Taking a Health Perspective on Roller Derby: A Qualitative Exploration of Women’s Experiences

Jane Scullion,Cathy Bulley

doi:10.3390/women2010002

Abstract

Although far fewer women exercise regularly than men, one women-dominated sport growing in popularity internationally is roller derby. A limited number of predominantly US-based and qualitative studies have explored roller derby. This Scotland-based qualitative study explored reasons for women starting, continuing, and stopping participation in roller derby in order to inform people involved in promoting physical activity for health benefits. Semi-structured interviews with six participants from a Scottish women’s roller derby league were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis generated five super-ordinate themes. Most participants learned about roller derby from watching the sport on film, attending a bout (game), or word of mouth. The main motivators and benefits of participating in this sport were found to be challenge, enjoyment, increased confidence, health benefits, and motivation to exercise. Participants were empowered by involvement and motivated by community, team spirit, and support to develop. Despite high commitment, some women could not sustain team involvement due to barriers such as injury, changing life roles, and conflicting commitments—a lack of support was described when this happened. Greater inclusivity is needed to enable changing levels of participation as women’s commitments change, to facilitate ongoing health benefits and inspire others.

Highlights

It is well-established that taking part in physical activity can bring numerous health benefits [1], lowering chronic disease risk and improving psychological well-being [2].This is of significance in many countries, including Scotland, where adult overweight and obesity rates are high, especially in women [3,4]
Far fewer women than men exercise regularly internationally, which has public health implications [5]. This is exacerbated by inequalities in sports participation, which are evident internationally, and are problematic because sport has been identified as increasingly important to combat societal decreases in daily energy expenditure and related health implications
Roller derby circumvents some of the barriers, such as those relating to access, associated with sports traditionally dominated by men [8,16]

Summary

Introduction

It is well-established that taking part in physical activity can bring numerous health benefits [1], lowering chronic disease risk and improving psychological well-being [2] This is of significance in many countries, including Scotland, where adult overweight and obesity rates are high, especially in women [3,4]. Roller derby is a full-contact women’s team sport played on roller skates It is unique in having a grassroots, women-owned and operated organisational structure that does not fit within pre-existing institutions. This contrasts substantially with many women’s sports that are often modelled on conventionally male sports. We hoped to gain transferable insights that can be used to facilitate greater participation in sport, with positive health gains, among women

Objectives

Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion