And me. It’s true. My work christmas party was at the Vice City Rollers vs Sydney Assassins derby bout tonight.
It was simply amazing. I loved the movie Whip It, and I’ve known about derby since I was a kid, but this really really shaped it. Watching those women skate and slide and duck and weave and throw hips, shoulders and elbows around really spoke to me. And it said THIS IS A SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE WAY FOR YOU TO EXPRESS YOUR NATURAL AGGRESSION. GO BUY SKATES AND GIT PRACTUSING!
And I fully intend to do so. I post this because I wish to further the profile (hahahahaha I have 2 readers, and they only read because I’d cry at them IRL if they didn’t) of roller derby, and suggest others look to supporting it too. Derby is a full contact, (mainly) women’s sport played on quadskates (as opposed to inline) around a (usually) flat track.
“The bout is divided into two 30 minute plays called jams. During jams two teams of up to 5 (five) players skate counter clockwise around the track.
Each team has one Jammer who is identified by a STAR on her helmet. The remaining players make up the pack, and are called Blockers. A Blocker from each team is designated as the pivot and is distinguished by her striped helmet cover.
The Jammers goal is to pass all of the opposing Blockers. After the initial pass is completed Jammers score one point for every legal pass of an opposing player. No points are scored on the Jammers initial pass.
The first Jammer to pass through the pack legally is the lead Jammer and earns the right to end the jam, which they can do at any time by putting their hands repeated on their hips. A Blockers aim is t prevent the opposing team’s Jammer getting through, while helping their own Jammer score points.”
There are all sorts of rules about legal play, legal blocks and target areas, and such, but that’s the gist of it. It’s rather immediate, even when playing strategically. I identify heavily with the repressed violence of this sport. Unlike netball which is all sly and quick scratches, this is totally open about breaking bones and drawing blood. Tonight I saw three separate cases of head over heels somersaults, several spin outs and countless crashes over and through players. It was glorious.
Special mention goes to Shortstop, number 6 for the VCR. Her size and speed made her (presumably) the highest scorer of the game. Also the Douchebag award goes to that manager for the Assassins, so many time outs called, so much bitching to the refs. Cost his team like 15 points at one time 😀
I need to go take a cold shower now, but I’ll keep this here forums posted on the developments of the ANU Roller Derby league and it’s sister act, the Social Skating thingo. VIVA LA DERBY!
(The bout was called “Lord of the Rink; The Two Towers”. Because it wasn’t awesome enough as it is!)
UPDATE: Skating is alive and well at ANU. Here you will find the ANU Roller Derby facebook page, and here is the Interested in Roller Derby at ANU, run by the passionate and talented Emma Eriksen and a host of very lovely ladies. If you’re in the ACT, contact Ms Eriksen here and ask to be put on the mailing list she has going. That’s the best way to stay abreast what’s happening. They’ve got lovely get togethers going, where you can practice your skate-skillz and have some fun. The local league is back in the swing of things for the year, and as you might have guessed from my gushing above, it’s a great night out. Better in a group. So, get in contact, get involved!
If you’re from Victoria, this is your league. Canberra here, Sydney here, WA goes here, Adelaide’s league is here, Brisvegas here, Darwin here and Hobart here. Or if you want, just look for your local league, since there are many many leagues all worthy of your support.
In Search of Corn Wankies 