Most RollerCon skating events are classified based on the skating skill level they’re intended for. See the event (drop down menu under “events” on the main menu) page for specifics about a particular skating event.

As a general rule:

• Open Skate is scheduled *even* hours and is open to all skating skills and all Skater or MVP pass holders with validated insurance. Its just like going to a rink, except that its unlikely you’ll get in trouble from a rink monkey for skating fast or for working with a friend on blocking, unless you’re being a jerk and bothering uninvolved skaters. Open skate is a great time to warm up, or grab that skater you’re impressed with and ask him/her to help you with a skill!
• Scrimmage Sessions are scheduled *odd* hours, and have posted skater levels for each hour long session, available to Skater or MVP pass holders with validated insurance. Some sessions are co-ed or single sex, others single sex, which means everyone in a particular jam self-identifies as the same gender. More info.
• 30 Min Challenges are available for Level 1+ skill levels and the level is noted. Challenges are booked in advance, mostly on our forums, and are open to all Skater or MVP pass holders with validated insurance. Level 1 challenges are all single-sex, and are usually scheduled for off-peak hours. Level 2+ Challenges are single sex or Co-ed, depending on the captains. More info.
• Full-Length Bouts are Level 2+ and the captains are responsible for enforcing skill levels. Bouts are at noon and dinner, and are booked in advance, mostly on our forums. All Level 2+ Skater or MVP pass holders with validated insurance are eligible to bout. More info.
• Training Sessions are available for ALL skating skill levels (including rookies) all day and night, and skill level is noted. On-skates training sessions are open to MVP pass holders with validated insurance, only. On skates training is not available for Skater pass holders. More info.

Rookie
A rookie skater is brand new, and has passed or is attempting to pass the WFTDA minimum skating skills standards. She may not yet be confident on her skates or with contact. Rookie events at RollerCon may include limited light contact, but skaters will be asked to execute proper safety precautions. There are no Rookie Challenges.

CHALLENGE LEVEL 1: Beginner
Beginners may be newish to derby, but they can skate and they are safe. They have (or can) pass the WFTDA minimum skating skills standards and are ready to start or have recently started bouting, usually for their home teams. Beginner events are full contact. Many intermediate classes are available to beginners, but coaches may ask them to sit out some drills.
Beginner Challenges are all single-sex, and are usually scheduled in off-peak hours.

CHALLENGE LEVEL 2: Home Team Bouter
Has passed minimum skills and bouts intra-league for a home team. They understand rules and most common strategies, and can usually execute them with and against familiar skaters. A lot of skaters that can’t travel but have skated several years fall in this category. They don’t usually have a lot of experience skating on unfamiliar floors or against unfamiliar opponents, but adapt quickly. All classes are open to Home Team bouters. Interleague “B” team players (especially from new or isolated leagues) sometimes also fall into this category.

CHALLENGE LEVEL 3: Intermediate / A-team Interleague Bouter
Currently bouting and have interleague experience, but are always looking for ways to improve their skating and bouting skills. They understand the rules of the game and common strategic tactics (walls, goats, speeding, slowing), and can execute them with and against unfamiliar skaters. They play on their league’s travel or all-star team, A or B level (for experienced leagues). They can hold their own with the vets, but not necessarily kick their asses every single time. They might sometimes warm the bench on their all-star team, but they’re eager to get on the track. Intermediate events are full contact.

CHALLENGE LEVEL 4: Advanced
Starters. They’re the skaters everyone fears. They clearly understand the game and can skate very well. Advanced skaters are starters on their league’s travel or all-star team, and understand and can play any position. Advanced skaters are able to execute strategic tactics and help less confident skaters achieve more in the pack, as well. Advanced events are full contact and often co-ed.

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PLEASE NOTE:
The training, opinions, findings, and conclusions offered during Rollercon are those of the authors or speakers and not necessarily those of the speaker’s league, the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association or the hosts or planners of the RollerCon conference. The materials and information presented are for informational purposes only & are not legal advice or counsel. Information gathered should be modified to fit your own personal needs, business models, athletic competence, health concerns and limitations, and state requirements. All skaters should execute proper safety precautions prior to attempting any skills demonstrated or shown. All RollerCon registrants participate in conference events solely at their own risk.

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Ask yourself these questions to really figure out how your skill level compares.
These questions don’t come out with set answers like a Cosmo test (”0-15: You’re a Home Bouter!”). They are just listed to give you an idea of criteria you might use to make an accurate self-assessment.

Using your gut instincts, where do you think you belong?
(Rookie / Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced)

Have you suffered a recent injury (of any intensity) that may impede your performance or limit your range of motion or ability to react quickly?

How much INTRA-league (your home team vs another team in your league) experience, in seasons of at least 4 bouts per year, have you had?
- none
- less than a whole season
- between one and two seasons
- between two and three seasons
- between three and four seasons
- between four and five seasons
- between five and six seasons
- between six and seven seasons
- I have been playing since the very first competitive game in TX in 2001 or 2 (depending on who you ask)

How much INTER-league (your league vs someone else’s) experience, in seasons of at least 3 interleague bouts per year, have you had?
Like it or not, playing strangers in unfamiliar, often uncomfortable environments, sometimes jet-lagged and often incontinent or constipated - well, sorry, but that makes a BIG difference in your experience level.
- none
- less than a whole season
- between one and two seasons
- between two and three seasons
- between three and four seasons
- between four and five seasons
- I can’t count so I think I’ve played more than 5 interleague seasons
- I played roller derby before the recent generation of DIY derby

Lots of random questions to help you self-assess:
I play on my league’s: (home team / all-star interleague / B-team interleague / I am not playing competitively yet)
I am or have been a captain or co-captain of my: (home team / all-star interleague / B-team interleague / n/a)
I am or have been coaching my: (league / home team / all-star interleague / B-team interleague / n/a)
I have played in a multi-game roller derby tournament (Y/N)
I have played with or against a DNN Power-Ranked or Top 20 WFTDA-ranked team (Y/N)
I have played with or against a Top-10 DNN Power-Ranked or WFTDA-ranked team (while they held Top 10 ranking) (Y/N)
I have played with or against male skaters in a scrimmage or bout situation (Y/N)
I *would* play with or against male skaters in a scrimmage or bout situation (Y/N)
I have played or scrimmaged on a banked track (Y/N)
I would play or scrimmage on a banked track (Y/N)
I have played or scrimmaged on uneven surfaces (ex: full-contact scrimmage in a parking lot or basketball court) (Y/N)
I like to play (as much as possible / at least every other jam / at least 4 jams per half / I need to rest between jams for a few)
I need a rest before or after I jam (Y / N / I don’t jam)

Choose as many options as appropriate:
What positions do you play in scrimmage: (pivot / blocker / jammer / all / n/a)
What positions do you play in home bouts: (pivot / blocker / jammer / all / n/a)
What positions do you play in interleague bouts: (pivot / blocker / jammer / all / n/a)
What is your favorite position: (pivot / blocker / jammer / all)