Return to Play

Rollin’ Back to Practice:

After a year plus of hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, the Hel’z Belles Roller Derby is finally able to begin the process of lacing up our shoes/skates to return to the track. As we return to normal with still active cases in our community, we take safety very seriously. As a league, we will follow the WFTDA’s Return to Play policy as it gives a step-by-step process to ensure skaters and other league members return to the sport we love as safely as possible.

The return to full derby will be done in phases (tiers) so skaters can get their skate legs back before adding full contact. Here is a brief outline of what to expect in the next few months:

Practice:

Times:

There will be two practices a week for 2 hours. This year there are some changes as to days and time. New days and times are:

Sundays from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wednesdays from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

The location for practices will be at the Salvation Army Gym located at 1905 Henderson Street with parking access on the north side of the gym off of Warehouse Street.

*SIGNING IN IS REQUIRED AT ALL PRACTICES FOR CONTACT TRACING AND EVENTUALLY DUES. Software is being looked at to assist with this, but until then a simpler method will be used.*

Safety:

Safety in regular times has always been important and the pandemic has not changed that, only added to it. As practices begin these are some of the key points for us all to stay safe while playing a contact sport.

If feeling sick or have had an exposure to Covid-19; then stay home. If in doubt stay home, we’ll miss you but understand your absence.
Strongly encourage individuals to wear a mask at practices.
If you need a break, TAKE IT. This is your body telling you something so listen, especially in the early stages of returning to play. Try to keep breaks short as possible to jump back in safely.
Take care of your gear, air it out and sanitize or wash it after each practice. Will prevent the overall gear stink and keep from spreading any unwanted germs.

Phases (Tiers) – WFTDA Return to Play Policy:

As the pandemic is still of concern, local cases will be monitored to make sure numbers stay within the recommended range. If cases go above the threshold, practices may be scaled back to a lower tier. The months stated below may change as needed.

Baseline: Off Skates – Outside in a park

This will begin in August with outdoor off-skates workouts in a park (location TBD). The focus will be conditioning along with strength and agility drills. There will be 2 levels, standard and advanced, and alternatives depending on air quality. The duration of this stage is for the month of August. Workouts will be posted along with links for individuals to know how to perform drills or activities if they are unable to attend sessions. These will begin to follow the practice times.

Dues: Not required

Tier 1: Return to Skates – No Contact

Begins in September by going back to the basics with a Bootcamp to refresh veteran skaters while teaching new people how to skate.

Dues: Begin collecting dues $40/month for member skaters

Boot Camp/Freshmeat: Class $80 (includes September boot camp and October practices)

Tier 2: League Restarts Contact Drills

Approximately begins in October with light contact. Contact is only for skaters that have been deemed safe by the training staff. Contact will be soft and not full force. Non-contact skaters will have alternative drills.

Dues: Return to the regular schedule of $40/month.

Tier 3: League-only Scrimmage and Full Contact

After a certain time if no increase in cases, move into full-contact practices. Full contact is only for skaters that have been deemed safe by the training staff. Non-contact skaters will have alternative drills.

Tier 4: Return to Inter-League Game Play in Region

In-state games can begin. The goal for this stage is to be able to participate in a December 4th mixer bout in Great Falls.