About the Boston Derby Dames
We are Boston’s first and only all-female, DIY, skater-owned and -operated flat track roller derby league and proud members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). The Boston Derby Dames have been getting their blocks off since May 2005 when the first intrepid rollergirls began training at rinks and hockey courts throughout greater Boston. The league now boasts more than 50 active skaters on three home teams: the Cosmonaughties, Nutcrackers, and Wicked Pissahs. Our all-star travel team, the Boston Massacre, has been in action since October 2005 and has traveled to play teams in Las Vegas, Columbus, Madison, and Seattle. We've hosted Charm City (MD), Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dominion (VA), Maine, and more. As of April 2009 the Massacre stand at #8 nationally in Derby News Network's power rankings and #5 in the east in WFTDA's four-region rankings. Where We Play
Our home base is Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington, MA, where we broke all previous attendance records on February 9, 2008, when we hosted more than 1,600 fans at a bout between the Cosmonaughties and the Wicked Pissahs. We opened our third season on February 28, 2009, with a crowd just shy of 1,600, and with a season full of double-headers, we expect crowds to be bigger than ever. Bouts are family-friendly, if sometimes loud. You may catch some PG-13 language, but children of all ages are welcome at BDD bouts and we love seeing young fans. Each bout is two 30-minute periods with live music at halftime. You can also browse the merch corridor, visit sponsors in the lobby, have your photo taken as a rollergirl, or check out the free digital photo booth in the Fez Room. Beer and wine is served before 9 pm, and at 9 pm the on-site Fez Room also opens with a full bar. Concessions including burgers, popcorn, soda, and soft pretzels are on sale until the bouts end. Click here for directions and transportation options. Click here for a map of nearby places to eat and stay.
The Dames Need Practice Space! We are looking for a place to skate in the evenings and on weekends. We need at least 90 x 50 feet with no obstructions. A variety of surfaces will work: wood, concrete, cement, sport court. Our current and past practice spaces have ranged from college gyms to outdoor roller hockey courts to poured concrete auditoriums, as well as skate-specific surfaces. If you have space in the greater Boston area, please contact Sugar Hits. We would be interested in trading sponsorship opportunities in exchange for discounted rates. References available. Serious inquiries only please.
All of the Action, None of the Bruises: Join BDD as a Referee!
Do you think roller derby sounds like the most awesome thing on wheels, but you don't have the time, pain tolerance, or second X chromosome it takes to be a skater? Consider becoming a Boston Derby Dames referee instead.
Our refs are responsible, enthusiastic team players who can go toe-to-toe with revved up rollergirls without losing their cool. Patience and the ability to commit to refereeing once a week at Sunday evening scrimmages and once a month at bouts is required. Must have decent roller skating skills (in-lines are fine, if you don't mind skaters making fun of them). Refereeing or coaching experience in any sport and some familiarity with roller derby rules are great. But don't worry, if you bring the energy, we'll get you up to speed fast.
Referees are full members of the league, and are an integral part of an exhilarating, ever-growing, international DIY sport. You'll meet tons of new people—refs, skaters, announcers, volunteers, derby widows, fans, and friends of BDD—and earn the adoration of scores of Derby Dames, none of whom could play the sport they love without the support of our referee crew. There is also the possibility of league-sponsored travel to away games for our most dedicated referees, and even the opportunity to officiate national tournaments if your skills catch the eye of WFTDA's rules and regulations committee. Contact us at bddrefsearch@gmail.com with any questions or for more information.
What skates should I get? What wheels are best? What do the Dames use?
We are often asked for equipment recommendations. BDD doesn't endorse any particular company or skate package, nor do we even agree among ourselves what equipment is best! Below are just a few retailers that many of us have had good experiences with. We suggest that you determine what price range you're comfortable with, and ask lots of questions. Remember, good skates aren't cheap, but it takes a lot more than expensive equipment to make a great skater.
Black Eyed Susan Skate Shop is run by skaters from Baltimore's league. They offer skate packages for every one from entry-level rookies to elite speed skating jammers. They offer great advice to gear heads and novices alike with a definite focus on roller derby, and can order most anything they don't stock. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Second Time Around Sports in Cranston, Rhode Island, frequently has good deals on roller skate equipment and pads and can place special orders at very competitive prices.
Low Price Skates has an extensive selection of equipment for all kinds of roller skating, as well as ice skating. Their customer service gets high marks, but rollergirl-run shops are frequently able to beat their prices and offer more derby-specific advice.
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