Disclaimer: These are my opinions. If you're offended, I don't care.
I am one the youngest skaters in my league. And I have been for a while. I joined shortly after turning 19 (the required age at the time). I was the youngest for some time until a high school classmate of mine joined recently.
So I get a lot of those, "Are you even old enough to drink?" kind of jokes. (For the record, I am.) And they get under my skin a little bit. It undermines my achievements when people belittle me because of my age. Not only am I one of the youngest skaters in the league, I am also the youngest member of the Board of Directors, the youngest member of the Training Committee, and the youngest member of the All-Stars Charter.. My youth has never been something that stopped me from succeeding.
Without getting too philosophical, young skaters are the future. A lot of leagues spend time and energy training Juniors to feed into the adult team and help take over when the trainers start retiring. There's plenty of youth in this sport and young skaters will keep coming as long as roller derby keeps being awesome.
I'm young, sure, but I'm making a difference. I have no power over when I was born. And I'm pretty tired of the jibes. I will respect you if you respect me. Thanks.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Ref Love
I'd like to talk about refs.
I've recently started reffing on the side. Our head ref was loaning his skills and asked if I'd be available to ref a men's bout. I am a skater who is reffing. I am a skater who happens to know the rules pretty well and has a whistle. As a trainer, I'm used to looking for penalties during practice.
Refs are volunteers, just like the rest of us. If they're lucky, they get a travel stipend to go to an away bout, but often not. They don't get all the glory that skaters do. They keep reffing to make sure that we skaters are safe.
So when skaters yell at refs, it de-values what they're doing. I know that there's a higher percentage of men's skaters who are refs, but please refrain from calling penalties while on the track. We spent a long time at our practices stressing that even when we don't have a lot of refs, we on the track need to not be calling the penalties ourselves.
When skaters yell at me, it makes me not want to ref that team again. Our refs are extremely valuable, let's do everything we can to retain them. Before you start to yell something at a ref, I urge you to remember, that they are watching the feet, forearms, heads, chests, directions...etc of up to 10 skaters on the track while skating in close proximity to other refs and often avoiding skaters going out of bounds. It's a lot to think about and I ASSURE you that yelling at them doesn't help.
Please thank your refs. Buy them beers at the afterparties. Include them in your league functions. Thank them and thank them again. Make sure that your refs know that you appreciate their efforts and couldn't do it without them.
Signing off,
Reffin' Rita
I've recently started reffing on the side. Our head ref was loaning his skills and asked if I'd be available to ref a men's bout. I am a skater who is reffing. I am a skater who happens to know the rules pretty well and has a whistle. As a trainer, I'm used to looking for penalties during practice.
Refs are volunteers, just like the rest of us. If they're lucky, they get a travel stipend to go to an away bout, but often not. They don't get all the glory that skaters do. They keep reffing to make sure that we skaters are safe.
So when skaters yell at refs, it de-values what they're doing. I know that there's a higher percentage of men's skaters who are refs, but please refrain from calling penalties while on the track. We spent a long time at our practices stressing that even when we don't have a lot of refs, we on the track need to not be calling the penalties ourselves.
When skaters yell at me, it makes me not want to ref that team again. Our refs are extremely valuable, let's do everything we can to retain them. Before you start to yell something at a ref, I urge you to remember, that they are watching the feet, forearms, heads, chests, directions...etc of up to 10 skaters on the track while skating in close proximity to other refs and often avoiding skaters going out of bounds. It's a lot to think about and I ASSURE you that yelling at them doesn't help.
Please thank your refs. Buy them beers at the afterparties. Include them in your league functions. Thank them and thank them again. Make sure that your refs know that you appreciate their efforts and couldn't do it without them.
Signing off,
Reffin' Rita
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Monday Syndrome
Mondays, after a weekend of derby, are some of the toughest days I ever fight through.
Here's my thinking: I've spent the weekend kicking ass and taking names. I laid the floor that I skated on. I shut down the jammer and allowed my jammer to get lead. I hit people with my butt. I afterpartied hard with the people who had just been my enemies. Then maybe we had a hangover scrimmage or endurance practice the next day. I'm applying things I've learned and revelling in the derby that happened.
And then Monday rolls around. I go to work where people yell at me because I'm not a mind reader. I'm sorry there wasn't enough chicken on your salad. That was the amount of chicken you paid for. Totally out of my control.
Anybody else have the Monday Syndrome? What do you do to cope (besides go to scrimmage)?
Here's my thinking: I've spent the weekend kicking ass and taking names. I laid the floor that I skated on. I shut down the jammer and allowed my jammer to get lead. I hit people with my butt. I afterpartied hard with the people who had just been my enemies. Then maybe we had a hangover scrimmage or endurance practice the next day. I'm applying things I've learned and revelling in the derby that happened.
And then Monday rolls around. I go to work where people yell at me because I'm not a mind reader. I'm sorry there wasn't enough chicken on your salad. That was the amount of chicken you paid for. Totally out of my control.
Anybody else have the Monday Syndrome? What do you do to cope (besides go to scrimmage)?
Sunday, June 9, 2013
What I Love About Roller Derby...
...is everything really.
But specifically, I've been mulling over something.
I never played sports as a child, other than those I was forced to in my Phys Ed curriculum (which, let's face it, there weren't a lot, I went to art school). When I arrived at middle school, I briefly entertained the notion of trying out for a sport. But you need to know how to do a sport before you can try out. Even cheerleading has basic requirements, which I lacked.
But roller derby? You don't need to know how the game is played, or even how to skate. If you have the desire to do it and a good attitude, we'll teach you the rest. You'll learn the game and how to play it.
Roller derby is unique in that aspect. Any adult female (and in some places, male) can pick up a pair of skates and some safety equipment and be well on her way to playing roller derby.
I want to thank roller derby for being so open. For allowing me, who participated in musical theatre and dance in school over sports, to start playing a team sport at 19 and allow my drive to propel me to our charter team.
Also, welcome to all the Charlotte Roller Girls new recruits. I hope you love the sport as much as I do.
But specifically, I've been mulling over something.
I never played sports as a child, other than those I was forced to in my Phys Ed curriculum (which, let's face it, there weren't a lot, I went to art school). When I arrived at middle school, I briefly entertained the notion of trying out for a sport. But you need to know how to do a sport before you can try out. Even cheerleading has basic requirements, which I lacked.
But roller derby? You don't need to know how the game is played, or even how to skate. If you have the desire to do it and a good attitude, we'll teach you the rest. You'll learn the game and how to play it.
Roller derby is unique in that aspect. Any adult female (and in some places, male) can pick up a pair of skates and some safety equipment and be well on her way to playing roller derby.
I want to thank roller derby for being so open. For allowing me, who participated in musical theatre and dance in school over sports, to start playing a team sport at 19 and allow my drive to propel me to our charter team.
Also, welcome to all the Charlotte Roller Girls new recruits. I hope you love the sport as much as I do.
On This Day in Derby...
One year ago today, the Charlotte Roller Girls hosted a doubleheader. It was their third of the year. In March, the All-Stars lost to Tallahassee while B-Dazz posted a monumental score against Camel City. In May, the All-Stars beat Little City, while B-Dazz were defeated by Star City.
The opponents for June 9th were tough. Initially billed as a doubleheader against the New River Valley Rollergirls, until NRV let us know they wouldn't have enough skaters for two full rosters. Our ILC was tasked with finding a last-minute opponent for B-Dazz. The LowCountry HighRollers' Bruisin Betties turned out to be available. So the games were set.
This bout also marked the first time that the A game was first, a trend we continued for 2013.
The All-Stars started hard against NRV. They pulled ahead and maintained a lead for the duration.
B-Dazz took the already-warm track next. We were nervous, certainly. LCHR had swiftly defeated us at their house in February. But they weren't quite the same team we'd faced previously. They made small mistakes, which we capitalized on. We kept the momentum going the whole game. And we beat the Betties by approximately the same point spread they'd beat us by earlier in the year.
This doubleheader marked the first time both teams won at home in 2012.
In 2013, we're undefeated at home. Hope to continue that trend on June 23rd when the All-Stars play Soul City and the B-Dazzlers take on Kannapolis!
The opponents for June 9th were tough. Initially billed as a doubleheader against the New River Valley Rollergirls, until NRV let us know they wouldn't have enough skaters for two full rosters. Our ILC was tasked with finding a last-minute opponent for B-Dazz. The LowCountry HighRollers' Bruisin Betties turned out to be available. So the games were set.
This bout also marked the first time that the A game was first, a trend we continued for 2013.
The All-Stars started hard against NRV. They pulled ahead and maintained a lead for the duration.
B-Dazz took the already-warm track next. We were nervous, certainly. LCHR had swiftly defeated us at their house in February. But they weren't quite the same team we'd faced previously. They made small mistakes, which we capitalized on. We kept the momentum going the whole game. And we beat the Betties by approximately the same point spread they'd beat us by earlier in the year.
This doubleheader marked the first time both teams won at home in 2012.
In 2013, we're undefeated at home. Hope to continue that trend on June 23rd when the All-Stars play Soul City and the B-Dazzlers take on Kannapolis!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
2013: Some Thoughts
I never did follow up with my Champs blog, despite e fact that I now have an iPad Mini...perfect for blogging on the go! But I do have some thoughts for the impending new year.
Firstly, it's time to update my gear. And one of these days, I'll figure out what I want. I am on the 265 boot with the DynaPro plate. I need a new plate, for sure. I'm intrigued by the Antik Spyder skate (well mostly the boot). I kind of want Antiks. A lot. But what plate? New skate totally? Is it worth it? This is the argument that's happening in the back of my mind daily. Also I aim to try new wheels in 2013, since I always manage to come back to Poisons.
New rules! I'm thrilled that the new rules are out. And more than a little scared. Like a lot of derby girls (and boys), I've only played under the May 2010 set of rules. I've heard of the times when rule updates were yearly if not more often. I don't love No Minors, but have been behind single whistle since we beta tested it at a scrimmage last year. But it does mean new strategies. I've played a scrimmage under the new rules and look forward to playing with my team when we get back from break.
That's all I got for now, but let me know your thoughts on gear and rules!
Firstly, it's time to update my gear. And one of these days, I'll figure out what I want. I am on the 265 boot with the DynaPro plate. I need a new plate, for sure. I'm intrigued by the Antik Spyder skate (well mostly the boot). I kind of want Antiks. A lot. But what plate? New skate totally? Is it worth it? This is the argument that's happening in the back of my mind daily. Also I aim to try new wheels in 2013, since I always manage to come back to Poisons.
New rules! I'm thrilled that the new rules are out. And more than a little scared. Like a lot of derby girls (and boys), I've only played under the May 2010 set of rules. I've heard of the times when rule updates were yearly if not more often. I don't love No Minors, but have been behind single whistle since we beta tested it at a scrimmage last year. But it does mean new strategies. I've played a scrimmage under the new rules and look forward to playing with my team when we get back from break.
That's all I got for now, but let me know your thoughts on gear and rules!
Monday, November 5, 2012
What I've Been Up To
I'd like to do a sort of "Greatest Hits" post to sum up the last few months since my posts have been sparse and I've been up to a lot.
June:
I did post about our spectacular triumph over LCHR's Bruisin' Betties. That was amazing. Also happening were open practices with our Charter Team. ECDX brought some new things to our training. Which brings up to...
July:
In July, I made the Charlotte Roller Girls Charter Team. I also played with the B-Dazzlers against Star City, a team that had previously crushed us. Keeping up the rematch mojo, we swiftly defeated them at their venue. They hosted a wonderful afterparty for us that contained a LOT of karaoke. Our only home singleheader of the year took place the following weekend. I unfortunately did not make the roster, so I watched and cheered as the All-Stars played the Atlanta Rollergirls Denim Demons.
August:
August gave me two bouts to skate in. We hosted Blue Ridge for a home doubleheader and then drove down to Tallahassee, FL to play their Charter Team. We lost a lot. But we certainly learned some things. And Tally (who our All-Stars played in March) told us that they'd seen a lot of improvement in our game.
September:
The B-Dazzlers borrowed me as a jammer for their game against Classic City. It was a great game to play in. We lost, but there were lead changes galore. It was close. And they were a great group of ladies. I was awarded MVP Jammer which made me feel awesome. Then a few weeks later, we hosted the final game of the season, yet another doubleheader. All-Stars played first and we beat the Rocktown Rollers. But the real excitement was in the second game. The B-Dazzlers versus the Charlottesville Derby Dames. CLTRG and CDD met once before, but the game went undocumented. CLTRG lost, so were looking to win this time. CDD seemed like they were going to win for much of the game. But in the final jam, Thor Loser scored 24 jams allowing the B-Dazz to win. It was amazing. I laughed. I cried. I drank. Thor was on fire that night.
October:
This brings us to October. You've already read my adventures NYC and West/Central NY. That has quite a long blog post, so needs no more. I also skated with B-Dazz in a scrimmage against the Kannapolis Roller Girls. I had a lot of fun, and I know they did too. I hope we'll be seeing more of them in the future.
November:
That's right now. The roller derby that November brought me was CHAMPIONSHIPS! It was a weekend of the awesomest roller derby ever. I promise to devote at least two posts to how much it rocked my freaking socks off.
Coming Soon:
Why I Love the Denver Roller Dolls
June:
I did post about our spectacular triumph over LCHR's Bruisin' Betties. That was amazing. Also happening were open practices with our Charter Team. ECDX brought some new things to our training. Which brings up to...
July:
In July, I made the Charlotte Roller Girls Charter Team. I also played with the B-Dazzlers against Star City, a team that had previously crushed us. Keeping up the rematch mojo, we swiftly defeated them at their venue. They hosted a wonderful afterparty for us that contained a LOT of karaoke. Our only home singleheader of the year took place the following weekend. I unfortunately did not make the roster, so I watched and cheered as the All-Stars played the Atlanta Rollergirls Denim Demons.
August:
August gave me two bouts to skate in. We hosted Blue Ridge for a home doubleheader and then drove down to Tallahassee, FL to play their Charter Team. We lost a lot. But we certainly learned some things. And Tally (who our All-Stars played in March) told us that they'd seen a lot of improvement in our game.
September:
The B-Dazzlers borrowed me as a jammer for their game against Classic City. It was a great game to play in. We lost, but there were lead changes galore. It was close. And they were a great group of ladies. I was awarded MVP Jammer which made me feel awesome. Then a few weeks later, we hosted the final game of the season, yet another doubleheader. All-Stars played first and we beat the Rocktown Rollers. But the real excitement was in the second game. The B-Dazzlers versus the Charlottesville Derby Dames. CLTRG and CDD met once before, but the game went undocumented. CLTRG lost, so were looking to win this time. CDD seemed like they were going to win for much of the game. But in the final jam, Thor Loser scored 24 jams allowing the B-Dazz to win. It was amazing. I laughed. I cried. I drank. Thor was on fire that night.
October:
This brings us to October. You've already read my adventures NYC and West/Central NY. That has quite a long blog post, so needs no more. I also skated with B-Dazz in a scrimmage against the Kannapolis Roller Girls. I had a lot of fun, and I know they did too. I hope we'll be seeing more of them in the future.
November:
That's right now. The roller derby that November brought me was CHAMPIONSHIPS! It was a weekend of the awesomest roller derby ever. I promise to devote at least two posts to how much it rocked my freaking socks off.
Coming Soon:
Why I Love the Denver Roller Dolls
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