2026 Season Tryouts — 10/23 (Callbacks: 10/30)

Our annual tryouts for the upcoming season are fast approaching. There will be at least one tryout for the 2026 season, though another may be added later in the season. Read on for more information, and sign up for our newsletter to hear about future open tryout dates. In order to tryout, you absolutely must register here!

Am I eligible to be a Gotham skater?

Gotham welcomes cisgender, transgender and intersex women and gender non-conforming participants aged 18 or older. Those aged 6 - 17 are eligible to join our Juniors program. 

If you have ever skated with an actively competing league for a minimum of one calendar year, you may be eligible to transfer into Gotham outside of the yearly open tryout. Please contact transfers@ggrd.nyc for further eligibility requirements.

When and where are tryouts?

Open tryouts will take place on Thursday, October 23 (6:30 - 8:30pm) with callbacks on Thursday, October 30 (7 - 8:30pm).

Both dates will take place at the roller rink at Riverbank State Park in Harlem (679 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10031). Gotham may also schedule tryouts open only to transfers at other times of year.

In order to tryout, you must register by clicking here.

Why is there a fee to tryout, and what is it?

Unfortunately, renting a practice space in NYC is extremely financially challenging. The one-time tryout fee of $30 is used to cover the cost of the rink for both days of tryouts. We thank you for your understanding! (Note: Current Gotham Basic Training skaters will receive a separate registration link to tryout at a reduced rate.)

What is the tryouts process like?

There are three steps: In the initial tryout, you will be evaluated on skates with a small group of skaters. After this step, there will be a cut. Skaters who make the first cut will participate in a callback session that includes both on-skates derby gameplay scenarios and a very brief interview. After this, there will be another cut.

Skaters who make the second cut will enter a four week training/probationary period at the beginning of the next season. At the end of this period, a third cut may happen. All remaining skaters will then become full members of Gotham.

How can I get ready for and sign-up for tryouts?

First, you absolutely must register here if you’re planning to try out!

Throughout the year, we offer different levels of training in Gotham's Basic Training.

Endurance is integral to roller derby gameplay. Working on cardio and strengthening your quads, glutes and core muscles will help you to be ready for tryouts.

Additionally, there are a few rinks in the New York City area with open hours for the public where you can work on your skating, such as Riverbank State Park in upper Manhattan and LeFrak at Lakeside in Prospect Park.

Finally — get to know us! Come see our games. Get to know the rules. Signup for our newsletter to keep up with our activities. Volunteer to find out how we pull it all together. Join our Jeerleaders or become an Official.

What do I need to be able to do at tryouts?

You will need to have strong skating skills. Some of the things we will be evaluating in tryouts are:

Skating & derby skills:

• Forward & backward skating

• Balance

• Skating form

• Various stops

• Ability to fall in a safe and controlled manner

• Ability to make and receive contact

• Endurance

Other:

• Positive attitude

• Basic knowledge of the sport

• Ability to listen and apply new knowledge

• Ability to pick up new skills quickly

• Time commitment and availability

What equipment will I need for tryouts?

Every skater is required to wear a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads, a mouth guard and quad roller skates. We do not loan out gear for tryouts.

Will I be put on a team if I'm selected at tryouts?

Skaters who are selected to join Gotham will have a four-week probationary period during which time they must meet league attendance requirements and sign-up for a volunteer committee. Once probation is completed you'll become a full member of the league and be drafted to a home team.

How much of a commitment is required to be a Gotham skater?

You will be expected to attend league and team practices. The minimum requirement in order to remain an active skater is ~10 practice hours per month.

In addition to making practice attendance, everyone is required to work at games. We are a skater run organization, so we also require you to work on a committee for roughly 6 hours per month and attend meetings to remain an active member. Additionally, skaters are required to pay monthly dues that help to pay for Gotham's operational costs.

Despite the time commitment, any skater will tell you that it is completely worth it. And you instantly have dozens of siblings in New York City and many more in the thousands of leagues around the world!

If I have more questions, who do I ask?

Please feel free to email us at tryouts@ggrd.nyc. We hope to see you on the track!