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ToRD in short: Real Women. Real Hits. Real Heart.
The Toronto Roller Derby League (ToRD) is the largest flat-track derby league in North America, boasting seven teams and nearly 90 active skaters! 2008 marks our second bouting season, and our third year as an incorporated business run entirely by the skaters, for the skaters. We offer a sporting event that is fun for the whole family and we look forward to seeing you in the stands at George Bell Arena this summer!
What is ToRD?
The Toronto Roller Derby League (ToRD) is the largest flat-track derby league in North America, boasting seven teams and nearly 90 active skaters! The Bay Street Bruisers, Gore-Gore Rollergirls, Chicks Ahoy!, Death Track Dolls, Smoke City Betties, Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, 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.
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 organization.
We represent a broad range of ages, body types, lifestyles and backgrounds, and are committed to being inclusive of everyone whether they sit in the stands or join us on the track.
Where can I see the teams play?
For our second season, ToRD will again be skating at George Bell Arena. The arena is located at 215 Ryding Ave. in Toronto, near the intersection of St. Clair Ave. and Runnymede.
Can I come to a practice to watch?
Team and league practices are closed to the general public for a variety of reasons. If you want to see us in action, buy a damn ticket! However, if nine public games 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?
As the 2008 season is upon us, there are some great positions we need to fill to make our season a huge success. We’re always looking for dedicated, fun loving people to volunteer their time during our events and fundraisers.
If you have a special skill that we may not foresee a need for yet, please tell us what you’ve got! Email volunteers@torontorollerderby.com for more information!
How do I join a ToRD team?
ToRD recruits “fresh meat” to train with us in the off-season.
As a member of our league, 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 bout every other weekend all summer long. There are also several committees that keep the business end running smoothly and we require all skaters to be a member of 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 freshmeat@torontorollerderby.com and we will let you know all about the next fresh meat training camp.
Are there any other leagues in Canada?
Of course! Derby is catching faster than SARS.
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. The GTA Rollergirls are picking up steam this season, and 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!
