Who We Are
Athens Ohio Roller Derby (AORD) is a skater-owned and operated amateur non-profit organization comprised of women+ from Athens, Ohio and the surrounding region. Following the rules and ethics set forth by the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), we represent the spirit of Appalachian resilience, community, and determination through the sport of roller derby.
We are a grassroots organization built by the hands of women+ who have and will continue to inspire the love of roller derby to our community. From humble beginnings to packed arenas, we've grown into a vital part of the Athens community while staying true to our grassroots origins
Our Teams
AORD consists of two competitive teams:
The Appalachian Hell Betties - Our A team representing AORD in higher-level competition.
The Black Diamond Betties - Our B team that provides additional competitive opportunities and development for skaters. This expansion has allowed our league to grow and provide more opportunities for skaters at various skill levels.
We also offer a Wreck Skater (recreational) program for those who want to participate on a more flexible basis. Wreck skaters come from all skill levels - some are newer to the sport while others are highly experienced athletes. What unites them is the need for a more flexible commitment option. This month-to-month membership allows skaters to attend practices without the attendance requirements of competitive roster eligibility. While Wreck skaters have no minimums for continued participation, they need to attend at least 4 practices in a 30-day period to participate in scrimmages. Skaters can move between rosterable and wreck status as their circumstances change, with a probationary period required when transitioning to roster eligibility.
For those new to roller derby, our Learn to Skate Derby (L2SD) program provides a structured 10-week introduction to the sport's fundamentals. Upon completion, graduates can choose the membership option that best suits their goals and availability, whether that's joining one of our competitive teams or participating as a wreck skater.
Who Can Join
We accept those who wish to referee, compete, skate recreationally, and/or participate off-skates. An individual who identifies as a trans woman, intersex woman, and/or gender expansive may skate with AORD if women's flat track roller derby is the version and composition of roller derby with which they most closely identify.
AORD is committed to fostering the empowerment of people of all races, communities, national origins, gender expressions, sexual orientations, ages, and body types by serving as positive athletic role models.
Our Impact
AORD instills a sense of community, camaraderie, loyalty, hard work, competitiveness, and family among the skaters and throughout the organization and the Athens community. We could not play the sport we love without community support.
As a non-profit, we show our community and supporters appreciation through charitable contributions of money, food donations, and volunteer labor to organizations whose missions match our own. Since 2010, we've proudly partnered with local non-profit organizations who share our values.
League Structure and Goals
AORD operates via a democratically elected board of directors. We support the advancement of the sport of roller derby worldwide by providing the skills training necessary for participation in inter-league competition at the local, state, and national levels.
Our long-term goals include:
Achieving WFTDA certification
Becoming a fully sponsored and financially sound non-profit organization
Creating our own practice and bout space
When funding allows, providing for travel, uniforms, helmets, and leased equipment for AORD league members
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
At Athens Ohio Roller Derby, we stand unwavering in our commitment to creating an inclusive and affirming community where everyone is celebrated, respected, and supported. Roller derby is, and always will be, for everyone.
In light of recent legislation in Ohio and across the United States aimed at excluding transgender athletes from participating in sports, we want to be unequivocally clear: trans rights are human rights. Trans, nonbinary, gender-expansive, and intersex individuals belong in sports—period.
Athens Ohio Roller Derby believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, both on and off the track. The beauty of our sport lies in its ability to create empowering spaces where individuals of all identities can come together, form bonds, and grow as athletes and as people. These spaces are only possible when we reject discrimination in all its forms.
We acknowledge that trans athletes, particularly trans athletes of color, face disproportionate harm and exclusion due to the intersection of race, gender, and systemic oppression. We stand in full solidarity with them and commit to amplifying their voices and experiences.
Transphobia does not align with our values or the spirit of roller derby. We oppose policies that seek to harm and marginalize trans people, particularly in sports, where inclusion and community should be at the forefront. We will continue to actively create a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment where trans athletes can be their authentic selves and participate without fear of judgment or exclusion.
To our trans, nonbinary, gender-expansive, and intersex community members: we see you, we love you, and we support you. You will always have a place with us, on the track and beyond. Together, we will keep rolling forward and fighting for a world where everyone can belong and thrive.
Signed in solidarity,
Athens Ohio Roller Derby
