Rockin’ City Junior Roller Derby Handbook – Rockin' City Junior Roller Derby

Mission Statement

Rockin’ City Junior Roller Derby (“Rockin’ City JRD”) is an inclusive junior derby program for all children ages 8-17 years old dedicated to nurturing self confidence and body positive attitudes through camaraderie and sportspersonship.

Refusal of Service

Rockin’ City JRD reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.

League Membership

Membership with the Rockin’ City JRD League depends upon dues, insurance, attendance, and volunteerism requirements being in good standing.

Rockin’ City JRD participants in good standing shall be considered “Skating Members” and will fall into one of three categories as listed below.

Local Skating Member

Local members are those who are not satellites and do consider Rockin’ City to be their “home league.” In order to be considered a member in good standing, Local Members must meet the four Skater Commitments as defined in this document.

Dual Division Member

Dual Division members are required to pay the full insurance fee for the calendar year.

Dual Division members are required to pay 50% of the current dues rate each month.

Dual Division members are required to meet appropriate attendance requirements

Satellite Member

Skaters who are satellite members per JRDA’s definition reside more than 100 miles from the league practice facility.

Satellite members are required to pay the full insurance fee for the calendar year.

Satellite members are required to pay 100% of the current dues rate each month.

Satellite members are required to meet appropriate attendance requirements

Non-Skating Member

A non-skating member is any member that would otherwise be considered a skating member, but is not in good standing.

Code of Conduct

Rockin’ City JRD strives to maintain a positive, inclusive, welcoming, and “best teammates” environment. No member may act in a disruptive manner that is detrimental to this environment. All violations will be handled by either coaches or the Board of Directors and may result in consequences up to and including dismissal from the league.

Behavioral policies will apply equitably among all skaters. If the child of a coach is involved then the issue will be addressed by another coach and a board member. The coach that is a parent will be treated with the same consideration as any other parent.

Sportspersonship

Rockin’ City JRD is built on league camaraderie and respect. Poor Sportspersonship, malicious violence, and disregard for the game rules will not be tolerated. Any malicious gossip, personal insults (including anything regarding race, religion, sexuality, body type, gender expression and more), blatant disrespect toward coaches, another skater or team, and any other petty behavior will not be tolerated.

Attempts to harm a person’s reputation or character or sour another member’s opinion of a person, rule or situation using libel and slander will not be tolerated. This includes statements made to other league members as well as statements published on the internet. Rockin’ City JRD does not tolerate physical assaults/fighting in any form. Our focus is on athleticism, sportspersonship, and playing the game safely and cleanly.

We believe there is no place for fighting in the sport of roller derby. Members of Rockin’ City JRD will not instigate or participate in staged/fake fights or real fights at any time while participating in league activities, either home or away. If a Rockin’ City JRD member is engaged by another skater in a physical attack, they are expected to attempt to extract themselves from the situation if possible and only engage in self-defense if it’s necessary for their safety. Fighting is not legal per JRDA rules, and our referees will immediately eject a skater from the game if they instigate a fight.

Skaters must display great character, sportspersonship, and teamwork. We not only develop skill and athleticism in this program, we build confidence for players to use their voice! If there are any questions or concerns regarding playing time or positions, we expect players to have this conversation with their coaches first. We encourage players to speak up when they have questions or request feedback.

Sexual Misconduct

Rockin’ City JRD is committed to providing an environment that is free from sexual misconduct. Derby is a full contact sport. Skaters will be in physical contact with other skaters. If a skater experiences contact that makes them uncomfortable, is lewd, or sexual they are encouraged to immediately tell the other skater to stop and cease the behavior if they feel they can safely do so. Skaters and parents are encouraged to tell a coach, and the board via email or anonymous reporting via our Misconduct Reporting form listed below. The board and the coaches will listen to the skater/parents and respond in a way that makes the skater feel safe and comfortable returning to practice. At a minimum, the offending skater will write an apology and agreement to respect other skaters’ boundaries. Additional consequences to be enacted depend on the reporting parent/skater’s needs to feel safe and the severity of the offense.

The league reserves the right to immediately dismiss any skater for sexual misconduct.

Depending upon the severity of the allegation, Rockin’ City JRD may have an obligation to promptly and appropriately report sexual misconduct that is brought to their attention to third parties including, but not limited to, law enforcement.

Rockin’ City JRD encourages all skaters and parents to report any concerns or complaints of misconduct or bullying of any kind.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1btHva2_6TuwAM9M6gCAmW8uAFVhXZ0HvrDk0sOzLHN0/edit

Decorum at Practice

Skaters are required to adhere to the following expectations during all league events:

Follow JRDA Code of Conduct
No intentional kicking, punching, or otherwise non-sportsperson like behavior.
Attitude: Skaters must show a positive attitude, support their teammates, respect their coaches, and show motivation to succeed and improve. Skaters must be able to take instruction and criticism well and play full contact. Mental drive and dedication to come to practice, try your hardest and push yourself are important.
Communication: We understand that life happens, please keep an open communication with your coaches at all times.
Gear: The following gear is REQUIRED at all times on the track: quad speed skates (no inlines) with toe stops, helmet, mouth guard, wrist guards, knee pads, elbow pads.
Arriving on time: Posted practice start times are rolling starts, meaning you must be geared up and on the track when practice begins to be considered on time. Arriving 15 minutes early to gear up and catch up with your teammates is expected.
Preparedness: Come prepared for practice – this includes wearing appropriate workout gear (such as athletic wear and athletic shoes for off skate workouts) and bringing a water bottle.
Participation: Skaters are required to participate in all warm ups, stretches, off skate workouts, drills, and cool downs unless you have communicated your limitations with a coach. Limitations might include injury or illness – not exertion. Choosing not to participate in any part of practice without prior discussion may result in loss of practice credit, at coaches discretion.
Respect: Please respect your coaches, your fellow skaters and spectators. Do not talk during drills. Do not use cell phones during practice unless it is an emergency.

Game Day Expectations

Skaters must support a safe and respectful environment at all times.

Please make sure skaters are hydrated before the game and have a water bottle with them.
Skaters must have skates and protective gear. All gear must be in good working order and must not pose a threat or risk to any other skater.
Please check mouth guards are fitted properly prior to game day.
All skates must be rink-safe, meaning that their use must not gash, indent or blemish the skating surface or any other surface, and that the skates will not cause injury to property or persons.
Skaters must bring any unusual or significant hazard to the nearest official’s immediate attention.
Skaters may not wear clothing that may be hazardous to the safety of other skaters or spectators. This can include but is not limited to studded belts, collars, other jewelry that may break through skin, etc.
The taping of piercings and other body modifications that protrude from the skin as well as long fingernails will be done at the Head Medic’s discretion.
Skaters must play by the rules. Skaters may NEVER argue with an official.
When given a penalty, the skater must immediately report to the penalty box without question or argument. If a skater disagrees with a call, they may ask the team Captain to address the matter.
Skaters must control their temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other skaters, including deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted in the sport.
Treat all players as you would like to be treated yourself. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
Cooperate with the coaches, teammates, and all other participants.
Discuss questions, concerns and problems openly and rationally.

Officials will watch for overall safety of the game and the game shall cease if the level of gameplay is not in alignment with the expected intensity for junior roller derby. Any skater who receives a forceful hit to their head/helmet will be removed from play and assessed for concussion. Only the medic and Head Officials can release skaters back to active gameplay. Any other concerns for injuries will be discussed after the game.

Please wait to collect your skater until the coaches have released them.

No parents are allowed on the track unless your child is unable to recover from an injury; coaches and officials will look for you if this is the case and bring you to them.

Please ensure game medics are aware of any chronic medical conditions that may require attention during tournaments, including but not limited to: Seizure disorder, asthma, recent orthopedic injuries or concussions, or diabetes. If there are medications a skater may need during a tournament please make sure you and the medic have a plan to access it for the skater.

Roller derby is a volunteer sport, we encourage parents to learn how to officiate or volunteer as outlined in the Volunteerism section.

Please refrain from getting your skater’s attention (i.e. for photo ops) once they are geared up to skate; they need to focus on their coach and the game. Derby is a contact sport and we know game day jitters will affect performance.

Uniform/Dress

The uniform/dress code’s purpose is to create an environment where skaters are safe and comfortable, as well as providing a professional, uniformed look for events. This applies to all games, scrimmages, and team practices.

No low-cut tops
No sheer material that exposes undergarments
Fingernails must be ¼ inch or shorter
No dangling earrings; studs and hoops no larger than ½” can be worn at the skater’s risk
No rings
No necklaces or bracelets (except for medical indicators)
No profanity, lewd, vulgar or offensive language or images shall be worn.
No clothing promoting violence, alcohol, drugs, racism, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny or misandry.
If you wear layers under a jersey, please do your best to match the color of the jersey.
Charter team skaters should wear black or blue bottoms and white helmets to sanctioned games; contact a coach for additional information.
ALWAYS BRING BOTH BLACK AND WHITE SHIRTS WITH YOUR NUMBER

Social Media Decorum (including press interviews)

Guidelines (not comprehensive of all actions that would be seen as a violation):

Do not make negative or derogatory comments on any social media platform or in person regarding any aspect of Rockin’ City JRD, our vendors, our community or its members.

Do not make negative remarks about any other team or skater or official on social media.
Follow the JRDA Code of Conduct, specifically the clause regarding “no drama”.

https://www.juniorrollerderby.org/code-of-conduct

Practice content included but not limited to: coach drills, off skate training programs, guest coach presentations, are considered private content only accessible to active members of the organization. This content should not be shared on skater social media platforms.

Acceptable use of member content includes: sharing posts from our organization’s public pages; sharing professional event photographer images/videos from public events (i.e. games, tournaments, fundraisers).

Public Appearance

All skaters are to represent the league in a favorable manner during public appearances, promotional events, and Rockin’ City JRD-sponsored events. Skaters represent the league and must conduct themselves in a professional manner. Rockin’ City JRD, as a whole, strives to be a positive force in the community.

Therefore, a member must be fully aware of how they conduct themselves in front of an all-ages audience.

Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in suspension.

Any concerns about this policy or adherence to it should be observed or reported behaviors will be reported to the Head Coach.

At each practice, a skater will typically be allowed a warning for their first offense, if not egregious. If that is not effective (or the offense is egregious) the skater is subject to removal from practice/game; they will be expected to sit out for some period of time (at the coach’s discretion) or gear down and sit out depending on correctability of behavior.

Further violations may incur in the following:

First offense: Verbal warning possible sit out/gear down depending on on correctability of behavior
Second Offense: Suspension for one week. Skater must write out a formal apology.
Third Offense: 30 day suspension from practice and roster.
Fourth Offense: Coach/parent/board meeting to discuss behavior contract or dismissal from league

A parent will be notified by the Head Coach via email if a skater is given anything past a warning. A coach may also choose to text or call the parent at their discretion.

Violations of this policy, warnings and consequences will be documented in a member’s file.

Charter Team and Roster Selection

Eligibility to be rostered for bouts/games is determined by meeting a minimum of all league commitments as follows:

JRDA Registration: Charter Team members must have a SportsEngine account with the league “Rockin City Junior Roller Derby”.

Membership: Must meet or exceed the current minimum requirements.

Dues: Must be current on due payments and any applicable late fees.

Attendance: Must meet or exceed the current attendance requirement.

Volunteerism: Must meet or exceed the current volunteer requirement.

JRDA Skill Testing: Must have passed the JRDA rules test and the JRDA minimum skills required by each team’s level.

Charter Team members shall inform their team’s coach a minimum of 30 days prior to a scheduled sanctioned game if they will not be participating for any reason. Failure to provide sufficient notice may result in (at the discretion of the Board of Directors and Head Coach):

Removal from roster for the next game
Removal from Charter Team

We understand that there are sometimes situations beyond the skater’s control. The board and coaches will take that into consideration on a case-by-case basis, when relevant.

Membership Dues Policy

Dues are used, first and foremost, to save and pay for practice location, bout spaces, equipment, travel for skaters and referees and other items deemed necessary by the board/league. Skater dues are due on the 1st of each month and are late on the 5th of the month. Please see the home page of the stack team app to pay dues or save this link:

https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLFRHQQ026WCY/checkout/LPP322UTY5RMGNBA24KA46SD

Any skater with dues not paid by the 5th will be subject to a $10 late fee and will no longer be considered a member in good standing. In order to regain your status as a member in good standing, your dues must be made current AND all late fees must be paid. Please contact treasurer@rockincityjrd.org if you need an extension on dues.

The skater’s attendance at practice will not be counted and the skater will not be allowed to participate as a player in any league or team bouts while delinquent on dues without making arrangements.

Dues are subject to change by the Rockin’ City JRD board approval, and members will be given a minimum of 60 days notice in advance of the changes being effective.

Insurance

Rockin’ City JRD holds a group policy as required by JRDA. A copy of the current insurance policy is available upon request by any league member. Rockin’ City JRDrequires an annual fee (collected at the time of registration AND in January the following years they remain a member) for the group policy held with JRDA’s skater insurance provider. Any injury sustained at practices or games must be reported within 90 days of the incident if you are filing a claim with our provider, and you must attempt to go through your primary health insurance plan first.

Various non-League sponsored skating events and opportunities may be promoted throughout the year. Please note that they may be considered “skate-at–your-own-risk” and if there is any doubt you should ask for clarification.

Skater Attendance Policy

The attendance policies are set by the coaches with oversight from the Board of Directors, and are as follows:

Attendance Requirements:

Consistent attendance is key to a skater’s development and our team’s success. All junior members are expected to attend practices as often as possible, while maintaining a minimum of 50% attendance per month.

Satellite Members should also meet a minimum of 25% attendance per month.

Partial Practice Credit:

Skaters who cannot participate in the entirety of a practice may still receive full attendance credit as long as they communicate their situation to the Head Coach prior to practice.

Excused Absences:

Each skater is allotted 8 excused absences for the skating season (September – June) for personal leave. Unused excused absences expire at the end of the season and do not roll over.

To have an absence excused, you must notify coaches@rockincityjrd.org at least 24 hours prior to the missed practice. This communication is key to helping our team and coaches prepare.

While excused absences will not negatively affect a skater’s standing, any missed practices—excused or not—may impact playing time.

Long-Term Absences & Return-to-Play:

If a skater has been off skates due to injury or has been absent for more than 3 months, they must be re-assessed before they can be rostered for a game.

Please notify coaches@rockincityjrd.org to arrange this re-assessment with the Head Coach. Once the assessment is completed satisfactorily and all other membership requirements are met, the skater will once again be eligible to roster for games.

Volunteerism

Each skater or parent/guardian is required to volunteer at a Rockin’ City JRD hosted event once per quarter at a minimum.

Volunteer opportunities typically include bout setup, Non-Skating or Skating Official roles, post-game cleanup, event check-in, fundraising, and merchandise sales, in addition to other roles that may arise for specific events or on an as-needed basis.

Active participation in various responsibilities of a committee defined by the Board of Directors shall also meet the volunteer requirements.

JRDA requires all adult volunteers to be registered with them directly. In order to volunteer at a Rockin’ City JRD event, please complete the JRDA Volunteer Requirements at least 6 weeks prior to the event. https://www.juniorrollerderby.org/volunteer-forms Certain qualifications are valid for 2 years, please keep a copy for your records. RCJRD: How to register to be a Volunteer through JRDA

Please contact board-of-directors@rockincityjrd.org if you need to confirm that you currently meet all registration requirements.

Injury

*IF A SKATER FALLS AND MAY HAVE A POSSIBLE CONCUSSION THEY MUST IMMEDIATELY STOP PLAY AND BE ASSESSED* Coaches adhere to the practice, “When in Doubt, Sit them Out!” A parent/guardian should receive a copy of the Concussion Form from a coach at the end of practice. Skaters must be cleared by a medical professional before being allowed to return to practice. (i.e. a doctor’s note is required, including after possible concussion.)

Skaters’ attendance should not be affected while on injury leave. If they are gone for more than 2 months, the Head Coach will need to facilitate re-assessment of skills at their last level completed.

Injured skaters attending practice off skates are required to actively assist running practice (if able) or actively observe practice.

Resignation

Any member may resign their membership by submitting notification to board-of-directors@rockincityjrd.org

Members who have not paid dues for two months or who have unexcused absences from practice for two months are no longer in good standing. Members who have not completed their volunteer requirement for two quarters are not considered to be in good standing. Members who are not in good standing and do not respond to three attempts of communication from the Board of Directors will be forcibly resigned.

Photo Release

As a member of the league, photos and videos will be taken during all events and may be used in promotional items, on our website, or on other league’s promotional items or websites. As such, by your acknowledgment below, you are providing Rockin’ City JRD, their photographers, their assignees, other leagues and their photographers, and any associated legal representatives, the irrevocable right to use your photograph or video in all forms, media and manners, without restriction as to changes or alterations, for advertising, trade, promotion, exhibition, or any other lawful purposes. You are waiving any right to inspect or approve the photographs or electronic matter that may be used in conjunction with them now or in the future, whether that use is known to you or unknown, and waiving any right to royalties or other compensation arising from or related to the use of the photographs or video.

Intellectual Property Rights and Confidentiality

Intellectual property rights grant certain exclusive rights to a variety of intangible assets, such as trademarks and trade secrets. Rockin’ City JRD teaches skills to improve individual skating, drills to improve group skating, and strategies and code words utilized in playing roller derby. Our strategies and code words are trade secrets. Our team names and logos are copyright of Rockin’ City JRD. Member should not divulge any of Rockin’ City JRD’s Confidential Information. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to oral communications, as well as in any tangible expressions referring or relating, but not limited to: strategies, code words, business, marketing, or strategic plans, and member files. Rockin’ City JRD owns and has developed and compiled, and will develop and compile, certain trade secrets, proprietary techniques and other confidential information which have great value to its business. This Confidential Information further includes not only information used by Rockin’ City JRD to develop and offer the services to the members, strategies and code words utilized while bouting, but also information learned by member during the course of their membership to the Rockin’ City JRD. Any Confidential Information shall remain the sole and exclusive property of Rockin’ City JRD. Members shall have no interest in or rights to use or disclose Confidential Information. Members will not, directly or indirectly, use, make available, sell, disclose or otherwise communicate to any third party any of Rockin’ City JRD’s Confidential Information, either during or after their membership with the Rockin’ City JRD.

Changes to this Handbook

Amendments or modifications to the policies herewith are managed by the policy defined in the current Rockin’ City JRD Bylaws.

Bylaws

A copy of the current Bylaws will be provided upon request by any league member. For legal purposes “League Member” does not constitute membership as it relates to the legal organizational structure of the 501c3. Each League member shall have a parent or legal guardian that serves as the acting member of the 501c3.

Acknowledgement

To acknowledge you have read and agree to this handbook, please fill out the following form: Handbook Acknowledgment Form