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

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