One thing I learned from my first
roller derby competition is that you call it a BOUT. Not a match or a
game, but a BOUT! I'm glad they clarified that in their little
brochure because I would have been calling it everything but that,
probably. Going into my first roller derby, I didn't know much about
the sport. All I really knew was that the ladies who participate are
super hardcore chicks that won't hesitate to kick your aXX. Or so I
thought...
LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING
On the exterior, you see these strong,
in-your-face ladies who can be a little intimidating, but when you
let go of the assumptions that you have about their attitudes, you
realize that they're merely kittens in a sexy tiger costume. Don't
get me wrong, I'm not questioning their badaXXedness, not at all, I'm
just pointing out the fact that they are actually really awesome
people who like to have fun on wheels.
In my mind, I depicted roller derby as
a violent-ish sport, and it's true that you can get hurt really badly
if it's your unlucky day, because, let's face it, it's a full-contact
sport. However, for the most part, I felt as though it was more
thrilling and exciting than downright dangerous. During the bout, I
saw a few gnarly falls, but the girls seemed to bounce back pretty
quickly after a slip-up. Except for the jammer (the point scorer),
the pack moved around the track at a rather moderate pace, not at all
like the high-speed antics I envisioned.
BLAME IT ON HOLLYWOOD
Now that I think about it, it was the
movie 'Whip It' that created this crazy illusion of what I thought
roller derby would be. According to the rules, I know that you can't
use elbows, forearms, hands, or feet to hit the other skaters, but
that you can use your shoulders, hips, torso, or buttocks to block.
So, all those fists flying in the movie, yeah, you can't do that in
real-life roller derby unless you care to get penalized! Seeing them
interact with the other team and each other, it seemed as though they
didn't have a vindictive bone in their bodies. In fact, they appeared
to be very encouraging and supportive of their teammates. What I saw
was a tight-knit group of gals, it was actually really refreshing to
see.
IF YOU CAN'T BEAT 'EM, JOIN 'EM
It made me sort of want to join them! I
won't lie, the thought of becoming an Appalachian Roller Girl has
crossed my mind. Back in the day, I used to be quite the skater.
Skating brings back some pretty fond memories for me because I did it
for many years. It was something that I absolutely LOVED! But it's
been so long. For those that have a desire to give it a go. The ARGs
are hosting a boot camp on October 23rd. It's an opportunity to see
if this sport might be your speed without having to invest more than
an afternoon and $35. If I wasn't going to be out of town that day,
I'd be tempted to put my rusty skills to the test!
KICKING AXX & TAKING NAMES
You can enjoy watching the girls do
their thing without knowing the ins and outs of the game, though,
that's what I did during this bout. They provided a handy zine of
sorts that had the low-down on how roller derby works, which was a
great guide. Next time, I'll know what's going on...maybe. All that
mattered, really, was that they creamed the other team. I mean, it
was kinda bad. You almost felt sorry for the other ladies, but they
put up a pretty good fight until the bitter end. The final score was
ARG 223 — Star City 36! This was their last home bout of the
season, the next few will be held out of town. For their first season
of bouting, they are doing pretty great and are currently at 7-2. I'd
say that those are nice odds. Keep on being awesome girls! You
seriously rock :D
If you'd like to learn more about the
Appalachian Roller Girls, here is a link to their website.
One thing that I loved about the roller
derby are the awesome nicknames people give themselves. There are
some great names that are good for a few laughs out there. It made me
think about what sort of wicked nickname I'd give myself if I were to
ever become a roller girl. I visited a roller derby name generator
for some inspiration, which churned out a few good ones that I liked,
but they just weren't awesome enough. After giving it a little
thought, I finally came up with my roller derby name. It's so good I
almost feel like I have to become a roller girl just so I can use it!
Curious to know what it is? Tell me what yours would be and I'll tell
you mine! :D
WHAT WOULD YOUR ROLLER DERBY NAME BE?
Please share in the comments! Or on the
WW Facebook page!
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There's a Cincinnati roller derby, too. A friend invited us to go once, but we couldn't make it...we haven't gone, but I really want to go sometime. Here are some of their names:
ReplyDelete19 Barracuda // 33 Buckhead Betty // 32 candyKICKass // 0 Cherry Choke // 85 Hannah Ouchocinco // 21 June with a Cleaver // 83 Jungle Lacy // 19 K. Lethal // 3 Karma Krash // 4 Killian Destroy // 30 Kitten Kicker // 13 Maime // 44 Mirderher // 86 Nuk'em // 77 Penn Tupanga // 38 Pistol Whippin' Wendy // 63 Polly Rocket // 29 Ruff'n the Passer // 11 Sk8r-Kinney // 43 Wheezy
I know what you mean by wanting to join them...I do like to skate, too. My name would be something like "Mouthy Martha" because I love to talk!
@Marfa: You should go and take the kiddos, they would love it! Mouthy Martha is a good name! I also like the name Cherry Choke and June with a Cleaver from the ones you posted. So clever :D
ReplyDeleteooo I have never been to a bout.. but I know a few people involved and they love it!! great story!!!
ReplyDeletemy roller derby name would be Haute Mess of course!!!
We have roller derby up here too. I considered trying out, but the concussion risk is a big deterrent for me... That and I'm totes not an athlete.
ReplyDeleteI think the comradery is kind of like rugby. The aggression is about the sport, not about personal issues, you know?
Great photos
ReplyDeleteSounds like great fun. I may have to take the family to see that. We all loved "Whip It".
ReplyDelete