Don't expect first-timers to be sin-binned for body checks and shoulder barges on November 10.

In roller derby, rough and tumble skating is encouraged.

Three teams of newbies will be taking on Taupō's newest Huka Dolls at the Fresh and Furious tournament in a fortnight.

Held at Taupō Events Centre, the tournament involves six, 40-minutes games.

Captain Angela "Merica" Alexander said spectators would see plenty of crashes, thrills and spills.

"It could be a little bit crazier than previous years because of all the newbies."

Each team of 14 is only allowed to have three experienced players.

"These players will be are more aware of what's going, to keep things relatively organised on the track," she said.

Roller derby is a contact sport played by two teams of five players, roller skating counter-clockwise around a track.

Teams score points when a designated player - the jammer - laps members of the other team.

The newbie tournament helped grow the sport in the North Island, Alexander said.

"It's so easy as a club sport to stick with your 10 to 15 regular players. But we want to feed new lifeblood into the teams each year, so we're holding this tournament."

Alexander encouraged Taupo people to drop by the events centre and watch a game or two.

"We Taupō locals come together to support our athletes in doing whatever they do - Ironman, cycling or roller skating around and hitting other people.

"It would be wonderful to see a big crowd cheering them on."

The Fresh & Furious Roller Derby tournament will be held on Saturday, November 10, Taupo Events Centre.

Source: Taupo Times