fiveonfive | issue 33 | Fall 2016

WOMEN’S FLAT TRACK ROLLER DERBY MAGAZINE ISSUE 33, FALL 2016

proud partner of the WFTDA

fiveonfivemag.com

fiveonfive contents 30-31

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advice ask ms d’fiant and suzy hotrod!

WFTDA Lois Slain from the DC Rollergirls takes us on a brief but thorough history of the WFTDA Championships, winners, and traditions from year one through 2015.

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business rainy city rebrands derby museum displays

18-25 games and coaching

jules doyle

12-17

health and fitness prolonging physical harm which muscles are you stretching

44-45 derby over 50

blocking techniques rate of score

There is no such thing as “too old” to play derby. Sarge dishes on derby over 50.

26-28 gear 32-35

junior derby junior championships

38-39

lanceson photography

gear bags

rookie advice for new skaters

48-51 we are orlando Quenby Sheree talks community, strength, and how the Psycho City Derby Girls pulled together in the wake of the June 12 mass shooting at Pulse nightclub.

40-41 officiating

quenby sheree

wftda clinics

editor phoenix aka stacey casebolt castle rock ‘n’ rollers art director assaultin’ pepa rocky mountain rollergirls contributing writers ms d’fiant angel city derby girls suzy hotrod gotham girls roller derby

from the editor Welcome to the 33rd issue of fiveonfive!

Not long after issue 32 released, tragedy hit in Orlando, Florida. A mass shooting sent the city, and the nation, into gut-wrenching chaos and mourning. While I have nothing to say that can ease the pain of those who lost family and friends that night, I can only say that I stand in support of those who seek to bring healing to the city, and to spread love and light where

emma lyskava rainy city roller derby grim solo naptown roller girls

darkness came crashing in. In this issue you will hear from Quenby Sheree of the Orlando Derby Girls. She shares with us a story hope and strength, and the solidarity that the derby community does so well.

feist e. one boulder county bombers

In addition, and on a lighter note, this issue brings amazing insight into the catholic cruel girl rocky mountain rollergirls old xchool northern californian roller derby bitches bruze southshire roller derby jennifer savaglio aka la petite mort fast girl skates lois slain dc rollergirls skaro boston roller derby

benefits and obstacles that come with rebranding a team. There are some exciting new ideas for derby museum displays that any team can put into practice to draw interest from spectators and skaters alike. Fiest E. One from the Boulder County Bombers talks injury prevention, while Old Xchool brings us more great tips on blocking and the importance of footwork! Have you heard of ROS (Rate of Score)? Bitches Bruze brings us an in depth analysis on how this under-used statistical equation can be studied and applied to maximize your point spread every bout. If you are in the market for a new gear bag, don’t miss La Petit Mort’s review of the varieties available and what

standard steviation lansing derby vixens

each type of bag can do for you.

sarge cajun roller girls

There are so many other interesting articles, including a recap of past WFTDA

scarlett o’harder roller derby leicester quenby sheree orlando derby girls cover photo preflash gordon facebook.com/preflashgordon flickr.com/photos/preflashgordon fiveonfive magazine info@fiveonfivemag.com facebook.com/fiveonfive fiveonfivemag.com

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of fiveonfive magazine.

Championships and more. Be sure to read it all so that you don’t miss out on what each contributor has to offer. With that said, have a wonderful fall, skate safely, and join us in sending love and light to our sisters and their friends and families in Orlando, Florida.

Phoenix aka Stacey Casebolt

Castle Rock ‘N’ Rollers editor@fiveonfivemag.com

contributors

Many thanks to our contributors who come from all over the roller derby community and share their knowledge based on their countless hours of dedication to this sport!

Check out additional contributors at fiveonfivemag.com.

Feist E. One Amanda Rieker/Wicked Shamrock Photography

An ardent athlete her whole life, Feist E. One found roller derby from a flyer at a liquor store. She learned to skate with the Castle Rock ‘n Rollers, and after moving, joined the Boulder County Bombers. Feist E. believes in the physical, mental and emotional powers of roller derby. Her non-derby life includes a career as a professional journalist and copywriter, a supportive husband and a feisty daughter.

Bitches Bruze As an announcer, you’ve heard Amy Jo Moore on the microphone for WFTDA.tv for WFTDA playoffs and more. As a coach, Bitches Bruze has coached around Europe and the eastern United States. In her tenth season she still plays with her new league, Southshire Roller Derby in Bennington, Vermont and is a MRDA official for the Capital District Trauma Authority. In 2015, Amy was invited to be part of WFTDA’s Sports Information Committee which works together to produce statistics for high-profile WFTDA competitions for Public Relations and WFTDA.tv.

Chuck Fong

Skaro Skaro began skating in 2012 with State College Area Roller Derby in Pennsylvania, where she worked for an international media company and contributed to several of their social media platforms. In the fall of 2014, she moved to the Boston area and began skating with the Boston Derby Dames and continues to spend more time on Tumblr than a reasonable human being should.

Sarge John (Jack) Culhane Sarge (John Culhane, Cajun Roller Girls) is a transplanted Yankee from New York, finally settling in Cajun Country (Houma, LA). He has been actively involved in derby since 2008 either as a fan or ref. Starting as a derby referee at the age of 50 proved the saying, “you are never too old to start something new.” Sarge is semi-retired as a ref, with the thought of return always on his mind. Never say never. He continues to be one of CRG’s biggest fans, always looking forward to that next game.

Quenby Sheree Quenby graduated with an Associates of Science in Photographic Technology from the Southeast Center for Photographic Studies. A native to Eugene, Oregon, she now resides in Florida; where she must stay because she can no longer breathe air that is not 80% humidity.

Suzy Hotrod

Ms D’Fiant

Gotham Girls Roller Derby New York, NY

Angel City Derby Girls Los Angeles, CA

dear blocker and jammer, Tournament season is upon us and I really want our team to be one solid unit. Besides practicing together, any suggestions on what we can do outside of practice to develop more camaraderie/team bonding?

-FONDA BONDING

dear fb,

dear fb,

Forced fun! That is what we used to call it when I skated on the All Stars. We

This is such a great question because at

were pretty serious all the time so the one time the captains ended practice early

tournament time I think leadership can get

and surprised the team with a big pizza delivery to the practice space, we were

wrapped up in the skating and forget about the

very confused. But it was great and much appreciated... after we finally accepted

fun. Four hour practices and hours of derby

that it really happened.

homework aren’t the (only) key to a strong team

When tournament season comes up, you’re going to be beating the heck out of each other and it is going to get intense. So the fact that the leadership took

One season, the best captain I had brought

the team time from our precious practice slot really meant a lot. We all give so

a strong focus to love each other. We would take

much time to practices, adding extra hangouts can sometimes be a drag. Team

time before practice and write a thankful note to

bonding is OK, but to make room for it, there goes laundry night. Another time we

someone on the team (pre-assigned names so

did an abbreviated one hour skating practice and then watched game footage

nobody was left out). While we regularly had

together. It was a great way to do a little off skates bonding and still be “taking

strategy sessions, sometimes we just watched

care of business.”

footage together for fun too. Have a pot luck,

Otherwise, I tend to err on the side of simple hangouts. Potlucks are always

a picnic, go to the roller skating rink! (Or don’t,

a hit, and people can come and go as their schedule permits. I’ve been asked to

if you’re one of those people who hurt yourself

go team camping... that one was never as universally loved by everyone. A few

when skating in a non-derby fashion).

teammates are fans of the electricity and one quoted, “I’ll sleep on the ground when I’m dead.”

In these modern times of smart phones and typing typing typing, take the time

Over the years, we’ve tried to move away from strictly drinking activities. Fortunately, there’s considerably more active lifestyle

to physically write out a note for your teammates. I’ve received encouraging notes

activities to hit up. Such as a skyzone/trampoline

and cards from my captains. Also the whole team has taken turns writing

gym, adult dance, gymnastics class or bring in

something kind in a card for each of the girls on the team.

a chef and do a cooking class.

Once you get to the tournament season don’t forget to pack your arts and

It’s such a good idea to look outside the

crafts supplies because turf wars begin right in the host hotels. You need to get

normal skate hard/turn left mentality. Good for

your hotel room doors decked out with team spirit, not just for making each other

you and best of luck to your team during

smile but to rub it in other teams faces that you’ve arrived. Part of being a great

tournament season.

team is reminding everyone else out there how great you are.

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dear blocker and jammer, If you have or had unsupportive family members what have you said or done to get them to understand the importance of derby?

-DERBY IS MY LIFE

dear diml,

dear diml,

I am the wrong person to ask about this one. My parents have

Maybe it’s me, but I find I talk less and less about roller derby with

been to almost every one of my games, and they know more

civilians. It might be the result of being in roller derby for a decade, but

about the global roller derby scene than I do! When I first started

I don’t want to explain the sport anymore. Side note, this is one of my

playing derby, I dated someone who hated roller derby. Twelve

WFTDA long term organizational goals – when I say roller derby I don’t

years later I still play roller derby, and that person is long, long

want to be asked any questions about how it works. Just like you

gone. So, you’re either with us, or you’re not with us. I do have

wouldn’t ask how to play hockey or soccer. The other party would just

some friends whose partners come maybe once a year and

say something like – Oh cool, I saw that on ESPN once.

whose parents have never even seen them play, though. While it

Back to the question, I have found my dedication to roller derby has

may bum them out, they’re so focused on bout day that they

had the biggest impact on those around me. Non-derby friends that

really don’t let it bother them.

I’ve known for years will ask me real questions about the sport and our

I think the answer is to not twist their arm about it. At a point you’re going to have to agree to disagree that one of you is

growth (as opposed to wondering if a ball is involved). And in a sad moment after Orlando my mother called and inquired about the derby

obsessed with roller derby and the other just doesn’t get it, but

community. My mother, who never has shown too much interest (other

don’t change who you are. We spend so much time doing roller

than being very supportive about any/all athletic endeavors), reached

derby that, of course, we talk about it all the time. Does anyone

out to make sure that my derby friends and family were okay after the

else you know put that much time into anything like we do? Don’t

tragedy. It meant a lot to me, but that is only after she’s seen my work,

feel like you can’t talk about derby around family that just doesn’t

sacrifice, and personal growth in the sport for years.

get it. Be yourself. Also you can politely try to explain why roller

I know this is a short answer, but actions speak volumes over

derby is so awesome but also respect your family members

words. If a family member doesn’t understand or support something

space to not be in to derby.

you love, that’s their problem.

If you’re really upset that you’re not getting the support, be

Speaking of actions, the time has come for me to take a new

reasonable about your asks and gently try to introduce your

direction. I’ve enjoyed writing this column for almost six years. In that

family. Plan in advance to invite your unsupportive family to at

time I’ve had the pleasure to work with many of those involved with

least see one bout. It’s hard for me to picture this because

fiveonfive – Assaultin’ Pepa, Miss Jane Redrum, Suzy Hotrod and many

maybe I’m just stubborn, but if someone didn’t want to come see

of the contributors. I have mad respect for them all. At this point, I feel

me play roller derby, I just don’t care that much. It’s my thing and

like a more active skater is going to serve this column better than I will

as much as it shocks me to say, it may not be for everyone. My

as my children’s sports consume more of my life than my own sporting

coworkers never actually come see me skate, even though they

endeavors. I’m super excited with my replacement, whom I’ve

always ask when the games are. I’m not going to force them to

discussed life and roller derby extensively with lately, and I know she’s

see a game, I just pass along the information and let them

going to be great resource for all the fiveonfive readers.

decide if they’re going to come. I’d rather get someone who is

As always, if you spot me out at a tournament or event, please

actually interested in derby hooked for life. If you do successfully

introduce yourself as I will always be happy to discuss roller derby

get those stubborn family members out to the bout, they may

and/or provide parenting emotional support!

make friends with other less enthused family members of

Best of luck out there, on and off the track.

another skater! Try to get them to see it in person before

Ms. D’fiant

deciding how they really feel about it. Best of luck!

need advice? email advice@fiveonfivemag.com fiveonfivemag.com | Fall 2016

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rainy city rebrands E M M A LY S K A V A , R A I N Y C I T Y R O L L E R D E R B Y PHOTOS BY JASON RUFFELL

We all know how fast things change in roller derby. The rulebook is constantly being updated and refined, new leagues are popping up around the world thick and fast, and the days of fishnets, tutus and ‘Spank Alleys’ are (thankfully) far in our past.

After seven years as Rainy City Roller Girls, my league decided that it was time to match the progression of our sport and massively overhaul our whole brand. Our current name and logo with the ubiquitous ‘Roller Girls’ and classic roller girl figures of the early 2000’s just wasn’t doing us justice anymore. As a well-established league with three teams over in Manchester, UK, and our All Stars team rising up the WFTDA rankings, it was time to show the derby world and the world outside that we meant business.

Everything got an update – our name, logo, uniforms, website, posters, photos, venue and even our mission statement. Anything and everything that had our logo or name on it, was refreshed and rebranded. We knew that if we were going to do a rebrand, we had to do it properly.

A small ‘Rainy City Rebrand’ team was put together pulling people from various committees. It was important to keep this group small so that we didn’t just end up going round in circles talking about the same thing over and over. Ok, this still happened to some extent, but more importantly decisions were made! A list of things that we wanted our new branding to achieve was the first thing that was pulled together and gave us something to focus on. We wanted it to:

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• Appeal to new fans outside of the derby world • Appeal to new skaters • Appear as an athletic-focused, cool, alternative sport • Summarize the awesome atmosphere and community of the league The new name was the first thing that we decided on. As we’re based in Manchester (dubbed the Rainy City due to the rubbish weather) and our name is often just shortened to ‘Rainy City’, we kept that section and offered up a selection of gender-neutral options to be voted in. Abandoning the restrictive ‘roller girls’ was an important element for us, as we wanted to promote our inclusivity and athleticism. The ‘Roller Girls’ part of our name has also thrown up some random performance requests from companies over the years, and we wanted to move away from this. The votes were counted and collected, and Rainy City Roller Derby came out on top.

The logo was the next major element on our checklist.

We were lucky enough to already have a designer/brand manager within the Rainy City fold, who helped us come up with a logo that not only showcased the alternative and unique side of our sport, but also featured a bold and striking design. Not an easy task. Numerous ideas were thrown around, tweaked, and then abandoned, but the winning concept was a slick

city scene featuring the clock tower of our home venue ‘The Thunderdome’, all nicely encapsulated in one big raindrop.

No more naked roller girls!

Once we had our fonts, colour palette and overall design elements decided on, everything else bloomed from there.

Our new website was set up, bringing a new front-window to our league with upcoming games as the main focus, and new uniforms were also designed.

The new uniforms were probably the most exciting part as it made everything tangible for the skaters. Wearing the new logo on a brand new vest that wasn’t already ripped apart by Velcro was a great feeling and a very proud moment seeing the teams skate out wearing them.

Seeing how excited everyone was to get their hands on our new merchandise with all the new designs was also another highlight.

While the majority of our league were really excited about the whole rebranding process, a few of our members were worried that the new name and logo would remove the fun

and personality out of Rainy City. But athleticism and fun don’t have to be two mutually exclusive things. Our tone of voice across our social media channels hasn’t really changed, and we launched the rebranding with some funky, cool videos. The rebranding has actually brought us closer together as a league in the end as we were all excited by the buzz of the launch, and while there were a few bumps along the way, it’s been a pretty exciting process overall.

We may have abandoned some of the old performative roots of roller derby, but we haven’t become a bland corporate sports team. We’re still a DIY sports team.

Just with good branding.

To see a more in-depth article on the Rainy City take a look at their website at rainycityrollerderby.com/blog These changes have led a lot of leagues to update their own branding to fit with the progression of the sport. The gender prescriptive ‘roller girls’ is being dropped left right and center and the generic ‘derby girl’ figure is becoming a lot less generic in logos.H

fiveonfivemag.com | Fall 2016

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derby museum displays G R I M S O L O, N A P T O W N R O L L E R G I R L S PHOTOS BY TOM KLUBENS

Vendor Village. That wonderful, remarkable area at most derby venues where you can find all of the skating supplies you need, all the merch to support and advertise your league, and info and more from all of your league’s sponsors. But what about having something different in your vendor village? Something that skaters, fans, and first-timers would find interesting, appealing, informative, and fun...

What about a derby museum display?

A what? Yes, that was the first response I heard when I proposed the idea, but after two years of having derby museum displays at our home bouts, it’s now difficult to imagine not having those displays in our vendor area. It’s something that both skaters and fans look forward to seeing.

What should you display as part of your derby museum collection?

There are numerous possibilities depending on what your league has been able to store at your skating venue, your practice space, or in some of your skater’s homes. Skaters and fans may have also collected items over the years that can be borrowed for a display. Or your local skating rink might have some interesting items that they would be willing to loan out for a display. Like most museums, some displays are owned and others are on loan, so exploring all of your options should uncover all sorts of possible ideas for displays.

Some of the displays we’ve done over the past two years have included old roller skates from the 1950s, past

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jerseys from some of our retired skaters, complete collections of our skater buttons, roller derby toys and games, awards and honors that our league has received, and a history display that included various items about our league over the years and about roller derby in general.

It’s important to have a little variety in what you use for your display, but repeating displays can also be very effective. Remember that not everyone will stop by the museum display at every bout, so a little repetition can be a good thing, especially if it’s from one year to the next. We repeated two of our first year displays during the second year as well as displaying a retrospective collection of photos celebrating our 10th anniversary at both our first and last home bouts this year.

Depending on what you want to display, you may want to buy or build a display case, but many items can also be arranged by using boxes of different heights and covering them with a tablecloth, or even just arranging them attractively on a table.

Displays can be as simple or elaborate as you can afford. Sponsors may also be interested in providing a display case in exchange for a name plate or some sort of recognition for their donation.

Labelling and signage is an important part of the displays.

Descriptions should be clear and concise, letting people know a little more about the items. Providing information about when they were made, who made them, and giving credit to people who took photographs used in the display or loaned items that were included. Since the museum display is in the vendor village, and people are used to buying all sorts of items in this area, you may also want to have a sign that reminds people that these items aren’t for sale, but are there for everyone to see and enjoy.

So far, all of the displays mentioned have been static in design. There are also options for more interactive displays. These could rely only on the user, as in an interactive board where people try to match skaters with their

Tom Klubens

current occupations, or guess the correct penalty call from a brief description. Or they could be more intensive, with someone demonstrating how to assemble and disassemble different styles of skates.

As far as what you choose to be part of your displays, there are so many options! Talk to skaters and officials, volunteers and fans. Find out what they love about derby and skating and let your imagination do the rest!

And don’t forget about that ever important factor of location. Where is the best place for your derby museum? We have chosen to have our museum display next to the merch tables for two reasons. First, it’s easy for people working the merch area to help keep the museum display safe and secure and answer questions people might have about the display.

Second, it serves as a visual attraction point for the merch area. (And who doesn’t want to make a little money to help support the league?)

You might choose a different place for your display. It could be part of the area where you recruit volunteers, have people sign up for email alerts, or advertise your upcoming bouts and events.

Choose your location with care, but know that wherever you decide to put it, your museum display will become a point of interest where fans and skaters will want to spend some time checking out what you have for them to enjoy!H

fiveonfivemag.com | Fall 2016

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prolonging physical harm: preventing the inevitable roller derby injury FEIST E. ONE, BOULDER COUNTY BOMBERS

It’s often said that in roller derby, it’s not if you get injured, it’s when. Most skaters have seen an unfortunate accident on the track which resulted in a broken ankle or have visited a teammate after ACL surgery. As with any contact sport, injury prevention is extremely important to stay healthy and on skates.

According to Jonathan Martine, Certified Advanced Rolfer®, Registered Movement Therapist and Faculty Member of the Rolf Institute in Boulder, CO, there are some things you can do to help prevent an injury. “Avoiding injury and staying healthy is a multi-faceted process,” said Martine. Here are some tips to help skaters ward off trauma during derby. strength training Strength and resistance training are not only important to increase your skating ability, but also to help prevent injury.

“Avoiding injury includes proper resistance training using good form and alignment,” said Martine.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that strength training is important to increase flexibility and balance and increase bone density. The proper strength training can help improve additional fitness areas that will enhance your skating skills.

Leagues around the world are educating skaters and participating in many off-skates activities that help prevent injuries. “We try to teach skaters that... strengthening the muscles that surround the knee [is important] to prevent pesky knee injuries,” said Pepper Slay, the head of safety for Pikes Peak Derby Dames in Colorado Springs, Colorado. stretching and flexibility Although strength training aids in flexibility, it’s still important to have a stretching routine before and after practices.

“Stability and flexibility are key components to avoiding injury in any sport, especially a contact sport like roller derby,” Martine said. “With alignment and joint stability, the body is better balanced and prepared to meet the challenges an

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athlete may encounter.”

You may want to complement your stretches at practice with additional stretching routines.

“Yoga and Pilates are great for stability and flexibility,” said Martine. Many of these classes are taught at local fitness centers with certified instructors, so skaters can be sure they are learning proper techniques. cross training Many leagues have introduced cross training into their roller derby practices. From CrossFit to HIIT, these strength-building workouts not only help roller derby athletes gain muscle, but also endurance.

Pikes Peak Derby Dames, who participated in the 2015 Division 1 playoffs, encourage cross training with all their skaters.“The majority of skaters train beyond the track and have taken crossfit, boxing, yoga, running, Pilates, ballet, and other athletic avenues,” said Alde Pantzue, captain of the PPDD All Stars. The PPDD skaters have accountability logs to encourage each other to participate in athletic activities off the track to improve their skating and avoid injuries. equipment Having the right gear is extremely important in roller derby.

Sometimes skaters may want to buy the cheapest equipment, especially if there’s a lot of derby travel coming up, but it’s best to protect your body. Talk with other skaters and see what their favorite pads and helmets are.

If there’s a local skate shop near you, the owner will be knowledgeable about the gear that has the best protection.

Although every piece of your protective equipment is

Dave Wood Photography

important, your most-used pads – knee pads and wrist guards – need to be ready to hold up to the falls that you will take.

Pikes Peak Derby Dames take protection seriously. They have purchased new helmets for better protection, and their training committee is planning skate maintenance sessions to highlight caring for equipment so skaters understand the importance of correct, working equipment, said Alde Pantzue. maintaining muscle balance Another important factor to remaining injury-free is to maintain your muscle balance. Although skaters may think of getting a massage or going to the chiropractor as a way to pamper their sore bodies, these treatments help their bodies to stay aligned to better perform. “It may also involve getting a ‘tune-up’ to reduce the compensation following a fall or

impact before it leads to an ineffective movement strategy and injury,” Martine said. Martine, a Certified Advanced Rolfer®, said Rolfing aims to realign the body by manipulating the wrappings around the muscle. He said a combination of massage or Rolfing, chiropractic, acupuncture, and nutrition are important to help your body to recover and prevent injuries.

An important point to remember before starting any of these routines is to receive instruction from a professional.

Proper technique and adequate exercises are important so that skaters are not injured by incorrect form or overuse.

Every skater is at risk for injury. But by taking care of your body, you can hopefully remain injury-free or not suffer as devastating an injury, prolonging your derby career.H

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which muscles are you stretching A R T I C L E F R O M B E Y O U N G B E G R E E N. C O M I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y V I C K Y T I M Ó N

It doesn’t matter if you’re a chronic sitter, a daily exerciser, or a weekend warrior, most understand the benefits of stretching. It sends blood stream to your muscles and offers your joints assistance in moving through their full scope of movement. Stretching enhances your stance and athletic execution while reducing your risk of pain and injury.

However when you do yoga or a flexibility routine, do you know which muscles you’re actually stretching? Or whether you’re performing each stretch correctly?

With this knowledge, you can pick the best stretches for your specific goals. Furthermore, if you ever feel pain – and I don’t mean stretchy sort of pain, but the “Whoa, something doesn’t feel right” sort of agony – you can pinpoint the muscle giving you problems and modify your stretch to avoid injury.

If you feel pressure or strain on your joints, you are pushing too much, so you should only feel these stretches in the belly of the muscle.

As you stretch, focus on your breathing and move through the movements as naturally as possible. Don’t worry about how long you’re stretching, focus on feeling how your muscles relax and getting them back to their natural, resting lengths, which takes 5 to 30 seconds for each muscle. If you think that you didn’t get anywhere with a specific stretch, try a different position.

These illustrations were created by Vicky Timón, a yoga expert and author of “Encyclopedia of Pilates Exercises,” and James Kilgallon, CSCS, creator of Mazlo’s Body Maintenance Program.

1. Camel Pose Muscles Targeted: Rectus Abdominus and External Obliques. This stretch is reserved for people who already have good flexibility. Sit on

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your heels and place your hands behind you and push your hips up and forward. Avoid putting too much pressure on the lumbar spine.

If you have problems with your neck don’t drop your head back.

2. Wide Forward Fold Muscles Targeted: Adductors. This is a good exercise to open the hips, and stretch the adductors and hamstrings. Keep your knees bent and leave your spine straight.

When your muscles start to release you can straighten your legs, round out your back and reach for your feet. Pull on the bottom of the balls of your feet to release the calf muscles. If you can’t reach your feet you can use a belt or towel. Also you can do this stretch lying on your back with your feet up the wall.

3. Frog Pose Muscles Targeted: Adductors. This is a deep groin stretch that can place pressure on your knees so it’s good to be on a soft surface. Start with resting on your hands and knees and slowly bring your knees wider until you feel a good stretch in your

groin muscles. You can feel minor variations in the stretch as you push your hips back and forward.

4. Wide Side Lunge Pose Muscles Targeted: Adductors. Start with your feet forward in a wide stance and put your legs as straight as possible.

Slowly walk your hands to your right foot while bending your right knee and rotating your left toes up to the ceiling, sitting into your right hip. Keep your right foot flat on the ground.

5. Butterfly Stretch Muscles Targeted: Adductors. Start in a seated position and bring the soles of your feet together and sit tall through your sit bones. Progress this stretch by placing pressure on your knees with your hands. The closer your feet are to your body the more you will stretch your groin muscles.

Bring your feet farther from your hips and slowly round your upper body to release your back muscles.

6. Forearm Extensor Stretch Muscles Targeted: Forearm Extensor.

Start with packing your shoulder down and back.

Then externally rotate the shoulder for the optimal position to stretch the forearm muscle. Once in this position apply pressure to your opposing hand to begin the stretch. You can progress this stretch by touching the tips of your fingers together in a tea cup shape.

7. Lateral Side Flexion of the Neck Muscles Targeted: Sternocleidomastoid “SCM”.

Keep your neck as long as possible while slowly dropping your ear to your shoulder, but make sure you are not collapsing your cervical spine.

You can boost this stretch with being seated on a chair and clutching the bottom of the seat.

8. Neck Rotation Stretch Muscles Targeted: Sternocleidomastoid “SCM”. Rotate your neck slowly, while keeping your chin slightly elevated to isolate the SCM. If you like to get a deeper stretch, apply pressure with the opposite hand from the direction that you are rotating.

9. Neck Extension Stretch Muscles Targeted: Sternocleidomastoid “SCM”. Place your hands on your hips, while keeping your spine long, start to tilt your head back. But make sure you are not collapsing your cervical spine.

10. Lateral Side Flexion of the Neck with Hand Assistance Muscles Targeted: Sternocleidomastoid “SCM” and Upper Trapezius. Keep your neck as long as possible and start to slowly drop your ear to your shoulder, but make sure you are not collapsing your cervical spine. You can boost this stretch if you sit on a chair and grab the bottom of the seat.

11. Half Kneeling Quad / Hip Flexor Stretch Muscles Targeted: Psoas and Quadricep. Start in a half-kneeling position. Slowly bring your right hip forward and you should begin to feel a stretch in the front of your hip. Take your back foot and squeeze your back glute to rise the stretch on your Hip Flexors.

12. Forearm Extensor Stretch Muscles Targeted: Forearm Extensor. Pack your shoulder down and back, then externally rotate the shoulder to the optimal position to stretch the forearm muscle.

In this position put pressure on your opposing hand to begin the stretch. You can boost this stretch by touching the tips of your fingers together in a tea cup shape.

13. Lateral Shoulder Stretch Muscles Targeted: Side Deltoid. Put your arm across your body and lightly place pressure on your arm to boost the stretch on your shoulder.

14. Standing Assisted Neck Flexion Stretch Muscles Targeted: Trapezius Muscle. Start with standing with your feet together. Keeping your spine long, slowly sit your hips back and round your upper back, tucking your chin to your chest at the same time.

15. Lat Stretch with Spinal Traction Muscles Targeted: Latissimus Dorsi. Start by taking a firm grip on bar, then slowly lift your feet off the ground. You should feel a stretch in your lats and chest. If you take your feet completely off the ground you will feel traction in your your lumbar spine. Avoid this stretch if you have recently injured your shoulder, and/or have impingement of the shoulder.

16. Lat Stretch at the Wall Muscles Targeted: Latissimus Dorsi. Place both hands on the corner of a wall or post.

While keeping your spine long, slowly push your hips out to the side.

Don’t do this stretch if you have lower back problems.

17. Child’s Pose Muscles Targeted: Latissimus Dorsi. Start on your hands and knees then slowly bring your hips back until your forehead is on the floor. You can bring your knees wider to get a better stretch in your hips. Arch your upper back and externally rotate your shoulders to stretch your lats and chest muscles.

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18. Standing Calf Stretch Muscles Targeted: Soleus and Gastrocnemius. You can perform this stretch on a rack or on the edge of a stair step. Lightly rotate your ankles internally and externally to actively stretch the calf muscles.

19. Front Split Muscles Targeted: Psoas and Hamstring. This is an advanced stretch, so be aware if you have any kind of hip problems. Start in a kneeling lunge position.

It will be good to have the support of a chair as your hip flexors and hamstrings release.

20. Seated Forward Fold / Seated Toe Touch Muscles Targeted: Hamstrings and Calves. Start by sitting into your sit bones and bend the knees if needed. As your flexibility improves your legs will naturally straighten. If you have back problems keep the spine as straight as possible. You can also perform this stretch lying on your back with your feet up a wall.

21. Single Leg Forward Bend Muscles Targeted: Hamstrings. Put one foot in front of the other. Place your hands to your hips and while keeping the back straight, begin to bend from the hips.

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22. Deep Squat Muscles Targeted: Glutes. This movement has a total effect on all areas of your body. If you have bad knees, or cannot keep your heels on the ground, practice your squat before proceeding.

Start by standing with your feet shoulder width apart then slowly lower yourself into the deep squat.

Once in position bring your arms inside your legs and lightly apply pressure to the inside of your knees, sitting into the hips and heels. You can also practice this position lying on your back with your feet against a wall.

23. Seated Half King Pigeon Pose Muscles Targeted: Glutes. Sit down and slowly pull your leg to your chest and rotate your hip while keeping your spine straight.

You should feel this stretch in your glute.

24. Standing Calf Stretch at the Wall Muscles Targeted: Soleus and Gastrocnemius.

Start in a lunge position with your back foot turned out. Slowly place your back heel to the ground to stretch your calf muscles.

25. Lateral Flexion at the Wall Muscles Targeted: External Obliques. Keep your spine long and slowly push your hips

out the side. Don’t do this if you have lower back problems.

26. Supine Twist Muscles Targeted: Glutes and External Obliques. This is a great stretch for people who are trying to manage Sciatic Pain. Start by lying flat on your back then bring one leg across your body, slowly rotating your gaze and upper body in the opposite direction. The key to this stretch is using your breath to open up your rib cage and sacroiliac joint and hip area without placing too much pressure on the lower back. If you find this stretch to be too difficult you can stack both of your knees on top of each other. Once in this position you will feel more of a stretch on the upper spine when the knees are higher, and more of a stretch on the lumbar spine when the knees are lower.

27. Lateral Flexion with a Dowel Muscles Targeted: External Obliques and Latissimus Dorsi. With your spine long, slowly push your hips out to the side while keeping your shoulders externally rotated. Don’t do this stretch if you have lower back problems.

28. Triangle Pose Muscles Targeted: External Obliques. Start with a wide stance with your front foot straight ahead, and your back foot at 90 degrees. Put your hand on your front leg or floor as you sit back into your front hip with a straight back. As you rotate away from your front leg keep your gaze on the hand that is in the air.

29. Chest Stretch at the Wall Muscles Targeted: Pectorals. Face the wall with your thumb up.

Slowly rotate away from the wall to stretch your chest muscle. You should feel this stretch in the belly of the muscle. If you feel it in the shoulder joint you are stretching too far.

30. Assisted Chest Stretch Muscles Targeted: Chest and Latissimus Dorsi.

Start by lying on the floor with your palms facing up. As you partner sits into a deep squat you should feel a stretch in your chest and lats. You will also get some traction in your spine from the stretch. Avoid this stretch if you have impingement of the shoulder.

at a 90 degree angle. Slowly bring the back of your hand to the floor. If you hand is far away from floor it means your rotator cuff and other muscles that control internal rotation are tight.

33. Down Dog Variation at the Wall Muscles Targeted: Pectorals and Latissimus Dorsi. Place yourself far enough from a wall or rack so that when you touch the wall your body becomes parallel to the ground. Move into this position by hinging at the hips and keeping your spine straight. Once in position, push your chest forward creating a slight arch in your upper back, stretching your lats and chest muscles. If you have tight hamstrings try bending at the knees.

34. Assisted Chest Stretch Variation Muscles Targeted: Pectorals. Start by lying face down on the floor with your palms facing down.

As your partner pulls back on your hands you will feel a deep stretch in your chest muscles.

Avoid this stretch if you have impingement of the shoulder.

sideways, toward your left shoulder, until you feel the stretch in your neck. Maintain the stretch for 30 seconds and then repeat it on the opposite side.

36. Standing Upper Back Extension Muscles Highlighted: The Teres Major, Rhomboid and Upper Trapezius Muscles. Stand erect and place your feet close next to each other. Extend your arms in front of you with your fingers interlaced and your palms facing forward.

Lowering your head slightly forwards, push your hands frontward while exhaling, allowing your back to arch slightly while your knees are bending. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds.H

31. Seated Half Pigeon Variation Muscles Targeted: Anterior Tibialis. Sit with your feet in front of you. Bring one hand behind you as you externally rotate your hip and bring one foot above your knee.

Slowly lean forward, initiating the movement by hinging at the hips if you want to increase the stretch on your hip 32. Supine Shoulder External Rotation Stretch Muscles Targeted: Subscapularis. Start by lying flat on your back, bring your arm straight out to the side with your elbow

35. Standing Upper Trapezius Stretch Muscles Highlighted: Upper Trapezius Muscle.

Stand erect and move your hands behind your lower back. Grasp your right wrist with your left hand. Pull your right arm as far as possible to the left. Your hands should be in back, or just outside of your left hip. Lower your head

beyoungbegreen.com

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Immunity C AT H O L I C C R U E L G I R L , photo by Jean Schwarzwalder,

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Love Soup R O C K Y M O U N TA I N R O L L E R G I R L S food styling by Perr y Fuchs

ingredients

2 tablespoons avocado oil ½ cup unhulled barley 5 oz. shitake mushrooms, stems removed and roughly chopped 3 oz. oyster mushrooms, roughly chopped 1 cup white onion, thinly sliced 10 cloves garlic, minced Ÿ cup brown rice vinegar 1 teaspoon cooking sherry 2 teaspoons white miso paste 4 cups vegetable broth 1 bunch green kale, stems removed and roughly chopped 1 cup fresh dandelion greens coarsely chopped 1 heavy sprinkle of salt and pepper Soak barley in warm water overnight.

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and saute for 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and saute for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Add vinegar and sherry. Simmer until liquid is almost evaporated.

Drain barley and add to saucepan with vegetable broth and miso paste. Bring to a boil and then reduce to low heat.

Cook for 15 minutes. Add kale and dandelion greens and cook until greens are wilted but not soggy.

Season with salt and pepper.

fiveonfivemag.com | Fall 2016

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blocking techniques OLD XCHOOL, NORTHERN CALIFORNIAN ROLLER DERBY PHOTOS BY OLD XCHOOL

Before I start this series of articles on different blocking techniques I want the reader to understand the importance of foot work when blocking. I learned to block on a banked track. This meant that in order to attack from the inside track position one had to move their feet to get position and maintain momentum because you were almost always blocking uphill. Foot work also helped to disguise the block and cover up block telegraphing. Foot work is the key to all blocking techniques! There are some great drills out there to develop good foot work. Which foot drills should you do? Do them all and do them until they are second nature to you.

Position Blocking: The most basic form of blocking in roller derby. This technique keeps the opponents behind you, under control and it’s a penalty free blocking technique, for the most part. The biggest challenge when using this technique is staying in play with respect to the pack. For this article I am using my home team NCRD, the Tsunami Sirens out of Crescent City, California. How is it done?

Get into a good blocking posture/stance; note black blocker’s shoulders are square to the track and her blocking direction. Keep your back straight, bend your knees and take a posture as if setting on a bar stool (see figure 1).

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Figure #1: Position blocking posture and stance, a wellbalanced stance keeps you ready to absorb aggressive back blocks by stepping or scrubbing foot work motions (foot work!).

Take the inside line track position, always understanding how far you can come off the inside line without getting beat by your opponent on either the inside or outside line.

This is just one of the tricks to being a good position blocker (see figure 2).

Figure #2: Note black blocker’s head position and the inside line track position with respect to the blue blocker’s (opponent) track position. Always looking over your right shoulder maintaining inside track domination while forcing your opponent to take an outside line to try and beat you.

Set yourself up to use the angle of pursuit to cut off your opponent on the outside line and maintain track position control (see figure 3).

Figure #3: Angle of pursuit. Blue blocker appears to have beaten the black blocker. Note black blocker’s white line, this angle will quickly put her in front of the blue blocker again.

Don’t let your head turn to the inside line as you look for your opponent. Learn where your inside track line is without looking at the line. With a little practice you can master this skill. Feel your opponent when on the inside line, if you cannot see them over your right shoulder. Trust yourself and stay disciplined and square with the track (see figure 4).

Figure #5: Peek-A-Boo. If you let your opponent get your head moving from inside to outside a couple of times and let them go right by you.

Disrupt your opponent’s balance every chance you get by blocking and sticking her knees and thighs with your butt (see figure 6).

Figure #4: Head position. Look over your right shoulder and don’t let the opponent turn your head to the inside. (Note: One way to find the inside line if you feel lost is to just pick it up from the corner of your eye without turning your head.)

Remember: Do not look to the inside line! If your opponent gets your head moving inside to outside they will Peek-A-Boo right by you (see figure 5).

Figure #6: Disrupting your opponent’s balance. The blue blocker has rolled up on the position blocking black blocker.

The black blocker is constantly butt checking the blue blocker’s legs forcing her to back off and fight for balance.

Scrub your speed as much as possible and jam up your opponent each time they contact you from the rear. Butt block and move always anticipating your opponent’s

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direction, don’t let this become a race or you will be out of play (see figure 7).

Figure #7: Scrubbing your speed as you jam them up!

Always ready to take a back block using foot work to recover if needed.

Position blocking is about attitude, confidence and practice.

Your attitude should be: “No one can or will pass me today!”

Confidence comes with practicing your position blocking techniques over and over. Develop good foot work and get that quick first step working for you (Quick first step drill; Run 10-20 stair steps as fast as you can for about five minutes a day). Take advantage of the angles on the track that set up a position blocking advantage and the angle of

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pursuit. Watch the Division One skaters work their position blocking techniques on their opponents as they shut them down and hold their opponents in play. If you want to cut down your penalties learn this technique. It will make you a better roller derby skater. Think about how your position blocking can be worked into combination blocking techniques. We will talk about combination blocking later in a future article since it is a subject unto itself.

I hope you enjoyed this article about some of the tools and techniques you need to get yourself to the next derby level.

Good luck to ya and keep the shiny side up!H

DRILL

drill courtesy of allderbydrills.com

drill: the homewrecker

purpose: two parts: one is to offensively break up a strong partnership/wall, the other is to strengthen partnerships/walls

Blockers split into groups of three and stagger around the track. Two of the blockers will be partners, while the other (the homewrecker) tries to break them up. The partners do everything they can to stay together. They can skate behind or in front of the homewrecker, and they can temporarily split to get around the homewrecker and reform. They do not want to race away from the homewrecker, as that defeats the purpose in the drill. The homewrecker’s goal is to use contact or positional blocking to keep the partnership from staying together. Every two minutes the whistle is blown and a new skater in the threesome serves as the homewrecker.

Increase the level of difficulty by adding roving jammers. The partnership attempts to stay together and stop every jammer. The homewrecker tries to keep the partnership from walling up to stop the jammer.

Preflash Gordon

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rate of score BITCHES BRUZE, SOUTHSHIRE ROLLER DERBY

You’re watching a jam and the team you’re cheering for has just scored their first four points when the other jammer breaks out of the pack. You expect them to call it, but they don’t! They don’t have any blockers in the box, so this isn’t a move for burning time. “Why don’t you call it!?!?” your brain screams as you shout “Call it! Call it!” from the crash zone.

The crowd is going wild, flapping their arms, but this jammer and their coach know the deal; they are tuned into their scoring rate and maximizing the point spread for the win or minimizing the point spread in the loss. Here’s a primer to scoring math and a close look at the Rate of Score (RoS) in flat track derby.

I heard that collective groan when you all read the word “math,” but RoS is a key component in not only winning derby games, but winning and losing in ways that will best serve a team’s point spread for rankings. Some of you are now thinking, “Yeah, but I leave that stuff to my coach.” All skaters need to be aware of a relative RoS in their game to prepare for longer jams leveraging lead and penalty burns.

RoS is not specifically tracked by any available stats tracking system, so to use it you either need to write and manage your own stats program or have a team tuned into the concept enough to play the game to your strength whether you win or lose. That’s right, RoS is just as important for losing teams as winning teams, so this applies to everyone at all levels.

The five key components of Rate of Score: 1. Jam time 2. Time between jams 3. Home team jam score 4. Visiting team jam score 5. Time to earn lead Let’s examine a typical jam scenario: We’re in the middle of a game. The current score doesn’t matter. The jam starts and 18 seconds later the home team jammer earns lead. It

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takes her seven seconds to get back to the pack to start scoring (25 seconds on jam clock). Fifteen (15) seconds later the visiting team jammer breaks past the last opposing blocker with the home team jammer 10’ behind her, one second later. The jam clock says 40 seconds. The home jammer looks to her bench and watches the visiting jammer approach the back of the pack. At 45 seconds on the clock, the home team jammer calls off the jam just as the visiting jammer reaches the Engagement zone. Jam score +4 for the home team. There’s a 30 second break between jams, and everyone sets up for the next jam.

To analyze RoS, we’re going to take this typical jam and extend the performance out over the full two minutes of jam time with the belief that the two teams could continue getting through the pack and reach the next scoring pass’s Engagement Zone at the same rate they did during the the first part of the jam.

How do we calculate Rate of Score (RoS)?

The formula in a jam, expressed as points per minute, for the winning team is: +RoS = 60 (Jam Clock Seconds+30) x (Winning Team Score – Losing Team Score) In addition to the 45 seconds of jam time, we factor in the 30 seconds of “between jam” time for a total period time expired of 75 seconds for four points. In this isolated jam, the home team was winning (and the visiting team losing) at the rate of one point for every 18¾ seconds of period time or 3.2 points per minute when the jam was called. While it’s challenging to assess the success of any given set of five skaters on the track, we can always calculate their current rate and compare it to the game as a whole. It fluctuates over the course of a jam and a lead jammer can nearly always improve their RoS by staying in a jam longer than “getting four and calling it.” Let’s look at the score assuming the skaters continue to make it through the pack at the same rates as they did in these first 45 seconds (see table).

To visualize the rate, here are those points plotted over 120 seconds of Jam time:

Rate of Event

Event

Jam Time (in seconds) Expired

Home Score

Visiting Score

Rate of Score for Winning Team in this Jam

Home Jammer Completes Initial Pass

18

18

0

0

0 pts/min

Home Jammer Re-enters pack

7

25

0

0

0 pts/min

Visiting Jammer Completes Initial Pass

39

39

3

0

2.61 pts/min

Home Jammer Completes 1st Scoring Pass

15

40

4

0

3.43 pts/min

45

4

0

3.20 pts/min

Home Jammer Calls off Jam

From this point forward all numbers are speculative based on prior performance Visiting Jammer Re-enters pack

7

46

4

0

3.16 pts/min

Home Jammer Re-enters pack

7

47

4

0

3.12 pts/min

16.5

63.5

9

1

5.13 pts/min

Home Jammer Re-enters pack

7

70.5

9

2

4.18 pts/min

Visiting Jammer Completes 1st Scoring Pass

39

85

12

4

4.7 pts/min

Home Jammer Completes 3rd Scoring Pass

16.5

87

13

4

5.13 pts/min

Visiting Jammer Re-enters pack

7

92

13

4

4.92 pts/min

Home Jammer Re-enters pack

7

94

14

4

4.84 pts/min

16.5

110.5

18

5

5.55 pts/min

7

117.5

19

6

5.29 pts/min

120

20

7

5.2 pts/min

Home Jammer Completes 2nd Scoring Pass

Home Jammer Completes 4th Scoring Pass Home Jammer Re-enters pack Jam Ends

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Joe Mac

The 3.2 pts/min that we get at the time of call-off is slightly less than the highest rate to that point (which is the moment the home team jammer leaves the pack at a RoS of 3.43 pts/min). Everything after this point is completely speculative. Of course we don’t know who has gone or will go to the penalty box, so we can’t really expect the jam to continue exactly as it did in the first 45 seconds, but it’d be reasonable to assume that performance to this point will be predictive of performance in the future unless and until penalties come into play. We’d want to take into account things like a Penalty per Minute rate of jammers and key blockers for both teams. In more jams than not, the RoS in extended jams tends to favor the winning team even more than the speculated rate as losing teams inherently make more mistakes in play and strategy and, with fatigue, generally incur more penalties. The RoS peaks when the home jammer completes her fourth scoring pass (5.53).

While it’s the highest, there is a lot more potential for penalties to throw that scenario off. However, the 5.11 pts/min 20 seconds later, just after the second scoring pass, is 60% better than the RoS at the original call-off. At the point of call-off in our scenario, the visiting jammer was completing a scoring pass in 39 seconds (just less than 10 seconds per blocker) and the winning jammer was completing them on average every 16.5 seconds (just more than four seconds per blocker). At no point after beginning to score in the second pass (~0:55) does the home jammer ever have a rate as low as the point of their calling off the jam in our original “four and call it” scenario.

What is the impact?

The difference in the original scenario’s call-off (3.2 pts/min) versus going for the complete second pass (5.11 pts/min) is 115 additional points of point spread over 60 minutes of game time. Rate of Score varies every jam, but staying in jams where you’re winning the most will yield bigger spreads for winning teams and smaller spreads for losing teams.

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Why does this happen?

In derby, besides our net score (points scored less points scored by opposing jammer aka +/-), we’re always playing against the clock. The Golden Rule of derby (1.3.2 – WFTDA 1/1/2015 rules) doesn’t just say the team with the most points wins, it says “The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.” Inherent in this rule is the fact that the game is not just about points and point differential but also about time. Time is balanced by all the time spent in the period, not just the time when jammers are eligible to score. In addition to the 30 seconds between jams, we have the time spent to earn lead when no one scores during that first pass. The RoS has a somewhat diminishing return the longer the jam runs because there is a smaller ratio of time earning points to not earning points.

Calling the jam at bigger spreads – the points just after scoring but before the opposition starts a next pass – will tend toward peak RoS. How does this work for losing teams?

Mismatches happen in derby for many reasons. One of the primary reasons routs occur is one team is able to earn lead more than the other. But even a team that only gets lead in 10% of the jams can reduce their point spread by considering long jams when they’re winning. In reality, these jams can be 0-0, 2-0, 4-0, and 9-0, but the prevailing philosophy with most teams today is to call the jam before the other team scores. To simplify this example, we’ll start by looking at a 90% lead jam rate for the winning team, with both teams calling it every jam after earning 4-0 in 45 seconds of jam time. Then we’ll look at what happens if the losing team takes their winning jam opportunity to swap points over a longer time, even for a smaller winning point spread.

Winning Team Score

Losing Team Score

Jam Duration

Scenario 1 RoS +/- 2.56 pts/min (154 point spread in 60 minutes) 9 of 10 jams Lead

4

0

45 seconds

1 of 10 jams Lead

0

4

45 seconds

Scenario 2 RoS +/- 2.55 pts/min (153 point spread in 60 minutes) 9 of 10 jams Lead

4

0

45 seconds

1 of 10 jams Lead

12

13

120 seconds

Scenario 3 RoS +/- 2.33 pts/min (140 point spread in 60 minutes) 9 of 10 jams Lead

4

0

45 seconds

1 of 10 jams Lead

12

16

120 seconds

Notice how even a one point lead creates a lower losing rate for the game by extending that small winning rate over a long time. A team keeping a 4 point spread over a jam and giving up points for time will lose at a significantly slower rate when controlling the lead as in Scenario 3. For a team struggling to get lead, the more time you spend winning, even at a slow rate, the less time the winning team has to win at the faster rate. This does not apply to teams that are losing only because of penalty trouble; it primarily applies to teams that are losing because of low lead rate.

How can I use this for my team?

When studying game video, track the clock for points earned and chart them. Top teams are looking at statistics beyond the capacity of the IGRF (Interleague Game Reporting Form or “StatsBook�). Study these rates and adjust call-off plans accordingly. Learn to recognize what an increased RoS in a jam looks like compared to the game as a whole and plan to capitalize on those jams with longer jams and more endurance. While you could have a stats tracker running a real time spreadsheet, running the numbers on past stats and extrapolating jams will show opportunities for improvement. The study time and awareness will pay off in better spreads in future games.H

Joe Mac

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gear bags J E N N I F E R S A V A G L I O A K A L A P E T I T E M O R T, F A S T G I R L S K AT E S

July is always a big travel month for me as the owner of Fast Girl Skates, and it’s an opportunity to see how skaters are hauling around their gear on planes, trains, and automobiles. Tournaments and Conventions (read: RollerCon) are also a great place to see skaters in their “natural environment” walking to and from classes, bouts, and lodgings.

It was easy to see the types of bags skaters were using, but I began to wonder what was inside? Let’s first go over the types of bags and the brands available and the features therein. Most every type of bag has pockets and compartments for wallet, keys, mouthguard, laptop, etc. the backpack Obviously, must be carried on the back, and most require the skates and sometimes the helmet to be carried on the outside. Great for skaters that take trains or subways to get to practice or bouts, but weather can be an issue as your skates and helmet are exposed. Backpacks also have a smaller profile, so they cannot hold as much as other types of bags. Fits well in overhead airplane compartments.

Brands offering backpacks include Atom, Bont, Juice, Radar.

Price range: $50-60.

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the rolling trolley bag Can be easily pulled along the ground on wheels with a telescoping handle. Most skaters can fit all their gear inside, but some skaters keep their helmets on the outside so as to have more interior space for other items. Does not always fit an in overhead compartment on an airplane. Brands offering rolling bags include Antik, Atom, Radar and Riedell.

Price range: $90-110.

a rolling bag, backpack or duffel bag from non-derby/skating manufacturers These are straight up travel bags being used for roller derby and skating gear. In some cases, these bags are less expensive and more durable than the standard “derby” bags. Shop around, check return policies so you can bring them home and make sure all your stuff fits inside. Typically fits in an airplane overhead compartment.

Price range: $30-150.

The skater then must consider their needs and what each type of bag offers. Some questions to ask are as follows: • How much gear do I have and how large is it?

• How often do I travel, and is it on trains, planes, or automobiles?

• How hard am I on my stuff? Does the bag need to be extremely durable?

• Would I rather carry or pull my bag as it might be heavy?

• What is my budget?

• Do I want a bag that many other skaters have?

So. Now that your dream bag is chosen and purchased, what goes in it besides skates?

FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR GEAR IN YOUR BAG AFTER PRACTICE! Yes, I’m yelling via capital letters. It’s that important. Gear is expensive, and you will shorten its life significantly if you leave it in your bag subject to moisture. Think water + metal = BAD. Plus the smell. Oh god, the smell! Take your gear out, including your skates, and let them air dry. This also gives your gear bag a chance to air out.

And do NOT leave your gear in your bag AND in your car! All the above applies, but now your bag and everything in it is exposed to extremes of temperature. And car insurance does not cover the items in your car. Your homeowners or renters insurance does. Most of us carry a $500 to $1000 deductible. That’s about or above the value

of your gear, so you are on the hook for paying for replacing it. Bummer. HUGE bummer.

I’m going to break it down into two categories: Tools/ backup gear, and helpful helpers. tools/backup gear These are the things that a skater might truly NEED in case of a break or emergency. Usually kept in its own bag for ease of finding items.

Tool kit should include: • Tools that can be used on axle nuts (1/2” socket), king pins (9/16” socket) and toe stops (either a 5mm allen wrench or a 15/16” flat wrench).

• Spare bearings and bearing press/puller.

Spare trucks and kingpins for your plate.

Spare axle nuts and mounting nuts.

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Other backup items include: Range of wheels in different hardnesses. A set of hybrid wheels is a great idea to keep with you in case you find yourself on a very slick floor while traveling. At least four so they can be mixed with the wheels you currently have on your skates. Likewise with harder wheels. Be sure all your wheels are the same profile/ size.

Backup mouth guard, laces, helmet liners and socks/ ankle booties if you wear them.

Black and white jerseys for unexpected scrimmages.

adhesive on your skin for days. It is slippery so good for blister prevention. Kicks mole skin’s ass!

Odor spray: Can be a purchased item like Notorious RED or simply a concoction made from alcohol and water, or essential oils such as tea tree. Anything anti-bacterial will work. Spray it everywhere because we ALL smell! (Said with love, people!)

Silica gel packs or odor eaters. Some companies have packets filled with charcoal and other anti-microbial materials to be placed inside skates and in the gear bag to cut down on moisture (ENEMY to skates) and odors. And who knew

helpful helpers These are items that are nice to have in a pinch to make your life easier.

Dry rag and a damp rag in a plastic bag. The dry rag is for wiping your skates of dust, and when changing your wheels, wipe your bearings. The damp rag is for the outside of your wheels. Be careful not to get the dampness on any metal parts.

Helmet panties and sharpies. We are all human, and sometimes our helmet panty/ sharpie master can forget things.

Duct tape: I cannot express how important this is to have in your bag! It works to hold things together on your pads, as toe guards, to change the number on your jersey and to prevent blisters among many other clever and industrious uses I’ve seen over the years. Yes blisters! The adhesive is strong enough to make it through skating but doesn’t leave

those little silica gel packs that are everywhere would finally have a purpose! You can leave them loose, or put them in a perforated plastic or cloth bag. Remember – DO NOT EAT! Spare whistle. You never know when someone might need one or you wind up running warm up drills. Plus how great would it be to save some referees bacon should they lose or forget or break their whistle?

THE RULES: Pocket version, anyone?

Those awesome water-proof-last-for-days Band-Aids, and those donut bunion pads for any really bad open blisters.

Wet naps/wipes and a towel. For when you have nowhere to shower and you must clean up in a pinch.

So that is the skinny or the fast and dirty on gear bags. At the end of the day – use what works best for you, it’s OK to have more than one for different adventures, and if it ain’t broke...

As always, contact Fast Girl Skates with any and all gear questions!H

Fall 2016 | fiveonfivemag.com

memorable moments at the WFTDA championships L O I S S L A I N, D C R O L L E R G I R L S PHOTOS BY JULES DOYLE

With the 2016 International WFTDA Championships just around the corner, we’re looking back on some of our favorite moments from Championships past.

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the first There were only a handful of leagues in 2006, and meeting up to play a game against a team from another league was a pretty rare occurrence. But that didn’t stop the ambitious founding member leagues of the WFTDA from getting together to compete for the Championship title.

Tucson Roller Derby hosted 20 teams from throughout the United States for the 2006 Dust Devil, a bracketed tournament. The Texas Rollergirls claimed the first Championship title. Although a lot has changed in the sport over the last decade, that drive to always break new ground has continued through each year since.

to their city, but the WFTDA’s first two champions were crowned before the tradition began. The trophy was first awarded in 2008 to that year’s champion team, Gotham Girls Roller Derby.

Although the trophy now serves as the sport’s highest honor, it also embodies the revolutionary, athlete-driven leadership that has been essential to the development of the WFTDA. The trophy is named in honor of the first president of the WFTDA, Hydra of the Texas Rollergirls. Hydra was active in the United Leagues Coalition, the organization that led to the founding of the WFTDA. She then served as WFTDA President and Past President from 2006 to 2009.

the Hydra The Hydra is synonymous with victory, but it hasn’t always been that way. The iconic cast metal skate trophy known as “The Hydra” is now a familiar sight to roller derby fans as the prize that teams around the world strive to bring home

London calling The WFTDA welcomed its first member league from outside the United States in 2008 and its first from outside North America in 2009, but it wasn’t until 2013 that a team from outside the United States earned a spot in the WFTDA

Fall 2016 | fiveonfivemag.com

Championships – and the hearts of roller derby fans everywhere.

The London Rollergirls made their first trip to Championships that year, and the WFTDA Playoffs and Championships have included teams from more countries each year since. The 2015 International WFTDA Championships saw the Victorian Roller Derby League of Melbourne, Australia take home a bronze medal, with London finishing a close fourth place after a hard-fought game.

This year’s WFTDA Playoffs will feature teams from eight countries, meaning this year’s Championships could be more geographically diverse than ever. division 2 bracket Since the Division 2 tournaments were first introduced in 2013, they have consistently produced upset wins and closely matched, nail-biting fights to the finish – and the first ever Division 2 Championship certainly set the tone. The Jet City Rollergirls and Santa Cruz Derby Girls gave their all in an epic match that came down to the last jam. Jet City squeaked out a 1-point win to take home the first-ever Division 2 Champion title. dynasties Gotham Girls Roller Derby was the first team to take home the Hydra when it was first awarded in 2008, competing in Portland, Oregon, at the Northwest Knockdown tournament. The title went to other teams for the next two years, but Gotham reclaimed the title of WFTDA

roller derby on ESPN3 The 2015 Championships were especially memorable because they marked the first time the sport was carried live on ESPN3. The WFTDA launched its own broadcast channel, WFTDA.tv, in 2012, setting the

Champions in 2011 and launched a roller derby dynasty.

Despite fierce competition from teams around the world, Gotham held on to the WFTDA title through 2014 and went on an unprecedented winning streak. Their tenacious games against their closest competitors each year in the semifinals and finals at Championships brought about some of the most memorable games in WFTDA history: their games against the Oly Rollers in 2011 and 2012, the Texas Rollergirls and B.ay A.rea D.erby in 2013, and the Rose City Rollers in 2014 remain mandatory viewing for anyone who loves good derby.

Rose City wrote a new chapter for the WFTDA history books when they finally unseated Gotham in 2015 with a dramatic finish in the final minutes of last year’s final game.

Now, the tournament returns to Portland, Oregon – the home turf of the reigning champions, Rose City, and also the place where Gotham claimed their first piece of WFTDA history. Be there as this year’s contenders take the sport to new heights.H

standards for video coverage of roller derby. The 2015 Division 1 and 2 Championship and Third Place games brought derby to an even wider audience and were shown on ESPN3, ESPN’s online channel.

The WFTDA worked with the Big O tournament in April to bring a regular season double header to ESPN3, and the network will once again show the final day of WFTDA Championships on Nov. 6 to U.S. audiences. Fans in other countries will be able to watch the action on WFTDA.tv.

"By broadcasting the WFTDA Championships on ESPN3 in 2015, our audience for the weekend more than doubled from the previous year,” WFTDA Director of Broadcast Erica Vanstone said. “We received such excellent coverage and online engagement from the event that it made sense for us to return to ESPN3 to see what we could continue building on together

2016 International WFTDA Championships Nov. 4-6, 2016 Veterans Memorial Coliseum • Portland, Oregon, USA Hosted by the Rose City Rollers Tickets and other information at wftda.com/championships Live streaming information available at WFTDA.tv

for 2016.”

ESPN3 is available via online streaming and the WatchESPN app to anyone whose internet or cable provider has a contract to carry ESPN. For more information on how to watch, see wftda.tv/espn.

fiveonfivemag.com | Fall 2016

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junior championships J E N N I F E R S A V A G L I O A K A L A P E T I T E M O R T, F A S T G I R L S K AT E S P H O T O S B Y C A L L A M S P O R T S P H O T O, C A L L A M S P O R T S P H O T O. C O M

This summer, I was fortunate enough to travel to Lincoln, Nebraska to see the Junior Roller Derby Championships and the first ever Junior Olympics. For those of you who don’t know, Junior Derby is taking the world by storm; these young athletes are the future, and the future looks mighty bright!

Since 2008, Junior Derby, governed by the Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA) is a “…public non-profit educational and amateur sports organization that is dedicated to advancing the growth of roller derby through the standardization of rules and goals for existing and new leagues.”

It’s compelling that The Junior Derby Association has both female teams and OPEN (co-ed) teams. That’s right! Both genders playing together and against each other! The Junior Olympics was created by USA Roller Sports (USARS) to be all inclusive and allow these young athletes to compete with some of the best Junior Derby players in the world!

These young athletes come from all walks of life, some are speed skaters, artistic skaters, roller hockey players, or were brand new to the sport. Regardless these young athletes have a determination and perseverance that sometimes outmatches adult players.

Building on the progressive nature of the sport we know and love, junior derby took the controversial step of rostering open teams with male, female, non-binary, and transgender skaters. There have been concerns raised that playing coed derby may be unsafe or dangerous, but there has been little evidence of this. In my nine years of watching juniors play, I have not witnessed more numerous or more severe injuries in coed games or scrimmages. Indeed, most junior skaters, regardless of sex or gender identity, are respectful and exemplify good sportsmanship. It’s clear this comes partly from the coaches and referees who draw a hard line concerning safety and sportsmanship.

While Junior Derby Championships is in its eighth year, the open division only in its second year, the progress of these teams is amazing! The very idea that each team/league and skater gets to choose whether or not to play with other genders is progressive given the age of the

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players. It’s a testament to the inclusive nature that has always inhabited roller derby and a great legacy to pass down to the next generation of athletes. This cross pollination of people with different personal and athletic backgrounds is showing itself to have a great impact on the growth of the sport.

Just look at the solid list of teams playing across these two divisions in the 2016 junior Championships. These teams/skaters travel and play as many games as adults, and at a typical junior tournament, some of these teams play up to four games a day! Good thing they are young!

For more information about these teams, go to jrda.com.

OPEN DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS: 1. Des Moines Derby Brats (Iowa) 2. Mob City Misfits (Seattle, WA) 3. Diamond City Minors (California) 4. Mayhem All Stars (California) 5. Jacksonville Juniors (Florida) 6. Tampa Junior Rollers (Florida) 7. Rolling Rebellion (Texas) 8. Gotham (NY, NY) 9. FOCO (Colorado) 10. The Attack Pack (Florida)

FEMALE DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS: 1. Fort Wayne Derby Brats (Texas) 2. Seattle Derby Brats (Washington) 3. Pixies (Spokane, WA) 4. Darlings of Destruction (Michigan) 5. Indianapolis Juniors (Indiana) 6. Angel City (California) 7. Crooked River (Ohio) 8. Emerald City Reservoir Dolls (Oregon) 9. Derby Groms (California) 10. Lansing Junior Vixens (Michigan)

The 2016 Championships was a three-day event, in the beautiful skating facility Speedway Sporting Village in Lincoln, Nebraska. It featured two tracks, one for the all-female division, the other for the open division. All games were full 60 minute bouts. As is typical for the early rounds of any tournament, the first and second day bouts had large point spreads sometimes reaching 100 point plus differentials. It didn’t matter, junior roller derby is so refreshing that the games were still fun to watch.

The truly nail biter games such as the open division Tampa (196) vs. Diamond City Minors (192) were everything that you expect for edge of seat derby action.

For the all-female division, the earlier games were more competitive, most likely because some of these teams have been playing each other for going on eight years. Stand out games were CA’s Angel City (176) vs OR’s Reservoir Dolls (159), and MI’s Darlings of Destruction (207) vs. TX’s Fort Wayne (211).

The final day’s games in both divisions were well matched and in truth, some of the best roller derby I’ve seen to date. The top two female division games were barn burners, with the Seattle Derby Brats taking the win

fiveonfivemag.com | Fall 2016

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over California’s Angel City. Then there was the always a great matchup of long-time rivals Spokane, WA Pixies vs Emerald City, OR’s Reservoir Dolls, with the Pixies taking third place.

For the open division, underdogs Mob City from Seattle, WA upset CA’s Mayhem to advance to the Championship game against Des Moines, with Des Moines sealing the win 214 to 189.

Mayhem took third place against the Attack Pack from Florida.

The summer of junior derby kept rolling with the first ever Junior Olympic games. You could see how much the governing body and creator of this inaugural event invested in the teams and event. The teams rolled out with full regalia including spectacular uniforms. So sharp and professional; it reminded me of the actual Olympic teams during the opening ceremonies. Overall, this was a truly astonishing event, with the best of the best male and female skaters from all over Northern America coming together to celebrate roller derby. Below is a rundown of the regional teams participating, their uniform colors and their coaches, some well-known adult derby players.

• Southwest All Stars in red, Coaches Pia Mess, JB the Rockstar and Billy Motion • Southeast Thunder in black, Coaches Bill, Pain and Rojo Grande • AB/BC (Alberta/ British Columbia), Canada in blue, Coaches Banshee and Cherry

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• True North in dark grey, Coaches Vinsanity and Mack • Nor’easters in white, Coaches Teflon Donna and Devoida Mercy • Northwest All Stars in light grey, Coaches Luna, Pain and MFChaz • Central Cyclones in plum, Coaches Cherry Chainsaw and ShelbiTron • Cross Roads All Stars in navy, Coaches Dora the Destroyer, Sir Nixalot and Dan The Junior Olympic seeding rounds were 30 minute games and did suffer from some very large point differentials. Still the junior games were compelling to watch regardless of the score. The second day transitioned into 40 minute games, and were far more competitively matched thanks to the seeding round.

Being from the Northwest, it was exciting to see some of my favorite junior players from all the different northwest leagues playing together. That said, all the teams seamlessly integrated all their talent for a level of derby that arguably rivals any other derby. I am thankful to be retired so I will not have to play these incredibly seasoned athletes once they age out into adult derby. Because holy smokes am I expecting the level of play to make a huge leap in the coming years.

The top four teams: Central Cyclones, NW All Stars, SE Thunder and SW All Stars battled it out for the top four spots, with SE Thunder taking on the SW All Stars for 3rd and 4th respectively, and the Central Cyclones competing against the NW All Stars in an epic battle that ended with a very close game, but the NW All Stars came out on top 182 to 173.

To see video of these epic games, go to tenacioussports.com/#!jrda-records/pieh1 So the next time you are thinking of going to see roller derby, give the Juniors a chance to win your hearts the way they’ve won ours. And look out people, it’s gonna get sooooo good!H

fiveonfivemag.com | Fall 2016

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advice for new skaters S K A R O, B O S T O N R O L L E R D E R B Y

New skaters may feel a lot of different emotions when they first start out in derby. There’s the excitement of taking on a new challenge, the fear that maybe you aren’t cut out for this sport, the discouragement on those bad days when you think that you definitely aren’t cut out for this sport, the pride of overcoming your doubts and finally learning something new, the restlessness of wanting to just get your training over with already so you can join a team and take the track.

For skaters who are just getting into derby and are convinced that they’re the only ones who feel this way, I assure you that most any skater you come across today had to go through the same struggles when they began.

My initial journey through derby was not an easy one. I didn’t even know how to skate when I showed up to my first recruitment with State College Area Roller Derby, and I was bad.

Not even in an “Oh, we’re all our own worst critics!” kind of way.

I was a terrible skater, and it took me a long time to learn how to do anything.

What I once lacked in initial skill I made up for in understanding strategy and memorizing rules. I learned how to be an asset to my team even when I didn’t have the most strength or the best footwork on the track, and then I worked as hard as I could to bring those skills up.

Even today, in the midst of my first season on the travel team with Boston Roller Derby, I know that learning new skating moves is not an innate skill of mine. But I love derby, so I put the time in to learn. That’s why I have one of the highest attendance ratings in my league. It’s why I’ve spent years going to every clinic, every tournament and every open scrimmage I possibly could. I watch other games, take notes, and attend classes. I fall down, a lot.

The best advice I ever got when I started playing was “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” For some people, each new evolution in the game will come easily. For others, there will be many late night practices spent pulling your coaches aside and asking to be shown each new move step by step a few times over while you mirror their slow-motion movements.

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Now almost four years into my skating career, I skate with the Boston B Party, BRD home team the Wicked Pissahs and Team Massachusetts. I coach the intro level of our juniors program because I like being able to tell new skaters that I’ve been there, that all they need to do is keep working hard and they’ll start to see improvements. I tell them all of the ways I spectacularly failed when I first started skating, and all the ways I continue to fail as I keep pushing myself to get better and learn new things.

I reached out to some of my teammates who are at various stages of their derby journey to ask them what messages they want to give to today’s new skaters.

Maya Mangleyou Boston Massacre, Team Canada 2014 Skating 7 years Best advice I received as a rookie: Stay hungry.

My advice to new skaters: I like to pass along that same advice. I got cut from travel team twice before I made it – Juan Paden and I cried both times. It would have been really easy for me to give up or stop going to every practice I could. But I kept skating, started cross training and maintained absurdly high attendance rates. Barely

Flyin’ King Boston Massacre, Harbor Horrors, Team Massachusetts Skating 5 years Best advice I received as a rookie: Feel the fear... and do it anyway.

My advice to new skaters: I tell new skaters to also feel that fear. Whenever you’re scared or nervous, acknowledge the feeling, but then push yourself past it.

I also think gear is very important. Get fitted properly for skates, and make sure they fit right! Your skates shouldn't tear your feet apart, but they also shouldn't be comfortable like sneakers. My skate size is 3 full sizes smaller than my shoe size. When they fit right, your skates will be more responsive, and won’t give you as many blisters.

Also, if you’ve never changed your cushions on your skates, do it now! It'll change your life.

Violette Femme Boston Common, The Nutcrackers Skating 3 years Best advice I received as a rookie: Focus on the basics.

My advice for new skaters: For new skaters with no experience, things can be very frustrating. Learning how to skate, stop, move your feet, just getting the basics down is hard. Never mind understanding the game itself, and the practice time that you need to put into it. Many times after a practice I would feel defeated and ask myself, "You really want to do this?" And the answer was always yes!

My first piece of advice is to always remember that you started this to have fun while being around a fabulous group of people and community. When I started [Boston’s training program] I loved it so much I wanted everyone I knew to join.

My husband, Gorgeous Violette, now skates with the Mass Maelstrom. After waiting to age up so she could “do the derby,” my daughter started with the Boston Juniors last spring.

I always tell her and any other newcomers: believe that you can do this! Believe in yourself, even if it makes you feel a little uncomfortable. If you had an off practice, your next one may be amazing, so shake it off. Like anything new, things are tough at first, but if you stick with it, know that good things are to come.H

fiveonfivemag.com | Fall 2016

Marlon Violette

Reckless Rehab Boston B Party, The Nutcrackers Skating 4 years Best advice I received as a rookie: Skate as much as possible.

My advice to new skaters: Now I’m the one telling new skaters that they should also skate as much as possible! I went to every practice I could and visited local rinks for open skates. The more time spent on skates, the more second nature everything becomes. If you’re worried about stopping or moving dynamically you won't be able to focus on the game. If you can train your body in muscle memory, your body will do what it’s supposed to.

My second piece of advice is to watch footage of top-level derby. Every week I watch derby, I always have it playing in the background at work. The more I watch the more I learn about the game. It makes playing more fun to really know what is going on. I learn strategies, I see how skaters work together and I try to bring those things with me to every practice, scrimmage and game.

Juan Paden

Joe Medolo

anyone has grown up with this sport so that advantage among your potential teammates is negligible. It really comes down to the hours and work you put into it. Don't get complacent and think you've already put in the time. Do more work because this game keeps changing.

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WFTDA clinics: worth the effort?

S TA N D A R D S T E V I AT I O N, L A N S I N G D E R B Y V I X E N S

There it is, right on the 1st page of your Game History: “WFTDA Officiating Clinics attended”. And you have none. A lot of reasons can prevent going; no time, too far away, or cost. Perhaps you have attended a WFTDA Clinic a few years ago. Is it necessary to attend one again? I have been to a few non-WFTDA officiating clinics, but this Spring I decided to go to the WFTDA Clinic in Cleveland. I knew a couple of the instructors and a few other officials I knew were also planning on attending. This was a fantastic experience that was just what I needed before reffing at Midwest Brewhaha and was effective to “clear up” those gray areas!

I asked several officials what they got out of WFTDA Clinics. Those contributors range from instructors to veteran officials and even those who have not yet attended one.

Andrew Huffman (David Feckum), Burning River Roller Girls “I like to use it as a check in, to make sure I am still on the same page as the core of the WFTDA officiating. We all know that it is easy to get off track with lots of regional interpretation. Clinics allow me to collect new information or re-learn things that I haven’t seen in a while and bring it back to the area. Also it helps with networking and getting to know the new officials that I may not have worked with yet.”

Mike Straw (Stray Tacco), Ohio Roller Derby and Athens Ohio Roller Derby “It’s actually only the second one I’ve attended, but I definitely got a lot out of it. It really helped me hone the skills I was working on and helped me identify stuff I need to work on.

I also love the rules discussion, especially since it’s not just “this is what the rules say” but also a lot of “these are the things we’re seeing” and “this is how it’s being called at the top”. Of course one of my main plans was to take the cert test and apply after it, but that didn’t work out. I think I still would’ve gone, though, even if I’d known about cert being cancelled. I learned more at my first clinic then I’d learned in a year and a half of reffing! And I learned a ton this year, too.”

“Kristina”, Grand Raggidy Roller Derby Hmmm. I think what I got out of it was honing in on the tricky areas. Learning to not over think the rules or look for the gray areas.”

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Doug Dunn (Refinstein), Independent “WFTDA clinics give you exposure to the rules and officiating ‘From the horse’s mouth’. The clinics promote consistent officiating. If more officials at all levels attended clinics instead of debating rules on FB the sport would be better off.”

Morgan Swartz (Cunni), CoMo Derby Dames “So, I can’t say what I would get out of a WFTDA clinic as a seasoned official. I went when I was just getting into serious NSOing, and it was a fantastic investment of time and resources. For an NSO coming from an area without many other high level NSOs, it was the first place I was exposed to the tricks that people use to have more consistent and detailed paperwork and perform the positions beyond just basic competence. I was exposed to the certification process for the first time, too. It gave me clearer goals and process for how to improve and work toward higher proficiency...”

“As a seasoned official... it would be to have more (detailed) conversations about rules, standard procedures, and some of the less common situations we might encounter in derby... and also a chance to practice more NSO positions that I don’t often do in a low pressure situation... I believe that there is always something to learn. So while I might not get as much out of the clinic as I did the first time, I am confident I would still walk away with a better understanding of the positions and how they interface. As well as new things that folks are trying in bigger leagues with more robust officiating crews.”

Dave Wood Photography

Rob Duncan (Rob Anybody), Ann Arbor Derby Dimes “In 2014 I attended my first WFTDA Officials clinic in Rochester, New York, hosted by Roc City. I was a brand new referee, just out of Fresh Meat... and nobody else I knew went to that clinic. It was a great chance to meet other officials and make some new friends. I learned a lot, including the fact that I really needed to ramp up my skating skills, as well as get a lot more experience.

In 2015, I went to the clinic in Cincinnati. The first day was great: changes to rules, clarifications and current best ref practice but I was recovering from a sprained ankle, so day two was less beneficial.

So for 2016, I wasn’t sure at first that I would go. I even thought about just doing the first day – that had been the most useful before, and I could scrimmage any week, pretty much. Then I remembered that the first part of the clinics had the Skating and Non Skating Officials together. I could attend on the NSO track and learn useful stuff the whole weekend. I picked the clinic that was most local – the one in Cleveland, hosted by Burning River. The clinic was taught by the Umpire Strikes Back and Marriedjuana on the ref side, and Nine Inch Wheels and Silken Tofu on the NSO side.

Each clinic was taught by a different crew of top officials, so it is always interesting to get their different takes on things. In some ways, my third clinic was the one that I learned the most. As I gain officiating experience more of the things that are covered are not new, but I have a better appreciation of the details. More of the topics are things I have run into personally, and some tricks I learned, I was able to put to use in the next week. And every time I go, I enjoy meeting and talking with people. After all, it’s because of the people in derby that I do this in the first place.”

Rafael Romero WFTDA Instructor (Marriedjuana), Sac City Rollers “As a Clinic instructor I hope to pass as much of our knowledge to the participants as I can. I want to ensure there is consistency in how we officiate. I stay fresh by officiating for new leagues as well as established leagues, attending training for trainer’s classes, and by communicating with officials from different countries. By officiating different levels of gameplay, it allows me to see different penalties that you don’t normally see if you only officiate one level of gameplay. I travel to different countries to promote the sport. What keeps me going is the new leagues and officials. Their love and willingness to learn is amazing and refreshing. I will continue to teach as long as the community is willing to allow me to do it. As far as ‘hot topics’ – I let the participants dictate what topics we discuss based on their concerns for each clinic if their topic is not covered by the clinic. In the end, we are there for them, the participants. They are what matters.”

Danielle Whittaker (Chunk Rock Girl), Lansing Derby Vixens “I’ve been to three WFTDA Referee Clinics in the last five years, and it has been interesting to see how my understanding of the rules, and especially of rules theory, has evolved as I’ve advanced in my own officiating skill level.

Every time I go to a clinic, I see something in a new light.”

The 2016 WFTDA Clinic “season” is over so now is the time to plan for 2017! Make it a road trip, car-pool with friends, and meet new friends. Regardless, your skills will benefit, as will your league and officials crews you will work with in the future.

At the clinic, take notes... LOTS OF NOTES, remember extra paper and pencils, and ask questions. Instructors LOVE well thought out questions and an opportunity to analyze real-life experiences. Don’t worry about your experience level, the clinic location or the time commitment. Getting the straight scoop “right from the source” is worth the investment. The expert officials who conduct these clinics really understand the rules.

They are there to help to assess students’ skills, provide constructive feedback and help make our officiating better!H

fiveonfivemag.com | Fall 2016

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herbal derby

Gypsy Wagon Apothecary and fiveonfive present

A user friendly cookbook

focusing on the medicinal properties of 5 popular kitchen herbs.

By detailing their medicinal properties along with some entertaining facts and applications, users of this book begin to understand how our food can become delicious medicine.

With a few simple adjustments, Herbal Derby can easily accommodate every dietary requirement for optimal health and vitality.

available at fiveonfivemag.com

derby over 50 SARGE, CAJUN ROLLER GIRLS

There is a cross section of derby that may not be immediately noticeable to the average participant or spectator.

Derby is, for the most part, a fast paced (most of the time) sport involving parts of people’s bodies connecting at bruise causing regularity. It could be considered a sport people might assume is better for the younger generation. But what makes a person that is 50 years old say, “Hey... that is something I really want to do!”? The answer may be the same reason somebody at twenty years old wants to do it. The first thing most people would say is, “I don’t know, I just like to skate.” There might be someone reading this that is in that category that might be thinking, “Am I too old to do that?”

I remember being asked to be a referee for “the roller derby girls” as I knew them back then. I had just adjusted to the fact that I had been living on this good earth for a half century. “Just show up for practice this Saturday,” I was told. I really didn’t think much about it. Sounded like fun and I had been a softball coach and ref for years. I had not skated in years, but I knew I used to love to skate. I left it at that. Until that Saturday as I was driving to the skating rink where the “roller derby girls” practiced. When I got to the rink, I somehow missed the practice time. So I was told I could come back next week. Then I realized there was a kiddie skating time set for the next day. I decided I would go practice skating. Half way there, it hit me... “What the hell are you doing,

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Jack? You are FIFTY years old!”, said my inner critic. Yep, it started to sink in.

I contemplated turning around and going home. Then I said, “Hell Yeah I can do this.” I thought, “I will go see if I can stay skating for an hour and if I can, I will do it.” I pulled it off and after continued practices I found out it was quite a bit more of a workout than I thought it would be, but it put me in pretty good shape.

I have seen pictures of people who are body builders at 70 years old.

And then there are people who either by choice or illness become frail. Some people age in their minds long before their bodies have given up. But even in derby, there are people who break the mold as to when to ‘give it up’. In fact they probably never will.

I eventually found out about a couple of groups on Facebook that were dedicated to people in derby over 40 and over 50.

We live in a culture that in my perception is set up to expect people to turn “old” and push us out in our wheelchairs to finish life conveniently in a nursing home when we get old.

There is that word again. Ask any little kid what “old” is and I would venture you might get 30 as an answer and “really old” would be about 50.

The Alan Jackson song , “Remember When”, sums it up.

“Remember when Thirty seemed so old... now looking back, It’s just a stepping stone.”

I asked some of the people in the Derby over Fifty Facebook group if they experienced fear or doubt or any kind of emotion in the beginning when they started with a derby team.

Mary Ellen Najar sensed a little doubt from her younger teammates.

“When I tried out,” she said, “ the girls doing the testing tried to ask in a roundabout manner if I thought I was too old or it would be too hard... the thought never crossed my mind.”

Some people, like Laura Bartlett, came right out the gate, ready to play.

“I started at 42 and am still playing today at 52... I never doubted or feared anything, I just knew I wanted to play derby. There are a lot of issues dealing with being older in derby and I think I have faced them all. But I do have to say I was a good skater and athletic when I started and have been a derby coach and player for ten years. The issues I faced were more with dealing with people half my age than any athletic or skating issues.”

Sherrie Butler became involved in derby after 15 years of dragging her leg around from two herniated discs and adrenal fatigue. She wanted to do something fun before she got too “old”.

She was 48 at the time. She said, “I

Kim Lincoln

am now 52 and have no plans to stop playing derby until well into my 60s. I am stronger than I have ever been and my back is no longer an issue. I still struggle with adrenal fatigue but I will figure that out too, I’m sure. I always say “never give up; never give in!”

Andre Kehn started at 51, is now 52 and still Fresh Meat. She said, “I am still wondering now and then if I have rocks in my head, but I love it, and it has given me the motivation for conditioning myself and I feel like I am in better shape than I’ve been in years. And the friendships I am developing. Love it!”

The responses of many of the people who gave their story included concerns about injury. But derby offers another side for people of all ages.

Some people have found a niche by reffing. It is a way to be involved, get great exercise, and develop agility by honing their skills at avoiding skaters going out of orbit.

R. S. Captor is another who skated a lot in the 1960s then moved on to the popular rollerblade. She said, “When I first saw derby had come to town, I had to try it. My first thought was that I wished derby had come ten

years earlier, followed by the realization that I was old enough to be the mother of most of the skaters. Then WTH am I doing? Injuries and medical issues have made playing a problem, but reffing is a good fit for me.”

Andrew Porter’s experience probably sums up the whole picture. “I started skating at 52 and became a ref within a few months. Even without contact I have been successful in injuring myself, which takes longer to heal.

The result is I was able to experience the better half of ‘officialdum,’ the Flamingos, who keep the game running (so it was a blessing in disguise). For me I found the transition from not even knowing about the game to being an active participant was challenging on multiple levels: from the physical demands of learning to skate without hurting myself and building stamina, to the intellectual challenge of learning a complex rule set and learning to see and make valid calls, and finally adjusting to derby culture, which is something that I think is unique in team sports. I think in this case it is fair to say it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks. I occasionally feel envy for

the players (except when they are injured) so I won’t rule out the occasional opportunity to play but that isn’t really part of the plan.”

I have seen pictures of people who are body builders at 70 years old. And then there are people who either by choice or illness become frail. Some people age in their minds long before their bodies have given up. But even in derby there are people who break the mold as to when to ‘give it up’. In fact they probably never will.

“Started in 2011 at 57. I don’t think I was scared about skating because I was a good skater back in 1970.

I will be 63 after RollerCon this year.”

– Susan Smith “I started in 2012 after seeing a Rat City Bout. I was hooked from the warmups. Just thought, “I have to do this!” It took me about three boot camps, I was delayed by injury and life.

I had my first bout about 1 1/2 years ago. I will be 70 in October. I really want to bout my way to the next decade! – Carol Larson So there goes your excuse for being too “old”. If you want to do it.

Get out there and do it!H

fiveonfivemag.com | Fall 2016

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moving on up: some thoughts on change and how to deal with it when it wasn’t your choice SCARLETT O’HARDER, ROLLER DERBY LEICESTER

From the first article I read on roller derby to the most recent, the story has always been the same: roller derby is amazing and changed my life. And although in a lot of ways I echo that sentiment, my experience with the sport has been quite difficult and I felt that for the sake of those struggling, I wanted to write what it’s like to experience the other side of it and how to start again if need be.

I was with my league for around five years when I was expelled. I had been a part of the A team from day one and had a lot of friends there. Or so I thought. The league was my life and I was mostly happy to be awash in it. I say mostly... the problem was that when I wasn’t happy, nobody was happy.

I wasn’t very good at expressing my feelings in a constructive way and the league didn’t always manage the individual skaters as what they were: individuals.

Feedback given to them was often misconstrued as criticism and with my terrible way of dealing with this, the hole just got bigger. I did things the wrong way which led to the league dealing with things badly and, long story short, after the complete mishandling of my disciplinary, I was out on my ear.

Starting fresh elsewhere didn’t happen straight away. I moved to another local league that were much smaller and less experienced but because of the awkward location and lack of car, the travel was ridiculous. Finally I found a league that was further out still but easier to get to on the train. I tried to get my feet under the table while still dealing with the huge emotional fallout of being asked to leave my home league, but it was hard because I felt unable to commit to it.

The people had their own inside jokes that I didn’t know.

They played different tactics. Everything was different. I didn’t know them and they didn’t know me and after losing

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so many friends from my old team, I was determined to keep it that way. I’d turn up to training and not speak to anyone beyond skating or what we were doing that particular moment. I dodged social situations and avoided answering any questions about my past. It seemed easier that way by keeping them at arm’s length, though it seemed safer at the time, it was only making me more miserable as I completely isolated myself.

I repeatedly made the mistake of comparing my old league to the new one, finding the new falling short every time but, it was my mindset that was the real obstacle.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, things have to change.

Expulsion, a change of address, or even a team break up, and it’s perfectly normal to grieve the loss of something you once held dear. What is not normal, or healthy, however, is to refuse to let go of the past: things will feel unusual at first but before you know it, you’ll wonder why you ever felt like you weren’t part of your new league all along. Believe me, I’ve been there!

It’s important to both expect and embrace the changes that come along with a new league. Sure, there will be a lot of similarities, but there are also going to be a lot of differences. Some of them may not seem as a productive as where you came from, but if you keep an open mind you’ll probably find some new ways of doing things that were actually better. It’s like starting a new relationship, if you

Rob Green

spend the whole time comparing your current beau to your ex, not only is it likely you’ll end up unhappy but you’ll also upset your latest squeeze. Nobody wants to feel like second place no matter how alien you seem at first.

I know that I still have a long way to go for this league to feel like home but at the same time, I have this wonderful opportunity to a completely clean slate, and who hasn’t felt like they needed that at some point in time?

We’re all a bunch of hardy souls, or we wouldn’t have ended up where we are in the first place. Remember that strange feeling when you met your original team the first time, and how you didn’t feel so confident and everything was new? Well, that didn’t last forever, did it?H

It’s important to both expect and embrace the changes that come along with a new league. fiveonfivemag.com | Fall 2016

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we are orlando, on three QUENBY SHEREE, ORLANDO DERBY GIRLS PHOTOS BY QUENBY SHEREE

On June 12th an act of violence rocked the city of Orlando. Word of the mass shooting at the cities’ popular club, Pulse, spread across the world like a shared heartbeat.

That same night the Orlando home team played against Sintral Florida Derby Demons (based in Daytona Beach). Heather Kinkade, a.k.a Foxy Bloxy, the President of the Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls, was one of many scrambling to locate her friends and teammates after the news.

“For many of us, our Orlando derby family is our support system. There were excruciating moments spent holding my breath when we couldn’t find a few members of our family, trying to balance the fear of the unknown and the urgent need to use our resources to find them. These are my people, and confirming that they were safe was my first priority. I don’t have words to really describe how I felt knowing they were all safe.”

Shock of the event was still prevalent as Foxy Bloxy and the rest of the team debated taking a knee or show up to their game. In the end the option was clear.

“The choice to play our game was about bringing our community together to support each other in a tragic time and standing strong for our city and the LGBTQ community... We wanted to stand strong for Orlando. We wanted to provide a safe space for our community to come together. We wanted to use the game to raise funds and donate them to The LGBT Center of Central Florida’s support efforts. We wanted to live every part of our traditional pregame chant “WE ARE ORLANDO.” There were two moments of silence for the victims and that of their families during the game. Spectators, volunteers, players, and refs, stood with hands clasped as the soft ringings and clatter of the arcade games along with the quiet chatter of children too young to understand grief reminded us all that life continues in fragility. An act of violence cannot make the world stop- could not even damper the spirits of everyone in the rink.

Both teams wore rainbow ribbons in support of the victims; 49 at the time of this writing and many more with critical injuries. Their venue, Semoran Skateway, was kind

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enough to discount the team’s rate that night to allow them to donate more to the LBGT Center. In another show of generosity, the winner of that night’s 50/50 raffle donated their winnings to the LBGT center.

Orlando’s team had an emotional huddle where Melissa Mays, aka Mykillangelo, as the Travel Team Co-Captain, took on the task of pumping up her team from the distraction of the day’s chaos and uncertainty. The theme, like derby itself, was strength and unity.

The moment was solemn and private, ending on a note of determination. “...Today we will turn our grief into strength and our anger into action. We won’t let this tragedy define us. We are Orlando. We are beautiful, we are strong, we are Orlando.

Today is the day we show the world Orlando won’t be shaken so easily. Today is the day we stand strong and fight for the ones we love. And today we make a better tomorrow for our city.

We are Orlando, on three.”

As she spoke, eyes brimmed with tears that never fell. Not here, not before this game. Because derby isn’t about falling,

it’s about getting back up. Sometimes when you get hit especially hard, when players and onlookers aren’t sure if you will be taken out of the game, we take a knee. We wait.

A player is checked head to toe. Where does it hurt? Can you bend your wrist? There is silence as we wait; and injured or not- the player is helped up. They glide off the court to join in the game again or they hobble off to have their broken bones mended, their bruises iced. Either way the crowed stands with them and cheers.

This isn’t NASCAR, where people show up to see a fiery crash, this is derby. We come to see our girlfriends, sisters, friends, mothers stand back up after taking a hard hit to the ground. We come to see the opposing team cheering for their strength just as hard as they are cheering for their own teammates.

Foxy Bloxy played in that game on June 12th. She states, “As a skater, I wear “ORLANDO” across my chest every time I play for our travel team. I’ve always been proud of that, it’s always meant a lot to me. Putting it on Sunday I felt a different weight in wearing that uniform. I was wearing it in defense, support, memory and defiance.”

fiveonfivemag.com | Fall 2016

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Two Florida teams battled and Orlando lead a significant victory over Sintral’s Daytona Beach team. It was hard won and well earned. In the final jam, players crashed into each other punctuated by claps of thunder as a fierce summer storm raged outside of the skating rink, loud and ferocious as the anger felt across the nation.

Foxy Bloxy goes on to point out, “The win wasn’t what mattered most, the fact that we continued to proudly be who were are and not be controlled by anyone or anything is what defined that game.

As a league we’re coping through action and service.

We’re still actively working to support relief efforts for victims, families and the community.”

After awards were given and the space cleaned up, players and officials stood under the eve of the rink laughing over the tropical storm that might scare the pants off tourists, but Florida locals are well used to. Some stayed to shout conversation over the wind and rain, others ran back and

forth to their cars with gear, grinning from ear to ear at the absolute uselessness of a bag or helmet held up to stop the torrent from a Florida Baptism. Visitors to our state sometimes look to these seasonal storms and shake their head in wonder, “It’s a nice place to visit, but you have to be crazy to live here.” Crazy helps. You have to be crazy to paint yourself up and literally throw your best friends into a group of blockers, crazy to hug and party with a woman that just an hour before knocked you to the ground so hard you were sucking air and mentally checking if anything felt broken.

A mother with her young daughter gets ready to race to their minivan, both exhilarated. Their hands grip each other’s as the mom looks both ways to make sure their path is clear.

I can’t hear them over the storm, but as they hesitate and smile I can imagine the woman counting down to prepare themselves for the immediate shock of being soaked on the first step. “Ok, on three! One, two...”H

fiveonfivemag.com | Fall 2016

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John Panas aka PaPa Rottsy

John Panas aka PaPa Rottsy

John Panas aka PaPa Rottsy

John Panas aka PaPa Rottsy

Shutter Thug

John Panas aka PaPa Rottsy

Floyd King Derby Photography

RollerCon 2016

Fall 2016 | fiveonfivemag.com

fiveonfivemag.com | Fall 2016

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John Panas aka PaPa Rottsy

John Panas aka PaPa Rottsy

John Panas aka PaPa Rottsy

John Panas aka PaPa Rottsy Floyd King Derby Photography

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Fall 2016 | fiveonfivemag.com 1. Logo is missing from left skater’s shorts. 2. Helmet is now green on skater on right.

3. Skater in back middle is missing number on arm. 4. Official is missing flag patch.

5. Back left skater’s shirt color changed. 6. Skater on right is missing leaf from pants. 7. Skater is missing on right.

Floyd King Derby Photography

THERE ARE SEVEN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE PHOTOS – FIND ‘EM!

derbylife.com derbylife der e bylife.com com om

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