Levels of Play
A Team - The Rangers
For experienced skaters who are working to make a competitive roster in either MRDA or WFTDA sanctioned play with the goal of being on an elite level team.
Goal:
Qualify for MRDA or WFTDA Championships each fall and compete against some of the best derby teams in the world.
Who it’s for:
- Highly committed, competitive skaters
Skaters consistently demonstrating:
- Strong skating
- High game IQ
- Solid contact control and strategy
- Strong attendance and team-first attitude
How selection works:
This is a performance-based team. Rosters are chosen based on:
- Skill
- Commitment
- Coach evaluation
Tryouts are typically held twice a year, but: We are always recruiting highly skilled, committed skaters. Strong transfers and experienced skaters may be invited to join outside of formal tryouts.
If you’re an experienced skater transferring from another league and interested in the All Star Team, reach out to skate@caderby.com for an assessment or transfer conversation.
B Team - The Red Flags
Geared towards skaters who plan on traveling and competing regionally and nationally against other B level MRDA and WFTDA teams. - Can compete for a spot on The Rangers throughout the season.
This team exists to:
- Feed into the All Star Team as skaters improve
- Give skaters meaningful travel and game experience
- Raise the overall level of play within the league
Who it’s for:
- Skaters who are bout-experienced
- Consistent with practice attendance
- Actively working on strategy, communication, and teamwork
- Looking to push themselves beyond local rec play
How selection works:
The B Team is chosen through tryouts and coach evaluation.
Commitment expectations:
- Regular practice attendance
- Willingness to travel for select games/tournaments
- Focus on development and team systems
If your goal is to eventually skate on the All Star Team, the B Team is often your next step.
Rec Team - The Hitchhikers
This entry - mid level team is focused on local and regional game play with the primary focus to improve both skating and derby skills.
The Rec Team:
Functions more like a pickup-style team
Focuses on:
- Fun, safe gameplay
- Local games and scrimmages
- Building confidence and skills in a lower-pressure environment
- Commitment is lighter than Travel or B Team
It's for skaters who:
- Meet the basic skill requirements
- Want to play games, but aren’t ready or able to commit to travel-level expectations
Games & Schedule:
Games are generally within Southern California. Expect:
- Occasional local bouts/scrimmages
- Theme nights and fun matchups
- A strong emphasis on enjoyment, growth, and community
This is the perfect fit if you want to keep derby fun and flexible while still learning real gameplay and strategy.
New Skaters
California Roller Derby uses Skateworld’s Skate Academy as the primary pathway into our adult derby program.
New skaters begin with Skate Academy Levels 1–3, building strong foundational skating skills. Once all three levels are completed, skaters may attend Fundamentals of Derby on Tuesday evenings from 7:45–8:30 PM. Fundamentals focuses on derby-specific skills, rules, and safe contact.
After joining Fundamentals of Derby, skaters may attend an official CA-RD tryout or be evaluated by coaching staff for placement into California Roller Derby.
Already have derby experience?
If you are a current or former derby player interested in joining CA-RD, please fill out the registration form at the top of this page so our coaching staff can review your background.
Visiting and just looking to drop in for a practice?
Please email skate@caderby.com before attending.
Junior Skates ages 7-17
Interested in Youth Derby? San Diego Youth Roller Derby is part of the CA-RD family. Head over to the SDYRD page for more info!
