MoonMoon

Why roller derby? Why play this sport, why be involved with leagues, why risk injury when you could easily sit on the sidelines?

Maybe you’re looking for a new hobby. Maybe you’re looking for something to participate in, something bigger than yourself. Maybe your best friend joined, spread the gospel of derby to you, and now you’re interested. Maybe you are considering giving fresh meat classes a go.

Here’s what I know for sure. 1. Roller derby will change your life. Yeah, I know, that sounds pretty cliche–but it’s true. From the moment you strap on those wheels, you are asserting yourself as a skater. You go from stumbling to soaring in a matter of months. You will find new friends, become more physically fit, and have the time of your life–provided you keep a positive attitude.

2. Your social circle will expand, as well as your horizons. Before derby, I hardly knew anyone in my town. I had moved because of a new job, and my coworkers showed little interest in getting to know me. Enter derby. I’ve met amazing people, made friends, and discovered I could do things that previously I would have never attempted. It has been a great confidence booster. I’m learning more about myself the more I play.

3. You will work harder than you ever have in your life (probably). I like slaking off as much as the next person, but if you aren’t willing to buckle down and work hard, then this isn’t really the sport for you. Sounds blunt, but true. I didn’t pass fresh meat on my first try. Or my MSTs (minimum skills tests). Or my 27-in-5 laps. The point is, if you fall, get up. If you’re slow, get down and get faster. This isn’t a once-a-week commitment. (Well, unless you’re in a rec league but I feel strongly it takes lots of practice to perfect your skills.) People–your teammates–are depending on you to progress, and it won’t happen overnight. “You will get what you put into it,” is a phrase often said at my practices. If you want all fun and games, stick with the rec leagues. Wanna play with the big girls? Play for sport, join a ranked team, etc.

Maybe you’re new to roller derby. You went to a bout, heard from a friend, or just saw a poster and decided to try it.

On your first day, you go to the rink or warehouse and meet your instructor, as well as other “fresh meat” and some members of the league. They’re probably pretty cool and you’re in awe. You may or may not get to skate the first day. They explain the rules of the league, how derby works, the risks, the costs, but most of all, the benefits and awesomeness. You’re intrigued and stick around. You try to skate. Perhaps you have never skated before, or you have amateur experience at rolling. Either way, you’re going to probably fall. It’s going to be a rough training period. You begin to look up how to get better. (Maybe that’s why you’re here.) You know you need to improve, but feel overwhelmed about where to start. I won’t claim to know everything there is about derby. I still learn new things every week. But it’s important to keep your body and your self-confidence up during these crucial months leading up to graduating fresh meat. I will post a short list and others may feel free to add their own experiences.

1. Don’t give up. We all have our down weeks. It’s rough. You’ll get bruises and muscle aches and ask if it’s worth it (it totally is). I’ve known several people who have gotten injured in fresh meat–but they almost always came back after healing to finish their training. That’s how determined roller derby girls are. You joined this sport for a reason. See it through.

2. Go to practice. Different leagues may have different practice requirements. You may still be adjusting your real-life schedule (work, school, etc) to your derby schedule. But try not to miss practice. Missing a day of fresh meat practice for me was like missing a week’s worth of learning. If you miss, try to go to a makeup practice or go to free skate with a veteran skater. Attendance is crucial to your success. Even on the days when you’re still sore, at least attend the practice off skates and observe. It’s amazing what you will learn when you step back and watch.

3. Get a buddy. It could be a fellow fresh meat or a veteran (derby sister). Keep in touch. Talk about derby. Encourage each other to go to practice. Be there for each other. It’ll help when you are feeling down. Having a friend in derby helps you finish the fresh meat course. 4. Do some cross-training. Either to work on your endurance or to get in shape, you should cross-train. If you weren’t an athletic person before, jumping into derby is going to be tough on your body. Keep the momentum going by picking an activity–jogging, biking, swimming–whatever your thing is. Skating outside helps too.

5. Ask questions. Ask your trainer questions. Ask the veterans questions (they usually won’t mind). Ask the referees about rule specifications. Take in all the advice you can. If you’re struggling with a skill, find someone who is good at it and have them explain their method. I’ve found almost every skater does their skill a little differently from the next. If one skater’s advice on turn-around toe stops doesn’t resonate with you, try another’s. It’s not rude necessarily; we are all aware of the differences and levels of skill it takes to perform tasks on skates. With that said though… 5a. Follow their advice. It won’t do you a bit of good to ask things without listening to them. 

Hello, it’s me You were wondering if after all these jams I’d like to tweet To rebuke all these things They say that weren’t a penalty But I’m done with arguing

Hello, can you hear me? I’m on the outside of the track seeing your calamity You’d like to hit folks and be free But the rules say otherwise, and now the onus is on me

There’s such a difference between us And a million rules

Hello from the Outside, I must’ve called a thousand times, To tell you to, leave the, track ‘cause you cut All the pack and you ignore me, just get off.

Hello from the Outside, Your cursing and your loud cries, But those rules are, static, and I don’t really care But it don’t matter, it’s clearly, worded in the rules read ‘em more.

Hello, how are you? It’s so typical of you to talk back to me I’m sorry I hope that you’re well You won’t make it outta that box, because insubordination.

It’s no secret that that the both of us Will go back and forth all game.

So, hello from the Outside, I must’ve called a thousand times, To tell you to, leave the, track ‘cause you cut All the pack and you ignore me, just get off.

Hello from the Outside, Your cursing and your loud cries, But those rules are, static, and I don’t really care But it don’t matter, it’s clearly, worded in the rules read ‘em more.

Ooooohhhh, read ‘em more. Ooooohhhh, read ‘em more. Ooooohhhh, read ‘em more. Read ‘em more.

Hello from the Outside, I must’ve called a thousand times, To tell you to, leave the, track ‘cause you cut All the pack and you ignore me, just get off.

Hello from the Outside, Your cursing and your loud cries, But those rules are, static, and I don’t really care But it don’t matter, it’s clearly, worded in the rules read ‘em more.

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