Ages 7–17. We group skaters by skill level, not just age, so every kid progresses at their own pace — whether they’re just starting or already rolling strong.

Not at all. We’ll teach them everything — from standing up safely to full roller derby gameplay. Many of our best skaters started as complete beginners.

Yes — and we take that seriously.

We follow the official safety protocols outlined by the Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA), the national organization that governs youth derby in the U.S. and abroad.

✅ All skaters are required to wear full protective gear

✅ Our coaches are background-checked through JRDA

✅ All volunteers on the floor complete concussion awareness training

✅ We always have at least one CPR-certified adult present at every event or practice

✅ Safety is built into every drill we run — especially for beginners

🔗 Helpful Links for Parents:

JRDA Official Website

JRDA Policies & Safety Standards (PDF)

What New Coaches and Volunteers Need to Know

Skaters need quad skates, a multi-impact helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and a mouthguard.

But don’t stress — we have loaner gear to get your child started while you gather the rest.

• $50 per session (Spring/Fall)

• $40/month for 1 skater

• Discounts for multiple skaters

• Your first practice is free — no gear or payment required.

They can!

We offer free trial practices so kids can experience derby before registering. We want every skater to feel excited and ready before they commit.

Our coaches are a passionate mix of experienced skaters, parents, and dedicated volunteers — and they love working with kids.

Collectively, our coaching staff brings over 47 years of roller derby experience to the league. That includes competitive skating, officiating, mentoring, and junior league coaching.

Every adult working with WJRD:

Has passed a background check

Completes concussion awareness and SafeSport training

Follows all safety guidelines outlined by the Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA)

We believe in building not just great skaters — but confident, resilient kids.

Absolutely not.

Derby is a team sport that celebrates individuality. Every skater contributes — and we’re committed to building a welcoming, inclusive culture that supports kids at every level.

We practice once a week — every Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM here in Wilmington.

For most skaters, that’s the full commitment.

But once your child reaches Level 3 (full-contact), they may have the option to travel for games or tournaments on select weekends. This is completely optional and only introduced once a skater is ready — safety and skill come first.

WJRD is a 100% volunteer-run organization — which means we rely on parents and supporters to help make practices, games, and events happen.

While we don’t currently have a formal volunteer requirement in place, we’re actively working on a system that’s fair, flexible, and family-friendly. Our goal is to make sure everyone contributes in a way that fits their time and comfort level — whether it’s helping with track setup, running the scoreboard, organizing fundraisers, or just cheering from the sidelines.

Most parents find that getting involved helps them connect with their kids and the community in a really meaningful way.

Stay tuned — we’ll be rolling out more details soon, and you’ll be the first to know.