Roller derby league's recruitment drive hit by venue woes

Rotorua's roller derby league is having trouble finding a venue. Photo/file

Rotorua's roller derby league, the Sulphur City Steam Rollers, have been forced to postpone their new recruit intake indefinitely due to a lack of venue availability.

The team hold two membership drives per year and was scheduled to hold the Open Skate Night tonight where members of the public could find out what it takes to play, referee or officiate.

Currently members train two nights a week at the Toi Ohomai Recreation Centre where they have had regular bookings for years.

However, to take new members, they would need a third training session of up to three hours. With Toi Ohomai's full booking schedule, the league are unable to secure any extra trainings.

Members of the Steam Rollers' committee have contacted all suitable venues in the Rotorua area and have been turned down either due to the venue being fully booked by majority sports, or because of the misconception that skates "damage" gym floors.

The Steam Rollers have offered references from reputable venues to state their activities have not damaged the venues they've trained or played in but have still been denied.

With roller derby leagues continuing to be established in New Zealand and around the world, the Sulphur City Steam Rollers said they will fall behind if they are not able to grow their membership.

They ask that any business or organisation with floor space of either a regulation basketball size, or 33m x 23m that is available for three hours per week (potential for this to grow), consider hiring this space to them. They are also looking to looking into lease options.

While the Open Skate Night has been postponed, the league still invite those interested in roller derby to attend an open training tonight from 6:30pm.

Locals will be able to watch the league prepare for their first game of the New Zealand Top 10 Derby Tournament being held on August 13 in Palmerston North.