Roller Derby

[CarlaRant]

I've been invited to the closed try outs for the Arizona Derby Dames. I'm only a little hesistant because this is the league that broke off from my former league, the parent league, AZ Roller Derby a year after formation. (aka known grudge) However, I'm not fully committed to AZRD because when I broke my ankle and was in 2 serious car accidents, did anyone contact me? Hell no, which I found ironic since they publicly tout "family" above all else.

It is also quite a time commitment and also includes dues. I would hate to cut back on my yoga a/o belly dancing. Hubby has just pointed out these points as well as the fact that AZDD is not part of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), which contains all of the rules and the AZDD prides itself on not having as many rules. And rules are made to be broken, right? ;)

The girl that formed AZDD is straightedge and tells me every time I see her that she'd love to have another sxe girl on the team. She's been nothing but cool with me since we met on AZRD and seems to be impressed with my skating abilities. She's been trying to recruit me for the last two years.

Bottom line is that I love skating and playing derby and would like to have one more shot before having a family. I'm fairly certain no one has faced this decision before, but if you have experienced something similiar, I would love to hear from you.

[xsecx]

I've been invited to the closed try outs for the Arizona Derby Dames. I'm only a little hesistant because this is the league that broke off from my former league, the parent league, AZ Roller Derby a year after formation. (aka known grudge) However, I'm not fully committed to AZRD because when I broke my ankle and was in 2 serious car accidents, did anyone contact me? Hell no, which I found ironic since they publicly tout "family" above all else.

It is also quite a time commitment and also includes dues. I would hate to cut back on my yoga a/o belly dancing. Hubby has just pointed out these points as well as the fact that AZDD is not part of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), which contains all of the rules and the AZDD prides itself on not having as many rules. And rules are made to be broken, right? ;)

The girl that formed AZDD is straightedge and tells me every time I see her that she'd love to have another sxe girl on the team. She's been nothing but cool with me since we met on AZRD and seems to be impressed with my skating abilities. She's been trying to recruit me for the last two years.

Bottom line is that I love skating and playing derby and would like to have one more shot before having a family. I'm fairly certain no one has faced this decision before, but if you have experienced something similiar, I would love to hear from you.

so what is actually involved besides girls skating around in a circle and hitting each other?

[straightXed]

I've been invited to the closed try outs for the Arizona Derby Dames. I'm only a little hesistant because this is the league that broke off from my former league, the parent league, AZ Roller Derby a year after formation. (aka known grudge) However, I'm not fully committed to AZRD because when I broke my ankle and was in 2 serious car accidents, did anyone contact me? Hell no, which I found ironic since they publicly tout "family" above all else.

It is also quite a time commitment and also includes dues. I would hate to cut back on my yoga a/o belly dancing. Hubby has just pointed out these points as well as the fact that AZDD is not part of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), which contains all of the rules and the AZDD prides itself on not having as many rules. And rules are made to be broken, right? ;)

The girl that formed AZDD is straightedge and tells me every time I see her that she'd love to have another sxe girl on the team. She's been nothing but cool with me since we met on AZRD and seems to be impressed with my skating abilities. She's been trying to recruit me for the last two years.

Bottom line is that I love skating and playing derby and would like to have one more shot before having a family. I'm fairly certain no one has faced this decision before, but if you have experienced something similiar, I would love to hear from you.

I can't really help, nothing similar to draw upon, at least nothing comes to mind...but yoga is way cool, i would personally invest time in that over roller derby. But then roller derby isnt really geared toward me, good luck with making your mind up.

[CarlaRant]

so what is actually involved besides girls skating around in a circle and hitting each other?

The point is for one girl (the jammer) to pass a group of girls (the pack) while racing the jammer from the other team to get points in a timed (2 minutes) round/jam. The whole game is played within a minimum of 60 minutes, divided into two 30-minute periods.

1st Whistle Blows
Pack (4 girls from each team) starts racing

2nd Whistle Blows
Jammers race each other to become Lead Jammer
*Lead Jammer can "call off the jam" or stop the race at any time by patting her hips.

Each opposing player that the jammers pass in the second (or third or fourth, etc) lap is a point.

All the while, the pack is trying to block and help the appropriate jammers.

Illegal hits include
-hitting anywhere above the shoulders
-booty
-back
-back thigh
-below mid-thigh

Illegal blocking includes
-throwing elbows
-head butting
-use of hands and forearms.
This basically restricts the girls to positioning herself in front of the other player, hip bumps, and shoulder shoves.

If the jammers are stuck at any time, the lead girl in the pack, the Pivot, may switch helmet caps with the jammer. Thus, becoming the jammer. This is more more difficult than it sounds and isn't done very often.

There are a ton of rules, but that's the simple overview of the game. http://rules.wftda.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/wftda_official_rules_version_4_0.pdf

I'll tell you, the practices are brutal. I don't think I was ever in better shape than when I was playing derby, even when I played softball, soccer, volleyball or ran track in high school.

Anyway, I think I'm going to try out. I figured out my schedule and it's definitely feasible to continue my yoga and belly dance practice while doing this too. My mother is really excited-she used to play derby in the 70s. :D

[CarlaRant]

Wish me luck--try outs tomorrow.

[CarlaRant]

As if anyone cares....an update: I made the league, but decided not to pursue it any further.

My life has been too crazy lately, especially since school started up again last week. There are lot of new rules at this school about submitting lesson plans, having the students do pre and post assessments, and calling parents within the first two weeks. An hour commute and keeping up a workout routine has left me running on 4 hours of sleep. It's times like these that I wish I drink coffee.

Now....more grading.

[D1988]

As if anyone cares....an update: I made the league, but decided not to pursue it any further.

My life has been too crazy lately, especially since school started up again last week. There are lot of new rules at this school about submitting lesson plans, having the students do pre and post assessments, and calling parents within the first two weeks. An hour commute and keeping up a workout routine has left me running on 4 hours of sleep. It's times like these that I wish I drink coffee.

Now....more grading.

I care, and I wish you had stuck to it and went in the league.

Work and life before hobby though unfortunately, it sucks.

[CarlaRant]

Thank you. :)

I think my focus on yoga and belly dancing are enough hobbies right now...and the best for this period of my life.

[linsee]

I think it's awesome you went through with the tryouts even though you decided not to do it.

I'd really like to try yoga. It seems like something I could get in to.

[xvunderx]

Sucks that you didn't have to time to run with it in the end. I'm glad you posted about the rules though by the way, i'd always wondered what the heck was going on with how the sport was played!

Sounds like you have plenty going on even without roller derby .

[CarlaRant]

Thanks ladies. Maybe later in life....


I think it's awesome you went through with the tryouts even though you decided not to do it.

I'd really like to try yoga. It seems like something I could get in to.
It's great!!! When I started, I could barely touch my toes...now I'm doing balancing and twisting poses. It has also helped my concentration and stress levels. I would suggest starting at a community center because they provide the equipment and it's usually pretty cheap.


Sucks that you didn't have to time to run with it in the end. I'm glad you posted about the rules though by the way, i'd always wondered what the heck was going on with how the sport was played!

Sounds like you have plenty going on even without roller derby .
You're welcome. I know I can get a little crazy when it comes to talking/writing about the topic. It was just such a big part of my life for the last few years. Ah well....

[xvunderx]

Thanks ladies. Maybe later in life....


It's great!!! When I started, I could barely touch my toes...now I'm doing balancing and twisting poses. It has also helped my concentration and stress levels. I would suggest starting at a community center because they provide the equipment and it's usually pretty cheap.


You're welcome. I know I can get a little crazy when it comes to talking/writing about the topic. It was just such a big part of my life for the last few years. Ah well....

Is there a way to be involved on a "part time" level? Like just play for fun and no obligations at all?

[CarlaRant]

My old league just started up a membership that would allow me to skate with the girls during practices, but I wouldn't be allowed to play games per WFTDA rules.

[D1988]

My old league just started up a membership that would allow me to skate with the girls during practices, but I wouldn't be allowed to play games per WFTDA rules.

So you can have fun and get some exercise without all of the commitments of having to play games and stuff. I hope you can do this?

[CarlaRant]

I just started the P90X workout in preparation for my first summer back with AZRD. I was at the last game and kept thinking, "I should be out there." I've been skating with my old teammates and they've been very encouraging. So now that I have my first full year of teaching under my belt, I feel like I won't have to work so hard next year and will have more time for derby. :D

Anyway, has anyone else tried this workout? It's intense, but I'm able to still move afterwards. I can't really follow the meal plan since I'm vegan, but I've eliminated french fries and sweets and increased the protein intake as much as possible. I'm just trying to see if anyone else has had the results I'm looking to accomplish. I know people who have started the program but quit halfway through it.

[D1988]

P90X looks pretty good Carla, good luck with it. I have never tried it and hadn't heard of it until now but it does look good :)

[CarlaRant]

Thanks man. I'm hoping to lose 20lbs (9kg) in 90 days. Lean mean derby machine!

[CarlaRant]

I was going to post this in the "Hate" section, but it seems crowded. ;)

Today is my first bout and I'm super nervous. It's the Season 8 Opener, so all three teams are playing, which means my team, The Bad News Beaters, plays twice.

[easy]

I was going to post this in the "Hate" section, but it seems crowded. ;)

Today is my first bout and I'm super nervous. It's the Season 8 Opener, so all three teams are playing, which means my team, The Bad News Beaters, plays twice.

how did it go????????????

[CarlaRant]

Period #1: Brawlas 52 - Surlies 41
Period #2: Beaters 104 - Brawlas 43
Period #3: Beaters 88 - Surlies 51

My team is badass: http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac269/CarlaDBrown/season82.jpg

[rodrigo]

Period #1: Brawlas 52 - Surlies 41
Period #2: Beaters 104 - Brawlas 43
Period #3: Beaters 88 - Surlies 51

My team is badass: http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac269/CarlaDBrown/season82.jpg

you look mean!

[CarlaRant]

Damn straight! I learned a new lesson at practice last week: "There is no sorry in roller derby. It's either 'Bitch, you ok?' or 'Bitch, get outta the way'"

[CarlaRant]

New season starting tomorrow! I was nominated captain of the new skaters (Smash Squad) last May. It's awesome to see how fast these girls have progressed. Most of them have been drafted on to our in-house teams.

[linsee]

I love that you do this. I wish I had something near me, I'd definitely be interested.

[CarlaRant]

Where do you live again? Maybe there is something but it's small...

Sorry for the late reply, damn.

[CarlaRant]

They let me jam! That's the one that races around and gets the points. I got lead jammer 3 out of 4 times and earned 20 points in one jam. :D
http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac269/CarlaDBrown/302919_2584619900659_1409354993_32963664_184564382 _n.jpg

[rodrigo]

They let me jam! That's the one that races around and gets the points. I got lead jammer 3 out of 4 times and earned 20 points in one jam. :D
http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac269/CarlaDBrown/302919_2584619900659_1409354993_32963664_184564382 _n.jpg

what's a jam?
you look rad

[mouseman004]

U.S.A. killed Canada 336-33 in the Roller Derby World Cup Finals today in Toronto. You Americans must be amazing at Roller Derby because Canada pretty muched walked through all of their opponents just to get killed in the finals!

[CarlaRant]

what's a jam?
you look rad
Thanks. The game is divided into 2 minute rounds, called jams.....um, here's a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2W2b1WBmm4


U.S.A. killed Canada 336-33 in the Roller Derby World Cup Finals today in Toronto. You Americans must be amazing at Roller Derby because Canada pretty muched walked through all of their opponents just to get killed in the finals! Yeah, it was brutal to watch. I think that Team Canada was just too focused on defense and not playing enough offense when they were up against USA.

[CarlaRant]

http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy318/xmeandeneenx/finally108.jpg

[easy]

did u take her out and she did a faceplant?? thats how i picture it right after the photo was taken anyway

[CarlaRant]

did u take her out and she did a faceplant?? thats how i picture it right after the photo was taken anyway

Ha-ha, no, but she did fall to the inside pretty hard. ;)

[CarlaRant]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hiddentrailphotos/6704101257/in/photostream

[CarlaRant]

I'm so sorry guys, derby has become my life:

Zombie Meanie
http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac269/CarlaDBrown/zombiemeanie-1.jpg
Valentine's Day Bout: Do you like my name?
http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac269/CarlaDBrown/xo1.jpg
This is where the movie name came from:
http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac269/CarlaDBrown/white8.jpg
On my way to the penalty box
http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac269/CarlaDBrown/whatcanisay.jpg
I hate it when they make me jam
http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac269/CarlaDBrown/dodge.jpg
Team photoshoot
http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac269/CarlaDBrown/meanie.jpg
My team is the cutest
http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac269/CarlaDBrown/6.jpg

At least I'm having fun and looking good doing it!


HEY THIS IS MY 1,000TH POST!!!

[easy]

i need to join some kind of team... not roller derby but some kind of team! congrats on the 1000!

[CarlaRant]

http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac269/CarlaDBrown/staydown.jpg

and this is the pic that was placed on the website with the caption: "Stay down or I'll hit you again bitch"

[ClownMagix]

Why dont they use inline skates for that and lol they should get men to play that too it looks brutal

[CarlaRant]

According to Women's Flat Track Derby Association rules (WFTDA), players are to keep with the spirit of the original sport of derby by skating on quad roller skates.

Men do play. Phoenix has a men's league and a co-ed league too. :D

[CarlaRant]

Last night's bout was our Halloween bout. Here's a pic of Zombie Meanie:
http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac269/CarlaDBrown/zombiemeanie2.jpg

Oh and we did a dance to Thriller to open the night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erFMNBThLyc&sns=fb

[Lifestyle_X]

Haha, and congratz on that dance, fantastic!

[easy]

how much practice was involved in preparing this dance?!?!

[CarlaRant]

Well I learned it the day of, but I know some of the girls were working on it for a couple of days after practice.

[xvunderx]

So awesome! and Thriller dance! makes me wish I too was roller derby cool

[CarlaRant]

Oh Viv, you are so very cool. I've read what you (you too Dusty, Mouseman, and Rodrigo) wrote to PublicEnemyNumber1 - bravo! It was perfectly articulated-plus you're so creative. If only we lived closer so I could raid your closet and sip tea with you. XOXO

[xvunderx]

Oh Viv, you are so very cool. I've read what you (you too Dusty, Mouseman, and Rodrigo) wrote to PublicEnemyNumber1 - bravo! It was perfectly articulated-plus you're so creative. If only we lived closer so I could raid your closet and sip tea with you. XOXO

Oh my god that would be awesome, I put on a killer tea! This country is too darn big, we'll be closer when we get to Texas though.

[CarlaRant]

OH! Texas is a bit closer. It takes 15 hours to be in Austin. Please tell me you're moving to San Antonio or Austin. Unfortunately my friends who lived there moved to Georgia (seriously, they're the third couple that I know in Atlanta now). But I'm always looking for an excuse for a road trip. :)

[xvunderx]

OH! Texas is a bit closer. It takes 15 hours to be in Austin. Please tell me you're moving to San Antonio or Austin. Unfortunately my friends who lived there moved to Georgia (seriously, they're the third couple that I know in Atlanta now). But I'm always looking for an excuse for a road trip. :)

I need to visit Atlanta to see why everyone is moving there, some of our friends in NY are looking to move there too!? We're shooting for Austin, things have been delayed it looks like, but we both love that town so much. It's one of the places I've felt most "at home" in since i came to the States. If we can find the perfect house there it would be worth the trip to visit for tea I can promise that!

[CarlaRant]

So I'm officially sponsored by a local chiropractor (appropriate, don't you think?). His donation will pay for about half of my year's dues and another 20% off on visits for me and all the league members. To celebrate, I traded in my old skates for a brand new pair of Riedell 265 skates and called up my old team captain and told her I wanted to come back. :)

[Lifestyle_X]

Hahaha, I think that's great Carla. Stupid question maybe but, will you need it?

Roller derby came to Antwerp to apparently. Saw a newsitem dedicated to an Antwerp team on local television. The one girl's nickname was CC Titmouse or something. They're organizing a Benelux tournament, so I guess it's more and more alive over here.

[CarlaRant]

Will I need the sponsorship or the chiropractics? I definitely need the chiro - I'm always in need after my car accident. The sponsorship itself came about randomly. It's not much, but it will pay for half of my year's dues.

Awesome! I love that the sport is growing worldwide. Maybe you can make it to the World Cup this year? haha

[Lifestyle_X]

I didn't even know there's a world cup in roller derby!

[CarlaRant]

I got to skate with three Team USA roller derby champs this weekend and last night: Smarty Pants, Mercy, and Atomatrix. Atomatrix, Hockey Honey, and Joy Collision actually skated with Arizona Roller Derby for a short while in 2012, but then went back to their hometown teams when Divisions Tournaments came about. It caused quite an upset in the derby world. However, we're on good terms with the ladies and they randomly make appearances at practice. It really freaks out the rookies.

Anyway, I learned so much and was so sore after this weekend (15 hours of skating). I felt much more confident at practice last night too.

[Lifestyle_X]

What's happening in the roller derby world, Carla? There was a news item on tv last year about roller derby in Belgium, but it didn't lead to anything much. Never heard of it anymore over here.

[CarlaRant]

You guys have some derby, including guys' derby (merby): http://www.rollerderby.be/ https://www.facebook.com/TeamBelgiumRollerDerby http://www.derbyroster.com/league.php?country=belgium

[CarlaRant]

I returned to the track a year ago, but am skating with an USA Roller Sports (USARS) league. There are a few different rules and it's more of a recreational league, so it's just for fun.

[CarlaRant]

The WFTDA Division 1 and Division 2 Championship will be aired on ESPN 3, November 11 3pm EST. If you want to see the best of the best, this would be it. Unfortunately, I will not be able to watch because my grandmother-in-law's 80th birthday party at the exact same time.

[CarlaRant]

The WFTDA Division 1 and Division 2 Championship will be aired on ESPN 3, November 11 3pm EST. If you want to see the best of the best, this would be it. Unfortunately, I will not be able to watch because my grandmother-in-law's 80th birthday party at the exact same time.

So I watched most of the championships and I HATE HATE HATE the new strategy of triangulated/inverted blocking. This is when two skaters are facing the normal direction to block, but a third skater skates backwards and braces the first two girls for a stop block. It slows down the pace of the game is is boring to watch. It's effective at a higher level of play, but now every WFTDA league is practicing this technique. I hate skating backwards. I especially hate skating backwards with the added responsibility of bracing my teammates and placing them into position.

Thank goodness I had switched to an USA Roller Sports (USARS) league before retiring; their rules don't allow for any stopping on the track, which keeps the game moving quickly.

I know no one on here cares about derby, but I thought I'd vent because it's what I do.