FAQ

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General FAQ

Where and when is TGSS 2022?
TGSS returns to its home at the Adelaide Showgrounds from June 11-13 2022!

Will there be any changes to TGSS due to COVID 19 restrictions? 
We will be operating at a reduced capacity from other years. We therefore recommend purchasing your tickets in advanced!

All patrons will be required to wear masks when inside the venue (except while you are participating in a bout as a skater, bench staff or referee), or eating/drinking. Masks need to be worn correctly (i.e. covering your mouth AND nose). 

Is TGSS an accessible event?
Disabled visitors are well-catered for. All areas of the venue are accessible by ramps and lifts, and wheelchair-friendly toilets are located throughout the Showgrounds. Disabled parking bays are also available. Parking is run by Adelaide Showgrounds so we recommend giving them a buzz on 8210 5211 to discuss the most convenient parking locations for your needs.

Do you accept Companion Cards? 
TGSS is a participant of the National Companion Card scheme, offering disabled patrons holding a current companion card a second ticket for their accompanying companion at no charge.

We ask that you purchase a Companion Card ticket online (at no cost) if you are pre-purchasing tickets, so we keep track of attendee numbers and ensure we don’t go over our Management Plan approved capacity. We will ask to sight your Companion Card upon entry. If you’re wanting to buy a ticket at the door, just show us your Companion Card and we’ll issue you a second ticket at no cost.

More info on Companion Cards can be found at http://www.companioncard.gov.au/ 

Will there be any awesome merchandise available? 
Yes! We’ve got heaps of merch available for pre-order or delivery, and we’ll have a small selection available over the weekend. Check it out!

COVID-19 FAQ

What are your policies about COVID-19? 
Download the full policy here.

Why are you allowing only up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinated people to participate at TGSS 2022? What is the benefit?
Adelaide Roller Derby has a duty of care to all of our community, including our under 12s and those who may be vulnerable, such as seniors and people who may be immunocompromised.

Vaccination aims to reduce the public health risk as it significantly reduces the risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19. People who are not up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations are most at risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and even death.

Under the Work Health Safety Act 2012, Adelaide Roller Derby (ADRD) has an obligation to ensure, as far as reasonably practical, the health and safety of members, volunteers, participants and spectators who attend The Great Southern Slam (TGSS) 2022. As such, it is our responsibility to, where possible, eliminate or minimise any risk in our ‘workplace’. 

As TGSS will see people from all over Australia gathering closely, sweating all over each other and breathing in each other’s faces, ADRD has instigated a vaccination requirement as a condition of entry for all participants. This decision was made to ensure, as far as possible, that we keep protect the health of our community and ensure the safe continuation of our sport. 

Are you mandating COVID-19 vaccinations?
No, we are not mandating COVID-19 vaccinations, it is entirely up to individuals whether they receive a COVID-19 vaccination or not. ADRD are simply requiring them as a condition of participation in TGSS 2022.

It is important that our derby community understands that we are taking these measures as precautions for our health, safety and wellbeing. 

As roller derby is a high risk activity in regards to the spreading of bodily fluids (gross right), the full-contact nature of the sport, and the fact that participants will be coming from all over Australia, the decision to have a vaccination requirement at TGSS 2022 was made as an additional step to protect the health of our community and ensure the safe continuation of our sport. 

Who needs to be vaccinated at TGSS 2022?
All TGSS participants including:

  • players
  • coaches
  • bench/support crew
  • officials.

Individuals who do not comply with the vaccination requirement will not be able to attend TGSS 2022 as a participant. This includes coaching from the sidelines or entering team benches, officials’ rooms, tracks or any area reserved for tournament participants, unless a medical exemption has been approved. 

Please note that this vaccination requirement is only relevant to The Great Southern Slam 2022. The requirement does not extend to training at club venues – that is a matter for each Club. 

What is considered ‘up-to-date’ with COVID-19 vaccinations?
Up-to-date means that you:

  • have had the recommended number of primary doses of a COVID-19 vaccine recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) by 27 May 2022 and 
  • maintain up-to-date vaccination status by receiving any necessary COVID-19 vaccine booster within the timeframe recommended by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

     

To be considered up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, you must have had all the doses recommended for your age and health needs. 

Read ATAGI’s statement on defining ‘up-to-date’ status for COVID-19 vaccination

What is a medical exemption?
If you can’t get any of the approved COVID-19 vaccines for medical reasons, you will need to apply for a medical exemption. Not every health professional can grant a medical exemption. Health professionals who can grant an exemption are:

  • general practice registrars on an approved 3GA training placement
  • public health physicians
  • infectious disease physicians
  • clinical immunologists
  • GPs who meet certain criteria.

     

GPs need to be one of the following:

  • vocationally registered
  • a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
  • a fellow of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).

     

Your GP will know if they can grant you an exemption.

To grant an exemption, they must tell us by updating the Australian Immunisation Register or completing a form.

Visit Services Australia for more information on medical exemptions.

How do I provide proof of my vaccination?
There are different ways you can show proof of your COVID-19 vaccinations:

You will also need to provide a valid photo ID with your proof of vaccination.

I have a medical exemption, do I need to show proof of this?
Yes you will need to show proof of your medical exemption along with a valid photo ID. 

Your doctor will need to update your record on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) to say you have a medical contraindication. An official exemption will be recorded on your immunisation history statement and COVID-19 digital certificate.

You can then use your statement or certificate as proof of your exemption. 

Can you legally ask for proof of my vaccination?
Yes, as we are not storing the information, only sighting it, ADRD are legally allowed to view your COVID-19 vaccination record. 

Is showing my vaccination status an invasion of privacy?
No. We do not retain any information; we need to sight this information only. 

Is showing my medical exemption an invasion of privacy?
No. We do not retain any information; we need to sight this information only. 

Am I being discriminated against if I haven’t had my COVID-19 vaccinations?
Your vaccination status is not a ground on which you can allege unlawful discrimination under the Act. Grounds under the Act include race, gender, age and disability. 

Refer: COVID-19 vaccine and discrimination

What if I am registered to participate at TGSS but I’m not vaccinated?
If you cannot provide proof of your COVID-19 vaccination or your medical exemption, you will be unable to participate in any way at TGSS. This includes as a:

  • player
  • coach
  • bench/support crew
  • officials.

Individuals who do not meet the vaccination requirements will also be unable to coach from the sidelines or enter team benches, officials’ rooms, tracks or any area reserved for tournament participants, unless a medical exemption has been approved. 

If you come to TGSS and cannot provide proof of vaccination or a medical exemption, you are welcome to attend as a spectator only. 

I have already had COVID-19 so I don’t need a vaccine – am I exempt?
No, you will need to be up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations and be able to provide proof of that vaccination; having previously had COVID is not a valid exemption as the protection that individuals gain from having the virus varies greatly from person to person. Having a vaccination even if you have had COVID-19 means you are more likely to be protected for longer (data: World Health Organization). 

I have recently had COVID and can’t have my booster yet. Am I ok to participate?
If you have had COVID-19, the current advice is to wait 3 months after your confirmed infection before getting a booster dose. To provide proof, please show the sms you received stating your COVID-positive status with the date of test.

Can I provide vaccination evidence for someone else?
No, we need to sight the proof of vaccination and a valid photo ID before we can provide the participant wristband (TGSS volunteers will attach these to wrists for each person). 

I’m vaccinated but left proof at home can I still participate?
You will be unable to participate at TGSS unless you can provide proof of vaccination along with a valid photo ID. 

Why does it matter if I am vaccinated or not? COVID-19 is transmitted regardless of vaccination.
Vaccination aims to reduce the public health risk and to ensure continuation of services to the community. It also significantly reduces the risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19 and helps reduce the rate of transmission between people. People who are not up-to-date with theirCOVID-19 vaccinations are most at risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and even death.

As TGSS will see people from all over Australia gathering closely, sweating all over each other and breathing in each other’s faces, there is a higher risk of transmission of COVID-19, hence we are putting in place strategies to reduce this risk. 

What happens if there is a COVID-19 outbreak prior to TGSS?
Some further restrictions may be put in place if there is an outbreak that affects us locally. These may include compulsory wearing of masks when not participating in a bout, social distancing, increasing cleaning requirements and any government requirements that may arise. 

Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT)
TGSS highly recommends that all participants undertake a RAT at the beginning of day 1 of the tournament (before attending) to further limit the risk of coming to TGSS while COVID-19 positive. The more RATs participants want to undertake, the better! 

Face masks?
Bring one with you as TGSS recommend wearing them when not playing but this is not a requirement at this time. This may change. Disposable face masks will be available onsite but let’s look after the environment and bring reusable ones with us.

Photographers and commentators will be required to wear a face mask when entering an ‘active’ track or interacting with spectators.

Skaters & Officials FAQ

Where do I need to get my butt and skates and by when?
The Great Southern Slam will be held in Adelaide on Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th and Monday 13th of June 2022.

Skater and Official registration will start on Friday the 10th, from 7pm, and registered skaters can get on the tracks for a casual skate during that time. There will be no first aid coverage on Friday night. Schedule coming soon! Bouts will start around 9am on Saturday and finish around 8pm on Monday, follow by the after party!

What’s the track/bouting surface like?
The bouting surface is polished concrete = hard and slippery (fast). The Wayville pavilion concrete is slightly rough (more grippy).

Should I pack grippy or hard wheels?
Of course it’s a matter of personal preference. But we thought you might want to hear from people who’ve skated the surface.

Some wheel recommendations:

  • If you like to grip to the floor with no slide whatsoever – 90a hardness or softer: Atom Stinger and Centuri, Backspin Trackstar, grey or orange Sure-Grip Fugitives, purple or blue Sure-Grip Fugitive Mid, Sure-Grip Sugar, etc.
  • If you like a lot of grip, but a little slide too – 91a-93a hardness: Blue Hyper Witch Doctor and Cannibal, green Hyper Shaman, red, blue, pink or black Sure-Grip Fugitives, yellow Sure-Grip Fugitive Mid, Sure-Grip Optics, Sure Grip Power Plus and Interceptor (except purple or green), Backspin Scribble, Blueprint, Remix and Remix Lite, Atom G-Rods, Omega and Omega 2.0, etc.
  • If you like some grip but not too much and like to be able to slide – 94a-97a hardness: Orange Hyper Witch Doctor or Cannibal, Pink or white Hyper Shaman, green Sure-Grip Fugitives, green or purple Sure-Grip Power Plus or Interceptor, Atom D-Rods, Superfreak, Fusion, and Lowboy, Labeda Heckler, Assault, Diva, Classic Speed and Stiletto, etc.

The above also applies to your weight – if you are lighter you will probably need a grippier wheel, if you are heavier you probably won’t need to go as grippy.

The floor in the Wayville hall is more abrasive and feels grippier, but will wear out wheels fairly quickly.

So when the officials wave their hands all funny at me, what are the rules?The most recent WFTDA rule set will be used for all games at TGSS.

Can I run around in my birthday suit?
Sure, if you like. We can’t guarantee you won’t get fined, though. But mid-June in Adelaide has an average high temperature of around 16C, and an average low temperature of 8C (but can get way colder), so pack leg warmers and hoodies for between bouts and for after-parties. The venue is completely concreted too, so if you’re sitting on the floor plan to have something that’ll protect your tush from the cold, hard concrete.

Can my friends/mum/pet pug get in for free?
Not really, no.  Each team can register up to 20 skaters and five support staff (benchies, helpers, merch village staff, masseuse, etc.). Everyone else needs to buy a ticket to help cover the costs of putting on the tournament. But it’s a pretty cheap ticket price for SO MUCH DERBY!  And as much as we dig dogs, no pets allowed either (assistance animals excepted). Sorry.

Hey I’m a skater/official, do I need a spectator pass to come and watch on days that I’m not skating?
Skaters and Officials have access to ALL tracks & do not need to purchase day passes on days that they are just spectating.

Does TGSS have a gender policy?
Adelaide Roller Derby and TGSS follows the WFTDA gender policy, which states that “identifying as transgender, intersex, and/or gender expansive is not in any way related to an individual’s eligibility for participating as a volunteer or employee. Any individual who identifies as a trans woman, intersex woman, and/or gender expansive may skate with a WFTDA charter team if women’s flat track roller derby is the version and composition of roller derby with which they most closely identify.”

I’m in Adelaide for longer than just the tournament dates, and I am desperate for a skate… WHERE ARE THE INDOOR SKATING VENUES?
First up, Welcome to Adelaide!

There are a few recreation centres that have skating sessions, but make sure you check the times and distance from the City before getting in that Uber!


If the weather’s fine, there are many netball courts on the corner of West Terrace and South Terrace in the city, and these are ideal for an outdoor skate and are usually free during the day. There are a tonne of bike paths between the city and beach as well, which make for a great skate! 

If you want to check out some skate parks, have a gander at Adelaide City Skate Park (Park 15, Wakefield Road, Adelaide), West Beach Skate Park (Africaine Rd, West Beach SA 5024), Regency Skate Park (222 Days Rd, Ferryden Park SA 5010)…there are many more, so head over to Google and have a scope around at the venues closest to you. 

Muscles! Ouch! Where can I go to have a spa or swim?
The Adelaide Aquatic Centre has huge indoor swimming pools and provides spa, sauna and steam room facilities. The centre is in North Adelaide, about five minutes from the city centre. Catch a taxi, rideshare, ride a bike and use the near by bike lockers, or take a 235 or 239 bus from Grenfell Street. Centre hours are 6am to 9pm Monday to Friday, and 7am to 6pm Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. Entry fee $8.60 per person, $6.90 if you have a concession card.

Oh crap my laces/kneepads/mouthguard broke, where can I get another one?
For skates, most skate parts and mouthguards, visit Da Klinic at:

SHOP P017 UPPER GROUND 
The Myer Centre
Rundle Mall
ADELAIDE, SA 5000
PHONE: (08) 8212 0028 

For up to date opening hours, head to https://daklinic.com/ 

For boot fixes, such as replacement eyelets and speed strap repairs, go to Ideal Shoe Store at 174 Hutt Street Adelaide, ph 8223 4017.

For spare shoelaces, try A-Mart Sports upstairs in the City Cross arcade just off the King William Street end of Rundle Mall, Rebel Sports in the Myer Centre on Rundle Mall or a supermarket. At a pinch, some of the larger petrol stations sell socks and shoelaces.

For spare socks, jocks or fishnets, try Target at the Rundle Street/Pulteney Street end of Rundle Mall, or any of the major department stores in Rundle Mall.

Oh crap I twisted or pulled a knee/wrist/elbow, where’s a good physio close by?
I’m sure there are plenty of great physios in Adelaide, but here are a couple of derby-friendly places we go to regularly:

City Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic
Ph: 8212 4886
6th Floor, 118 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Hours: Monday to Wednesday and Friday, 8.00am to 6.00pm; Thursday, 7.30am to 6.30pm; Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays closed.

The Physio Studio
Ph: 8357 0418
(right near the Adelaide Showground!) 132 Goodwood Road, Goodwood SA 5034
Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 8.00am to 8.00pm; Tuesday, 8.00am to 6.00pm; Thursday, 8.00am to 2.30pm; Friday, 8.00am to 5.00pm; Saturday, 8.30am to 12.00pm; Sundays and Public Holidays, closed.

I need medication at a weird hour. Where can I get it?
The Midnight Pharmacy is back…but in a slightly different location! Read below for more details.

Midnight Pharmacy
Ph 8274 1544
192-198 Wakefield Street, Adelaide
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7.00am to 12-midnight; Sun/Public holidays, 9.00am to 12-midnight

PharmaSave Wayville Pharmacy
43-51 Goodwood Road, Wayville SA 5034
Phone: 08 8357 2366
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 8:00pm, Saturday 8:30am to 5:00pm, Sunday 11:00am to 5:00pm

National Pharmacies Adelaide
52 Gawler Place, Adelaide
Monday to Thursday, 8.00am to 5.30pm; Friday 8.00am to 7.00pm; Saturday, 9.00am to 5.00pm; Sunday and Public Holidays closed

For anything urgent outside of these hours, go directly to a hospital.

Oops… I think I broke part of me. Where’s the nearest HOSPITAL?
In an emergency, dial 000 and ask for the type of emergency service you require, e.g. AMBULANCE

The nearest public all hours hospital to the city and showground is:

Royal Adelaide Hospital
Ph: (08) 7074 0000  for patient enquiries
(Public, All Hours Emergency)
North Terrace – the new hospital is now located at the WESTERN end of North Terrace, at the intersection of Port Road.

Also, near the Adelaide Showground:

Ashford Hospital (Private Hospital – costs may apply depending on your private health coverage)
Ph: 8375 5222 for patient enquiries
(Private, 8am to 10pm Emergency Hours)
55 Anzac Highway Ashford

Um… okay, I have skated…where’s the after party?
We at ADRD know how to pull off a party, if we do say so ourselves. This will be the after party of all after parties…yes, even after four TGSS’, we can pull off a better party than the last! The party will be held onsite at TGSS  (same venue as 2016) on Monday, 1 June and kicks off as soon as the division 1 final is over.

We’ll let you know what the theme is soon, so you can dress to impress!

I am STARVING and it’s 3a.m. Help me?
Don’t panic. Here are your options:

The Original Pancake Kitchen
Ph: 8211 7912
13 Gilbert Place, Adelaide
(just behind the corner of King William and Hindley, near Rundle Mall)
Pancake-based meals both sweet and savoury, roast potato chunks, beer, cider
24 hours 7 days

Marcellina’s Pizza House
Ph: 8211 7560 for delivery
273 Hindley Street, Adelaide (head towards West Terrace)
Pizza, pasta, seafood, gluten free pizza, beer wine & spirits
7 days, until very late (around 4 or 5am)

Falafel House
Ph: 8231 5350
102 Hindley Street, Adelaide
As the name suggests, they serve falafels. The vegan meltdowns are the bomb (hot chips, your choice of bean, chilli sauce, hummus, tahini and tabouli). They also serve beer!
7 days, until late (around 3-4am)

McDonald‘s Hindley Street
Ph: 8231 9565
44 Hindley Street, Adelaide
The usual golden arch thing. Burgers and would you like fries with that. No alcohol.
24 hours 7 days

Café de Vilis
Ph: 8234 2042
Corner of Manchester Street and South Road, Mile End
(approximately 10 minutes or $10-$15 by taxi from the city)
The café outlet of a local pie and pasty factory.
Pies, pasties, vili dogs, quiches, lamingtons, tarts, beer and wine. Try a pie floater.
24 hours 7 days

Bakery on O’Connell
128-130 O’Connell St, North Adelaide SA 5006
Ph: 8361 7377
Approximately 5 minutes or $10 by taxi from the city
Baked things, toasted sandwiches, slush puppies, soup, energy drinks, Internet access. No alcohol. Many vegan options available!
24 hours 7 days

If you don’t want to leave your bed (we get it, we don’t judge) download UberEats and have a gander at what’s available.

I have a question you didn’t answer!
No problem. Email one of the contacts on this site and we’ll answer it.

Is this going to be the most fun I’ve ever had in my entire life?
Quite possibly.

SPECTATOR FAQ

So uh… what’s the deal? Is it a big deal?
The Great Southern Slam continues to be the WORLD’S LARGEST ROLLER DERBY TOURNAMENT! So yeah, it’s kind of a big deal and we will continue to boast about it until we are old nannas and pops talking ‘bout the good ol’ days in years to come.

Do you really mean three whole entire days of roller derby action?
Yes, three whole entire days of roller derby action. Can you believe it?
A tonne of teams (not including challenge bout teams) will travel to Adelaide from all over Australia and New Zealand to skate in the WORLDS LARGEST ROLLER DERBY TOURNAMENT (we are just boasting now). How freaking exciting is that?!

Okay, I’m there. Where do I go to watch this giant tournament thingamabob?
The Great Southern Slam will be held at the Adelaide Showground, in the Wayville pavilions. See the Venue section of this website for more info.

Can I Bring My Roller Skates?
Sorry, no public skating is allowed. So please do not put wheels on your feet anywhere inside the venue any time over the tournament weekend. Thanks for helping us keep the tournament safe.

How do I get there?
The event is held in the Wayvill Pavilion of the Adelaide Showground, near Goodwood Road and Rose Terrace. Enter through the Rose Terrace gate.

Do I need to buy a ticket before I get there, or can I pay on the door?
Day passes will be available at the door, but to save money purchase you will be able to buy a weekend pass online soon.

What about the little people?
Should the kids come along? Absolutely!  There will be quite a few feisty skaters around, and a lot of hard hitting action, but the tournament will be a family-friendly event. Kids usually have a great time, and anyone under the age of 5 does not need to purchase a ticket.  BUT on bout day: While it will be tempting to get up close to the action, please do not let anyone you are with under the age of 18 sit in the area of ground within a metre of the track boundary, the whole way around the track.  It is a dangerous sport and skaters do come flying off the track and into the crowd with high force.

Is there reserved seating?
Nope, it’s all general admission. We do give our kind and generous sponsors a few clearly marked seats, but otherwise it is first in, best seat.  But do not fret, there will be so many bouts over the three days that if you miss out on a good seat for one bout, you will almost certainly get a sweet one for the next.

Can I bring a chair?
Yes! You should definitely consider bringing a folding chair or a cushion or rug to sit on. While we do have some bleacher seats, you’ll most likely be sitting on concrete otherwise, and the floors can get a bit cold in June.  But – If you do bring a seat, please set it up at least a couple of metres back from the track, so that people seated on the floor in front of you can see. That’s just polite. Please also scooch your chairs in nice and tight (within COVID guidelines of course) for the bigger bouts to ensure there is enough room for everyone to enjoy the action. 

I love love love a particular derby league. How can I show my love?
Most of the derby leagues skating will be selling t-shirts and other merch items at the tournament, so you can deck yourself out in your league’s gear. At a minimum they’ll be selling t-shirts, so you can buy one for your top half and one to wear upside-down as t-pants. Stubbie holders with the base removed make excellent wrist bands.

Yelling about how great your team is while they are playing also helps. Yep, we can hear you when we are on the track, and a little love from the sidelines can make all the difference. Pompoms, signs, mascot outfits, etc, are also very welcome, however anything that takes up more than your personal space and/or impacts on other spectators ability to fully enjoy the tournament is definitely not welcome. We want everyone to have a great time so please be considerate with your cheer-paraphernalia. Please also do not put banners on grandstands, walls or anywhere else at the tournament. Any non-official TGSS banners will be removed immediately, so please leave them at home.

Pick a second and third favourite league for the weekend, for when your most favourite is not skating. Don’t worry, it’s not cheating to love more than one bunch of skaters.

If you’re local and usually an Adelaide fan, pick a visiting team to foster for the tournament, to show our visitors a warm Adelaide welcome. You might have to give them back at the end of the weekend, though. I know we’d love to keep them, too.

Does the venue sell food?
Yes, the Adelaide Showground has a range of fried snack foods, like hotdogs and hot chips, as well as healthier options such as salads, sandwiches and sushi. Soft drinks and bottled water are also available. Food trucks will also be present at the Adelaide Showground with a few alternative options to the above.

On Sunday mornings, the Adelaide Showground hosts the Farmer’s Markets, next to the Leader Street entrance, where you can buy great coffee and delicious locally produced foods. Um, yes please.

Does the venue sell alcohol?
Yes – delicious local beer and some spirits are available for the 18+. BYO booze is a huge no-go, because the venue is licensed. Don’t be that person.

What should I bring?
Okay, here are the essentials:
• Your ticket
• Money for food, beer and merch
• A chair or cushion or rug to sit on
• Derby love