Sense of community in roller derby

Abstract

Sport can provide an important vehicle for experiencing a sense of community (SOC), however, limited research has explored SOC among players within non-mainstream sport contexts, such as roller derby. This study explored roller derby skaters’ experiences of SOC. Ten female roller derby players aged 25 to 57 completed photo elicitation interviews, which were analyzed thematically. Findings indicated that the accepting atmosphere and symbols enhanced a sense of membership and belonging. The self-governing nature of roller derby enabled players to exert influence on teams and leagues. As players provided emotional support for each other and engaged in competition, they experienced the fulfillment of needs. Through meaningful moments, players shared emotions and built connections, which developed SOC within the team and the sport. Findings are discussed in light of SOC theory as well as Sense of Community in Sport (SCS) theory.

Keywords:

• Photo elicitation
• roller derby
• sense of community
• women’s sport

Ethical approval

Ethical approval was granted by the first author’s Institutional Review Board, which approved the study as exempt (Protocol # 18948).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).