SCHOOL OF DERBY IS BACK!
LEARN TO DERBY!
TXJRD's School of Derby is for aspiring derby players or youth ages 8-17 who want to learn to be a better quad skater. We will focus on safety and basic skating and roller derby skills. The six week program will be run by our experienced coaching staff. Sessions can be repeated to increase skills, or a skater can advance into our roller derby program or onto their next skating adventure.
Starts Sunday, May 18, 2025 and ends Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 5:30-6:30 pm (Gear-up begins at 5:15 pm)
Required Gear: Quad Skates (no inlines), helmets, mouthguards and wrist, elbow and knee pads. We recommend Medusa Skate Shop if you need to buy gear (6005 Burnet Rd, Austin, 78757)
If you have any questions, please email txjrdbod@gmail.com.
Please fill out ONE registration form for EACH skater.
WE ARE TXJRD!
SERVING AUSTIN'S YOUTH!
Located in Austin, TX, the birthplace of modern flat track roller derby, Texas Junior Roller Derby (TXJRD) is a 501c3 non-profit junior sports club, focused on developing team spirit, building character and cultivating leadership through roller derby.
Our Mission is to provide young people with the opportunity to engage in the sport of roller derby. We actively work to build a sense of community and belonging through practices, social activities and scrimmages/bouts/games. We welcome skaters at all levels from beginners to more advanced derby players.
WORKING WITH ALL AGES!
TXJRD works with 8-17 year olds who range from being beginners with no prior experience to more advanced derby players. Roller Derby is a full contact youth sports club with skaters at three skill levels.
Our level 1 & 2 skaters get multiple opportunities to practice their developing skills with other skaters in derby mash-ups. Level 3 skaters compete in scrimmages and games throughout the year. The TXJRD Black & Bluebonnets compete in Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA) sanctioned games from January-May. 2024 marked TXJRD's first appearance at JRDA play-offs in June.
NEW SKATERS!
We welcome new skaters who are 8-17 years old. If you are interested in learning to play roller derby and joining TXJRD, the first step is to submit an Inquiry Form and get on our mailing list. Before you can get on the track to practice with Texas Junior Roller Derby, you must have the following:
- QUAD SKATES (absolutely NO inlines)
- Helmet certified for skating
- Mouth guard
- Elbow pads
- Knee pads
- Wrist guards
- Water bottle
If you have questions or need more information email us at TXJRDBOD@gmail.com.
JOIN US!
New skaters can get started by joining one of our School of Derby Sessions where we will teach you how to skate and the basics of roller derby. We host these sessions several times each year. Our next program begins on Sunday May 18th. You may register for TXJRD's School of Derby below.
WHAT IS ROLLER DERBY?
The Game
Roller Derby is a fast-paced, full contact, inclusive sport played on quad skates. Each "bout" consists of two, 30-minute periods played in “jams” that can last up to 2 minutes. Skating officials and non-skating officials monitor the game from inside and outside of the track to ensure safety and fairness.
Each team starts with a "pack" of four skaters playing defense (“blockers”) and one player playing offense (“jammer”). The jammer must pass each opposing blocker while staying within the bounds of the track in order to make a legal lap.
The Jammer
The jammer wears a star helmet cover and is the only skater who can score points. Jammers score points by passing opposing blockers hip.The first jammer to pass the opposing group of blockers (the “pack”) on their initial lap is designated as “lead jammer.” The lead jammer has the power to stop the jam before two minutes are up. After an initial lap, jammers get one point for each opposing blocker they pass.
The Blockers
The Blockers
The blockers attempt to stop the opposing jammer from passing them while assisting their own jammer in getting past the pack. Skaters block opponents with their hips and shoulders. The blocker with the striped helmet cover is called the "pivot." The pivot can become the jammer mid-jam. Blockers may not hit other skaters in or with their hands, head, or feet. Doing so leads to a penalty.
Penalties are common and happen without stopping the game. Players report to the penalty box for 30 second penalties and then return to gameplay.
Support Our Junior Skaters
Team Sponsorship
TXJRD is committed to helping Austin-area youth develop athleticism, confidence, competency, leadership skills and a sense of belonging to something greater than themselves. For many of our skaters, roller derby is the first organized "sport" they have been a part of. Whether they are part of our recreational program or compete on the travel team, our skaters find a place where they can be themselves and be accepted for all of who they are.
Make a Difference
Your contributions will support our skaters in numerous ways including facility rental, insurance, skate gear and maintenance, travel for our travel team, and other league expenses. If you are interested in learning more about how to support TXJRD start here.
Skater Sponsorship
Skater Sponsorship
TXJRD has been committed to skaters from the Austin area since 2012 and we draw young athletes from all over Austin and the surrounding areas. We are invested in offering our programs to any young person who wants to be a part of TXJRD regardless of financial situation.
Support Our League
Sponsor TXJRD
TXJRD has been committed to young skaters from the Austin area since 2012 and we draw young athletes from all over Austin and the surrounding areas. We are committed to helping our skaters develop athleticism, confidence, competency, leadership skills and a sense of belonging to something greater than themselves whether they are a part of our recreational program or the travel team. We are invested in offering our programs to any young person who wants to be a part of TXJRD regardless of financial situation.
Your contributions will support our skaters in numerous ways including facility rental, insurance, skate gear and maintenance, travel for our travel team, and other league expenses. If you are interested in learning more about how to support TXJRD start here.
