My First Time at the Roller Derby

Women in tights and sometimes curious costumes, racing around the hard flat track on roller skates with pernicious expressions on their faces, knocking each other down, flip-flopping across the cement floor.  That is the roller derby folks and it is awesome!  I had the pleasure of attending my first ever roller derby on Saturday and I could quite possibly become hooked.

I won't go into the history of the sport because there are other sites that do that better, including the entry on Wikipedia:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_derby so check that out for a foundation/history for the derby and why it is so engrossing.

I went to the match not knowing anything about roller derby except from what I remember on Saturday afternoon television in the 80s.  When we walked into the arena, I spied women with punk hair and clothes walking around with signs reading "Ask Me" and fans milling about with mohawks and plaid.  I have now been introduced to the subculture of roller derby!  I'm in Raleigh, NC, so the local team here is the Carolina Rollergirls.  Their team colors are black and red with a logo of a skull and crossbones wearing a derby helmet!  Keenly punkish.

The match program handed out upon entry includes the rules and an overview of how the derby works, the positions (jammers, pviots, and blockers), scoring, legal and illegal blocks, the difference between a major and a minor penalty, etc.  The referees are just as "flamboyant" as the derby gals themselves and are just as entertaining to follow around the track.  It is impossible to sit still and not cheer along, even if you are still trying to figure out the rules of the game.  I discovered there is an infectious fever of fanship at the derby.

The derby girls on the teams have witty names.  The Carolina Rollergirls team includes Daisy Rage, Deviled Legs (she is quite tall), Trudy Struction, and Holly Wanna Crackya (just to name a few).  They are part of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, and they are a not-for-profit organization, so it's all about the sport, not the money and flashy advertising, which gives the derby a grassroots cooperative feel.

People-watching is a secondary attraction at the roller derby.  I consider myself an avid people watcher and I was in my element on Saturday.  The spectators are just as inspiring as the derby girls and refs.  Some of them dressed in their own punk attire, others ran around the track waving flags or harrassing the opposing teams mascot.

The derby girls, the referees, the fans, there is something about the roller derby that had me from the time we entered the arena.  I suggest everyone find out if there is a team in your area, and if so, jump on the bandwagon and go!  The tickets are relatively inexpensive and a fun time is guaranteed.  Just be careful if you sit on the floor next to the flat track.  Sometimes a derby girl can get knocked out of bounds, possibly right into your lap!

This is a great blog I found on the "new" roller derby, so check this out:  http://rollerderbydisorder.blogspot.com/ 

Comments

[Rich Dansereau]

I have never been to a Roller Derby but your post makes them sound like a lot of fun. I do remember watching them randomly on TV when I was a child. There is even a Charlie's Angels episode where the sport is featured prominently. If you haven't seen it, here is a link to the minisode on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJd9xdqOaoA

[Fortuitous Observer]

Thanks for your comment Rich, you should definitely check out a match if you get the chance. I think if you go to http://www.wftda.com you can find the closest team to your area.

[Bill]

My girlfriend's hairdresser is one of the Pikes Peak Derby Dames out here, and is trying to convince Amy to get involved. I think it'd be pretty damn cool to say that I'm dating a Derby Dame.

[Fortuitous Observer]

That would be so cool to say you are dating a derby gal. I know the Carolina Rollergirls are having "try outs" but I think it's best I remain a spectator!