A Fresh Meat's Perspective

The WomenTalkSports network has come up with a "Best of '09" series. What a great idea! I recently wrote my own Year in Review as a personal exercise, but the last three months of my life have been immersed in roller derby and this is a perfect opportunity to share more.

I am brand new at this--just got my skates at the end of October. Before that, the last time I had been on eight wheels was probably around the age of eleven. Let me tell you. Body mechanics and center of gravity change dramatically over thirty years! It is not the same as riding a bike. Close, maybe, but not the same. When a newbie like me chooses to join roller derby, we (as a general group) are given a nickname. I think "Fresh Meat" is the most popular term, but I've also heard "Skatertots" (which I think is adorable). It's a little like being inducted into a not-so-secret-just-mostly-unknown society.

I have found that many people have not been exposed to "modern" roller derby (or even "old school" roller derby for that matter, depending on with whom I am speaking). When I mention it to people, the usual response is "What? Did you say Roller Derby?" This is typically followed by a mild guffaw and an overall smirk as I try to explain the significance of what it is I'm doing.

So, when challenged to write a "Best of '09" article, I was eager and excited. I jumped on the internet, thrilled to do some research. Then, about five minutes later, I had to admit that I had no idea where to go. Most sports have numerous sources of high-level information--and some might argue that roller derby does, too--but I have concluded that our burgeoning sport is a bit unique.

Without a doubt, Derby News Network (DNN) is an invaluable resource for major roller derby events. Their live and archived coverage offers access to nation-wide action that is otherwise very difficult to find. However, if you were to ask a derby enthusiast in California, Texas, Indiana, and Boston "What were the highlights of 2009?" you would probably get completely different answers. Why? Because roller derby is played differently around the country (and, I presume, around the world). Therefore, what is valued and respected also varies by region and by player. So, before this player shares her highlights, I think a brief orientation is in order.

Roller derby is played on both banked tracks and flat tracks and rules differ around the country (more on that later), however, the basics are pretty much the same. The Hammer City Roller Girls (from Ontario, Canada, no less) put together this video that is very helpful: The Basics of Flat Track Derby. The timing and length of play periods vary, as do some of the rules regarding penalties and who can score, but the general idea of how the game is played is universal. Here is what I have learned about the world of roller derby in 2009:

• Roller derby is a sport! No matter who you speak to within any of the below-mentioned groups, you will be told in no uncertain terms that there is no scripting, no acting, so staging. Everything you see is true athleticism, skill, and strategy. And let me add, while at first it appears easy (who didn't roller skate as a kid?), it is not easy! It hurts to skate, it hurts to fall, it hurts to simply keep a squatting derby stance for extended periods of time. (I haven't even gotten to the point where I hit and get hit!)

• Roller derby is both independent and organized.
  • There are local leagues that include multiple teams that play by their own league rules. For examples, see L.A. Derby Dolls and San Diego Derby Dolls.
  • There are national organizations that register member leagues who agree to play by a set of rules specific to each organization. For examples, see Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) and Old School Derby Association (OSDA).
  • There are "rogue" teams that don't play by anyone's rules. (I haven't identified any of these yet, I've only been told they exist.)

• The majority of leagues around the United States are part of WFTDA. While this is not an absolute, by any means, WFTDA appears to have the lead in terms of a national organization. With four regional tournaments and a national championship, I think WFTDA does a great job of increasing roller derby's visibility and legitimacy as a sport. Take a look at the Big Five events from 2009.
  • Wicked Wheels of the East, Eastern Regionals, September 11-13, Raleigh, NC
  • Brawl of America, North Central Regionals, September 18-20, Saint Paul, MN
  • Southern Fried Smackdown, South Central Regionals, September 25-27, Atlanta, GA
  • Derby on the Rocks, Western Regionals, October 2-4, Denver, CO
  • Declaration of Derby, National Tournament, November 13-15, Philadelphia, PA

I am a firm believer that curiosity and learning is what keeps us young. I also think that roller skating brings out the kid in anyone. So, when you add in the aspect of roller derby (my not-so-subtle attempt at saying full-contact sport!) you get grown women playing around like five-year-olds and being given permission to smash the hell out of one another! What could be more liberating?

So, what is the highlight of roller derby in 2009? Robin joined! Robin is hooked! Robin is learning! Robin is having a blast! (What else did you think I would say?)

2010 will be an enormous adventure. I will be learning, growing, strengthening, and falling on my butt. My commitment is that I will continue to share this journey, including not just the roller derby highlights, but also the changes in me: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. (I can't help it. It's what I do with everything in my life.)

I hope you join me on my journey. Read. Comment. Share. I can't wait to hear from you, too!

Other WomenTalkSports posts of "Best of '09":

• From Because I Played Sports, Best of '09: Forming a community, WomenTalkSports.com

• From One Sport Voice, The "Best" of 2009 and the State of Girls & Women in Sports 

• From WakeGirls.com, Best of ‘09 – A Year for Women in Wake