In 2012 Skate Australia and Sports Business Partners conducted a survey that looked at participant and consumer engagement insights into roller sports. The survey documented the ways that participants view Roller Derby, and found that 71% of those surveyed saw injury or falling as the worst part of the sport. Furthermore, fear of injury was a big deciding factor in whether an individual would take up the sport, or continue with it long term.
Coupled with an alarming number of insurance claims, this evidence demonstrated that Skate Australia needed to develop strategies to reduce the risk and frequency of injury among its member skaters in order to ensure the future growth and sustainability of Roller Derby.
In late 2012 Skate Australia commenced discussions with strength and conditioning specialists PropelPerform to develop a program specific to Roller Derby. The consultant in charge of the project researched and observed Roller Derby athletes in order to develop some effective strategies to empower all leagues to improve the safety and lifespan of their skaters.
It was recognized that in order to ensure maximum take-up the program needed to be simple and accessible with the ability to incorporate into any training schedule.
Now in it’s pilot stage, the program is ready to be run in every State and Territory for coaches and senior skaters. The presenter will equip these individuals with the basic tools they need to take back to their league, and will also provide ongoing support after the course takes place.
It is important to note that this is the ONLY injury prevention or strength and conditioning program designed specifically for derby in Australia, and the world. Skate Australia are in discussions with the WFTDA to utilise this research on a global scale.
This course provides useful tools for coaches, captains and their skaters to make their bodies ready for the sport of roller derby and recognise potential injuries before they take place.