What equipment is crucial for skaters to protect themselves during a game?

Helmets and protective pads are essential pieces of equipment for skaters in roller derby due to the high-impact nature of the sport. Participants often experience falls, collisions, and other sudden impacts while competing. Helmets provide crucial head protection, reducing the risk of serious head injuries such as concussions. Similarly, protective pads for the knees, elbows, and wrists guard against abrasions, fractures, and other injuries that can occur during gameplay. These protective measures are vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of the skaters, enabling them to play more aggressively while minimizing the risk of injury.

Other options, such as skateboards or weightlifting belts, are not relevant to roller derby, and sneakers do not provide the necessary support and protection that roller skates and protective gear do. Hence, the emphasis on helmets and protective pads positions them as a critical component of a skater's safety equipment in the sport.