<=Page 2 MELBOURNE GRIND GIRLS, CONT.
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As well as playing the sport and training, we make and provide the
infrastructure. The skaters ARE roller derby - everything from filing the Tax
Return to planning and putting on events is done By the Skaters, For the
Skaters. Every skater is expected to give back to the League and work on
committees and in project groups. Oh - and its easily the best thing you will
ever do with your life.
infrastructure. The skaters ARE roller derby - everything from filing the Tax
Return to planning and putting on events is done By the Skaters, For the
Skaters. Every skater is expected to give back to the League and work on
committees and in project groups. Oh - and its easily the best thing you will
ever do with your life.
| MELBOURNE GRIND GIRLS, CONT. Page 4 => |
The girls so far have mostly
come from the Internet /
MySpace, some found out
about us after a Marie Claire
article on derby that had our
email address, others from
an article in The Age, and an
interview on RRR. We haven't
actively recruited as such - so
the girls who have found us
have been ones who have
really wanted to do it. There
was a range of skills and
experience to start with -
come from the Internet /
MySpace, some found out
about us after a Marie Claire
article on derby that had our
email address, others from
an article in The Age, and an
interview on RRR. We haven't
actively recruited as such - so
the girls who have found us
have been ones who have
really wanted to do it. There
was a range of skills and
experience to start with -
WT: What gear do you need?
Betty: Quad skates, a mouth
guard, helmet, knee pads,
elbow pads, wrist guards,
1000 pairs of socks and a big
bag to lug it all around in.
guard, helmet, knee pads,
elbow pads, wrist guards,
1000 pairs of socks and a big
bag to lug it all around in.
WT: How often do you need
to practice? What is involved
at practices?
to practice? What is involved
at practices?
Betty: We have 4 practice sessions a week, and skaters are required to
attend a minimum of 2 to fulfill their training requirements. Most girls
make it to 3 sessions a week, or supplement it with their own exercise
program. We didn't make extra exercise a requirement, but a lot of the
girls are so keen and motivated that they do it on their own. 2 of our
sessions are drills sessions that go for 2 hours. These are intensive
training sessions and the girls work on endurance, speed, skating
technique and now they are also learning contact drills. We have 1 off
skates fitness session, where we work on core strength, flexibility and
also getting used to heavy contact. At first girls were bumping each other
and saying sorry, but now they are really getting into the spirit of it and
sending each other flying across the room with big body blocks and hip
checks. Some of us also skate the Thursday night General skate session
at Caribbean Rollerama. We practice things individually here, do some
falling drills, but mostly its a chance to dress up a bit, gossip and join in
with the Speed Skaters. This session is where most of our Fresh Meat
(new recruits) start out and get some confidence on their skates.
attend a minimum of 2 to fulfill their training requirements. Most girls
make it to 3 sessions a week, or supplement it with their own exercise
program. We didn't make extra exercise a requirement, but a lot of the
girls are so keen and motivated that they do it on their own. 2 of our
sessions are drills sessions that go for 2 hours. These are intensive
training sessions and the girls work on endurance, speed, skating
technique and now they are also learning contact drills. We have 1 off
skates fitness session, where we work on core strength, flexibility and
also getting used to heavy contact. At first girls were bumping each other
and saying sorry, but now they are really getting into the spirit of it and
sending each other flying across the room with big body blocks and hip
checks. Some of us also skate the Thursday night General skate session
at Caribbean Rollerama. We practice things individually here, do some
falling drills, but mostly its a chance to dress up a bit, gossip and join in
with the Speed Skaters. This session is where most of our Fresh Meat
(new recruits) start out and get some confidence on their skates.
| Kittie Von Krusher |
WT: What are the positions
on the team and what does
each do?
on the team and what does
each do?
Betty: There are 5 skaters on
the track at any one time from
each team, but you might
have up to 9 more on the
bench to substitute. On the
track each team needs a
Jammer, a Pivot, and 3
Blockers. The Jammers are
the sprinters. Pivots are like
the brains of the team, and
the track at any one time from
each team, but you might
have up to 9 more on the
bench to substitute. On the
track each team needs a
Jammer, a Pivot, and 3
Blockers. The Jammers are
the sprinters. Pivots are like
the brains of the team, and
| Kinky Rinky (front) and Kittie Von Krusther (back). |
they are calling out strategy and mobilising the blockers - but they are
also the last line of defence to try and stop the Jammer from breaking out
of the pack. The Blockers are the heart of the game -the three of them,
with the Pivot, have to work together to stop the opposing Jammer and to
protect their own. They are on the track receiving and delivering the big
body blocks and checks that send skaters flying off the track, and make
the sport so exciting. The Pack is made up of both sets of Blockers and
Pivots, who line up together. On the first whistle, the pack start skating. On
the second whistle, the Jammers, who are 7 metres behind the pack,
take off. They have to catch up to the pack, fight their way through, sprint
the track and catch up to the back of the pack. Then every girl they manage
to legally pass is a point scored.
also the last line of defence to try and stop the Jammer from breaking out
of the pack. The Blockers are the heart of the game -the three of them,
with the Pivot, have to work together to stop the opposing Jammer and to
protect their own. They are on the track receiving and delivering the big
body blocks and checks that send skaters flying off the track, and make
the sport so exciting. The Pack is made up of both sets of Blockers and
Pivots, who line up together. On the first whistle, the pack start skating. On
the second whistle, the Jammers, who are 7 metres behind the pack,
take off. They have to catch up to the pack, fight their way through, sprint
the track and catch up to the back of the pack. Then every girl they manage
to legally pass is a point scored.
WT: What is involved in the actual derby's?
Betty: Derby Bouts are big events. Game play lasts for 20 minute intervals
and within those twenty minute intervals each 'Jam' lasts for two minutes
or until Lead Jammer calls it off. Skaters sub on and off to get fresh legs
on the track and its a pretty fast moving game. In between intervals there is
time for bands and other entertainment. The whole event is very
entertaining and audience friendly, there is a strong performative element
to the game and the activities surrounding it.
and within those twenty minute intervals each 'Jam' lasts for two minutes
or until Lead Jammer calls it off. Skaters sub on and off to get fresh legs
on the track and its a pretty fast moving game. In between intervals there is
time for bands and other entertainment. The whole event is very
entertaining and audience friendly, there is a strong performative element
to the game and the activities surrounding it.
WT: Can you explain the rules and what you need to do to win?
That said, its still very heated out there on the track and there is a lot of
potential for aggression that skaters have to learn to channel into
technique if they want to win. You need a team that works well together
and understands each other really well - Pivots need to know their
Jammer's ability and their Blockers' strengths, while Jammers need to
trust that their Blockers are going to be there to protect them and help
them through the pack.
potential for aggression that skaters have to learn to channel into
technique if they want to win. You need a team that works well together
and understands each other really well - Pivots need to know their
Jammer's ability and their Blockers' strengths, while Jammers need to
trust that their Blockers are going to be there to protect them and help
them through the pack.
WT: What do possible derby girls need to know before they get into
derby?
derby?
Betty: They need to know that its a violent sport with a potential for injury.
Its time consuming and demanding.
Its time consuming and demanding.
Betty: It has the potential to be a very dangerous sport, so we try to minimise
that by not rushing girls into drills skaters arent ready for and taking a
conservative approach to learning contact drills. We also spend many hours
learning to fall and slide safely to hardwire it into girls' brains, so that when
they do take a big hit, or have an accident while skating, they can fall in a way
that will do the least amount of damage. We also focus a lot on building
upper body muscles to protect joints in the shoulders and arms from
damage.
If you engage in derby activities that you arent ready or skilled enough for,
you hugely increase the potential for injuries. We've seen photos from other
derby league's Walls Of Pain and there is everything from heamotomas,
broken collarbones, shattered arms and legs with screws and plates
holding them together, black eyes, stitches, dislocations and girls knocked
out cold. So I guess if you are out there before you are ready, you are looking
at a 10!
that by not rushing girls into drills skaters arent ready for and taking a
conservative approach to learning contact drills. We also spend many hours
learning to fall and slide safely to hardwire it into girls' brains, so that when
they do take a big hit, or have an accident while skating, they can fall in a way
that will do the least amount of damage. We also focus a lot on building
upper body muscles to protect joints in the shoulders and arms from
damage.
If you engage in derby activities that you arent ready or skilled enough for,
you hugely increase the potential for injuries. We've seen photos from other
derby league's Walls Of Pain and there is everything from heamotomas,
broken collarbones, shattered arms and legs with screws and plates
holding them together, black eyes, stitches, dislocations and girls knocked
out cold. So I guess if you are out there before you are ready, you are looking
at a 10!
| Denim Destructor (front left), Hidden Magenta (front right) Cherry Rockette (back) |
some were pretty confident, while others were like me, white knuckled
and locked kneed. The majority of the girls now have passed their
Beginner's Skills Test and are moving onto Intermediate drills, which is
really exciting - as they have come a long way in a short time. In their off
rink lives they're everything from students to professionals and from a
range of different vocations.
and locked kneed. The majority of the girls now have passed their
Beginner's Skills Test and are moving onto Intermediate drills, which is
really exciting - as they have come a long way in a short time. In their off
rink lives they're everything from students to professionals and from a
range of different vocations.
Betty: There is a lot of strategy in derby, and you play a simultaneously
Offensive and Defensive game. While it might look like chaos sometimes
out there on the track, there are specific game plans happening. Fighting
is not allowed and the refs are trained to look carefully for illegal blocks
and hits, for tripping and any other forms of unfair or unsportsladylike
behaviour.
Offensive and Defensive game. While it might look like chaos sometimes
out there on the track, there are specific game plans happening. Fighting
is not allowed and the refs are trained to look carefully for illegal blocks
and hits, for tripping and any other forms of unfair or unsportsladylike
behaviour.
WT: On a scale of one to ten how dangerous would you say it is? (ten
being most dangerous). Can you explain some of the dangers?
being most dangerous). Can you explain some of the dangers?
WT: What's your worst injury so far?
Betty: Ive been really lucky and aside from some brutal bruises on my
kneecaps that happened even though I had knee pads on, Ive not had any
serious injury. Hidden Magenta got scratched by another skaters wrist
guard on the neck and it looked a lot like a hickey. I think she was pretty
disappointed that her first injury didn't look very hardcore. Cherry Rockette
managed to get the fabled Giner Shiner...
kneecaps that happened even though I had knee pads on, Ive not had any
serious injury. Hidden Magenta got scratched by another skaters wrist
guard on the neck and it looked a lot like a hickey. I think she was pretty
disappointed that her first injury didn't look very hardcore. Cherry Rockette
managed to get the fabled Giner Shiner...
Bob Note: Can we say "Giner shiner" in
U.S. media? That's the perfect name for
it!
U.S. media? That's the perfect name for
it!
WT: What is the best thing about being
a derby girl?
a derby girl?
Betty: You mean aside from
Rollerskating in cool outfits with a bunch
of girls you would gladly eat poison for,
who slam into you as hard as they can
and then hug you afterwards and buy you
a beer? Hmm I don't know... maybe its
the endless situps and pushups.
Rollerskating in cool outfits with a bunch
of girls you would gladly eat poison for,
who slam into you as hard as they can
and then hug you afterwards and buy you
a beer? Hmm I don't know... maybe its
the endless situps and pushups.
WT: When will you be ready for
derby's against other teams?
Is anything like that planned
and what can we expect?
derby's against other teams?
Is anything like that planned
and what can we expect?
Betty: We are on track for our
first season to start in February
2008. Our league will divide
into teams and initially we'll be
first season to start in February
2008. Our league will divide
into teams and initially we'll be
WT: Is there anything you want to add?
Betty: One day you will stop and wonder what you did with your life before
you did Roller Derby and how you ever managed without your Derby
Sisters. Your partners and family will develop a permanently concerned
expression when you talk about how Lex Fight and Felicity Scragwell nearly
broke both your legs, again, and you cant wait to skate with them again.
Your washing line will be over run with pairs of striped socks, and you will
find yourself seriously considering buying yet Another pair of hotpants.
You'll be fitter than you have ever been, but wont have time to notice as
you'll be too busy tearing up the rink and yelling at your girls to Get Low and
take each other down. When you used to be vegging on the couch watching
teev you'll now be at committee meetings planning sponsorship deals and
designing merch. You'll get used to people calling you by your derby name
and think nothing of recounting funny conversations with girls called Donna
Khebab, Jazzercise and Kittie Von Krusher to people who have no idea
what you are talking about. Sometimes its agonising in ways ice packs
wont fix - and you'll get frustrated, chewed up and spat out. The rest of the
time, its like riding the biggest high of your life.
you did Roller Derby and how you ever managed without your Derby
Sisters. Your partners and family will develop a permanently concerned
expression when you talk about how Lex Fight and Felicity Scragwell nearly
broke both your legs, again, and you cant wait to skate with them again.
Your washing line will be over run with pairs of striped socks, and you will
find yourself seriously considering buying yet Another pair of hotpants.
You'll be fitter than you have ever been, but wont have time to notice as
you'll be too busy tearing up the rink and yelling at your girls to Get Low and
take each other down. When you used to be vegging on the couch watching
teev you'll now be at committee meetings planning sponsorship deals and
designing merch. You'll get used to people calling you by your derby name
and think nothing of recounting funny conversations with girls called Donna
Khebab, Jazzercise and Kittie Von Krusher to people who have no idea
what you are talking about. Sometimes its agonising in ways ice packs
wont fix - and you'll get frustrated, chewed up and spat out. The rest of the
time, its like riding the biggest high of your life.
Felecity Scragwell
and her "skate or
die" skate.
and her "skate or
die" skate.
Bob's comments: I'm amazed at the knowledge these ladies have acquired
about the sport. And they're not just finding it, they're applying. They've not
trained with an experienced league, but appear to be doing the right things.
They've never seen a live bout, yet understand aspects of the game AND
production that surprise me. Betty and her girls will hit the track prepared
and ready, not rushing the process, but honing the quality and safely of play.
And, I guess it should be no surprise that passion runs deep regardless of
what continent your on! See page 4
about the sport. And they're not just finding it, they're applying. They've not
trained with an experienced league, but appear to be doing the right things.
They've never seen a live bout, yet understand aspects of the game AND
production that surprise me. Betty and her girls will hit the track prepared
and ready, not rushing the process, but honing the quality and safely of play.
And, I guess it should be no surprise that passion runs deep regardless of
what continent your on! See page 4