Skaters
Interested in skating with the league? Let us show you the ropes!
New Skaters
Want to learn the skating skills you need for roller derby? We hold a learn to skate program, or Fresh Meat, once a year. Fresh Meat is a 12-week program that will teach you the basics of stance, falls, and stops, then progresses to skating in a pack, before getting to contact with other skaters.
You don’t need experience to join Fresh Meat! We accept anyone from absolute beginners, to those who have skated a lot before – you just have to be over the age of 19.
If you are interested in becoming a skating referee, Fresh Meat is also for you! While skaters intending to play roller derby begin learning contact, you will be learning referee-specific skills.
Sign up to receive updates about our Fresh Meat program!
Transfer Skaters
If you are currently skating for another league and are moving to St. John's and want to skate with us, please contact us directly to transfer into the league.
If it has been more than three months since you have skated with your former league, we’ll need to assess your minimum skills. We can coordinate with you directly to plan an assessment.
If it's been a while since you've skated, consider joining our Fresh Meat program to get back into the swing of things and to get to know our league.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Fresh Meat happen?
Once a year, usually in the Fall. You will practice once a week over the course of 12 weeks and will learn all the skills necessary to join the league.
Exact practice times may change from year to year, but generally, Fresh Meat is held on Tuesday evenings.
How much does Fresh Meat cost?
Exact program fees may change from year to year, but generally, Fresh Meat dues are $100.
Referees complete the program for free!
I just missed Fresh Meat, is there another way I can join the league before next year?
Our Fresh Meat program is the only way for beginners to join the league.
If you want to get involved with the league before the next Fresh Meat session, volunteering or officiating are great ways to get to know the community!
Learn more about our volunteers and officials.
What equipment do I need for Fresh Meat?
You will need your own protective gear to participate in Fresh Meat. Derby is a contact sport, and we need to take safety seriously.
The following are required at all practices:
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Quad skates
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Knee pads
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Elbow pads
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Wrist guards
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Mouth guard
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Helmet that covers the back of the head. No bike helmets.
If getting your own gear is a barrier to your participation, please contact us directly and we can help!
I want to learn how to ref, is Fresh Meat for me?
If you are interested in becoming a skating referee, Fresh Meat is for you! Non-skating officials are not required to join Fresh Meat.
Learn more about what each type of official does!
I'm not sure I want to play roller derby, can I try before signing up for Fresh Meat?
We regularly run recruitment events that offer participants the opportunity to try quad skating and learn some basics of roller derby before enrolling in our Fresh Meat program.
During a recruitment event, we teach participants basic skating form, including: finding your balance, "derby stance", strides, falling, and stopping. We also provide information about the sport and introduce you to the coaching staff, executive board, as well as some skaters and referees.
Don't have any gear? Not to worry! Let us know when you sign up for the next recruitment event and we'll lend you some gear.
We are not currently open for registration for our recruitment events or our Fresh Meat program. Our next registration cycle will open late summer 2026.
If you would like to know more about joining our league, please contact us directly and we would be happy to help!
Want to volunteer instead?
709 Roller Derby welcomes new volunteers and non-skating officials year round! Volunteering your time with 709 Roller Derby is a great way to get to know the game and the league before joining Fresh Meat.