Big Easy Roller Derby: Empowering Women Through Flat-Track Sport
In the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, a unique blend of athletic rigor and community spirit thrives on eight wheels. Big Easy Roller Derby (BERD) is a women's flat-track roller derby league—a full-contact sport played on a level oval track—that has become a staple of the city's sporting culture. Since its inception, the league has focused on encouraging and empowering women while providing high-energy athletic entertainment.
As a founding member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), the international governing body for the sport, Big Easy Roller Derby has helped shape the standards of competitive roller derby from the ground up.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Affiliation: Founding member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA).
- Home Venue: University of New Orleans Human Performance Center.
- Current Teams: AllStars (A team) and Second Line (B team).
- Mission: To empower women through sport and support local charitable organizations.
A History of Resilience and Growth
Founded in the spring of 2005 as the Big Easy Rollergirls, the league's early days were marked by significant challenges. While the team had planned its debut bout for Mardi Gras 2006, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina forced the league to regroup. Demonstrating the resilience of the city, the league officially began competitive play on September 16, 2006.
The debut bout was a thrilling encounter, with the Hor-Nots defeating the 'Aints 128–123 in overtime before a sold-out crowd. This initial success sparked rapid growth; by the second season, membership doubled, allowing the league to field four local teams: the Confederacy of Punches, Crescent Wenches, Marigny Antoinettes, and StoryVillains, alongside their travel team, the Allstars.
Over time, the league refined its structure. It eventually transitioned to a two-team competitive model featuring the Big Easy Allstars (A team) and the Crescent Wenches (B team). To maintain a pipeline of talent, the Marigny Antoinettes became the designation for "Fresh Meat" (incoming skaters), while the StoryVillains evolved into a recreational team for retired skaters.
Community Impact and Diversity
Beyond the track, Big Easy Roller Derby is deeply integrated into the New Orleans community. The league operates as a non-profit corporation (converted from an LLC in 2011) and regularly partners with various charities. Their community service efforts have supported organizations such as the Louisiana SPCA, NO AIDS Task Force, Common Ground Collective, KaBOOM!, and the Louisiana Volunteer Fire Department, among others.
The league is composed of a diverse group of female athletes ranging in age from 21 to over 50. These skaters balance their athletic training with a wide array of professional lives, including roles as lawyers, teachers, dental hygienists, waitresses, and stay-at-home mothers.
To ensure the future of the sport, BERD maintains a partnership with the Crescent City Crushers, a local junior roller derby league, promoting the sport to the next generation of athletes.
Competitive Standings and WFTDA Rankings
Big Easy Roller Derby has maintained a consistent presence in competitive rankings. In October 2011, they were ranked number one by Derby South, representing five southern states. Their international journey with the WFTDA saw them reach a peak in 2014, where they competed in the WFTDA Division 2 Playoffs in Duluth, Minnesota, finishing in fourth place as the third seed.
The following table outlines the league's ranking history and playoff progress over the years:
| Season | Final Ranking | Playoffs | Championship |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 28 WFTDA | — | N/A |
| 2007 | 30 WFTDA | DNQ | DNQ |
| 2008 | 9 SC | DNQ | DNQ |
| 2009 | 17 SC | DNQ | DNQ |
| 2010 | 17 SC | DNQ | DNQ |
| 2011 | 18 SC | DNQ | DNQ |
| 2012 | 24 SC | DNQ | DNQ |
| 2013 | 97 WFTDA | DNQ | DNQ |
| 2014 | 67 WFTDA | 4 D2 | DNQ |
| 2015 | 79 WFTDA | DNQ | DNQ |
| 2016 | 142 WFTDA | DNQ | DNQ |
| 2017 | 162 WFTDA | DNQ | DNQ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the A team and B team?
The AllStars serve as the A team, representing the league's top competitive tier in travel and high-level bouts, while the Second Line serves as the B team for developing athletes.
Where does Big Easy Roller Derby play its home games?
The league currently holds its home bouts at the University of New Orleans Human Performance Center, typically drawing crowds of 400 to 600 attendees.
Is Big Easy Roller Derby a non-profit?
Yes, the league converted from an LLC to a non-profit corporation in 2011, although it does not hold 501(c)(3) status.
Who are the "Fresh Meat" in the league?
"Fresh Meat" refers to the incoming year's new skaters, a role currently filled by the Marigny Antoinettes.
How did Hurricane Katrina affect the league?
The league was founded in early 2005 and planned its first bout for early 2006, but the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina disrupted these plans, forcing the league to regroup before starting play in September 2006.