Hurricane Harlow On a Roll

Harlow's Bold Leap into the world of Roller Derby

Quinns Rocks Girl Guide Harlow (11) made the decision to join a roller derby club after her mum showed her some online videos of the game. Harlow already knew how to skate so she went along to try a training session and liked it so much that she joined after her second training, taking on her own derby name - 'Hurricane.' Perth Junior Roller Derby (PJRD) is for juniors aged 7 to 17 years and offers training twice a week at Mirrabooka and Morley. Training consists of learning the rules of derby, skills including T-stops, knee slides and squat skating, and all the tactical game skills. In a roller derby game, there are two teams of up to ten players (maximum of five players on the track at one time), including a jammer, a pivot and three blockers. The jammer tries to go around the rink to get in front; the blockers try to stop the jammer coming through and the pivot can also become a jammer. Harlow says, "It is a very fast game and is a lot of fun to watch if it’s your first time, but once you know the rules it's even better." Safety is a big part of derby and Harlow explains that you will need a mouthguard, wrist pads, elbow and knee pads, helmet and rollerskates. There are specialised derby skates but normal skates may be suitable if you add bigger toe stoppers and indoor wheels. PJRD teaches skaters the basics of roller derby, such as falling safely, stability and roller derby strategies. Once you've mastered these skills and passed Level 3, you are eligible to play roller derby. "It is a full contact sport," says Harlow, "so it is important that you know the skills, rules and are safe on the track." Harlow loves everything about roller derby! "I love being on skates, my cool long sock collection, being able to express myself and making new friends, watching the level 3s and 4s play, going to the WA Roller Derby and Perth Roller Derby league games where they have the best bake stalls. Derby is my super happy place and I always love going there." She also thinks Girl Guides helped her gain the confidence and team skills to really get into roller derby. "You need to be good team member because it’s all about a team. Guides also helped me go and try something without knowing anyone, like when we go on state camps and don’t know anyone, but you know it will be great fun." In fact, when Harlow went to her third training, another girl commented that she used to be in Guides as well. "We were instant friends at PJRD because we were Guides. Once a Girl Guide, always a Guide!"