed from league chats. 

3. THE JOURNEY: LEVELS & COMMITTEES

  • Level 1: Roller Derby Boot Camp (Mon 8 PM) – Mastering basic skills.
  • Level 1.5: Roller Derby 101 (Mon/Wed 7-9 PM) – Pack fundamentals and light contact.
  • Level 2: Home Team Skater (Draftable) – Cleared for games but restricted to Blocker Only. Eligible for Sponsorship and Recruitment/Street Team committees.
  • Level 3: Full Contact – Cleared for all positions (Jammer/Pivot/Blocker). Eligible for Travel Team B.
    Eligible for, Fresh Meat Marinater, and Junior Derby Support committee.
  • Level 4: Elite Travel – Eligible for Travel Team A. Eligible for Training Committee.
  • Level 5:  Retired veterans providing wisdom and advisory support.
  • Level 6:  Lifetime status for retired Level 3 & 4s who mentor and protect the league mission.

4. STANDING COMMITTEES

Every Active League Skater helps the league grow by joining a committee based on their level:

  • Recruitment & Street Team: Growing the league through public outreach.
  • Sponsorship: Finding local partners to keep the league affordable.
  • Fresh Meat Marinators: (Level 3 +) Mentoring the Level 1 and 1.5 skaters.
  • Junior Derby Support: (Level 3 +) Mentoring the next generation (Mondays 6 PM).
  • Training Committee: (Level 4+) Developing drills and strategy.
  • Officials Committee: Managed by the Officiating Coordinator.

5. THE 30-DAY SPECIALIZATION RULE

30 days prior to any game, the "musical chairs" stop for both skaters and officials:

  • Skaters: You train only in your rostered position (Jammer, Blocker, or Pivot). No switching.
  • Officials: Referees are locked into their specific track positions for the game.
  • Goal: Building the muscle memory and chemistry needed to win.

6. ATTENDANCE & CONDUCT

  • Game Day Readiness: 30 days prior to a game, skaters must maintain 75% attendance to be rostered. No attendance requirements on non-game months.
  • Free Practice Points: If a practice is canceled or falls on a holiday (Christmas, Labor Day, etc.), you receive a free practice point.
  • No Moonlighting: To protect SSRD league integrity and mission all  members, skaters and officials are prohibited from skating, officiating or coaching for other leagues without  training committee written approval to maintain membership. 
  •  Protect the Vibe (Zero Tolerance): We are High Vibe.
    • No yelling angrily at teammates, refs, or opponents.
    • No covertly undermining leadership or spreading drama. 
    • Intentional "vibe killers" will be removed from the league immediately.

7. RULES & SAFETY

  • Safety Gear: All protective gear must be worn during roller derby practice. No gear = No Roller Derby Practice.
  • Sobriety: Skating under the influence are  strictly prohibited from participating in any SSRD practice, game, or public appearance.
  • Professionalism: Skaters represent the league at all times. All intellectual property and media requests must be approved by South Side.
  • Integrity: Coaches, trainers, and referees must adhere to our common values: honesty, fairness, and respect for the dignity of all skaters.