Roller Derby: Not Just Tits, Tats and Roller Skates

When many people think of roller derby they think of women in tight little clothes, with tattoos and piercings, rolling around on skates beating each other up. It's often compared with mud wrestling or professional pillow fighting. But for the women of roller derby it's much more than that. A good league works hard putting in 2 hour or longer practices 3 or more times a week. They focus on strength building and endurance, teamwork and of course game play, amongst other things. It isn't about being sexy. It's about athleticism. It's hard work and takes a lot of dedication. Although, for many if not all of these women and their league mates it's about more.

The women of roller derby come from a diverse set of backgrounds, lifestyles, and stations in life. Some are moms and some aren't. Some are lawyers, doctors, yoga instructors, librarians, etc... Some are younger and some are older while others fall somewhere in between. Some are religious, some are far from it. Some are politically minded and some aren't. These women come in many different shapes and sizes as well and the thing is, there is something for each of them to be good at, and sometimes it's not what you'd expect. There are bigger women out there who can really haul it as a jammer and some tiny women out there who are exceptional blockers. The thing is that they're all equal. They are all needed and wanted.

For many women, roller derby has been a door of opportunity, since it's reemergence in 2001. Whether it was something they got into to help them through a loved ones deployment, something they took on to try something new or to get in shape, something they did to expand their social circle or some other reason, many women have found they've gained much from their roller derby experiences.

There are a lot of leagues out there that are very big on getting involved in their community as well. They aren't there to make trashy entertainment, but instead to bring inspiration and entertainment to their community, especially the girls and women of their communities. These leagues find ways to support their communities, whether by donating ticket profits to local charities, or getting their hands dirty going to work at a soup kitchen, children's hospital, women's shelter, habitat for humanity, adopt a family program or something else.

Many women have found strength, both physical, emotional, and mental, through their involvement in roller derby. Not just from the sport itself, but from the other women brought into their lives through roller derby. Women have found empowerment and self confidence as well. Being involved in roller derby and finding the sense of community that the sport has to offer, has given some women the courage they've need to leave bad situations and to improve their lives in many ways. There is a strong sense of family, with this sport, though some might not consider it family friendly.

What kind of affect does this have on the children of these women? Honestly in many cases it's had a good affect. As these women find their sense of self, become happier and more confident and self assured, they find their children start to follow suit. Not to say that women who get involved in roller derby started out as sad, self loathing, doormats. They usually don't. However many do find that they do grow and learn and gain a lot and are better people because of their roller derby involvement.

So the next time you hear about a league's upcoming event, whether it be a bout or something else, check it out. You may find that you have more in common with these women than you realized and you might find that you enjoy the sport, itself.