Tech Writing Class Group Project

Competitive roller skating, women’s roller derby, is an American team sport played around an oval circuit track. Each game is played in 60-minute bouts. The bouts are 30 minute halves of 2 minute jams. Team players include 1 pivot, 3 blockers, and 1 jammer. You can imagine the bout play as roller-skating with attitude.

Roller derby is extreme and requires protective gear. Due to frequency of injury, an EMT is present at every bout. Required safety gear consists of a helmet, mouth guards, elbow pads, wrist guards and knee pads. The Women's Flat Track Derby Association Official Rules encourage players to wear additional safety gear. You can visit http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/faqs.html for more information.

IMPORTANT: Gear that does not fit correctly leads to skater injuries. Gear must be snug when first worn because it stretches. If it is too big it can shift and slip out of place. Replace gear that is severely worn or damaged. Visit www.fastgirlskates.com or http://sincityskates.com/ for info on equipment.


GEAR UP: YOUR HELMET
Many roller derby athletes choose a standard skate/skateboard helmet for its soft foam and design to absorb multiply diverse types of impact. We always recommend purchasing a new helmet that fits you comfortably and strongly advise against using a second hand bicycle helmet.

Your helmet should fit snugly on your head with the front portion covering about halfway down your forehead. If your helmet sits on top of your eyebrows, it is too big and will not protect you during a fall where your head strikes the floor. Additionally the strap of your helmet should fit comfortably over each ear (some straps are adjustable and some are not) and underneath your chin. A snug - yet comfortable - chin strap helps prevent the helmet from moving should you receive a blow to the head.

Remember these tips!
- Helmet resembles a tortoise shell with 2 protective ear humps.
- Place helmet snugly on head so straps fit directly over ears.
- The front of the helmet centers on the forehead.
- Snug the chin strap.


GEAR UP: YOUR MOUTH GUARD
Basic, gel and fitted mouth guards are your three basic choice categories. The fitted mouth guards are generally considered the most comfortable and best looking.

Your mouth guard should also fit comfortably in your mouth. The back ends of the mouth guard may be shortened to make breathing and speaking more comfortable, but should not be shortened so that teeth will hit each other should a skater receive a blow to the face. Your mouth guard should be molded to your teeth to provide for optimal protection. For obvious reasons, sharing a mouth guard is not recommended.

Remember these tips!
- One guard for each jaw in your mouth covering all teeth.
- Shorten ends (as needed) for breathing / speaking comfort.
- Upper and lower teeth should not meet together.
- The mouth guards will mold to your teeth.


GEAR UP: YOUR WRIST GUARDS
Wrist guards should be worn at all times and should have solid pieces that fit over the top and bottom of the wrist to prevent hyper-extension during a fall and to lessen the blow if impact should occur. Straps for wrist guards should be snugly held together by Velcro and allow the skater to move their hand and fingers comfortably. Tape down all loose Velcro straps on pads.

Remember these tips!
- Wrap strap around top & bottom of wrists to prevent hyper extension.
- Snug straps with Velcro to allow comfortable hand & finger movement.
- Tape down any loose Velcro straps on pads.


GEAR UP: YOUR ELBOW PADS
Elbow pads are a primary protective item in the inevitable case of a fall or strike. Elbow pads should be worn at all times and should include a hard plastic piece that fits over the elbow. Velcro should be intact so that straps holding the elbow guard on do not dislodge during any impact. Elbow pads should fit snugly around the arm and elbow, but not to cause loss of circulation. Tape down all loose Velcro straps on pads.

Remember these tips!
- Place pads so the hard plastic fits directly on elbows.
- Fit the pads snugly around arm and elbow.
- Tape down any loose Velcro straps


GEAR UP: YOUR KNEE PADS
Knee pads are a primary protective item in the inevitable case of a fall or strike. Knee pads should be worn at all times and should include a hard plastic piece that fits over the knee cap. Velcro should be intact so that straps holding the knee pad on does not slip down during any impact or a fall. Tape down all loose Velcro straps on pads. Knee pads should fit snugly around the leg and knee, but not to cause loss of circulation.

Remember these tips!
- Place pads so hard plastic piece fits directly on knees.
- Fasten Velcro strap on outside of thighs above kneecaps.
- Tape down loose Velcro straps.
- Knee pads should fit snugly around legs and knees.


GEAR UP: YOUR SKATES
Skates should be maintained regularly and checked for loose, broken or ill-fitting parts. Skates should fit a players feet snugly to provide maximum stability while skating. Loose, or broken parts, or improperly fitted skates can cause injury to the player wearing the skates and other players on the track. Skates should be laced tight over the top of the foot and laces should not be in danger of fraying and snapping during game play or practice. Skates should be placed on each foot much like a normal shoe. Lace the skate up securely.

Remember these tips!
- Put skates on each foot like normal shoes.
- Fit is very important for ankles and toes.
- Fit skates snugly providing maximum stability.
- Fit skates snugly providing maximum protection.
- Lace skates tight.