Roller derby’s magnetic pull draws in an eclectic mix of people. Despite battling tired misconceptions (“Do you just skate around punching each other?”), participants are welcomed into a world of fun, growth, and friendship. Part of the allure of derby lies in its ability to draw both experienced athletes searching for an alternative to traditional sports as well as people of all abilities desiring a community that champions individuality. But amidst the adrenaline and camaraderie, an adversary looms larger than any rival faced on the track — burnout. As a volunteer-run endeavor in most cases, the sport demands dedication and grit from all involved. While roller derby’s DIY culture is one of its charms, it’s essential to acknowledge and address the emotional and physical impacts the sport can have on its members.
The Toxic Cycle of Stress, Burnout, and Resentment
Maintaining a balance between passion for roller derby and daily life is an ongoing challenge. Stress, overcommitment, and exhaustion fuel emotional fatigue, physical injuries, and bitterness among skaters. Trying to find an equilibrium between the sport and personal life often leads to guilt and resentment. One skater confesses, “Roller derby was once my escape, but now it’s a source of anxiety and exhaustion.”
Post-COVID-19, the pressure has intensified. Leagues that survived the pandemic have pushed hard to make up for lost time, as a skater shares: “Coming back from isolation, we knew we had to act fast and decisively to regain our footing, so we poured a ton of time and effort into doing just that.” Another adds, “We’re proud that our efforts helped our league bounce back, but many of us are starting to feel the effects of the breakneck pace we set for ourselves after returning from COVID.” The relentless efforts made by skaters to rebuild their leagues is a clear indication of devotion to the sport, but it has come at the expense of their mental health and overall well-being.
Interpersonal drama and uneven participation can escalate the stress. When members need a break, they may face flak from teammates for not pulling their weight. This lack of empathy can compound feelings of frustration and bitterness. If key members shouldering the brunt of the workload step away, the remaining crew is left to pick up the slack, creating a domino effect of burnout and resentment.
The burden of league management often falls on boards and committees. These tasks include conflict resolution, enforcing bylaws, collecting dues, ensuring financial stability, organizing events, recruiting new members, and preserving league culture. Given these demands, it’s no wonder that members may be reluctant to take on leadership roles. As one skater candidly shares, “My current role in derby is a balancing act between ensuring my league’s survival and maintaining my own sanity to actually be able to play the game.” Another skater acknowledges the challenges, stating, “In leadership roles, we’re forced to tackle difficult decisions and navigate drama, pushing us to our limits.”
As a result, veteran members frequently bear the weight of leadership responsibilities, leading to burnout and resentment. Newer members stepping into leadership roles may find themselves facing the same cycle of exhaustion and frustration when experienced skaters relinquish their duties.
Resentment’s Ripple Effect
Resentment in roller derby arises from various sources, including burnout, imbalances in league responsibilities, interpersonal conflicts, and juggling on-track and off-track demands. If left unchecked, the combination of burnout and resentment can push even the most dedicated skaters to take a break or quit altogether.
While skaters must acknowledge their role in managing their emotions, leagues must also support members by minimizing burnout triggers. Encouraging empathy and understanding within leagues helps alleviate burnout and resentment, cultivating a supportive environment that fosters long-term engagement and enjoyment of the sport. To achieve this, leagues must reevaluate policies, emphasize self-care, and address factors contributing to resentment, ultimately creating a healthier atmosphere for all.
Reworking League Policies for Sustainable Skating
Here’s a hard truth for league leadership: skaters’ well-being should be your top priority, not rankings or game schedules. It’s crucial to adopt non-negotiable measures like open communication, flexible attendance policies, manageable season schedules, and a genuine commitment to members’ health.
As one skater notes, “Feeling valued is honestly so important.” Keep this insight in mind when making decisions that affect your athletes’ experiences. No bout, ranking, or ambition is worth sacrificing the sanity of your skaters.
Many leagues are already reevaluating their attendance policies and gameplay schedules. If skaters consistently struggle to show up, take it as a clear sign that your league may need to reevaluate its attendance policy. Some have already decided to eliminate attendance requirements altogether, while others are paring them down significantly. And while our sport thrives on competition, it’s also important to address the issue of competitive play within the context of your league’s size and attendance. It’s critical for leaders to be realistic about capacity and consider focusing on building a solid recreational foundation rather than striving for an ultra-competitive environment. There’s nothing wrong with embracing a more casual approach to the sport if that better serves the needs and well-being of your skaters.
Resist the urge to continuously pack schedules during periods when major governing bodies, like the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), don’t sanction games. This “derby never stops” mentality perpetuates an unhealthy cycle of overwork and burnout. Instead, champion a balanced schedule that includes a genuine off-season. This will provide skaters with much-needed downtime to rest, grow personally, and enjoy life beyond derby.
Organize workshops, seminars, and support groups that educate members about burnout, mental health, and self-care. This commitment fosters a supportive environment where skaters feel empowered to share experiences and seek help when needed. It’s also crucial to establish channels for gathering continual feedback from your members. Actively listening to their concerns and ideas will ensure your league remains responsive to your skaters’ evolving needs.
Finally, remember that skaters are not just sources of membership dues; they are the backbone of your league. Regularly check in on them, offer support when needed, and work to create a nurturing environment that values each individual. If you’re a league leader, keep growth in your purview, but never lose sight of the talented individuals who make this sport what it is. Ignoring their needs risks skaters taking time away or retiring altogether, robbing our sport of its vitality and talent.
It’s worth noting that not all leagues have formal leadership structures in place. In these cases, prioritizing open communication and collaboration is a must. When power dynamics become unbalanced or frustrating, members have to be able to voice their concerns and work together to help distribute responsibilities. To achieve this in your league, you can work to implement informal leadership roles, ad-hoc committees, and a system for rotating tasks. Seek advice from leagues with formal leadership roles — after all, building relationships both within and beyond our leagues will foster the growth and progress of the entire roller derby community.
Sharing Responsibility & Cultivating Self-Care
Newsflash for skaters: it’s not just the responsibility of your league’s leadership to mitigate burnout. You probably joined roller derby partly for the community, and a solid community means everyone pitches in. It’s imperative to divide up the work and support each other like our lives depend on it — because our derby lives do.
If we keep dumping responsibilities on the same handful of people, they’ll inevitably crash and burn. We have to break the vicious cycle of overburdening a few dedicated people until they burn out and pass the torch, only for the next group to inherit the same overwhelming workload. To end this pattern, get involved by taking on leadership roles, volunteering your time, or simply asking how you can help. By sharing the responsibilities, we can foster a healthier balance for everyone. This collaborative effort not only supports the well-being of our community members but also contributes to a more sustainable and vibrant future for roller derby as a whole.
As a skater, you also play a vital role in managing your own stress and staving off burnout. It’s essential to take breaks, listen to your body, and seek professional help for any physical or mental health issues. Establishing clear boundaries between your derby life and personal life is crucial too, and remember to explore hobbies or activities outside of roller derby (even if it’s just skating in a different form). By putting self-care at the forefront, you’ll not only benefit your own well-being but also contribute to a healthier, more supportive league environment.
Extinguishing the Burnout Blaze
Ultimately, tackling burnout in roller derby is a responsibility that falls on every single one of us. We must collaborate and communicate openly to build an environment that empowers and nurtures athletes. As one skater states, “We’re in this together, so let’s rally to find ways to support each other and prioritize our own well-being.”
It starts with tearing down the barriers that prevent honest discussions about burnout. Communication is key, and every voice matters. By openly sharing our experiences, we’ll not only shed light on the issue but also uncover innovative ways to support each other and maintain a balanced lifestyle within the sport we love.
As roller derby continues to evolve, prioritizing burnout prevention will be crucial in shaping its future. Focusing on the well-being of our athletes will help us create a more sustainable environment for junior skaters as they age up and join adult leagues. By nurturing a culture that values balance, support, and seamless transitions, we’ll prevent potential culture shock that might deter young athletes, ensuring roller derby continues to grow and reach new heights. And who knows? Maybe we’ll even see it on ESPN on the regular one day — but we’re not holding our breath on that.