Roller Derby Equipment List: 19 Items (with Pictures)

Roller derby equipment list with all 19 items: quad skates, helmet, mouthguard, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards and the team jersey and uniform.

Eight of them belong to the skater, from the quad skates to the four pieces of protective gear that every league requires. Five belong to coaches, among them a strategy board, cones for drills and a megaphone, and six describe the venue, from the track and safety mats to scoreboard, PA system, spectator seating and locker rooms. The table below lists all nineteen with the purpose of each one and who supplies it.

Need some caption inspiration? See these roller derby Instagram captions.

19items in total

8carried by the skater

11supplied by coach and venue

Quick answers

What equipment do you need for roller derby?: Quad skates, a helmet, a mouthguard, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards. Leagues check all six before a skater is allowed on the track, and the team supplies the jersey.
What skates are used in roller derby?: Quad skates with four wheels in two rows, not inline skates. The boot is cut low at the ankle so the skater can bend deep into a hit, and the plate is set up for fast lateral steps.
What safety gear is required in roller derby?: Helmet, mouthguard, wrist guards, elbow pads and knee pads, the set commonly called the big five. Knee pads take the most work, because controlled knee falls are a taught skill in the sport.
Can you play roller derby as a beginner?: Yes, leagues run fresh meat programs that start with skating basics and falls. The gear list is the same from day one, since the drills involve falling before they involve contact.

Roller Derby Equipment at a Glance

Eight items are the skater's own, five belong to the coach, and six are part of the venue. Skates and the five pieces of protective gear are what a league checks at the door, everything else follows from there.

Item	What it does	Who supplies it
Quad roller skateslow boot, four wheels	Carry the skater, built for hard lateral steps and quick stops	Player
Helmet	Multi impact skate helmet, required on every track	Player
Mouthguard	Guards teeth and jaw in a sport built on body contact	Player
Elbow pads	Cover the elbow in falls and in the pack	Player
Knee pads	Take the controlled knee falls that derby teaches from day one	Player
Wrist guards	Splint the wrist, the joint that breaks in a forward fall	Player
Derby uniformteam jersey	Numbered jersey and shorts that identify the skater on track	Player
Water bottle	Jams are short and hard, and bouts run two halves	Player
Strategy board	Draws pack positions and wall plays between jams	Coach
First aid kit	Rink rash, bruises and sprains are treated at the bench	Coach
Cones	Mark slalom lanes and drills on the practice floor	Coach
Team jerseys	One set per team so referees can read numbers at speed	Coach
Megaphone	Carries instructions over skate noise and crowd	Coach
Roller derby track	Flat oval marked with tape or a banked track, the play area	Facility
Seating for spectators	Keeps the crowd back from the outside line	Facility
Locker rooms	Changing and storage for skates and bulky pads	Facility
Scoreboard	Shows the jam, the period clock and both scores	Facility
PA system	Announcer calls jams and lead jammer for the crowd	Facility
Safety matsaround the track	Cushion skaters who go out of bounds at speed	Facility

Equipment for Roller Derby Players

#1 Quad Roller Skates

Quad roller skates are fundamental to a roller derby player, providing the mobility and agility required for this fast-paced sport. Designed specifically for roller derby, these skates offer the stability, speed, and maneuverability players need to compete effectively on the track.

Riedell R3 Quad Skates

The standard derby starter skate

Riedell R3 Indoor Quad Roller Skates for Men and Women, Black - 7

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Bootlow cut vinyl boot with lace system and cinch strap
PlatePowerDyne Thrust nylon plate with metal trucks
WheelsSonar Cayman, 62mm by 43mm, 95A hardness
BearingsABEC-5
Useindoor rink surfaces

The low cut boot is what separates a derby skate from a rental skate, because the sport is played crouched with the ankle bent forward. The R3 is the skate most fresh meat programs point beginners at, and the plate and wheels can be upgraded later without a new boot.

#2 Helmet

A properly fitted helmet is a non-negotiable safety requirement in roller derby. It protects the player's head from impacts and falls during the rough and tumble of the game, greatly reducing the risk of serious head injuries.

S1 Lifer Helmet

Certified multi impact

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CertificationASTM multi impact and CPSC high impact
FoamEPS Fusion foam with a deep fit shell
Fitextra sizing liners included to size up or down
Sizelarge, 22 inches
Useroller derby, skateboarding and BMX

Multi impact certification is the point here, because a derby practice contains more falls than a bike ride ever will. The deep fit shell sits lower at the back of the head than a bike helmet, which is where a skater lands.

#3 Mouthguard

Mouthguards are essential for protecting a player's teeth and jaw during contact. They reduce the risk of oral injuries and can even help in lessening the impact of concussions. Custom-fitted mouthguards are preferred for better protection and comfort.

SISU Aero Mouthguard

Thin, remoldable

SISU Aero Medium Mouthguard, Snow White - 30% Stronger Protection for Lacrosse, Football, Hockey, Roller Derby, Team Sports - Remoldable Up to 20 Times - Ultra Slim - Works for Braces - Non Toxic

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Thickness1.6mm, about half a standard guard
Moldingremoldable up to 20 times in hot water
Materialhigh tech thermoplastic, 30 percent stronger by the maker's figure
Free ofBPA, BPS, latex, PVC and phthalates
Sizemedium

A thin guard is the one that actually stays in the mouth, because skaters have to shout at each other in the pack. Remolding matters too, since a first attempt rarely seats properly and a standard guard is ruined by then.

#4 Elbow Pads

Elbow pads provide crucial protection during falls or when jostling with other players. They cushion the elbows against hard impacts and scrapes, minimizing the risk of injury and allowing players to quickly bounce back into the action.

187 Killer Pads Pro Elbow Pad

Thick cap, articulated

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Paddingextra thick foam for high impact
Capsize specific hard cap
Designarticulated for range of motion
Shellballistic nylon with industrial weight stitching
Sizelarge

Elbows hit the floor in the pack as often as in a solo fall, which is why derby skaters wear the thicker pad rather than the slim skate version. The hard cap is the part that slides instead of catching on the boards.

#5 Knee Pads

Knee pads are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment in roller derby. They guard against bruises, fractures, and more severe knee injuries, which are common in the sport due to frequent falls and contact.

187 Killer Pads Pro Derby Pad

Built for roller derby

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Purposedesigned specifically for roller derby
CapLock-In cap system, removable and replaceable
HingeRapid Flex hinge for a full bend at the knee
Foamremovable for washing
Sizemedium

Derby teaches falling onto the knees as a skill, so the knee pad is the piece skaters buy first and replace most. The lock in cap and the groove channel are there to stop the pad sliding down the shin during a slide, which is what turns a fall into a floor burn.

#6 Wrist Guards

Wrist guards are imperative to protect against fractures, sprains, and other wrist injuries that can occur from falls or collisions. They offer support and stabilize the wrist, enabling players to engage fully and safely in the game.

Triple Eight RD Wristsaver

Derby cut, pair

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Splintsfront and back, replaceable
Palmextra wide palm splint made for derby
Bodyneoprene with terry cloth lining
Extrabrow wipe on the back of the hand
SizesS 7 to 8 inches through XL 10 to 11 inches

Hands go out first in a forward fall, and the wrist is the joint that breaks. The derby version of this guard has a wider palm splint than the skate version, which spreads the load instead of concentrating it at the heel of the hand.

#7 Derby Uniform (including team jersey)

The derby uniform, complete with a team jersey, is a player's identity on the track. It allows players to represent their team while ensuring they have attire that permits maximum mobility and comfort during the heat of the competition.

#8 Water Bottle

Hydration is key for roller derby players, who need to maintain stamina and focus throughout bouts and practices. A water bottle is essential, granting immediate access to fluids that help prevent dehydration and heat-related issues.

Equipment for Coaches and Teams

#1 Strategy Board

A strategy board is crucial for roller derby coaches to outline plays and positions. It provides a visual aid for discussing tactics, allowing players to understand their roles and the team’s strategy in real-time scenarios during practices and bouts.

#2 First Aid Kit

A comprehensively stocked first aid kit is essential for managing injuries and providing immediate care. It ensures player welfare during practice and matches, as roller derby is a contact sport with a risk of bruises, cuts, and sprains.

#3 Cones

Cones are a fundamental tool for setting up drills and defining boundaries during practice. They assist in creating structured and organized training environments, which are key for developing player agility and understanding of the track layout in roller derby.

Rollerblade Sport Cones

Twenty cones with bag

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Quantity20 cones
Sidesvented to cut wind friction
Basewide base so they stay upright
Materialflexible, gives way when a skater falls on one
Storagereusable mesh bag

Slalom cones are the everyday practice tool for footwork, because agility on skates is trained by weaving rather than by sprinting. Low flexible cones are the right kind, since a rigid traffic cone under a wheel puts a skater on the floor.

#4 Team Jerseys

Team jerseys are not just uniforms but symbols of unity and team identity in roller derby. They help in quickly identifying team members on the track and foster a sense of pride and belonging amongst players.

#5 Megaphone

A megaphone is vital for coaches to communicate instructions over the noise of a roller derby match or practice session. It ensures messages are heard clearly and helps maintain the flow of training, which is essential in a fast-paced environment.

Croove Rechargeable Megaphone

Rechargeable, 1000 yard range

Rechargeable Megaphone Bullhorn, 1000 Yard Range, Siren & Music, Coaches

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Rangeup to 1000 yards as stated by the maker
Battery1800mAh built in, about 8 hours, USB-C charging
Weightunder 1 pound
Carryneck strap
Modesvoice, siren and music

Eighty wheels on a wooden floor make a coach's voice useless from the infield. The rechargeable version is the one that survives a season, because a battery megaphone dies in the middle of practice and takes C cells nobody has.

Equipment for Facilities

#1 Roller Derby Track

The Roller Derby Track is the centerpiece of the sport, with specific dimensions and markings crucial for gameplay. It defines the play area, ensuring games are played within the designated boundaries, which is vital for the consistency and standardization of the sport.

#2 Seating for Spectators

Spectator seating is essential to accommodate fans and provide a comfortable view of the bouts. Well-designed seating ensures a good spectator experience, encouraging community engagement and support for the teams, which is fundamental to the sport's growth and atmosphere.

#3 Locker Rooms

Locker rooms serve as a secure space for athletes to prepare for matches, strategize with teammates, and store personal gear. Adequate locker room facilities are key to player comfort and readiness, which can ultimately impact performance on the track.

#4 Scoreboard

A scoreboard is crucial for keeping track of points and displaying the time remaining in play. An accurate and visible scoreboard ensures that all participants, including players, coaches, and spectators, are informed of the game's progress, enhancing the competitive atmosphere.

#5 PA System

A PA system is indispensable for making announcements, calling jams, and enhancing the audience's experience with music and commentary. Clear and effective communication via a PA system is vital for managing the event smoothly and maintaining the energy and flow of the game.

Pyle PSBT105A PA Speaker

Battery powered, wireless mic

Pyle PSBT105A - 1000W Portable Bluetooth PA Speaker, 10'' Subwoofer, UHF Wireless Mic, MP3/USB/SD, Rechargeable Battery, LED Battery Indicator Lights, Black

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Speakers10 inch subwoofer with a 3 inch treble driver
Power1000 watt peak rating by the maker
MicrophoneUHF wireless mic included
InputsBluetooth, USB, SD card and 3.5mm aux
Power supplybuilt in rechargeable battery

A bout needs an announcer calling lead jammer and a scoreboard the crowd can hear about, and most rented halls have no house system. A battery powered box on a stand covers a flat track without a power run across the floor.

#6 Safety Mats (around the track)

Safety mats placed around the track cushion the impact for players who may fall or be pushed out of bounds during aggressive play. These mats are critical in reducing the risk of injury, promoting athlete safety, and facilitating a more daring and entertaining game.

FAQ

What equipment do you need to play Roller Derby?

Skates, helmet, mouthguard, elbow pads, wrist guards, and knee pads are the equipment you need to play Roller Derby. These items provide the basic protection and functionality for participation in the sport.

What is the most important equipment in Roller derby?

The helmet and mouthguard are the most important equipment in Roller Derby due to their role in preventing serious head injuries and protecting teeth during high-impact collisions.

What is a recommended list of Roller Derby equipment for beginners?

Here's a recommended list of Roller Derby equipment for beginners: quad skates, a safety-certified helmet, mouthguard, elbow pads, wrist guards, knee pads, and padded shorts. This gear is essential for ensuring safety while learning the sport.