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Real Women. Real Hits. Real Heart.
The Toronto Roller Derby League (ToRD) is the largest flat-track derby league in Canada, boasting four house teams, one league travel team, and roster of nearly 100 active skaters! 2010 will be our fourth bouting season, and our fifth year as an incorporated business run entirely by the skaters, for the skaters. The women you see on the track and pictured on this website are the same women that serve on the Board of Directors, coordinated our PR, book the halftime shows, sold you your t-shirt, and got the whole thing on tape. We offer a sporting event that is fun for the whole family, so bring everyone you know! We look forward to seeing you in the stands again this summer!
What is ToRD?
The Toronto Roller Derby League (ToRD) is the largest flat-track derby league in Canada boasting nearly 80 active skaters! The Gore-Gore Rollergirls, Chicks Ahoy!, Death Track Dolls, Smoke City Betties, and CN Power (our all-star travel team) are thrilled to bring Toronto the finest jams, checks, hits, blocks, knocks, bumps and bruises yet seen on wheels!
The mission of ToRD is to make roller derby a thing of the present and the future, not a nostalgic sport of the past. We blend athleticism with entertainment so that sports fans, and not-so-sporty types can all enjoy a little roller derby action in Toronto!
Who is ToRD?
ToRD is powered by the skaters and each of these talented, ambitious and energetic women are passionate about their sport and committed to its success on a local, regional, and global scale. We are “for the skaters, by the skaters” in that our league is operated primarily by the skaters from each team, and we are proud to be an all-female operated organization.
We represent a broad range of ages, body types, lifestyles and backgrounds, and are committed to being inclusive of all walks of life whether they sit in the stands or join us on the track. All of our bouts are wheelchair accessible, queer positive, kid friendly, and fun for everyone!
Where can I see the teams play?
ToRD is skating year round at Downsview Park in 2010! Check our schedule for a list of upcoming games and events!
Lost? Here are directions to the Hangar
What can I bring into Downsview Park?
Bring your kids, bring your grandma, bring your friends!
We’ve got 5-tier blachers and plenty of floor space to watch the bout from, but we don’t mind if you’d rather plant your tush on a blanket, towel, yoga mat or folding chair. We do ask that if you bring your own chair that you don’t line it up to the track… skaters are known to crash into the track-side seating and we won’t be held responsible for them wrecking your stuff.
Bring CASH! While we’re working on a debit/credit system, it’s not in place yet and the nearest ATM gets empty fast. Merchandise is available right by the door and a t-shirt goes for $20, taxes included.
The Hangar does sell pizza, beer, pop ‘n chips at the bout. Feel free to bring your own healthy snacks but we ask that you DO NOT under any circumstances, BYOB!
Can I come to a practice to watch?
Team and league practices are closed to the general public for your safety and our sanity. If you want to see us in action, buy a ticket! However, if nine public games a year just isn’t enough, why not volunteer? Our stats keepers and refs get a great view of the game from the track during practices and games, so volunteering for those positions might be for you!
How Can I Get Involved?
There are a great number positions we need to fill to make our season a huge success every season. We’re always looking for dedicated, fun loving people to volunteer their time during our events and fun(d)raisers.
While many a referee or stats person is actually a plain-clothes derby girl, derby widow, girlfriend, boyfriend, sibling or family member we would love some fan support ON the track too. Both roles are a great way to watch the game while helping a sista out! If you’re interested in watching the ass kicking and ticking numbers next to the names, email our Stats Coordinator. If stripes and whistles are more your speed, email our Head Refs!
If you have a special skill that we may not foresee a need for yet, please tell us what you’ve got! Email our volunteer coordinator to get your foot/skate in the door!
I’m a hot shot photographer/videographer and would like a media pass to your next bout – how do I get one?
While we would LOVE to fulfill every media request we receive, we worry about the blinding effects of constant paparazzi flashes during a bout (tough life, we know). Luckily, we have created a Photographer Request Form for you to fill out. We’ll try to find a spot for you in our schedule and get back to you once we’ve got all your deets.
Similarly, if you are from a reputable media outlet and this is a time sensitive request, we welcome you to email our Promotions and Marketing team!
How do I join a ToRD team?
ToRD recruits “fresh meat” to train with us in the off-season. When skaters are ready to move up and pass their skills testing, they move on to our farm team until the next draft.
As a new skater, you’ll get your butt in shape like you never imagined, you will make amazing new friends, and you will spend every waking moment knowing you are a drop-dead gorgeous demon of the derby!
But don’t let all of that delude you… it is also a huge time commitment to be a rollergirl! We skate two to three nights a week and host bouts every 3-4 weeks. There are also several committees that keep the business end running smoothly and we require all skaters to participate on at least one committee.
We also require that all skaters own their own quad-wheel roller skates and protective gear, so start up can be expensive. Skaters also pay monthly league dues to pay for rink time.
To find out more about the rules and the minimum skate requirements, check out the official WFTDA website.
To request more info on joining a team, contact the Fresh Meat committee and we will let you know all about the next fresh meat training camp.
Are there any other leagues in Canada?
Of course! Roller derby has gone viral and probably in a town near you!
Locally, our friends in Hamilton, Ontario have the Hammer City Rollergirls. Montreal, Quebec is also tearing up the track with their league MTL Roller Derby. London Ontario is home to the Forest City Derby Girls. is gearing up for a killer season this year and the GTA Rollergirls seem to be picking up steam, so we’re looking forward to seeing what they’ve got!
Get in on the action
Think you have what it takes to be a Toronto Roller Derby girl?
The Toronto Roller Derby League holds training sessions and tryouts throughout the year for our draft pool. We will show you how to skate, and how to play roller derby – so, while experience is good – none is needed to come out! For more information, or to sign up please email the Fresh Meat committee and we’ll give you all the info you need to know!
You must:
- Be over 19 years of age
- Be female
- Be willing to learn
- Be able to commit 2-3 nights a week to practice and working within the league
- Understand there is a financial commitment to roller derby which includes monthly dues, insurance, and purchasing your own skates and gear
We look forward to training you and seeing you on the track!
