Fairbanks Roller Derby (FBXRD) operates as a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the development of amateur athletes for local, national and international roller derby competition. We strive to empower all genders and act as positive role models for young people in and around the Fairbanks North Star Borough and are dedicated to supporting our community.
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We acknowledge that these lands on which we reside are the unceded ancestral lands and waters of the Tanana Dene people who stewarded them for thousands of years and continue to steward them.
History of Fairbanks Roller Derby
In 2008 local entrepreneur Michelle "Bad Lady" Maynor, with a history of drag racing in her blood, felt the need for speed of a different kind- speed on skates! Joined by a group of like-minded women, "Banks City" was born. Since it's inception in Ester, Alaska "Banks City" morphed into the Fairbanks Rollergirls, developing a membership including skaters, referees, non-skating officials, and volunteers.
In 2011, the Fairbanks Rollergirls introduced two house teams- Gold Diggers and Raven Rebels and soon thereafter were accepted as full members of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, the official governing body of Women's Flat Track Roller Derby.
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Due to a decline in membership, in 2015 Fairbanks Rollergirls made the decision to dissolve the two original house teams and move forward as one unified entity.
In 2022 Fairbanks Roller Girls evolved into Fairbanks Roller Derby and became the first gender-inclusive league in Interior Alaska. In May of 2024, skaters from the league, joined others from around the Alaska and the Yukon, to participate in the Breaking Bread Bout, the first public appearance of skaters in Fairbanks in six years!
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Today, the league continues to grow in a rebuilding phase, and is enthusiastically inviting folks to grab a pair of skates, a mouthguard, and to join them on the track!
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm new to derby but really want to play. How do I get started?
Even if you have no experience we will teach you how to skate, fall, block, and other skills required to play derby safely. We have skates and protective gear to loan out, but skaters will need to supply their own mouth guard.
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When and where are practices?
The regular roller derby season runs from September to May. During this period, we practice on Mondays from 6:30pm to 8:30pm and Thursdays from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Depending on the our skaters availability this may change in the future. We practice in town near the university. Contact us for additional details!
What equipment do I need to play?
You will need a pair of quad roller skates. Roller blades are not allowed for practice and please feel free to contact us before purchasing anything so we can give good beginner recommendations. Protective gear include: helmet, mouth guard, elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards. We do have loaner gear for use depending on available sizes. Feel free to contact us for any gear questions before purchasing anything!
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Is there any financial costs to playing roller derby?
Skates and protective gear costs can range anywhere from $200 - $1000+++ We recommend trying out some loaner gear first to get a feel for what to buy or asking us questions before making any purchases. Skating with Fairbanks Roller Derby will also require monthly dues ($50) that helps us pay for our practice space and keeping the team running in general. We offer 3 free skate practices with loaner gear for use when available so that folks can see if they like this wonderful sport. We do offer scholarships that can cover dues as well so please let us know if this is something that you'd be interested in. For safety and protection we require all of our skaters to have their own health insurance (private, federal, or with Indian Health Service). In addition to personal insurance we also require specific roller derby insurance through WFTDA (Women's Flat Track Derby Association). WFTDA insurance or WFTDi is an annual payment of $75 and this is required 4 weeks after joining our team.
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How long until I get to play in a game, and how often will I get to play?
Our volunteer trainers will teach you everything you need to know about how to skate and play roller derby. Once you have passed your minimum skill requirements that determine if you're able to play safely, you will be able to participate in our scrimmages. Scrimmages are informal and held during regular practice time. These are where you can learn the rhythm of the game before we thrust you in front of screaming fans! There are also ample opportunities to play in travel games around the state.
What are some other ways I can get involved if I don't want to play?
We are always looking for skaters to join our amazing team of skating officials! If you take the WFTDA training courses and become a dues paying member you can join us for practices. From there on you will gain experience at our scrimmages and house team games.
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Don't want to be on skates? Not a problem! Non-skating officials (NSO's) are vital to running scrimmages and games by keeping track of penalties, time, and importantly the score! If you're interested in becoming a NSO, please contact us.
Why should I choose Fairbanks Roller Derby?
Because skating is super fun. You'll get to skate with some rad individuals, you'll learn a new skill, and you'll get to your on your fitness in the process! What's not to like??
We promote the spectacle, but we play the sport. We understand that derby has a certain titillating reputation, but above all we are athletes.
What is FBXRD'S gender policy?
We are a gender inclusive league which includes, but is not limited to, gender queer, gender fluid, transgender, nonbinary, male, and two spirit people. We accept all adults over 18.
Get Involved In Other Ways: Be An Official!
​Derby wouldn't be possible without officials, both on-skates and off. FBXRD Officials work with officials from around the state to keep our bouts safe and moving.
You don’t need to be able to skate to be an official. FBXRD Officials include Skating Officials/referees and Non-Skating Officials who are scorekeepers, stats keepers, scoreboard operators, jam timers, and more. We will train you to understand the game, to know and understand the rules, and to communicate effectively.
Being an FBXRD Official means being part of a team, being up close and personal at the bouts, opportunities to travel to away games and tournaments, and the chance to hang with some of the coolest people in town!
FBXRD is recruiting for officials! Contact training@fairbanksrollerderby.org for more info.
Get in Touch!
Want to learn how to roller skate?
Want to play roller derby?
Want to learn how to be a skating official or non skating official?
Email us today!