Roller derby is a sport of speed, strategy, serious hits…and the supernatural?
From pre-bout rituals to post-scrimmage routines, derby players tend to carry their own personal superstitions and rituals. Maybe it’s part habit, part magic, but whatever the reason, these rituals are stitched into the fabric of the sport just as much as derby kisses (bruises) and game day eyeliner.
Whether it’s rocking a specific pair of lucky socks, refusing to wash a winning jersey, or always gearing up in the exact same order, derby skaters aren’t shy about their quirks. Outsiders might roll their eyes at our superstition; but we’re just doing what it takes to win, even if there’s a spooky twist.
With Halloween just around the corner and our next game—the Black & Blue Ball—happening right after on November 1st, we wanted to explore the superstitious and ritualistic side of derby.
We asked a few FoCo Roller Derby skaters to share their personal superstitions and game day rituals. Here’s what they had to say:
🎃 Jacklyn Hyde:
“Derby superstitions are fun! I always have to write my own numbers on before scrim or games or else I think it’ll make me get hurt (that’s why I always kindly decline folx helping me write my numbers on at practice.”
“Also my favorite set of wheels that I’ve had forever that are literally falling apart, I have to have the most chipped one on the right foot, front right corner for good luck. It’ll be a sad day when it finally breaks.”
🦄 Slayer Moon:
“I wear my lucky unicorn socks, at least for the big games.” “I actually have 2 pairs of lucky unicorn socks that I switch between.”
Here’s a pic—because obviously they deserve to be seen.
🍕 Mickey Mayhem & Crusher:
“We always grab a slice of mac and cheese pizza from Slyce after practices or scrimmages. It’s become our post-derby ritual.”
🛡️ Parks n’ Wreck:
“For every single practice and game, I have to put on my left knee pad before the right. Other gear can go on in any order but the knee pads HAVE to go in that order.”
Whether it’s a pair of socks, a slice of pizza, or a haunted wheel hanging on by a thread—derby superstitions run deep. Want to see if they really work? Come find out at the Black & Blue Ball on November 1st. We’ll bring the hits—you bring the cheers (and maybe a tiara).
On game day, players will be trading jerseys for homecoming dresses and tuxes and bringing a creepy-cute day-after-Halloween energy to the track, and maybe even incorporating some of these traditions. You do not want to miss this costumed spectacle!
🎃💃 Homecoming dresses. Hits. Halloween vibes. Derby chaos.
Don’t miss it.