Juniors Roller Derby

AZRD is a member of the Juniors Roller Derby Association (JRDA) and proudly offers a flat-track roller derby program for kids ages 8 – 17. We provide a unique sport experience, and an inclusive and supportive community for your child. When your child joins AZRD’s Juniors program they have an opportunity to develop and strengthen teamwork and leadership skills, build self-confidence, and improve overall fitness.

No experience is required to join our Juniors program. We have 3 tiers of skater participation. Skaters advance through the tiers over time as their skills progress.

TIER 1 – LEARN TO SKATE / BEGINNER ROLLER DERBY

Kids who are new to roller skating are invited to attend our social meetups where they can learn and master basic skating skills from adults and other kids in a fun and pressure-free setting. When they’re ready, they can participate in our weekly roller derby practices where our coaches will introduce them to the rules of the game and help put them on a path to becoming strong, confident, and effective roller derby players. Tier 1 skaters do not engage in intentional contact with other skaters.

TIER 2 – LEARN & PLAY INTERMEDIATE ROLLER DERBY

For skaters who have the core skating skills and are ready to learn advanced teamwork, rules, and strategic play. Tier 2 skaters engage in light contact with other skaters. Skills and drills at this level are designed to help prepare skaters to play full contact roller derby on our home teams.

TIER 3 – LEARN & PLAY ADVANCED ROLLER DERBY

This group engages in full contact roller derby and is focused on higher level competitive play. Our Tier 3 skaters play on home teams and are eligible to be rostered on our travel team, which participates in JRDA sanctioned games and tournaments for interleague rankings. * Skaters selected for our travel team are required to attend additional practices. *

SKILL ADVANCEMENT & CONTACT LEVELS

Participants are assessed by their coaches on their skill level and contact readiness according the JRDA standards. Skaters advance when they pass each skill level assessment. There are two levels of contact in JRDA derby. We have opportunities for both of these contact levels to play in bouts.

  • Reduced Contact – Skaters participate in positional blocking, and driving. No hits allowed.
  • Full Contact – Skaters over 12 (or those with an additional parent waiver) can participate in full contact advanced roller derby.

2024 SESSIONS & START DATES

Click here to view the deck for the current session.

SESSION I – JANUARY 14TH – April 14TH

New participants can start this session up until January 28th, 2024.

SESSION II – APRIL 21ST – JUNE 30TH

New participants can start this session up until May 5th, 2024.

SESSION III – AUGUST 4TH – NOVEMBER 3RD

New participants can start this session up until August 18th, 2024.