The West Virginia Junior Roller Derby is a youth roller derby league open to any gender ages 10-17. Roller Derby is a full contact sport that entails a race around a track where skaters compete to win the most points.

Roller Derby is a perfect way to get some exercise in after school and on weekends. “Roller Derby is a sport that anybody can play,” said WPHS innovation and graduation coach, Mrs. Julie Schultz, who is also the treasurer and executive board member of her league.

During a round there are up to 5 skaters on the track, there are 4 blockers and a jammer. The goal of the jammer is to make a lap around the track while avoiding the other 5 members on the opposing team. The blockers on the team try to block the opposing team

A game of Flat Track Roller Derby is played in two 30 minute periods. These periods are split into jams which can last up to two minutes. The group of the 4 blockers is called the pack. The jammer has to start behind the pack.

“Because they start behind the Pack, they must get through the Pack, then all the way around the track to be eligible to score points on opposing Blockers,” said Schultz.

Although roller derby is a full contact sport,  Skaters cannot use their heads, elbows, forearms, hands, knees, lower legs, or feet to hit their opponents. There is also a list of where contact is not allowed to be made.

“There’s a lot of contact, but no punching it’s mostly just shoulder checks,” said team captain, Zane Boyer.

Failure to abide by these rules will result in 30 seconds in the penalty box.

Practices and competitions for roller derby are held up at the sport complex.

“We have a couple (competitions) scheduled for October,” said Boyer.

To sign up for this roller derby league you can email [email protected], or contact any of the social media listed on the business card. Recruitment night is Tuesday, September 24th from 6-8 pm. If you are interested you do not need to know how to skate, or own any gear. If you have any questions stop by Mrs. Schultz’s office in the ILC.