River City Roller Derby (RCRD) skated into their 2025 season last weekend, and there’s plenty more on the flat-track ahead.
Whether you’re a skating professional, a fond reminiscer of elementary school roller rink parties, or completely new to the game, you can get into the hype of this high-energy sport with a community-driven spirit.
Roller Derby 101
Flat Track Roller Derby is a full-contact sport that involves four “Blockers” and one “Jammer” per team. (The Jammer wears a helmet with a star.) The goal of the game is for each team’s Jammer to lap the pack of Blockers. Each full lap (passing through the pack and back around) is a point. The team with the most lap points at the end wins. Learn more.
Fun fact: Players pick roller derby alter-egos. A few RCRD shout-outs: Lizness Casual, Pixel Whip, Lin Diesel, and Grim Possible.
A community that skates together, stays together
Founded in 2006, River City Roller Derby is more than meets the eye. It’s competitive and athletic, yes, but lacing it all together — it’s a place for people to feel welcome and included.
Remember: A helmet with a star identifies the Jammer. | Photo by Joe Ring
We spoke with RCRD referee, Public Relations Coordinator, and Equality Committee representative Alison Sanderlin — aka, Joan of Snark — about the program.
“The league is not just players. We have rookie skaters, volunteers, non-skating officials, and dedicated officials — people from different experiences and backgrounds coming together, looking for some kind of community. We have people who are professors, psychiatrists, nurses, creatives...” Sanderlin said.
“We show up for our teammates in times of need, and we celebrate accomplishments and moments of joy. We have players who have gotten engaged to each other, and it’s been really exciting to see that joy and those relationships grow in front of us at Derby.”
RCRD proudly represents a diverse spectrum of gender identities on the team, and has become a safe space where a sense of community can prosper in a unique, niche, and perfectly rowdy way.
Want to join?
RCRD asks that new skaters enroll in a rookie orientation process. Follow the league on Instagram or Facebook to keep up with upcoming orientation announcements.
Want to join as a referee or a part of the behind-the-scenes team? RCRD is 100% volunteer-run + always looking for more folks to get involved. Email the team to find your fit. For more information, visit their website.
Catch the next game
Don’t worry if you’re still learning the rules. Keep your roller derby basics cheat-sheet on hand, and head to the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Saturday, May 31. See the full 2025 calendar here.
