Founded in 2021 to bring roller derby to Bloomington, Indiana and neighboring communities, Bloomington Roller Derby is a non-profit skater owned recreational league welcoming skaters and supporters of all genders, sexual orientations, and skill levels to come play, watch, and enjoy flat track roller derby.

Our team presently has 35 members including skaters, coaches, and NSOs (non-skating officials), governed by a skater-run Board of Directors.

Learn about the Blockheads’ name origins here.

The Blockheads play flat track roller derby by WFTDA (Women's Flat Track Derby Association) regulations. Weekly practices are held year round, with scheduled bouts and scrimmages both at home and away.

In addition, the Blockheads host annual skills camps for new skaters and participate in special events such as, the local pride festivals and parades.

Anyone over the age of 18 is eligible to train and in-house scrimmage with us regardless of skill level, gender, or sexual orientation!

Skaters must be in good standing and hold WFTDA insurance to participate in scrimmages/bouts with other teams once they are considered an afiliated skater.

Learn more on our Become a Team Member page.

We follow WFTDA’s commitment to inclusive and anti-discrimination practices in relation to all transgender women, intersex women, and gender expansive participants, and aims to ensure that all skaters’, volunteers’, and employees’ rights are respected and protected. Click here for more info.

Weekly practices are held year round, twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays at Western Skateland (930 W 17th St, Bloomington, Indiana, 47404).

First time new skaters are always welcome to Wednesday practices. Contact us for more info on joining a Blockhead practice.

*Scrimmage and special event locations vary and will be announced with the event.

Yes! Everyone (new to skating, new to derby, or just new to the Blockheads) is welcome to join. All new first time skaters are welcome at Wednesday practices.

Rental skates are available from Western Skateland for $5 and safety gear may be borrowed from the Blockheads.

Contact us for more details!

Blockheads have loaner gear for brand new, first time skaters before you commit to buying gear.

Check out our Derby Gear page for more details.

Each skater is required to have the following gear which will typically cost around $300-$500:

• Quad skates with toe stops

• Helmet

• Mouth guard (must be provided by skater)

• Knee pads

• Elbow pads

• Wrist guards

In addition to gear, Bloomington Roller Derby League members pay $10 in monthly dues to support the team and pay $15 per month for Western Skateland’s rink membership where the team practices.

Each skater, once affiliated with the team, is also required to purchase WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) insurance annually ($75).

*Blockheads strive to minimize the cost barrier that comes with joining roller derby. Contact us with questions or concerns about cost if you are interested in joining us.

Yes! We are always looking for NSOs (non-skating officials) and volunteers to help with events and general Blockhead administration.

Contact us for more details!

Yes! Western Skateland is also home to Bloomington Banshees Roller Derby for skaters ages 7 - 17. Reach out to the Banshees directly for information on their practice and scrimmage schedule.

Yes! If the Blockheads were a TV show we’d recieve a PG rating.

Children 6 and under receive free admission to all Blockhead events. Kids of all ages will most definitely enjoy watching an action packed roller derby bout and the opportunity to meet the skaters.

Check out our The Game & Myths page to learn about how the game is played and common myths of roller derby.