I get this question so much: “YOU play roller derby?” This
question is accompanied by an incredulous look and usually the statement, “but
you’re so small.” So what. I am powerful and strong and I can hit people
and take big hits too. This is a misconception based on my size.
Not only do people have misconceptions about me when I
mention that I play roller derby, but most of these same people (people who
have never seen modern-day roller derby) have many misconceptions about the sport of roller
derby itself. I have had countless
conversations in the past 6 years of my derby “career” clearing up some of
those misconceptions. Maybe more people
would take the time to step into an arena where roller
derby is happening if they could be educated about what roller derby is NOT.
This is my attempt to inform the uninformed public.
Misconception #1 – Roller Derby girls have to be big girls.
Or they have to be lesbians. Or they have to have tattoos.
Roller derby players come in all shapes and sizes and walks
of life and career backgrounds. We have parents too. Some players have tattoos,
some don’t. Sexual identity among derby players is just as diverse as the Kinsey
scale itself. Some look tough, some look sweet.
Misconception #2 – Roller derby is not a sport. And there
are scantily clad women who fight each other.
Briefly, about the staged fighting, IT IS AGAINST THE
RULES!!! You want to see a fight, go to hockey. You want to see staged fights, go to WWE. Roller derby rules can be found at http://wftda.com/rules.
Read them. They will help you understand the game. YES we have rules.
Roller derby still has big, exciting hits and plays. Roller derby
doesn't need fighting to be exciting. :) Football is exciting without fighting. Roller derby athletes work as hard as any other athlete to be the best at what we do and we can do it on skates. That takes more than just skill.
Personally, I like the ability to be able to express one's
self as a roller derby athlete by wearing fishnets or colorful tights or socks
if I want to. Wearing these items makes a roller derby athlete no more
scantily clad than any other female athlete. See my previous blog covering this
subject: https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2105450644433191333#editor/target=post;postID=6582921207566927863;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=10;src=postname
The beautiful, artistic form of an athlete shows what can
come from continuous hard work and perseverance. Not only that, why would we
want to cover up those hard-working bodies when it's so hot out there on the
track? Watching roller derby athletes in action is a phenomenal experience in my
opinion. If you watch Dancing With the Stars contestants, female volleyball
players, or just go to the beach or pool you will see revealing clothing. Heck,
you can go to Walmart and see revealing clothing. In my opinion roller derby
athletes' physiques are more appealing than those you might encounter at a
Walmart or a public pool/beach. We practice several times a week to prepare for
this hard-hitting, fast-paced game that is full of endurance. Roller derby athletes' bodies let us
do these things week after week, year after year, and that is what sporting is
about. Doing your best so you can be your best at what you do.
All ORG skaters are required to be professional in their attire and cover all naughty bits if you are still skeptical.
Misconception #3 – Roller derby athletes get paid to play.
Don’t I wish?!!! The amount of time I spend on this sport is well
over part-time job status but I only get paid for my full-time job as an administrative assistant. Skaters pay dues, hold
fundraisers, and set up for our own games along with many other tasks on a long
list of necessary functions that help make a league run. Leagues are run by skaters/league
members and volunteers with the help of sponsors and our community. Volunteers make up most of our official team whom we
are so appreciative of! My league has a board of directors as well as job
positions that members hold to take care of the day to day business and earn required
participation points. Attendance is a
requirement as well in order to skate in scrimmages and games.
I think everyone should come to a bout at least once, if for
nothing else than to be educated about your misconceptions. Roller derby games
are full of fun, excitement, and action! Plus the kids love it and we love signing autographs for them! View the Omaha Rollergirls’ schedule
here: http://www.omaharollergirls.org/schedule Come out and see us!
