Roller Derby Welcome Packet

[Trick or BeatHer]

Hi Everyone,
I have been asked to put together a welcome letter/packet for our new skaters who are attending our recruitment night. I want it to include a welcome letter, our waivers, ect. In your opinion what should the welcome letter itself contain? A brief history? Gear list? Help I need ideas!

[MANY_SkatingDave]

Hi,

I know you are looking for lots of paper stuff and ideas which is good.

Yet what I think is important after all these years is the key things to do when NOT at a Derby practice. The stuff you do at Home when No One is looking. Basically getting the gals ready Off_Line to be Derby prepared. This will also reduce injury.

I would put several things on that magnet, including step work for the ankle and knees, calves; plus star lunges and more. Yet brain storm and figure out what you want on that magnet. And look at old injuries that could have been lessened by better preparedness.

Yours in Skating, MA/NY Skating Dave
P.S. My idea comes from lawn care magnets and a few others that help you the newbie remember what is important.

[WJCIV]

We had one for our speed team, and most of the stuff is directly transferable. This is off the top of my head, so some things might be missing.

• Contact sheet for the coaches.
• Drylands sheet: the off skate exercises we are expected to do a couple times a week for the next few months. It takes about 20 minutes per session done correctly.
• Calendar for the next month of practices.
• Meet schedule for the upcoming year.
• Skater Expectations (required signature) including equipment required to be on the practice floor.
• Parent Expectations (required signature).
• Waivers (required signature).
• One page nutrition guide: when you eat what matters. After a strength workout you want a protein heavy snack with some carbs right away. We can debate whether you want a more carb heavy meal within a couple of hours.

The gear thing is interesting. It's not a bad idea, but I wouldn't go too overboard with it. Each foot and person is different, and floor conditions come into play. If you have a knowledgeable coach I would recommend telling people to conference with that person before making any gear decisions (on the skate side - pads are less finicky).

[Trick or BeatHer]

Originally Posted by MANY_SkatingDave

Hi,

I know you are looking for lots of paper stuff and ideas which is good.

Yet what I think is important after all these years is the key things to do when NOT at a Derby practice. The stuff you do at Home when No One is looking. Basically getting the gals ready Off_Line to be Derby prepared. This will also reduce injury.

I would put several things on that magnet, including step work for the ankle and knees, calves; plus star lunges and more. Yet brain storm and figure out what you want on that magnet. And look at old injuries that could have been lessened by better preparedness.

Yours in Skating, MA/NY Skating Dave
P.S. My idea comes from lawn care magnets and a few others that help you the newbie remember what is important.

WOW Love the idea for magnets and reminders at home! Thank you!

[MANY_SkatingDave]

Hi Trick,

Glad you like this really old idea that works.

Originally Posted by Trick or BeatHer

WOW Love the idea for magnets and reminders at home! Thank you!

Get a Sponsor for your team on that Magnet. A Sponsor will love it when they know your team members or fresh meat are looking at them each day. It can be a Derby sell place or clothes or whatever even a super market.

This is one of those ideas that work on multiple levels to help your gals and your team.

Yours in Skating, MA/NY Skating Dave