Mentioning you’re part of a roller derby league is one of heck of a conversation-starter, I’ve learned. People have a lot of questions, well-meaning for the most part, but some reveal the number of misconceptions on what roller derby is and what roller derby isn’t. Here’s a quick primer:
Roller derby ISN’T professional wrestling on skates. Yes, I remember the wayback days of face vs. heel (good vs. bad) roller derby, with outrageous personalities, overdone falls, fights, way too much makeup and the like in televised roller derby. Was it entertaining? Generally. But it’s a historical artifact, best left to dusty VCRs.
Roller derby IS a demanding sport. Oz RollerGirls practices run three hours, twice a week (third optional on Saturday morning). First hour mainly is for nuggets (aka fresh meat), those who haven’t passed tests to be a Level 2 skater, as well as Level 2s keen on more training. The last two hours are for Level 2s ready to participate in bouts/scrimmages, sometimes with nuggets involved. Drills for endurance, skill and tactics, as well as practice jams, make for a full night and skaters don’t get much in the way of breaks. I joined the nuggets at the start of a recent practice for a 40-lap skate, and that alone isn’t easy. Throw in the physical nature of blockers trying to move opponents out of the way of their jammers, and this is a sport that requires strength, speed, skills, stamina and smarts.
Roller derby ISN’T a home for cattiness, divas and drama. The Hollywood version of roller derby often focuses on petty jealousy, backbiting and internal rivalries. It’s sexy and it makes for dramatic plot devices. And it’s almost total fiction.
Roller derby IS a family. OK, roller derby practices aren’t all hugs and high-fives and folks singing “Kumbaya.” But it sure as heck isn’t junior-high cliques, catfights and conflict. Many teammates become tight friends and form sisterhoods. They support each other on and off the track in so many ways, as differences in age, attitude and background melt away quickly. Moreover, the family includes ALL derby teams. You’ll see two teams go at it tooth and nail during a bout, then embrace and enjoy the after-party together. They’ll friend each other on Facebook, exchange email addresses and phone numbers and otherwise expand their derby family.
If you have any other favorite myths vs. realities, feel free to add!
my strange journey into roller derby 