We practice 2 days a week, 2 hours a practice. Consistent attendance at practice is vital not only to learning and improving on skating skills, but is also required at certain levels to maintain active member status, as well as to qualify for game rosters and board positions.
We aim to have anywhere from 2-8 games in a season, some in Mobile and some away. Players aren't required to play every single game to maintain active member or rostered player status, but players are expected to make an effort to participate in as many games as they can.
Home games are all-day events and generally require 2-4 hours of setup and 1-2 hours of breakdown, in addition to the time allotted for the game itself. Members, regardless of playing status, are expected to assist with organizing, setting up, breaking down, and running home games. Non-playing skaters may officiate on or off skates, or work volunteer shifts at merch, tickets, etc. The team entity is financially responsible for the venue and any additional offerings (merch, etc.) at home games. Members/players pay no additional fees to play in games.
Away games obviously demand different efforts and commitment than home games. Some games at closer venues may be 1-day commitments (drive in, play, drive home same day), but away games are often 2- or 3-day commitments (drive in, play, drive home next day). Non-playing members are encouraged to join us on away trips as officials, volunteers, bench staff, and spectators.
We do our best to mitigate the financial burden this places on players by ride-sharing, room-sharing, etc. The team entity is financially responsible only for team-related offerings (merch, etc.). Team members are financially responsible for their own transportation, lodgings, fuel, food, etc. when traveling to away games.
In addition to all the stuff that makes derby roller, we also have off-rink activities on our regular calendar.
Off-skates workouts are crucial to improving strength, agility, and endurance on the track.We'll occasionally schedule these during regular practice time instead of rink time, and we highly encourage all members to pursue their own outside-of-practice fitness.
Team meetings happen generally once a quarter and are when the leadership team relays relevant updates to the team. Active members in good standing may get to vote on certain matters in these meetings. Regardless, attending meetings as often as possible keeps members up to date and informed.
Throughout the year, we host or participate in various events around the area to promote the team. From skating in Mardi Gras parades to casual meet-and-greets in downtown Mobile, we strive to plan events that are fun for our members and get attention on the team. Attendance at these events to some level is required for maintaining active member status and rostered member status.
We aren't just teammates on the track—we're friends IRL, too! So we like to get together for game nights, team dinners, pub crawls, movie nights and more, just for fun. These generally aren't required events, but all are welcome and invited to attend and participate.
MBRD encourages members to expand their derby community beyond just the Mobile area.
Officiating for other nearby leagues is a great way to network with other derby folk, as well as learn more and more about the game itself.
Informal pickup games—often called mixers, mashups, or scrimmage games—are often hosted by various teams in the region as a way to invite outside players to mingle and play with people different than their home team. Playing or officiating these games is an excellent low-pressure way to gain experience and learn the game.
None of these events are required, but they improve the overall derby experience and teach participants more about rules and strategy.
