How do I join the Derby Devils?

Interested in trying out for the Savannah Derby Devils? Our next tryout is 8-10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010 at the Garden City Gym.

Skills needed
See the thread "Skills needed to pass tryouts."

Where to practice until tryouts

   * Your driveway
   * Lake Mayer outdoor rink at Montgomery Cross Rd. & Sallie Mood Dr.
   * Star Castle Family Entertainment on Mall Blvd. (rental skates available)
   * Richmond Hill Recreation Center (rental skates available)
   * Fort Stewart (we've heard there's a rink on base, but we don't have details)

FAQs

Q - Do I have to have my own skates and protective equipment?
A - Not right away. The SDD has skates and protective gear you can use for a while. If you pass tryouts, you must get your own within 30 days.

Q - How much does it cost to try out?
A - It's free. Once you pass, you'll owe dues of $20 per month.

Q - What can I do if I miss try outs or don't pass and really want to join?
A - Practice on your own, and come to the next tryouts event.

Q - I'm a skilled skater. Do I still have to try out?
A - Yes.

Q - If I pass tryouts, will I start competing right away?
A - No. You will be expected to demonstrate commitment to the league by attending practices, learning the game, building skill and passing skills tests and a written rules test. This process can take two months or more depending on your attendance and commitment.

Q - My schedule prevents me from attending most practices. Can I just learn the game on my own and be part of the league?
A - No. You're free to learn the game on your own, but you must attend practices to be a member of the league.

Q - I used to skate with the SDD or another league, but my membership lapsed. Do I have to go through tryouts again or can I just show up at practices?
A - It depends. If it's been more than three months since you last attended a practice, you need to tryout again. Or if you were still considered a "newbie" and never bouted, you may need to tryout again. Check with our training director at felonymelanieatrocketmaildotcom.

Q - I'm an active member of another league, moving to Savannah and want to join the SDD right away. What should I do?
A - Welcome! Email felonymelanieatrocketmaildotcom with your USARS or WFTDA number and the names of a couple of folks from your league who can vouch for you.

Q - I want to play, but I don't consider myself much of an athlete. Is there a place for me?
A - There's a place for all sorts of body types in roller derby, so don't let that stop you. However, you should keep in mind that, as with any sport, regular exercise, diet and stretching is key to reducing your risk of injury.

Q - What if I want to be involved in the SDD, but don't want to get hit or fall down?
A - Consider joining our Referee team or Jeerleading squad. Reply to this thread if either sound interesting.

Q - Can I just come to a practice and watch?
A - No. However, if you are media, please contact us via derbydevilsatgmail.com and we'll get you set up.

Q - Can I bring my kid/husband/friend to practice?
A - No. However, husbands and friends are welcome if they are interested in reffing.

Q - Is health insurance required?
A - No, but you're an idiot if you play any aggressive sport without insurance.

Q - When can I get a derby name, uniform, jacket, photo?
A - Glad you asked. Now, don't ask again. We practice at least seven hours a week, compete nearly once a month, pay dues, maintain expensive gear and run this league on our own bruised backs. So no derby name, uniform, jacket or photo for you until you've demonstrated commitment to this, meaning you've mastered the skills and tests required to compete. This can take two to six months, depending on how committed you are to practicing and participating. And since we order clothing, photos and derby names in batches, you'll likely have to wait until the next order is organized.

For more information about trying out, visit http://savannahderby.com/newbie.html.