Definition of Derby

[mpudiwitr]

I have no idea how to post on this site- i have never done these forum things before. i'm going to wing it and see if it works.

PURPOSE TODAY: I was scanning roller derby history and came across skatelog.com where roller derby was defined as, "It's more like a wild and crazy Saturday Night Live style parody of traditional roller derby."

This description is not true. There are multiple teams who are actually athleticly focused (not entertainment) ... an exemplary team that has a link in the 'girls only' section is the Carolina Rollergirls- take a look there and see how much of a parody this is. Additional info can be found at wftda.org

There are some teams that are showy and fight-y, but to generalize all of derby with the above referenced statement is a real insult to those of us who work as hard as "real athletes."

FYI on my background: Artistic Roller skater for 19 years. Retired World Class after 12 years of National ranking...joined derby in the last year- love the enthusiasm, support, and athletic challenge the girls provide.

Thank you for your time. I hope some corrections will be considered.

- Melissa Pudiwitr/ REDRUMblur of the Cape Fear Rollergirls, Wilmington, NC

[Kathie Fry]

Hi Melissa,

The description you mention was written when the very first teams started playing in Texas, and at that time the games really were wild and crazy events with sexy theme costumes, suggestive skater names, and lots of (highly encouraged) roll-on-the-ground fights in short skirts and fishnet stockings. My description was actually intended to attract people to your games, and not to insult anyone, but I'm fine with modifying it to something most all-girl roller derby teams would agree is a more appropriate description.

Suggestions anyone? How would you describe and promote the new "All Girl Roller Derby" sport?

- Kathie

[mpudiwitr]

I appreciate your quick response! I have encouraged my teammates to contribute suggestions for the amendment definition!!!

Thank you,
ME/RED

[Kathie Fry]

I should add that you will probably get more interest in your games from this description...

wild and crazy events with sexy theme costumes, suggestive skater names, and lots of (highly encouraged) roll-on-the-ground fights in short skirts and fishnet stockings

then from this...

athleticly focused (not entertainment)

Unfortunate but true. At most U.S. artistic and speed skating events - even world championships - the majority of spectators are the skaters' families.

- Kathie

[PowerSnatch]

The sport is seeing some change from too much theatrics to more straight athleticism, but there's still plenty of everything to go around.

Our league doesn't tolerate fighting and plays a hard fought bout, but we also wear clever costumes and throw trinkets to the crowd. The game is real, the hits are real, and most important, the score is always real. But there's room for entertainment in any sport. The drama of hard won victories or come from behind nail-biters is always dramatic.

I think the description kathie had was very accurate for the sport as it started. Rock n Rollerderby (Austin) was touted as the most entertaining entertainment. True, the better leagues now focus on the skill and strategy of the game and fights are infrequent, but it's still great entertainent!