Whip It!

Through a series of fortunate events we landed at Roller Derby this weekend. We felt we had the basics down after several viewings of Whip It and we did... but not really. Luckily, we met up with all-star Method of Madness (aka our friend Kat) who plays on another team (Death Dealers). She explained strategy and rules. Getting it made it even more fun! We look forward to seeing this league again and to cheering for our homegirl, Method of Madness (MOM), in the future.

So excited! with Miss J

Nat, Miss J, Em, and me

Blue Steal vs. Black Onyx... Steal wins with over a hundred points to Onyx's 70-something

Method of Madness and me

Quickly taken photo with unseen friends covering me should a skater come at me unawares

I was surprised by how large and in-charge some of the skaters were. And then, also, how small some others were. It wasn't quite, say, hockey-violent, although it was very physical. Mostly it was just a sheer exhibition of athleticism, endurance, and power.

The basic idea behind roller derby is that two jammers, chicks with stars on their helmets, try to lap opposing players who stick together in a pack. Points are given for every opposing play the jammer passes. Players can hip-check and bump shoulders but no elbowing, tripping, or other overtly violent actions. The lead jammer (the one to get out of the pack first) can call off the jam (the round) and a new jam starts. There are about 800 referees at Roller Derby keeping track of any little mistakes. Major mistakes land you in the penalty box for two minutes and the game continues. Of course, there is more to it than what I've just explained but I'm not going to explain it unless you're at a bout (match) with me. Wasatch Roller Derby's season is underway and Salt City (of which Method of Madness is a part) begins 'round April.