CINCINNATI ROLLERGIRLS

The mission of the Cincinnati Rollergirls is to enrich the lives of our members and the Greater Cincinnati community through the revolutionary sport of flat-track roller derby. CRG is committed to creating an internationally competitive team of strong and athletic skaters; providing inclusive opportunities for developing skaters and support staff; and forming powerful connections with our fans to promote the growth of the sport. All league members associated with the Cincinnati Rollergirls are volunteers in skating, practice, and now, art.

About The Panel

Roller derby is a full-contact sport played on skates where athletes use their entire body to block, jam, hit, and evade their opponents. To the unknowing spectator, it’s often a battle of chaos. Penalties are called and phrases are yelled with no discernable pattern. But to the players and officials, there is a very specific language. Phrases signify second-by-second decisions that athletes have to make, or penalties that are called on them.

This panel explores the art of conversation by highlighting the unique language that athletes and officials use on the track. The centerpiece of the skate – the most identifiable object in roller derby – is surrounded with phrases, words, and exclamations that athletes use.

For example: Find the word “Umbrella.” “Umbrella” is a strategy where team members assemble to cover the opposing team rendering them unable to move, and spring their jammer (the point-scorer) free to begin scoring points faster. Phrases like “Lane 2,” enable teammates to communicate to one another where the opposing jammer is moving on the track, ensuring that the team can work together to block them.

We invite viewers to interpret these phrases and ask questions to open a dialogue about the sport that we love.