Roller Derby

Western Regionals - almost as good as being there

TV is for old school derby. Twitter, RSS, Live Blogging, streaming video are the best way to feel close to the action when you can't afford to make that trip across country for a tournament!

Photo by Jules Doyle

We're halfway through the Western Regionals derby tournament in Houston and the excitement is building. A big upset in the Kansas City vs Duke game. But that's not what I want to write about, because you can read all about that on the recaps.  In past tournaments, I'd be updated via SMS texts and at the mercy of derby friends who were at the tournament and not skating. Not this time! I'm able to keep current with Twitter updates from DNNscores and RCRG, read game recaps on Derby News Network via my RSS reader, follow the game live with DNN LiveBlogging "Boutcasts" and now I can even watch the game on a livestreamcast!  Don't forget using google alerts to find the latest blog posts for those who are at the tournament and writing from their own perspective.

I hope to see this level of coverage in future tournaments and home games.

There is a level of interaction and community those of us watching from home and chatting are building that I'd never feel sitting at home watching on television.

Now if only DNN made an IPhone app....

TV

Photo by Joe Rollerfan

Last Saturday night, our championship game was filmed for Comcast On Demand. Afterward I did a short interview with Queen Mum and we discussed the game while I looked in to the camera awkwardly. Our team lost but only by a few points, and we closed a 50 point deficit in the second period! We also discussed my transition between Bay Area and Rat City, and differences I've noticed between the leagues. The most notable distinction for me is the focus on speed and endurance that I see on Rat City. Whether or not this equates to a winning strategy we'll see in the next couple of months in the Western Regionals and then (hopefully) WFTDA Nationals.

The On Demand filming is a trial and I hope it is well viewed. Seeing flat track derby on cable and in homes across the country is exciting to say the least!

WFTDA Bout: Seattle's Rat City Rollergirls vs Bay Area Derby Girls

Tickets are sold out for the Saturday, June 21st bout between #2 ranked Rat City Rollergirls and #10 ranked Bay Area Derby Girls in Seattle. There will be a limited number of tickets available at the door.

Having skated with both leagues over the last four years, I can tell you this is going to be an exciting game to watch. The years of skill, determination, athleticism and dedication to derby from both leagues will be apparent as we see what I predict to be a close game.

Photos from Bay Area Derby Girls

Once again Boss Hog catches some great candids before and after the game. This time he shot all in film (gasp!)

I like to win!

Lisa Lawless and Deadly Nightshade of the Oakland Outlaws.

The staying power of Roller Derby

Obviously not an existing Roller Derby fan, "uncoached " writes

Roller Derby isn’t what it can be.  Yes it’s fun to watch women knock each other around but A. The women aren’t attractive enough and B. There’s no incentive to watch them.

Oh this is great! Obviously the writer hasn't done his research in to what Roller Derby *has* been, given crowd pleasing, camera friendly, athletically attractive "celebrity" types. Hello Raquel Welch!  Roller Derby has drawn large crowds and captivated audiences on TV (most of you remember your dad watching, no doubt). Ultimately, these past incarnations of derby didn't last.

Following this guy's thought, using celebrity would get more people interested in watching...which would lead to what? More money? For whom? WFTDA  leagues are skater owned or non-profit groups. The money we make (if we make any) goes back to the sport and the skaters - not a tv studio, manager or corporation. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to  tumble with Alyssa Milano, but that'd be for my benefit, not yours! If we can make enough to cover the cost of a bout, we've done well.

At the end of the day, we don't spend these hours practicing and sacrificing our non-derby lives to make money, or to attract larger audiences. I couldn't capture all of the reasons I've heard from women who have dedicated their lives to this sport. Community, entertainment, athleticism, competition, camaraderie and wicked after-parties.  But maybe *this* is the recipe for a Roller Derby that lasts longer than the latest hairstyle. That's our incentive to keep playing. I'll let you comment on your incentive to watch!

Derby Photos

etchedonfilm  posted some great photos from a recent bout. Her edits bring a nice old-timey feeling to the more current version of the sport!

(photo credit to Kelly Davidson)