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The Red Wire The Bradentucky Bombers Official News Magazine February 2013 Photographer- Joshua DeSario Congrats New Bombshells on Your First Bout!

Red Wire- February 2013

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The Red Wire is the Official News Magazine of the Bradentucky Bombers Women's Flat Track Roller Derby Team. We are the women's roller derby team for Manatee County, Florida.

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Page 1: Red Wire- February 2013

The Red WireThe Bradentucky Bombers Official News Magazine

February 2013Photographer- Joshua DeSario

Congrats New

Bombshells on

Your First

Bout!

Page 2: Red Wire- February 2013

Letter from Red Wire StaffKeeping Up with the Bombers: EventsSeasoned Bomber: Gigi RaMoan #53 3Rising Bomber: Sookie Smackmouth #819Derby 101: How to Watch the SportRecap Central Home Bout: Sirens v. Furies Away Bout: Miami v. BombersRoller Derby Supporters Hint: Click on the article

name and it will take you

to that page.

Line Up

Photographer- Ken LeBleuSkater- Esther Gin N Juice 750ml

Page 3: Red Wire- February 2013

From the Red Wire StaffHello Bradentucky!

Fall Risk (Editor) & Nikita Dy-No-Mite (Designer) would like to welcome you to the 2013 edition of the Red Wire!

In this year’s edition we will:

-Profile skaters: Seasoned Bombers, who have been around for a while and Rising Bombers, who you should keep your eye on!

-Have Bout Recaps! Weren’t able to make a bout? Stay informed with the highlights!

-School you in the game of roller derby, with Derby 101.

We’ve also made the Red Wire more interactive. Click on the headlines to take you the actual story or back to the table of contents.

Click around and soak in the awesomeness that is roller derby.

Happy readings!

-Red Wire Staff Stay Connected With Manatee County’s Women’s Roller Derby Team! Like Us Follow UsBe InformedNetwork with Us Get Behind the Scene Access

@Miami Vice City Rollers 1.26.13

Hint: Click on any of the

article titles and it will

take you back to the table

of contents.

Page 4: Red Wire- February 2013

Fri. March 1 Slicks First Fridays 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.923 5th Street West, Palmetto, Florida Sat. March 2 Away Bout @ Alachua Hunnies357 NW Hall of Fame Dr. Lake City, FL 32055 Thu. March 7Manatee ChamberSpring Fling Business Expo 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.4215 Concept Court, Lakewood Ranch, FL Tues. March 12Business After Hours 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.Firkins Chrysler2700 1st Street Bradenton, FL 34205 Sat. March 16Open Recruit! 9:45 a.m.Astro Skating Center of Bradenton3611 3rd St W Bradenton, FL 34205 Sat. March 16Bowling Bombers 12:30 p.m.AMF Bowling Lanes4208 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34210

Mon. March 18Open Recruit! 6:45 p.m.Astro Skating Center of Bradenton3611 3rd St W Bradenton, FL 34205 Thu. March 21Main Street Live! 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri. March 22 Pre-Bout Party 9 p.m.Lost Kangaroo Pub406 12th Street West (Old Main Street) Sun. March 24 Bombers v. Tri-County Rolling Militia BoutTailgating: 6 p.m. Doors Open: 6:30 Game start: 7 p.m.Astro Skating Center of Bradenton3611 3rd St W Bradenton, FL 34205 Tue. March 26Chamber Coffee Club 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.Imagine School 10635 Portal CrossingLakewood Ranch, Florida

Keeping Up with the Bombers

@ Business After Hours - The “New” McKechnie Field 2.20.13

Page 5: Red Wire- February 2013

Seasoned Skater Profile

League Founder, Rawk n Roll Power House:

Gigi RaMoan#53 3

Photographer: Joshua DeSario

Page 6: Red Wire- February 2013

RedWire: So talk to us a bit about who you were before you transformed into Gigi RaMoan? What was your professional/educational background? Had you played any other sports before?

Gigi RaMoan: Before the birth of “Gigi RaMoan”, I was known as the artist “Valeri Rose.” I have a B.A. in Studio Art from USF. My concentration was sculpture, but was slowly expand-ing after college into every media I could sink my teeth into. Web design, photography, fashion, screen printing; you name it, I made it. I worked whatever media fit best for the message I was trying to send, which was mostly humorous social com-mentary. I began to delve into performance art, and that’s when my two halves began to split. I eased my social con-science (and my need for an audience) in my day job as an elementary school teacher. But by night, my humorous side was unleashed as a bass player/singer in the punk rock band, “Spankin’ Fresh” (and later “Gigi and the Cretins”).

Then I found derby. . . and my two halves united again! Chal-lenging people’s preconceived notions of female strength and beauty, the stereotype of the athlete/jock. . .all while wearing rockin’ clothes and skating in front of an audience?! How could I say no? Plus the bonus of staying fit while having fun? Un-heard of! I had tried karate, yoga, Pilates; yawn. Who knew I would thrive on competition and full contact?!?!?

RW: And what was it that brought you to the idea of forming a league here in Bradenton? What were some of the challenges that went along with it?

GR: I saw the documentary about the Texas Rollergirls, and then I heard about the Tampa Bay Derby Darlins. But with a career, husband, daughter, and band, I couldn’t spare 3-4 hours twice a week to drive up for practice. On a trip in Vegas we saw signs for Sin City Rollergirls. Doug instantly came up with the name “Bradentucky Bombers” and I was sold! Then when a bunch of unnamed derby girls heckled me on stage at a show in St. Pete, I was even more determined to make it real.Challenges? Making a viable organization with no instructions, with a bunch of strangers. Leagues back then weren’t free with info about their organizational structure, so I had to invent it based on non-profit groups I saw online. Also, I had no idea what people’s talents, skills, and work ethic were. It was totally trial and error, and I had to pick up the pieces numerous times. It’s amazing I have any hair left.

RW: In your mind, what sets roller derby apart from more “conventional” or traditional sports? And have you found that those things that appealed to you and attracted you to the sport are the same things that still draw you in now? If not, how do they differ?

GR: Originally, what drew me in, and what set derby apart from other sports, was the ability to involve self-expression and freedom of identity into the sport. Now as the sport evolves, the sheer power, strength, and intelligence needed to win is pretty awesome. I’ve always loved Derby’s ability to take regular women, of all shapes and sizes, and make them super-heroes! Aside from rugby, there aren’t any full contact female sports out there. We totally rock!

Photographer: Joshua DeSario

Page 7: Red Wire- February 2013

RW: Now as you enter your (how many years?) season, what makes you excited about 2013?

GR: 2007 was our first season (league formed in May 2006), so I guess this is my 7th season. Wow! I’m excited to push past my limitations and rock more than I ever have before! I want to up the ante on my mental game this year, and put on a little more muscle too. As a team we have a lot of poten-tial, and a chance for some new growth.

RW: What do you feel you’ve become better at as a skater and what are the areas where you still want to grow? Is there a specific area that still really challenges you?

GR: I feel this last season, my footwork has drasti-cally improved. As the new Training Chairperson for the Bombers, I’ve been attending a lot more practices then I ever have before and my endur-ance is fairly high. I’m able to recuperate faster, and get back on the track. I’m currently trying to wrap my brain around all this new strategy. I also want to put on some muscle weight so I can bulldoze through the pack as a jammer.

The biggest challenge for me this past season was coming to terms with my health. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis back in October of 2011. I won’t get into all the specifics, but my biggest battle has been fear. Although my doctor has approved sports, the high intensity of derby triggers tempo-rary symptoms that can be a little scary at times. I’ve learned how to take precautions and listen to my body. I’m to a point now where I am finally comfortable pushing myself to my limit again, it feels good!

RW: Do you have any pre-bout rituals? Specific meals you eat, songs you’ve gotta rock out to, tie one skate before the other?

GR: I try to have a good protein rich meal for breakfast or lunch. I’m a vegetarian, so that usually means eggs or beans, and usually also a protein smoothie. I always have lots of carbs for energy and hydrate all day long. I try to eat a meal 3 hours before the bout. I do NOT drink the night before; hangovers seriously mess with my hydration. I also try to be as stress free as possible (yeah, right) and get a really good night’s sleep the night before.

I never change my wheels or bearing, or tighten my trucks or change anything right before a bout. I do check all my gear (tighten my toe stops, etc.) the prac-tice before the bout. If I have to change out my wheels, or clean my bearings I like to have 1 good practice in them to make sure everything is tightened (or loos-ened) to my preferences.

RW: So when you’re not doing derby, what’s Gigi RaMoan do for fun? What’s your life like outside of the derby bubble?

GR: My family is hugely supportive of my involvement in derby; however, we are not a “derby” family. My derby time is “me” time. So I have to make sure to balance the rest of my life and make time for career, family, husband, band, and derby too. For fun we go kayaking, bike riding, and attend outdoor festivals. We love watching music performances when we get the chance, my daughter and I love to dance along. I also still sing and play bass, but right now I’m in between bands. I actually had to take time off from music to fulfill my derby obligations. But Doug and I still occa-sionally goof off (he plays drums). We really enjoy playing together, and we consider band practice and gigs “date night”. I also enjoy making art, but that has really taken a back seat lately.

RW: What would you say to those who are contemplat-ing trying out the sport?

Photographer: MiLo

Page 8: Red Wire- February 2013

GR: If you are thinking about doing derby, don’t hesitate! It is the most fun you’ll ever have on eight wheels! Do be sure to check with your doctor first to make sure you are healthy enough for physical activity; then jump right in! If you are on the fence, do realize this sport is for everyone regardless of body type, style, size, etc. Seriously, everyone’s attributes are valuable in derby, everyone can find their niche! Even if you can’t skate we’ll show you how!

I would suggest starting a workout routine at home, if you don’t already have one. Concentrate particularly on building leg muscles. Skate as much as you can! Skate the neighborhood, the park, walk your dog; if you have tile floors even wear your skates around the house. The more comfy you are on your skates the better. Also watch derby! Check out videos online, and try to get a basic understanding of the sport. Learn about your skates and gear. There are a lot of resources online if you search for it.

RW: What’s your favorite derby moment, to date?

GR: Ahhh! There are so many! Our league’s very first bout, I remember looking around at all the fans, all the skaters, the vastness of the event, and just being in awe of what we had become. Our first game at the civic center was hugely memorable, I felt like we had really hit the big time in that huge venue. My first game back after my diagnosis was moving for me, and every game since as I get more comfortable with pushing through my limitations.

RW: Anything special you’d like to say to the fans?

GR: Thanks so much for supporting roller derby, and our team specifically! A lot of fans don’t realize it, but they are a BIG part of making our events successful and fun. Feel free to bring banners and signs, do face paint, and dress up crazy to support your favorite teams and players! Its derby, you know- anything goes!!! Your excitement makes us get into it more and play better. And actually, I’ve always wanted to have a squad of male cheerleaders; any guys interested? Or maybe a mascot?! That could be you riling up the crowd out there! Derby mascots across the country really do get a good amount of fame, so think about it! █

Photographer: Joshua DeSario

Page 9: Red Wire- February 2013

Sookie Smackmouth #819

Rising Bomber Profile:

RedWire: What was your life like before roller derby? Had you played other sports before? And what’s your professional/educational back-ground?

Sookie Smackmouth: I’m a mother of two teenagers, work full time, always have, and didn’t have a hobby outside of my work/family life. I’m a Manatee High School Alumni; won’t share with you what year I graduated. I have a background in sales, HR, and currently I’m an Insurance Representative for Heath Marston State Farm (5 years).

RW: So what brought you into roller derby?

Sookie: I contracted the chicken pox in my mid-thirties, and that changed my life in a big way. A few months later, Coupon Clip-Her, a client of my office, called in to get some sponsorship paperwork completed by my agent. We talked for a while and I was fascinated by the prospect of playing with the team.

Photographer: Joshua DeSario

Page 10: Red Wire- February 2013

RW: How does roller derby compare to more “traditional” sports in your mind?

Sookie: There is no comparison in my eyes. We pay to get beat up; who else would do that? I wear my bruises with pride.

RW: Thus far, what’s the biggest appeal of roller derby to you? What keeps you coming back?

Sookie: It’s been a great physical and mental outlet for me. Before this I never really exercised besides an occasional hike or bike ride. I also think that it’s keeping me young. I’m out there skating with girls almost half my age.

RW: Now how long have you been playing? Can you tell us a little bit about your early days?

Sookie: One year so far. In the beginning I just couldn’t get my turn stop down; that’s greatly improved.

RW: What’s been the biggest challenge getting into the sport thus far? And your biggest success?

Sookie: It’s not a challenge getting into the sport; however the challenge is constantly improving to help my team. Biggest success, I’m in the late thirties and playing! My family (all of them) get a kick out of that.

RW: What’s it like sharing a sport like derby with your daughter? Does the fact that you’re both playing make it easier, more difficult?

Sookie: I love that she’s excited about it and that we have a common interest. I just want for her to be involved in something active, so this is great. She is also dedicated to her school hip hop JV dance squad, so she’s definitely getting a ton of activity.

RW: Over your period of development as a player, have you watched any particular player and learned the most from them? Do you have a derby hero?

Sookie: My derby crush/hero is Jamsterella; she’s spectacular. On my team there are so many amazing skaters, and each brings something different to the table. There really is no way for me to list just one; I have learned something from all of them.

RW: What would you say to someone who’s consid-ering trying out but is on the fence?

Sookie: Get out there and try it; you can’t lose. If skating, hitting, and falling isn’t for you, help out in another way, it’s such a fun environment to be in!

Not to mention when you’re wearing your derby jersey around town, you’re kind of treated like a celebrity (in a small way)!

RW: Now, at this point, you’ve primarily been used as a blocker. Do you enjoy that position? Any aspirations to move onto jamming one day?

Sookie: Blocking is definitely my comfort level. I want to be the best at it that I can be and contrib-ute to my team. I’ve tried jamming at practice and did score; that was exciting. Maybe once I’ve gotten to a level of personal contentment at block-ing I’ll look into jamming.

RW: When she’s not doing derby, what’s Sookie Smackmouth’s life like? What’s your life like out-side the derby world? What do you do for fun?

Sookie: Busy and certainly not boring! Again I’m a mother of two teenagers that are very involved in school performances, junior derby, and the Boy Scouts, so I’m always driving here and there. I have a large family that all live in Manatee County, so there is always a birthday or get together on the weekends. My husband of 16 years and I make a point to have date night once a week, so that’s a given. Not to mention derby practice 2-3 times a week along with 1-2 bouts a month!

RW: Any predictions for the rest of the season? Any words for the fans?

Sookie: First of all, thank you to the fans, friends, and family that support my team; without you it wouldn’t happen. The rest of this year is going to be exciting because my fellow skaters and I have common goals: Play our hardest and win! █

Photographer: Stalker Texas Stranger

Page 11: Red Wire- February 2013

SirensFuriesv.

After a few months off, with no Bradentucky Bombers action taking place, the town of Bradenton was in need of some serious Bradentucky bouting action.

That was totally evident as the crowds arrived energized and ready for the Bomber’s first bout of the season on January 2oth, featuring inter-league action as well as some visiting skaters. The craft beer services of The Little Giant Brewery were on hand and folks were pumped for the event, snagging photo ops even while in line.

And while the delicious brew helped to kill the time in line, it was no secret that the big draw for this crowd was to see the 2013 incarnation of the Bradentucky Bombers. This bout featured a collision of Greco-Roman mythology with one team taking on the moniker of the Sirens while the other rolled as the Furies. And the competition fell right in line, fierce passion and skill worthy of the ages.

The team’s seventh season kicked off strong, with Crash Test Barbie steal-ing the show early on for the Sirens with a solid opening jam before Ducati Hottie stepped up the game for the Furies, blasting off the line with the second jam of the bout and scoring lead in three quick seconds to the raucous applause of the crowd.

The Sirens would hold strong initially, seeing Bombers founder Gigi RaMoan rack up some points while Canadia grabbed the first power jam of the bout when Signal 20 found herself sent to the box for the Furies. Yet, the Furies would bounce back quickly with a twenty point power jam of their own despite solid blocking and hitting from Sirens Malice in Rollerland and Dita Von Cheats.

Former Bomber and guest skater for the Furies this evening, Blaque Jaq, not to be outdone, would step up her blocking, frustrating the Sirens as the teams traded jams, seeing Signal 20 and Ducati score before again giving way to Gigi and Canadia. Freak Show, another guest skater for the Furies, delivered the hit of the night as an offensive jammer against jamming AK, who was trying to slow her up and simply got leveled.

Yet, despite the Furies hard work, the Sirens continued to push forward with another Crash Test Barbie power jam, scoring twenty-plus points and soon the half ended at the score of 106-97 in the Sirens favor.

The second half saw the Furies’ Coupon Clip-Her, Sookie Smackmouth, and Rocksey Balboa putting up solid walls but the subsequent jam found

Bout Recap:

Jan. 20, 2013

Photographer: Joshua DeSario

Recap by Fall Risk

Page 12: Red Wire- February 2013

Canadia rocking it for the Sirens while Barbie capitalized on a power jam, placing the lead firmly in the Sirens hands, 152-101. Not to be outdone, Ducati would rebound and work a power jam for her team alongside more blue collar work from Signal 20 as the pendulum swung back, the score 152 – 144 in the favor of the Sirens.

A competition was growing, with solid blocking shows being put on by the Sirens’ Guinness the Menace and the Furies’ Miss AhRee, which would lead to the two netting blocking MVP’s respectively. RaMoan and Barbie would again keep the Sirens ahead with solid jams but when Blaque Jaq found herself with a power jam and two Furies in the box, she didn’t let it detract her. Putting her head down, she pushed hard and pushed the score to 176 – 164, only trailing by eleven.

Yet, the next jam would be the clincher. Gigi RaMoan and Signal 20 would play musical chairs in the penalty box, each doing their best to capitalize on power jam opportunities before Crash Test Barbie scored solidly, the score rising to 198 -165 in the Sirens’ favor. Canadia would then follow, pushing the score beyond and, soon to be named MVP jammer alongside her, T-Recks Her, grabbed lead on the final jam but was unable to do any damage before having to call it off, closing out the bout with a score of Sirens 209, Furies 171.

And with that, the first bout of the season was wrapped for the Bradentucky Bombers, their sights now set solidly on Miami’s Vice City Rollers.

All photos by: Joshua DeSario

Page 13: Red Wire- February 2013

Miami Vice City RollersBradentucky Bombers

v.

Fresh off the their interleague bout of mythical proportions the week before, the Bradentucky Bombers mounted up and rolled down the long stretch of Alligator Alley toward sunny Miami with their sights set square on the Miami Vice City Rollers. Boasting a record of 2-0 against Vice City from last season, the Bomb-ers carried themselves into town with confidence. Yet, coming into their second season, Miami was prepared with a few surprises of their own.

The bout opened up with a perfect night, Miami’s skyline gorgeous with a myriad of colors across the dusk sky as the sun set on the outdoor arena. Local DJ Nancy Starr pumped killer jams through the airwaves, energiz-ing the crowds and the teams during warm ups while announcer, Will Da Thrill, added his pizazz to the offerings.

And while both squads shared in plenty of good-natured camaraderie during warm ups, giving hugs and high-fives, when the whistle blew, it was on.

Bradentucky’s Canadia, fresh off of her MVP jammer nod from the previous week, took to the line against Miami’s Tallygator to start things off. Tally would score lead jammer but the jam would come to a quick con-clusion. Esther Gin n’ Juice would net some points for the Bombers next time around while Dita Von Cheats would lay the smack down on De La Ruthless to end the next.

Canadia would then take the track against a tough Miami wall which helped Miami’s Nauti Seacups to snag some solid points, a theme which would hold solid in the next jam (and eventually gift Seacups with MVP jammer honors) as well as Tallygator would benefit from a very physical wall with some nice blocking by Gwenifear. The Bombers bounced back, however, due to some scrappy skating by relative newcomer, Abby Slambach, followed by the veteran lead of Skate Invader who would steal lead jammer away from De La Ruthless.

Soon, a questionable back block call would lead to a Miami power jam with fan favorite, Pinky Gomez, taking the lead but Tallygator would soon face some trouble with Bradentucky’s two-woman wall of Coupon Clip-Her

Bout Recap:

Jan. 26, 2013Recap by Fall Risk

Photographer: Scott SilvermanPhotographer: Scott Silverman

Page 14: Red Wire- February 2013

and Sookie Smackmouth. Smackmouth would be part of another great wall, alongside Skate Invader, Dawna-matrix, and Abby Slambach who would work hard to push Gigi RaMoan through for the lead.

Bradentucky’s jammers continued to fight hard, seeing Canadia work a power jam with Nauti Seacups in the box while Sarbanes Foxie would push hard to again help Gigi Ramoan to the front of the pack. The physicality continued as well, the good natured camaraderie of the warm ups set aside for the passion of the game as these players brutalized one another. Soon, another questionable call sent Foxie to the sin bin and allowed Nauti Seacups a chance to net some points for Miami, ending the half at the score of 77 – 47 in Miami’s favor.

After a halftime which saw Canadia get her ankle taped up after an errant turn and a Janet Jackson-like wardrobe malfunction during the quick halftime show, action moved back to the track and Bradentucky’s Sarbanes Foxie got right back to work behind the blocking of Gigi RaMoan, grabbing lead jammer and work-ing a power jam as Tallygator took two trips to the box within the same jam. RaMoan would then suffer through a physical jam herself with Miami’s Pinky Gomez as Esther Gin n’ Juice would keep things interesting with a great jammer on jammer hit on De La Ruthless right off the line. That same jam would see Skate Invad-er delivering some pain to NataLoka on the blocks while Abby Slambach would soon slam to a hard fought lead and a power jam against Nauti Seacups. Some more questionable calls found Abby relegated to the box for what felt like far more than her time while Pinky Gomez racked up big points for Miami before Guinness the Menace would laid her out with a big hit.

With the score at 155 – 80, Miami, Gigi RaMoan worked hard, scoring a series of lead jams while the squads fought tooth and nail, seeing NataLoka be expelled when she passed her penalty limit. Skate Invader would jump to lead against Miami’s Pinky Gomez but Foxie would get sent to the box, leaving the door open. Canadia would fight hard against Gwenifear as would Esther Gin n’ Juice against Killah V, but still Miami held strong.

The Vice City Rollers’ Nauti Seacups and Gwenifear would grab lead jammer status the next two jams before Sarbanes Foxie righted the ship against Pinky Gomez, anchored by Bradentucky’s strongest wall of the night consisting of Abby Slambach, Esther Gin n’ Juice, Skate Invader, and Canadia. Gigi RaMoan would step to the line next and take lead jammer away from Nauti Seacups but it was too little, too late.

The Miami Vice City Rollers were victorious over the Bradentucky Bombers with a score of 166-115. And while the Bombers were disappointed, they kept their heads high and headed to the after party with the simple knowledge that come August 17th, these two teams will meet again in Bradenton.Look out Miami.

From Miami;s Vice City Rollers Facebook Page

Page 15: Red Wire- February 2013

Derby 101: How to Watch the SportBy Fall Risk

Let’s be honest: Roller derby is an exciting sport to watch. (Or else you wouldn’t be reading this, right?) Players at high levels of skill dashing round and round while others smash and bash clearing the way is well worth the ticket price! Add in the kitschy, tongue-in-cheek names and the inherent sex appeal and you’re privy to a win-ning game! But, as the skates roll and the bodies fly, do you really know what’s going on out there? It can be quite confusing and today we’re here to help you grow in your understanding of this amazing sport.

1.) The start. In years past, the start was signified by one whistle which released the pack and another moments later which released the jammers. With recent rule changes that came in the off-season, this has changed and now one whistle rules them all! And once that whistle blows, it’s on!

2.) Key in on the jammers. While a more nuanced understanding of derby will come and help you to appreciate the artistry that is blocking, if you’re new, watch the jammers. You’ll know them by the “star” panty on their helmet and are the ones most likely to get the most press since they are the only ones able to score. They’ll take big hits and make some killer moves so don’t miss watching them!

3.) Don’t forget the pack! While the jammers get much of the press, it’s the blockers in the pack who do a lot of the work, clearing a way so that their jammer can get through. For those of you who’ve come to derby looking for the big hits and hip checks, this is where it’s at! And for those of you who enjoy strategy, this is also where you’ll find that as well as the blockers, manned by the pivot, sort of the defensive head, works hard to help her team hold the line as the strongest.

Page 16: Red Wire- February 2013

4.) Penalties, penalties, penalties. The zebras are out there working hard to ensure a clean bout and throughout you’ll hear things like, “Cut track!”, “Major back block!”, and “Major elbow!” While we’ll discuss these key issues, among others, in more depth in future issues, these are some of the easiest infractions to watch for and to “help” the refs to see. Just remember to take it easy on our officials; each and every one is out there for the love of the sport and is a volunteer, doing their best to help make each and every competition better!

5.) Pay attention to details. Are there any players in the penalty box? Where’s that other team’s jammer? Oh, it’s a power jam! Paying attention to the box can surely help to develop an increased understanding of the skills, athleticism, and strategy found in this great sport. Watch how the teams adapt when one of their own is sent to the box or how they shift their strategy against a team that’s down a man. This is where both brain and brawn come to play and where understanding the game makes all the difference.

6.) Mind over matter. Take some time to try to understand the strategy of the game. Why’d the lead jammer call off the jam? Why isn’t that pack moving? Why did that blocker just let that jammer go? There are some many nuanced elements of poise and planning that you can spend plenty of time here.

7.) Simply enjoy the show! While it’s every derby girl and guy’s goal to see the fans as well-informed as the players, because we know that the more you learn the game the more you’ll come to love it, derby really is an excellent and exciting spectator sport. So don’t stress out; take these few little items and use them to help make your experience just a little bit more enjoyable!

And be sure to stay tuned to future editions of The Red Wire for more helps and tips to help you understand and appreciate the sport of roller derby that much more!