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KIM DICK
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It takes a certain kind of woman to strap
on roller skates, defy the laws of gravity and tear around an oval
track battling with other fierce females, booty-blocking their way
to victory. All the while, wearing lipstick and fishnets.
But that's the way the women of the derby
roll — and the movement is gaining momentum every day.
Roller derby is an American-invented
sport, mostly popular from the 1930s to the 1970s in the States.
The entertainment-slanted sport was a big hit around the country,
pulling in large crowds and making headlines until the sport died
off in the mid-70s.
Recently, a roller derby resurgence has
developed — mostly female, mostly grassroots and
do-it-yourself leagues — gals who work their regular jobs by
day and become roller derby stars by night.
Jenny Rocket is one of those stars. One of
the first members of the Calgary Roller Derby Association (CRDA),
Rocket plays for the Thrashin' Lassies as well as for Calgary's
all-star travel team, the Hellion Rebellion.
"My involvement in roller derby goes back
to the first Monday in September, 2006," said Rocket. "I went to
the Calgary Tattoo and Art show and there was a booth set up there
. . . some girls were handing out flyers on skates,
recruiting."
Instantly smitten
Rocket, who had never even strapped on a
pair of quad roller skates before, instantly wanted to get
involved.
"I told my husband I was seriously
considering trying out . . . he was supportive, but doubtful," she
said. "Fast forward two days later to the next open skate at our
local roller rink . . . I rented a pair of quads and I clumsily
propelled myself over to a derby girl and asked how to join.
"In the beginning, there were so few girls
involved that expressing an interest and buying a pair of skates
made you part of the team."
But the CRDA has come a long way from
September, 2006. With a bonafide speed-skating coach whipping the
girls into shape, the calibre of skating has improved
drastically.
Her husband, Trevor Prosser (aka Killhouse
Van Boutin') began officiating when Rocket first joined the league
and became one of the first referees for the CRDA.
"I had already read the rules and done the
research," said Prosser. "I knew most husbands, boyfriends and
significant others fall into one of two categories, either they
volunteer or they become derby widows.
"Derby widows hardly get to see their
wives, so I volunteered to ref."
And the two have never looked back,
forming friendships and lifelong bonds with the other derby
enthusiasts of the CRDA.
Anyone looking to get involved in roller
derby must know two key words, commitment and competitiveness.
"You have to be competitive and be willing
to throw your body around on eight wheels," said Rocket. "You can
be taught to skate, the mechanics behind hitting and improve your
physical conditioning . . . but the passion to play is something
that ignites on its own, usually when you are first introduced to
the sport."
Name is part of the fun
And what's in a name for the derby girls?
Picking your handle or your derby name is all just part of the
fun.
"Jenny Rocket, my alter ego, has taught me
more about myself in the last two years than I could have
imagined," said Rocket. "Off the track, others would describe me as
'fairly reserved' . . . but on the track, all bets are off."
Roller derby is taking off across the
country and provincially. The CRDA recently added a third official
team, has been battling the two Edmonton leagues and formed a
touring all-star team, Hellion Rebellion, that's been to Europe
and the States to skate.
"Flat track roller derby has grown by
leaps and bounds since I started skating as a ref," said Prosser.
"Locally, the media coverage has been incredible and the league has
had bouts in the Stampede Corral and Big Four buildings, drawing
thousands of spectators.
"There are teams threatening to pop up all
over, from Lethbridge to Medicine Hat to Red Deer. Nationally, at
last count, there were 24 leagues. Internationally, there are teams
in Australia, England and of course, the U.S."
Wildest dreams realized
Even in her wildest dreams, said Rocket,
she never thought the game would garner this much interest.
"When you are involved in a roller derby
league, you're part of a much larger world wide roller derby
community," she said. "The amount of support that leagues offer
each other is astounding."
The established leagues are excited to
hear there are other leagues popping up all over the province and
country.
"As cheesy as it sounds, roller derby
becomes a way of life," said Rocket. "While multiple practices,
meetings and fundraisers can become overwhelming, the rewards are
amazing.
Strong network
"Ask for help when you need it and you'll
have a strong network of friends and a healthier body."
With leagues sprouting up in Saskatoon,
Regina, Winnipeg and Medicine Hat, the CRDA organizers couldn't be
more excited.
"Roller derby, as a sport, is unlike
anything most people have ever seen," said Prosser. "It's
fast-paced, full of amazing hits and great strategy."
Currently the all-female roller derby
leagues in Alberta and Canada follow the Women's Flat Track Derby
Association (www.wftda.com).
Interested referees are encouraged to join
the Coalition of Alberta Roller Derby Officials (CARDO) at
sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/abderbyrefs.
For more information on the CRDA, visit
them online at www.calgaryrollerderby.com. |
