The Process
Here are some steps to help you pick the perfect derby name:
- Brainstorm: Start by making a list of keywords that describe you, your interests, your job, or whatever makes you unique.
- Research: Check out any existing derby names.
- Verb or Noun: Decide on whether you want to use a verb or a noun.
- Play with words: Alter any words you like to make them fitting for the derby.
What does the name Derby mean? Derby as a boy’s name is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Derby is “park with deer“.
Create your derby name using the following guidelines:
- Keep It Short: No one will yell “Hyped Up squad” as it is too long.
- Reflect Your Personality: Your derby name should relate to; be it a pun, a joke or your favourite things.
Finding Inspiration
Many skaters gravitate towards witty names riffing on celebrity names, skating puns, or innuendo. Some of the coolest nicknames in derby are Suzy Hotrod, OMG WTF, Kamikaze Kitten.
When choosing, consider:
- Make it Memorable: Classic names are short, sweet, and often puns.
- Consider Spelling and Pronunciation: Think about how your name will be spelled and pronounced.
Roller Derby Basics
What is Roller Derby?
Roller derby is a roller skating contact sport played on an oval track by two teams of five skaters. It is played by approximately 1,250 amateur leagues worldwide, mostly in the United States. A 60-minute roller derby game, or bout, is a series of two-minute timed jams. Each team, typically with a roster of 15, fields five skaters during each jam: one jammer, designated with a star on their helmet, and four blockers. The jammer scores a point for each opposing blocker they lap.
The Playing Field
A roller derby game is called a bout. There are two halves played, which last 30 minutes each. The teams skate as many jams (runs a maximum of 2 minutes per jam) as they can until time runs out.
Where roller derby skaters play is typically called a roller derby track. The track has an oval shape, with action starting at a designated point and moving in a so-called pack, as they score points and try to keep the other team from scoring points.
Rules of Engagement
The basic rules of roller derby are simple. Skaters cannot use their heads, elbows, forearms, hands, knees, lower legs, or feet to make contact with opponents.
The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association is the international governing body for women’s flat track roller derby and facilitates league collaboration and networking. Most modern leagues share a strong "do it yourself" (DIY) ethic, combining athleticism with elements from various cultural aesthetics.