Why I Skate ~ Becka tha Wrecka

Growing up in England I had never even heard of Roller Derby until I moved here in 2004. As a child, I had roller skated a bit in my street on the sweet skates I got from L.A. when staying with my grandparents but apart from that I was a roller virgin.
One of my best friends lives in Raleigh and he told me about the roller derby team that skated there. On a visit, we went to check it out. On that day I saw Roxy Rocket, Teflon Donna and Princess America. Anyone familiar with derby knows that they are three rockin’ skaters.
So, when I came back here and told my friends what I had seen they told me that derby was starting in this area. I checked out one of their first meetings but it was not until January ’05 that ,thanks to Bam Bam, Pachuca, Bite Me and Trailer Crash, I actually got out to a practice.

On that very first day I managed to give Bam Bam a concussion. Yes, concussion. It was almost all over for me at that point because I am not a confrontational or aggressive person. I enjoy team sports and being fit but what I love the most about derby is the chance to play a sport with my friends against other people. Needless to say, Bam was as gracious and forgiving like so many derby girls, and I kept at it.
When we finally got to divide up into teams I faced another difficult time. All of the ladies with whom I had started derby were placed on the Femmes Fatales. I was the sole Dirty Diesel Darlin’ of our crew. Don’t get me wrong, the Darlin’s were and are lovely ladies and I love them long time, but I was nervous about being expected to hit the women with whom I spent most of my time on and off the track. Surprise surprise, I got over that too and here I am a baby, an interleague team and a few years later.
I love derby for all that it offers: fitness; excitement; sportswomanship; the Corinthian spirit at its best; entertainment; friendship; diversity and beer. ..but seriously. I know this sport has changed my life in a way that no other activity has or can. I have been and continue to be lucky enough to encounter the world of derby at a great time in its evolution and for that I will always be grateful (if somewhat more achey and busted).

Tales from the Fresh Meat Locker – FM Lauren aka Princess Pwny

I came into DDG as a potiental Ref (ZEBRAS)! I really wanted to derby but having a rather bum knee and having never set foot on quads I decided that Ref’ing on blades was probabably the best option for me. The first few weeks I hooked. I decided to buy a pair of quads because doing the falls and drillson Blades flat out sucked. That was my ‘mistake’ I found out my knee could take such a beating and over to the dark side I went, Derby girl for me.

I was a little taken back at how hard I had to work, not that I wasnt willing to work but I’ve always been very athletic and never had any trouble picking up a sport and being one of the best almost instantly, derby was a whole nother story. Since Oct. I have worked my butt off. Many nights I’ve come home wondering how I was going to walk to school the next day I was so sore. After many many practices and a concussion to the nogging, here I am. I’ve made it. I am a little scared of my first bouting experience but I am ready to take what derby brings. Here I am finding a new set of friends that is evolving into a family. Big Daddy always says “dont cheat your self and your sisters” he’s right these girls are my sisters and I look forward to the times to come.

If you dont think you can derby you should just ask any of the girls, we each have our own stories of how we got here, and most of us will probably tell you we didnt really know if we could cut it when we first started. Skate low, head up and get back up.

<3 Princess Pwny

Why I Skate – Cheeky Monkey

Why do I skate? It’s a simple question right? Well… maybe not so much. Skating is about a lot of things for me… I love the game… I love the strategy… I love the contact… I love the workout… But, mostly I just like being a part of something that is bigger than just me… Being part of a team is why I go out there every practice and skate as hard as I can. Derby is fairly new for me and to be honest I’m picking it up very slowly. But, the way these girls support each other… work with us to make us better… and encourage us when we feel like we totally failed… that is the reason I keep coming back.

I discovered derby by accident really… my girlfriend was talking to me about her bruises and I asked where she got them… she told me all about derby, what it’s about and how it’s played. I’m a tomboy and I always wanted to play a rough sport like hockey or men’s lacrosse (because really lets face it if you can’t beat each other with the stick then what’s the point?) so I figured this would be my chance… little did I know that it only got better… not only was this a rough and tumble sport, but roller derby encouraged wearing fishnets and skirts! I was completely hooked. I went to boot camp and never looked back…

So, why do I skate? I skate because not only was this sport meant for me, but this team was meant for me… I couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of girls to train me and show me all the ropes… and now that I’m on the team I definitely feel like there is no better group of women that i could be skating with. Cheers!

March 2010 Member of the Month

Congratulations to Smokin’ Ices! She has been voted Dominion Derby Girls’ Member of the Month for March 2010!

Here’s what the league had to say about her!

“Just in the few months I’ve known her I’ve seen her look better and better each time she throws her skates on. I’m so happy she has been added to the team that will play Richmond. She works hard not only on the track but off as well. Isis doesn’t have an easy job dealing with all of us constantly bringing her crumpled money and scribbled checks, but she is incredibly understanding and is never annoyed with us and our financials. Working with her is an absolute pleasure, she’s warm and encouraging. She is open to hearing your point and gently redirecting when you might not be in the right creative ballpark. I’ve learned a lot from her about how the league works and the team runs. She is a great asset to the board and the league. ”

“I would like to nominate Smokin Ices. She has stepped up above and beyond the call of duty with her tireless dedication to the league and her positive attitude. She makes it to events, practices, meetings and committee obligations without complaint and with a gung-ho effort. She’s AMAZING and I really admire and appreciate her”

Congratulations!

Wanna join the Dominion Derby Girls?

Sunday, February 21st, at Jason’s Deli in Pembroke Mall, more than 20 potential Fresh Meat learned more about the sport of roller derby and how to become a Dominion Derby Girl!

Training Director, ThunderLips, went over why the Dominion Derby Girls need you and what to expect throughout the training process. Other topics were what to wear to Boot Camp and practices, what type of skates and protective gear to purchase, and what to expect from your Dominion Derby Girl

Fresh Meat Mentor. She also went over the many different types of members in the league: skaters, referees, non-skating officials, and volunteers.

ThunderLips also stressed coming to watch our practices to see how the Dominion Derby Girls train and to ask any questions about skating and the league. The Dominion Derby Girls practice at Haygood Skating Center at 1036 Ferry Plantation Road in Virginia Beach.
Monday: Team/scrimmage 7pm-9pm
Wednesday: League/Fresh Meat 9pm-11pm
Thursday: League/Fresh Meat 9pm-11pm
Saturday: Team/scrimmage 9am-12pm (except for Saturday 2/27)

If you’re interested in joining the Dominion Derby Girls and missed the Pre-Boot Camp Meeting, here’s the info on the March 7th Boot Camp:

When: Sunday, March 7th, 2010 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Haygood Skating Center, 1036 Ferry Plantation Road, Virginia Beach
What to bring: $30 Boot Camp registration fee ($25 if paid in advance online), copy of your ID, copy of your health insurance card, helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, mouthguard and of course, skates.
Why: Our Boot Camp is an intense, three-hour session designed to train you in the basics of skating and the game of Roller Derby. Open to skaters and referees.

More information at the DDG Boot Camp website or by emailing freshmeat@dominionderbygirls.net or training@dominionderbygirls.net

Also, check out the Dominion Derby Girls FAQ!

Tales from the Zebra Herd – Dr. Psycho Cub

Proudly Wearing the Stripes

Why do I ref? Because I believe in the sport, the skater’s safety and I enjoy it.

Exposed to roller derby only 8 months ago I immediately fell in love with the energy, the fun, the friendships and the sport itself. It was the most

exciting spectator sport I had ever seen. But being a spectator and training to be a referee are light years away. In some ways we have to be better than the skaters and coaches. Our first job as referees is to ensure the skaters’ safety through rules enforcement. That is not an easy task. It requires attention, discipline, studying and confidence. On average I attend 3-4 practices a week. I work out with the team, I drill with the team and work on rules and referee skills. Referring is a full time job for this sport! I have rules printed out at work on my cube and all day have www.wftda.com open.

Some league members do it for themselves, others because it’s fun, others are athletes and some do it because they enjoy the sport itself. I referee because I believe in ALL of those motivations and want to support that success through my “zebra” responsibilities.

I wear my “stripes” at every practice. Not because I’m a dork (well, I am), but because I am a referee every time I’m on that track. I’m not there to workout. I’m there to become a better referee. To perform my job and do my part as best as I possibly can. Whether doing a practice or blowing the whistle, I’m proud of wearing my stripes!

-Dr. Psycho Cub

Returning to Derby After Pregnancy – Smokin’ Ices

My roller derby adventure started in November 2008 when I was contacted by someone from Dominion Derby Girl’s (DDG) fresh meat committee. I was contacted through Myspace and was asked if Roller derby was something I might be interested in. I immediately replied YES! The next day I went to watch a practice and from that day forward I was hooked.

I bought all of my gear and started practicing right away. When I purchased my gear I probably bought the cheapest skates possible, but they served their purpose in getting me out on the track. A fellow DDG skater, T. Rex ya face, was taking a “break” from skating so she let me test out her skates. What a difference skates can make, as I felt like I was flying compared to my previous skates. I skated a few more times on T. Rex’s skates and wondered why she hadn’t asked for them back. Then the news came that she was expecting a little miracle! We were all so excited for her and to my surprise she said I could continue to wear what I call “the magical skates”.

When I first started skating, the DDG had a Skater Qualification Requirement booklet that you got signed off once you passed a WFTDA minimum skill requirement. My skills continued to get better and better every time I skated. I went to every practice I could in hopes to get that book FINISHED as soon as possible! I was only five signatures away from completing my booklet when I received some AMAZING news of my own. I was pregnant with my first child! My husband and I were super excited to hear the news and I would also need to take a “break” from skating. So now we all know why I say T. Rex ya face had “the magical skates”!

I continued to be involved with the DDG throughout my pregnancy by attending practices, home bouts and traveling with the team to Atlanta and Philadelphia. It was awesome to watch the team grow and come so far. My little guy was born on October 7th and I jumped back on skates at the fresh meat boot camp which was held November 1st. To my surprise I hadn’t lost all of my skill, but I definitely had to ease my way back into skating and get back to the fundamentals of roller derby.

I’m sure the majority of athletic woman fear the aftermath of having a baby and I certainly was no exception. I know I was very anxious to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight and after about a month of skating with the DDG I had already accomplished this goal. I preach to every mommy I know to come out and play some Roller Derby, because it’s not only loads of fun, but it’s also the best work out I’ve ever had!

Smokin’ Ices # 21

February 2010 Members of the Month

All Returning Veterans have been named February 2010 Members of the Month!!!

This includes: Asian Chow Down, Becka the Wrecka, Pachuca Loca and Holly Go Bite Me.

Congratulations ladies!! Here’s what your league members had to say about you!!!

“To see so many returning veterans to the league is exciting. The league has gone through a transformation in the last year and it’s inspiring and rejuvenating to see those changes attracting members who we have missed. We’re glad to have them back and excited to see them contribute to the continued success to the team.”

Why I Skate – Blazin’ Angel

There are many reasons why I skate but the most important one is because I want my kids to know that being a parent does not mean that your life has to stop. It is difficult trying to make the practices, meetings, committies, and events that we hold because we are a non-profit organization. No matter what though I want to give it my all and be able to skate in a bout and have my kids saying that’s my mom out there.

It was a hard journey through the fresh meat process. I never knew that so many things were involved with roller derby and I still have a lot to learn but it is worth every minute of my time. I thought I knew how to skate already but then I was told that you needed to learn how to fall properly,weave through skaters,and of course receive and take hits among other things. Also, you need to stretch and you endure a workout even before you actually start skating. There is so much involved and a great amount of detail goes into making you a roller derby girl. Oh, I want to mention that you need to know rules of roller derby and hand signals given by the refs,also. It takes a lot of practices and then you get to move on to bigger and better things and become rotten meat which is where I am at today.

As rotten meat, I have to stretch, endure a workout, and skate in a pack. When you are in a pack, it is a whole different ball game. You have to be very alert and ready to help your team. I have been doing this for a couple of weeks now and it has been hard to grasp but I am going to keep trying and not give up. I know I have the support of my team and coaches to back me up and I am not going to let them down.
The last thing I would like to close with is to say thank you to a couple of people. The first person is my friend Beverly for staying on me about getting skates. My coaches for giving me hope that I can learn this. Also, the girls I skate with for pushing me when I just want to give up and lending me the equipment so I could skate.

Tales from the Fresh Meat Locker – FM Jenniy

I never thought a simple sentence could change my life so drastically.

“I’m bored, lets go do something tonight.”

My husband said this to me the end of September 2009. “Ok what do you want to do?” I asked him. We decided to see a movie. “Oh hey there’s a sneak preview of that new movie Drew Barrymore directed, whatcha think?”

So we went. And I was AMAZED. I know now that a LOT of it is glossed over, and thats just Hollywood. But as I was sitting there in that theater, I fell in love with Roller Derby. When I got home from the theater I got right on my laptop to go check out the site for the movie.

Oh. My. God. There’s a roller derby team HERE!!!!

I couldn’t believe it. My parents met at Haygood Skating Rink, and my mom’s house is literally less than a mile from there. I used to skate there as a kid with my dad.

When the movie came out officially the next weekend, my husband and I went to see it again. I was dying to go to the “Boot Camp” that was that weekend, but I talked to my husband and I decided to wait a month. We would go to Open Skate and I would get back into skating-and shape. As a kid, I spent a year in a wheel chair because of some physical health problems and it was a big concern that my husband and I discussed til we were blue in the face. But he knew that when I decided something, that was it.

We actually cut our vacation short so that I could attend Boot Camp the first weekend of November. I ground my teeth every time I fell during time trials, told myself “pain is weakness leaving the body” and kept going. Bam Bam got up and skated with me the last 5 laps or so, and I was the last one to finish. By the end of that 3 hours, I felt like I was going to die. My husband picked me up and took me home, where I stayed on the couch the rest of the day.

But it felt good. I wasn’t anywhere near as good as some of the girls in my boot camp group, but I had done my best.

Now, about 2 1/2 months later, I look back and realize just how far I really have come. I still fall, even hard enough to break my wrist guard plate once, but I fall the right way (which Frank is quick to point out, if for no other reason than to make me feel better). I notice small things that I couldn’t even come close to doing even a few weeks ago! I struggled with crossovers, until a pair of friendly referees helped me out. I couldn’t T-Stop for the longest time, and then found myself randomly doing it (after many MANY faceplants). Like I said, I still fall *even when I’m standing still sometimes!* but I see women who have been doing this for years fall and yea, I feel just a little bit better.