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Bootcamp

Looking to learn

Want to learn the skating skills you need for roller derby? We hold a training camp, or Bootcamp, once a year. You don’t need experience to do Bootcamp! We recommend getting some skates to practice rolling, but we’ll teach you how to stop, fall, do crossovers, & more!

Frequently Asked Questions:

When does bootcamp happen?

Once a year, usually in the Fall. You will practice twice a week over the course of three months and will learn all the skills necessary to join the league. 

Exact practice times may change from year to year, but you can expect one practice to be held during the day on a weekend and one practice to be held on a weekday evening. We do expect you to attend 60% of those practices. You can expect similar practice times and attendance requirements once you join the league! 

I just missed the bootcamp, but I want to join the league. Is there any way that can happen before next year?

MTLRD’s bootcamp is the only way for beginners to join the league. If you want to get involved with the league before the next bootcamp, volunteering is a great way to get to know the community! You can contact volunteering@mtlrd.com or officiating@mtlrd.com if you are interested in becoming a NSO/Ref.

If you’re currently a member of another league, see “transfers” below.

I know how to skate already, but I’ve never played derby before. Is bootcamp for me?

Yes! Bootcamp is open to all different levels of skaters, from those who are learning for the first time to those who have played derby before and want to refresh their skills to join the league. Having some basic skating skills is great, but we teach a lot of derby-specific skills in the Bootcamp. 

What will we learn in bootcamp?

A LOT. In the first part of bootcamp, we cover skating skills necessary to derby (falling, stopping, crossovers, transitions, lateral movements, toe stop work, etc). We then apply those skills in derby situations and cover blocking, pushing, hitting, skating in formation, etc. We also, of course, will teach you the rules of roller derby!

What equipment do I need to attend bootcamp?

You need to bring full protective equipment. Derby is a contact sport, and we need to take safety seriously. The following are required at all practices:

• Quad skates

• Knee pads

• Elbow pads

• Wrist guards

• Mouth guard 

• Helmet that covers the back of the head. No bike helmets. 

How will my skills be assessed?

You’ll be asked to fill out a self-assessment and will meet with coaches. We are endlessly excited to bring new skaters into our league and will simply be looking to ensure that you obtain the skills that will ensure your safe integration into the league. At the end of bootcamp, skaters who have achieved a functional level on all the required skills will be eligible to participate fully in MTLRD practices, including scrimmages. Skaters who are missing some skills will continue to practice those skills until they and the coaches agree that they have achieved a sufficient level for full and safe participation.

Want to take part in Montreal Roller Derby’s next bootcamp? Join our email list to be notified when sign up opens.