Roller Derby: A Crash Course

Hey-o! ...as you (hopefully) know, this coming Saturday Dire takes on the Battle Creek Cereal Killers on our home turf at The Skate! Hopefully you have your tickets and are as excited as we are!

I remember the first roller derby bout I attended. I had no idea what to expect. By the end of the first jam I still wasn't sure what the heck all those women were doing out there but I knew whatever it was, I was hooked.
First things first, the roller derby of today is a different beast than the roller derby of yesteryear. Our own coach, The GolfFather, once described old school roller derby to me as basically being "fist fighting with occasional skating." Today's roller derby is a full contact sport and the hits are real. However, it is about so much more than those hard hits. Today's derby surpasses mere brawling and is a game of not only strength, but endurance and strategy. The athletes you see on the track play hard! We also practice and train hard, spend personal time working out, reviewing roller derby footage to try and improve our games, do endurance training, the list goes on...

Roller derby is fast paced & action packed. Even as a spectator, it can be easy to be simultaneously swept away and confused by the excitement. I thought it might be fun to do a little Roller Derby 101 here on the blog, so let's get started!

image credit: Texas Roller Girls www.texasrollergirls.org

Roller derby games, also known as bouts, consist of two teams of the awesome athletes I was just talking about. Each team fields up to five players at a time; four blockers and one jammer a piece.
The blockers from each team line up in "walls" and are both offensive and defensive players. The blockers also make up what you will hear being called "the pack." The pack is the largest group of in bounds, upright blockers containing members from both teams.

 RollHer Zombie, Dragon Ballzy, yours truly, and SeanA the Dead with DJ SMear-o jamming 

against Warsaw, Indiana's Bone City Rollers, March 2016
Photo Credit: Jim Johnson
 

The jammers start behind both walls of blockers and are the only players who score points for their team.  Jammers are not part of the pack and you can tell them apart by the star covers they wear over their helmets. 

Jammer DJ Smear-o battling A-Town Roller Derby's jammer

March 2016, Photo credit: Jim Johnson

Games are played in two 30 minute halves which are then broken up into increments lasting up to two minutes each and are referred to as jams. On the whistle, the jammers have to try to make it through the pack. Each jammer must get through the pack once before they are able to start scoring points for their team. The first jammer through the pack will be announced as "lead jammer." In addition to being called by the announcer, a referee will be holding his or her arms up in a large  L shape and pointing at the lead jammer.

After making it through the pack on their initial pass, jammers score one point for each member of the opposing team that they lap. 

Grizzly Barrett and jammer Jenocide

March 2016, Photo credit: Jim Johnson

The blockers, as I said before, are playing both offense and defense for their team. That is, they are trying to help their own jammer through the pack while hindering the opposing jammer. The blocker with the striped helmet cover is the pivot. The pivot has a lot of responsibility on the track; she is sort of the head blocker for each wall and can also become the jammer if her team needs her to. 

 SeanA the Dead, Grizzly Barrett, and pivot, DJ Smear-o with Jenocide jamming in the back

February 2016, Photo credit: Jim Johnson

 IVy Bruzinya, Grizzly Barrett, and pivot RollHer Zombie
March, 2016. Photo credit: Jim Johnson

Jams can last up to two minutes, but won't necessarily. The lead jammer can call off the jam at any time. ...when you see the lead jammer repeatedly flashing her hands at her hips that is her signaling to the referee that she is calling off the jam. Then it is time for new walls and fresh legs so the next jam can begin!

 WHEW! Should we recap?

• Each team typically has 5 players on the track at a time: 4 blockers and 1 jammer
• Jammers score a point for every member of the opposing team that they pass in the pack
• One jam can last up to two minutes
• A player who gets called for a penalty must immediately exit the track and report to the penalty box 

So that's a crash course in flat track roller derby! Of course, a roller derby game takes more than just players and coaches. A bout can't happen without a host of other very important people! There are no less than three referees at a bout, as well as many non-skating officials (NSOs) whose jobs consist of things like score keeping, penalty tracking, penalty timing, and jam timing to name a few!
There are also EMTs, announcers, door personnel, and vendors! All these awesome people are there on a voluntary basis, ensuring that the fans and players all get to have a great & safe time.

Of course, there's no better way to learn about roller derby than by watching it live! So grab your ticket, grab some friends, and then grab a seat this Saturday at The Skate! Doors open at 5:30 and we cannot wait to see you there!!

XO,
Frida Kill-o

I'm Frida Kill-o. By day I'm Katie. I  run a home based toy making business & corral my crazy kids. By night I am a wheeled vigilante, smashing unhappiness & injustice under my toe stops as a member of the Dire Skates!

Me & the inimitable RollHer Zombie.

Photo credit Jim Johnson, Richmond. 

I've only been on the team a short time, but was interested in roller derby for a while before RollHer Zombie talked me into coming to try outs. I mean, for me derby was The Thing. You know what I mean...everybody has one(...right?). Roller derby was The Thing I always thought seemed so amazing but found myself coming up with a hundred different excuses as to why I could never actually do it. I told myself I was an artist, not an athlete. I told myself I didn't have any free time, I was too shy, that I was a loner Dottie, a rebel. So for years roller derby stayed filed under "The Thing."

 
Like I said,  I've never been athletic, I've always gravitated more towards the artist/maker end of the spectrum (my derby name is actually in honor of my favorite painter, Frida Kahlo),  & although I loved to cruise around on my Care Bears roller skates as a kid I literally hadn't been on wheels in 20 years. To say I was nervous about getting out there in front of a group of strangers and trying something I only knew about in theory is a huge understatement. 

I used to roll around on these exact skates, guys! 

But to my surprise, the team invited me to continue coming to practice with them as Fresh Meat (aka a new recruit/team hopeful). Before long I couldn't wait for our practices. I love my family, I love my business, but for the first time in years I was doing something purely for myself. And guys, I was doing The Thing! Actually doing it!
And in facing my anxieties and actually doing The Thing not only did I prove that annoying little "I could never" voice inside my head wrong, I also gave myself an opportunity to start getting involved in our community and to meet an amazing group of people I probably would've spent my whole life missing out on otherwise!

Me and a few of my awesome derby sisters at our 2016 season opener 

against the Bone City Rollers. Photo credit: Jim Johnson, Richmond. 

Yeah, I still fall down a lot. Like, nearly every practice. But every time I get up  little faster. I think the 2016 season is going to be a good one for Dire & I can't wait to take you along on it!!

~Frida Kill-O~

Let Me Introduce Myself

 

      My name is Veronica, or as I'm known lately, IVy Bruzinya. I have been a member of The Dire Skates Roller Derby since July of 2015. The day I tried out for the team, I raised a lot of eye brows with friends and family because...

I didn't know how to skate...

     Now I know you are probably saying to yourself, "WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU JOIN A ROLLER DERBY TEAM WITHOUT HAVING ANY SKATING ABILITY!?" Well, in short, I've never been one to back down from a challenge.

     It all stems back to when I was in serving in the United States Air Force. You see, I  met so many amazing, phenomenal woman who had faced the odds and conquered them. One thing they all had in common was, someone at some point in their life, had told them they were not capable of accomplishing their goals. They proved them wrong time and time again. These women taught me that with drive, dedication, and perseverance any feat is possible, no matter how big of an obstacle it may seem at first. There was a beautiful feeling of camaraderie among my military sisters because we had all been held to the same standard and we all held each other accountable. One sister in particular really impacted my life on so many levels, and one way she did so, was to introduce me to roller derby.

     When I watched that first roller derby bout I fell in love. These women were so fascinating. They were so fiercely unique with their own style and Derby name. They had created a new persona for themselves, all while being supported by a team. It felt like the thing I had been missing was right in front of me. The military had taught me to blend in, and here were these women standing out in all their glory. I knew right then I had to be a part of this, but due to the increased risk of injury from playing a contact sport, I was not permitted to join while on active duty.

     Fast forward back to July of 2015, I was now back in my home state of Indiana. While scrolling through my Facebook feed I discovered a very familiar sight...it was a derby girl! She was posting about upcoming try-outs for her team The Dire Skates. I knew Grizzly Barrett from High School, so I decided to private message her about being interested. She was very encouraging, even after I admitted I could not skate.

     I came to try-outs and I fell...frequently. But I kept getting back up. The girls were so kind and encouraging, and some of them literally held my hands while I learned to skate. I never missed a chance to be on my skates. I listened to every bit of advice these incredible women could give me and I did my best to apply it. I walked around my house in my skates, invested in buying outdoor wheels so I could practice in my driveway, I did off skates workouts in my living room, and I watched countless YouTube videos on how to improve my skills. Slowly but surely I improved. After months of hard work, I passed my minimum skills and I was voted on the team! This is my first season playing with The Dire skates and I couldn't be happier.

     The Dire Skates pushed me outside of my comfort zone and forced me to face my fears. They still do. They challenge me to be the very best version of myself possible. Just like those amazing women I met in the military, they inspire me every day to never stop trying. Now that I am officially a part of this incredible team, I am excited to tell you all about them. You can expect to see more updates as the season progresses so stay tuned!

~IVy Bruzinya~

New Recruit Spotlight: Jherica

Copyright Keith Bielat

Name: Jherica Williams 

Number: 10 

Position: up for debate 

Tell us about your non-derby self: I am any typical person. Very driven and happen to have a very active lifestyle. I play softball, a runner, love hitting the weights and basically anything that has to do with exercise and improving yourself inside and out, I am in. I love the challenge of things never coming easy but after the headache and even heartache we all survive and life moves on for the better. 

Were you a fan of the Dire Skates before joining? I hadn't a clue about Dire Skates before joining honestly. 

Why did you join roller derby?: It is one of those accidental discoveries. My friend wanted to try out and have some support and my sister and I came with her and well...I'm hooked. 

What is your favorite part of roller derby?: The overall challenge. I have to say the agility part and trying to be the quickest skater out there on my feet seem to be my strength. 

What are your roller derby goals?: Be better every week. Be the best contributor I can for my teammates whatever position the Coach has me in.

What do you hope Dire Skates can do for Richmond?: Bring their community together through a very inviting family environment. 

What are you skating on right now?: Couldn't tell you, still learning the overall lingo when it comes to skating. 

If you could skate anywhere, anytime, where and when would it be and why? Couldn't tell you that either... this is a whole new world to me. 

If you could have any famous person alive or dead join Dire Skates, who would it be and why? Probably Michael Jackson because we all knew that man can dance his a** off...I'd like to see how well he be on skates. 

Tell us one thing you want us to know about yourself: I'm a very committed person and I'll do my best if anyone ever needs help. 

Tell us one thing about another skater: There are too many to choose from because overall the women I skated with the past couple of months have been very inspiration and inviting and that is hard to come by with a group of females around each other. Dire Skates all stay focus and have a respect for each other. I played on a lot of teams throughout my youth and adulthood and competed at all levels but never felt that sense of respect ever. And I can say for the first time and being a little new this is the most inviting environment I been in a long time considering we all volunteer our time to work together and that's actually nice.

Derby Unicorn Spotlight: Mr. BadAZZ

Editor's note: Roller derby requires more than just the players on the track. It requires NSOs, referees, coaches, people to set up, volunteers to run the tables, food vendors, and on and on. This is why we are starting a new feature showcasing the people who work behind the scenes to help bring you Richmond's Derby Little Secret.

Mr. BadAZZ, or Tony, is the assistant coach of the Dire Skates (or as we affectionately refer to him: Ass. Coach). Tony has been with the team for two years. He helps run practices, referees scrimmages, runs drills with us as a skater, and bench coaches during our games, among countless other duties.

Tony is only one part of Dire's BadAZZ clan, which also features BadAZZ MotherCutter, Baby BadAZZ, and BadAZZ Brat.

Tony not only helps physically with drills and practices, but he also provides support as a coach and friend. Tony does a great job of providing positive support and constructive criticism, always helping us improve our game individually and as a team.

Tony is one of Dire's biggest fans, too--if you ever see him out and about it's likely that he will be sporting Dire attire.


Terahrizen, team trainer, and skater for the Dire Skates says:

Organization and knowing who works best together and who to to put against certain walls is huge, and its a lot for one person to do. Having  a bench coach has really put the Dire Skates in motion for many improvements. Tony is a particularly valuable piece because he takes the time to get to know us all personally and really has an eye for detail and a passion for derby. I trust him (and Coach) to keep an eye on me while I'm on the track and listen for their instructions.

BadAZZ MotherCutter, Mr. BadAZZ's wife, said this:

Hmmm....what to say.  Mr. BadAZZ is an athlete in every aspect of the word.  Mr. Competitive. He strives to make me a better player. Tony wants to help build Dire into a better, stronger team. I love the fact that we can make roller derby a family event.  We enjoy every activity we do together and this is just one facet of what we call Team Tenney.  He loves to cheer for our team and he applies his sports knowledge in everything we do.  He is a very positive person, very encouraging.  He wants to be supportive of all of us as a team. I appreciate everything he does.

The GolfFather, the other half of the Dire Skates' coaching staff, said this:

Man, what an addition to have Tony or Mr. Bad Azz to the coaching staff. He is instrumental on keeping the bench in order during games, so I can focus on the track. He gets in scrimmages with the ladies and brings a different dynamic because if they can hold him back or knock him out of the way can do it to most anyone. I appreciate everything he does on and off the track. Thank you for being a great coach and a great friend.

Mr. BadAZZ photo gallery:

Bench coach

Promotional photo shoot

With Smack Widow

Mr. BadAZZ and his wife BadAZZ MotherCutter

Thanks for all you do, Ass. Coach!

April Skater of the Month: Maniac Jack

Maniac Jack has been with the Dire Skates since the beginning! A blocker, and jammer, Maniac is a powerful force on the track.

I mean, have you seen her skate?

And those shoulders?!

Maniac skates hard and hits harder, not only using herself to hit our opponents, but even throwing her teammates at the other players. No one forgets the first time they get hit by Maniac Jack.

Maniac easily gets her head into the game and works to ensure her teammates are focused alongside her. Though she is also well-known for stacking up penalties--the "jack in the box" is a common sight at our games. Even then she still has a smile on her face!

Maniac is a powerful asset to our team, not only because of her abilities, but because she is an amazing derby sister. She even tried to retire after last season, but we would not let her because we just love her too much!


Coach, The GolfFather, had this to say about Maniac:

What an amazing person Maniac Jack is. She is hard working, busy mom of two very active and athletic kids. Jack is very athletic herself and a very good skater. She has played anywhere we have put her on the track. Blocker, no problem, Pivot, sure, Jammer, "are you sure?", “Yes, Jack, go jam and score some points.” She is most famous probably for Hurtz McGroin’s saying “Jack in the Box” everytime she gets a penalty. Wonder if they would sponsor our penalty box?
She almost retired after last season and I am glad we had all those fans in supporting the “one more year.” I am glad that she is back for 2015 and hopefully beyond. What do you say, Jack?
I have known jack for about 4.5 years now and I am honored to coach a great player, teammate, mom, person, but most of all a great friend!

DJ SMear-O added this:

I love Maniac's glorious powerful ass. It knocks everyone around. It clears holes for me on the track. It looks perfect and round and strong in her shorts. I catch myself in a Maniac Jack booty trance. She may not like her fabulous bottom, but that beautiful badass babe has been busting her bodacious buns for me and everyone else on this team since we became a team. She is a bounty of butt and a force to be reckoned with. I love Maniac Jack. Skating with her has and always will be a pleasure.

RollHer Zombie had this to say about her derby sister:

Maniac Jack, 765, homegrown crazy. I remember drinking wine in her kitchen many moons ago and trying to come up with her tag line. That is just one of many great times we have shared since the very start of the team. Besides my other wife, CA is probably who I have played derby with the most since the team started. I am lucky to not only call her my sister, but one of my dearest, closest friends, who has been there for me through my darkest moments. Manic and I both can say derby saved our souls; Not only for the physical outlet and chance to break down barriers that society puts females in, but the true friendship and love that comes from such an amazing dynamic of women. Some people are reluctant to get to know her, because I think they are intimidated by those big shoulders, lethal hips, and sometimes big mouth. ;) I know under that awesomely brutal persona and seemingly effortless derby ability, she is quite simply amazing. I know she has thought of retirement, but honestly I can't imagine our team without her and I am not looking forward to that day. Mad love for you Maniac.
<3 RollHer Zombie

Maniac Jack photo gallery:

Thanks for all you do, Maniac!

Spotlight: Grizzly Barrett

Check out that fierce helmet Grizzly painted!

Name: Grizzly Barrett 

Number: 046 

Position: Blocker 

Tell us about your non-derby self: By day or sometimes night I am a radiology student. I take x-rays and try to make people feel even a tiny bit better about their hospital stay. In my spare time, besides derby, I have several different hobbies. I love to paint, draw, and do all things artistic. I also love to be outdoors hiking, swimming, or lazing about. People say I have a song for every situation. I love to sing, and random spoken words may or may not cause me burst out in song. 

Were you a fan of the Dire Skates before joining? I hadn’t actually ever been to a game before I joined the Dire Skates. 

Why did you join roller derby?: I joined roller derby because I wanted to become a stronger me. Part of it was just to prove to myself that I could, and then I fell in love with derby.

What is your favorite part of roller derby?: My favorite part of roller derby is getting to know and being around all of my amazingly strong teammates. They have really supported me, some of them literally pushing/pulling me along, when all I wanted to do was give up. 

What are your roller derby goals?: After passing my laps, my biggest goal is to learn as much about the game as I can. I also want to work more on transitions and backwards skating. 

What do you hope Dire Skates can do for Richmond?: I just hope more girls will join and have a healthy outlet to express themselves. I know when I’ve had a bad day; a roller derby practice is the quickest cure. 

What are you skating on right now?: A pair of used Riedell Carrera’s I picked up online for $5. Best deal ever! They needed a few alterations, new homemade straps and bigger shoe strings, but they’ll do until I get some new ones. 

If you could skate anywhere, anytime, where and when would it be and why?: I wish I could skate around the town I live in, but the roads are way too rough and there aren’t any paved trails. 

Tell us one thing you want us to know about yourself: I’m super loyal and will stick by my friends and family no matter what. 

Tell us one thing about another skater: All of my teammates have been amazing, but Terah pushed me super hard to pass my laps and she’s an awesome trainer!