Register for the freshmeat tryouts by sending an email with the heading ‘Freshmeat tryouts’ to
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with the following information.
Name:
Date Of Birth:
Mobile number:
Details of any skating experience:
Check back regularly for details of future tryout sessions.
What are tryouts?
There are two steps: the initial tryout where you will be evaluated on skates with a small group of skaters, and a call back session that will include a very brief interview.
Selected skaters will enter a probationary period with Sun State Roller Girls. At the end of this probationary period skaters will become full members of SSRG and continue on through our star program.
Do I have to be a seasoned skater to try out?
Not necessarily. Being a member of Sun State Roller Girls is a lot more than just being a good skater. Yes, we will primarily be looking for skating skills, but we also look at your athletic potential and attitude.
I skate for another league. Can I join SSRG?
If you skate for another league, you're certainly welcome to attend a tryout - or transfer at a time that suits you. Contact us for information on transferring.
How old do I have to be to skate for Sun State?
You must be 18 years of age.
How can I get ready for tryouts?
First off, get to know the league! Come see our bouts to gain an understanding of what's involved. Talk to some of the skaters and league members to find out what we are all about.
It's important that you are in decent athletic shape, as roller derby is a sport that takes lots of endurance. Working on cardio and strengthening your quads, glutes and core muscles will help you to be ready for tryouts.
The more time you can spend on skates before the tryouts, the better. There are a few skating rinks across Brisbane with open hours for the public where you can rent quad skates and work on your skating basics. Our home rink (Digi Roller Skating) also offers adult learn to skate lessons after hours. Check out their website.
What do I need to be able to do at tryouts?
You will need to have basic skating skills. Some of the things we will be evaluating in tryouts are:
Basic skills
Forward skating using crossovers
Power stride (getting the most out of each push)
Gliding on one foot at a time
Balance
Squats
Derby Skills
Skating low
Plow Stop
T-stop
Blocking strength
Three types of falls
Endurance
Number of laps in two minutes
Other
Attitude
Basic knowledge of the sport
Ability to listen and apply new knowledge
Ability to pick up new skills quickly
Time commitment and availability
What equipment will I need for tryouts?
Every skater is required to wear a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads, a mouth guard and quad roller skates. We do not have gear to loan out.
You will be working hard so wear something non restrictive, light and breathable.
Will I be put on a team if I'm selected at tryouts?
Skaters who are selected to join the league will begin their derby career by first progressing through our star program. You will be known as "fresh meat" during this time period. Once training is completed and you have passed the requirements for each star level as well as passing a written rules test you'll be assigned to a team and you can claim your derby name and number.
How much of a commitment is required to be a Sun State skater?
Skating with Sun State Roller Girls is a big commitment: it's like another full-time job. You'll be expected to attend league practices (two hours twice a week) at a minimum. Later on you will also be required to attend team training sessions, off skates fitness session and if you are lucky enough travel team training sessions.
In addition to practices, everyone is expected to work at bouts and other official events and fundraisers or promotional activites. We are a skater run organisation, so we also require you to work within sub-committees and contribute to league activities at least once a month to remain an active member. There are also dues for each skater that help to pay for the league's operational costs.
If the commitment is too much, maybe being a skater isn't the right fit for you right now. There are plenty of ways to join in: you can volunteer to work at a bout or a league event, join our awesome Beer Squad, or become a Referee.
Despite the time commitment, any skater will tell you that it is completely worth it.
Are there a lot of injuries?
Injuries happen, but we work really hard to prevent them by training to skate safely and work on injury-preventative exercises. As mentioned above, full protective gear is required for all skaters. Although private health insurance is not currently required if you want to skate with us, it is still strongly recommended. For insurance purposes, you will be required to sign a waiver for tryouts.
If I have more questions, who do I ask?
For more information, contact us.