Roller Rebels aka Roller Derby

Annabelle Lecter, Hellen of Destroy, Helluva Bottom Carter, Captain Morgan, Summer Slam, and Lil Whip-her snap-her are just a few of the women you should know about. They are a bunch of fierce amazons, racing around a curved track, trying to beat the crap out of each other. On rollerskates, no less! Roller Derby, a past sport of the adventurous died out some time in the 70s after having a decent run of about 50 years. While the derby was originally a professional sport, and consisted of both male and female teams this new comeback is the responsibility of daring women. Starting in the beginning of this millennium teams started sprouting up. These teams are usually made up of fishnet wearing, tattooed, pierced, punk listening, goddesses on eight wheels. Everything pretty much goes as far as proper roller derby couture. This resurgence has brought together fearless women of all ages. Don't be so surprised to see a 40 year old "milf" out on the track next to an eighteen year old college student. All it takes is a bit of determination..and the ability to get very physical.

Roller derby is played against two teams, in a match called a bout. These bouts take place on a flat, oval track. The goal of the game is to score the most points. Simple enough, right? Perhaps. To score these points involves a bit of shoulder, hip, and speed. Each team sends five players out on to the track. For two minutes, or less, they will be attempting to score points in what is called a jam. The positions for the teams consist of a jammer, a pivot, and three blockers. It is the jammer who is responsible for scoring the points, the blockers to prevent the opposing team from scoring points, and the pivot to lead her pack and be the last line of defense. So these are the women out there. The blockers and the pivots form a pack, with the jammers 20 feet behind. At the blow of a whistle the pack begins to skate counterclockwise. Once the last woman in the pack has passed where the pack started a whistle is blown again. Now the jammers go. For a jammer to score a point they must first pass the whole pack, and then lapping the pack, pass each opposing blocker or pivot for a point. Now, the fun part comes in when the defense begins. The blockers and pivots use their hips, shoulders, and bodies to prevent the opposing jammers from passing them. Its not uncommon to see a woman go flying off the track into the crowd after being hip checked. While there are obviously many other rules, that's the jist of it.

It sounds pretty intense, and it is. The girls all must wear helmets, mouth guards, elbow pads and kneepads but that doesn't mean there aren't injuries. The girls practice and learn how to fall properly. They watch out for each other. They practice often and learn their skills before they start in any bouts.

Teams can be found in most major cities. If you are adventuresome enough you should go try out for a team. (If you don't own a pair of breasts there are also male teams to be found. The game is pretty much the same, just with more testosterone). And if you are more of the pansy type you should at least find out when your local team is having a bout and go out and support them. Besides, who doesn't want to see a bunch of scantily clad women trying to push each other down?