Queen City Roller Girls Frequently Asked Questions
Roller Derby is a competitive roller sport which has been around in a few different forms since the 1930s. To compete, each team designates one player at a time as the jammer, or point scorer, who gets a point for each opponent she laps. Teams switch players each jam (at least every two minutes) and play for one hour. For a more complete explanation see Derby News Network’s “Roller Derby Rules.” It is a full contact sport however we have many guidelines about legal engagement. QCRG skaters are all women aged 21+, wear traditional quad skates, play on a flat track and abide by the WFTDA ruleset.
Ok, what’s WFTDA?
The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association is the biggest international governing body of roller derby. It functions to define standards for gameplay, foster individual leagues’ growth, and facilitate tournaments culminating in an annual championship. See WFTDA for more info.
Is it real or “predetermined” like pro wrestling?
QCRG and all WFTDA bouts are 100% real.
Can we bring the kids?
QCRG bouts ARE kid friendly, if your kids are allowed to see full contact sports, women in short shorts and hear an occasional “PG-13” joke. Minors are not permitted to sit in the front row.
What does QCRG mean?
“Queen City Roller Girls” refers to Buffalo’s standing as the second largest city in New York State.
How many teams are there? How many skaters are on a team?
QCRG has four home teams and one all star squad. The regular season consists of bracketed matchups among the Alley Kats, Devil Dollies, Nickle City Knockouts and the Suicidal Saucies which culminates in one team taking the Queen City Cup. These teams each roster 20 players per season but can only bench 14 skaters each bout. Members from each of the home teams comprise the all star squad, the Lake Effect Furies. The Furies are a WFTDA-sanctioned team that will be playing the top east coast teams in 2011. Skaters who have not been drafted to a team may train as members of the Queen’s Court.
Do you fight and elbow?
We aspire to top notch athleticism and although our bout production has an air of theatrics, the sport is played aggressively but with good sportsmanship. Fighting does not occur in QCRG bouts and hitting illegally is penalized.
How much do skaters get paid?
Ticket/merchandise sales and sponsorships help offset much of our operating costs (such as producing bouts, uniforms, A/V equipment, web hosting, print materials, liability insurance and travel to name a few) but skaters still currently absorb the costs of practice time and gear.
Why do you have fake names if the sport is real?
When this current resurgence of derby started in 2001, the intent was to showcase a real sport in an entertaining fashion, including the skaters’ “alter-egos.” Most contemporary leagues have followed suit playing our sport seriously and with a DIY, nonconformist twist. Some skaters also enjoy a little anonymity, too.
How can I join?
Prior to the fall draft, aspiring skaters can join the Queen’s Court and attend training camp in summertime. Members assume a financial commitment for gear and dues as well as a substantial time commitment. You must be a woman aged 21+ to compete, or a man or woman 18+ to referee. All skaters must have medical insurance to skate and must demonstrate mastery of the WFTDA Minimum Skills Requirements before competing. Contact us for more information.
Can my band play halftime?
QCRG seeks talented and professional musical acts to entertain our diverse audience during halftime. If your band has experience playing to large crowds of varied musical tastes, please contact us with a brief bio and the URL where we can hear a sample of your music.
Is QCRG a nonprofit charitable organization?
The Queen City Roller Girls support the community by partnering with non-profit groups and participating in community-building activities. A portion of bout ticket sales go directly to organizations which further causes we support. QCRG is not a non-profit organization. See our Community page for more info.
I’m interested in advertising at bouts and on your website.
See our sponsorship page for general info and contact us.
Where can I get t-shirts and other merchandise?
Our merchandise is currently available at our bouts and the retro boutique Cats Like Us at 67 Main St. Tonawanda, NY. Watch for merchandise available online soon!
I want QCRGs to come to my company’s event/My bar or restaurant wants to host the QCRGs/I want to meet the rollergirls.
