Last night Marlin and I went out to watch the Dethbridge Dames race Roller Derby against the Tar Sand Betties from Fort MacMurray. I never watched it as a kid but recently I've become quite fascinated with it. I love the toughness, the quirkiness and the athleticism of it and I have to admit, I love the thought of an alter ego too. :)
I took a bunch of crappy photos - I had the ISO cranked up as high as it could go (6400) and it was gritty and still blurry. Thankfully the sport kind of tends to be kind of gritty. I couldn't decide on a editing style I liked (hence the different styles you see here) - basically I was trying to turn crappy photos into something interesting which is something I'm not very good at!
We were a little confused at times when we were watching. We know the basic rules, but were often confused by the penalties and why sometimes half the team was missing from the rink. But even without a full understanding it was pretty fun to watch.
Basically the woman with the star on her helmet (the jammer) needs to get through the pack more times than the other team's jammer. Everyone else on the course is trying to stop the opposing team's jammer and assist their own. There were 6 refs on site making sure everyone was doing what they were supposed to be doing.
I've decided I'm going to start practicing with them. Did I mention I can't skate? 30 years ago I could fumble around an ice rink, I rollerbladed once about 18 years ago and I haven't been on any kind of skate since. But apparently they'll teach you how... I'm hoping I won't be the worst they've ever seen.
It is comforting to know that you need to pass tests in order to play. It is actually quite stringent and there are different levels to get through before you are officially an active member during a bout.
It isn't comforting to know that you must purchase insurance and show proof of health care before even being allowed to practice. I made the mistake of looking around flickr yesterday for Roller Derby pictures - there are some pretty amazing bruises out there! I might just volunteer to referee instead. It looked quite a bit safer.
9 comments:
I really like the black and white photo the best. My focus is on the faces and the action without being distracted by the color.
It would be so cool to say we know a roller derby girl ;0
We've been trying to come up with a name for your alter ego! Have you thought of one yet?
Lol. Nope. But it would have to be dog related of course! What did you come up with?
John has thought of:
Hellon Wheels
Kim Reaper
Phyllis Stine
Nothing dog related yet but he's on it!
Ooooh. Those are good.
That looks like a horrifying sport! LOL Have fun!
omg. you might die. lol.
and uh the outfits are really interesting...
-amanda
Canine Crusader, Barkin' Bruiser, Animal Avenger...??? Tough sport, ouch!
Those are good too Marlene! I quite like Barkin' Bruiser. My favourites are the ones that sound like normal names until you say them out loud. The only thing Marlin and I came up with was Kay Ninecrusher, but the last name seems too made up.
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