Does Roller Derby Still Exist?

Prior to October 2011 - I didn’t think so. Then I saw this ad in my local news daily email: Join Central Mass Roller Derby for Fresh Meat Class. I was like whoa- roller derby????. I get to skate and possibly hit people? People really still do this? Turns out that they do still and they have been since it started in the 1930’s. While I think derby lost its popularity when I was in my tween years (or maybe earlier?) - I will borrow Wikipedia’s terminology and say that the 2000’s have brought about an “amateur revival”. And that day I thought maybe I could derby and in a spur of the moment decision I posted the news story to my neighbor’s Facebook page and asked if she would be up for joining with me.

Fast forward 3 days later and with that weekend’s Dutch courage in our system we are emailing the CMRD website (now Bay state Brawlers - woo hoo!!!) asking how to join. An email comes back from someone named Lisa, aka. BA, aka. BadAssMama and I get my first twinge of butterflies. Am I actually cool/strong/athletic/bad ass enough to do this? In a flurry of watching YouTube videos the last few days I am not sure, 1. - If I can even still roller skate and 2. Can I wear shorts that short? Never mind that I could possibly break something- where do I get knee socks and those cute little skirts? For better or worse a field trip is planned for several weeks later to the region’s local (1 hour from us) Roller Derby Store, the Bruised Boutique.

I should mention at this point that I have never in my life played a team sport besides occasional subs on my husband’s softball league years ago. And that it has been 6+ years since I strapped on my roller blades and probably 20 years since I was on actual roller skates. Also that although I have lost 35lbs this past year I am still not in great shape and need to lose at least 35lbs more. And that my husband (and rest of the family) thinks I am kidding and / or having some sort of midlife crisis. But I am serious and very motivated to be the next greatest a roller derby chick! Or at least to play in my local roller derby amateur league and not get killed….

This is me being mom & so not bad ass…

From a Fresh Meat perspective- Jaime

Everyone Loves Spaghetti!

On Saturday, Feb. 11th, the Bay State Brawlers had a fantastic first fundraiser of the 2012 season.

We served spaghetti provided by The Boynton, had a great bake sale, and held a raffle.

We debuted our new shirts so everyone could show off their BSBRD pride!

 Our first guests arrived and enjoyed the spaghetti all night!

 Some of the lovely BSBRD skaters ready to bring you dinner on skates

 Thanks to The Boynton for donating all the food - everyone loved it!

Who wouldn't want to be served on skates??

 Girl Scout cookies donated by one of our skaters - could be the best raffle prize ever!

 BA trying to get the Jack out of the Harley mug.

 And what derby event would be complete without a dance party breaking out???

Hope to see you at a bout is 2012!!

A Word From the President

Greetings! Cali N. Tay here! I didn’t realize how difficult writing a derby blog at a level where the audience actually gets something out of. You see, the problem really lies within the fact that I am a fairly new skater. During my initial season, I managed to make the travel team and co-captain for an interleague team. While I grew up skating on paved sidewalks in sunny California, I never had derby experience, just unyielding drive to be the best skater and teammate I can be. So I’d like to make my first blog entry a list if you will, of what I found to be some of my biggest hurdles and how I overcame them as a skater. They may not all apply to you, but keep in mind as you read; my experience is based on my body’s stocky frame and position as a heavy blocker. Perhaps future jammer…who knows...

1. GET YOUR BUTT IN SHAPE! –You owe it to yourself as well as your teammates to be in your best playing shape. Good old fashioned push-ups and sit-ups on a regular basis are excellent ways to strengthen your core, reducing injury and enhancing agility on the track.
2. KEEP A GOOD ATTITUDE!-We all have bad nights. Are you a slower skater like I was? Or are you, like me, the one always getting trapped? Everyone was there at some point. Be your own critic, yet realize your accomplishments as they happen. Recognize that you knocked off 3 seconds off your 25 in 5. As long as you push yourself to the nth power, you will always improve.
3. GET YOUR BODY THERE!-I spent so much time in the box during my first season because I could not keep my elbows in. Not only was my timing off, but I was lunging to make any sort of contact with the opposite player resulting in flailing, desperate elbow penalties. I learned not to reach for my target but to physically get to and take my opponent’s position.
4. KEEP YOUR HEAD ON A SWIVEL!-The last time I really got hurt, I got blind-sided because I was focusing too much on the jammer coming my way. In one second your skating status can be threatened by a heavy hitter having their way with you when you’re not looking. Watch out for every opponent, always buddy up and look out for one another.
5. GET THE MOST OUT OF PRACTICE!-I’m guilty, I’ve been yelled at for talking during practice, having to ask my comrade next to, “Uh…What are we doing?” I love the social aspect of my league, but practice time is limited and expensive. Use it! You pay for it. Keep the work/derby biz and better yet the gossip off the track. Work up a sweat while you bond with your girls!

Take in this next season, whether it’s your first or fifth, it’s bound to be full of challenges and inspiration. Live it and embrace it all! The Brawlers have accomplished so much in so little time, with unwavering sportsmanship and dedication. Through all of your hard work it’s key to remember to HAVE FUN! I am one proud and confident teammate/President! Much Love skaters… Now let’s do this!

In Solidarity,

Cali N. Tay

President, Bay State Brawlers