#76 - Attend a roller derby match

I am proud to say that I have checked off another item on my list of 101 in 1001! This weekend Justin and I headed up to Austin to help his sister, Jessica, celebrate her 23rd birthday (along with a number of her other friends). Jessica's landlord happens to be a sponsor for the Texas Lonestar Rollergirls and this weekend was one of the playoff games...Putas del Fuego vs. The Cherry Bombs! I had heard from people I know (who have gone to a couple matches in San Antonio) that roller derby is extremely entertaining to watch and since then I've wanted to see it for myself. I had absolutely no idea what to expect and didn't even know what the point of the game was. For those of you who are wondering, roller derby rules are as follows:

 

Positions:

• Jammer - designated by stars on her helmet and known as the sprint skater. She has to try and break through the pack of blockers in front of her. After she breaks through the blockers her object is to score one point per opponent she laps.
• Lead jammer - the jammer in the lead and the only one that can call off a jam. If a jammer steps off of the track or touches the red zone at the bottom of the track with any part of her body, she is no longer the lead jammer, regardless of her position on the track in relation to the other jammer.
• Pivot - designated by a strip down the middle of her helmet and known as the pace setter for the pack. She may take over the jammer position once she has the star in her possession.
• Blocker - They set up plays to assist their jammer through the pack and blocks to stop the opposing jammer.

Jam: First whistle starts the pack, second whistle signals for the jammers to begin. A jam may last up to 60 seconds or until the lead jammer calls it off by placing both hands on her hip.

Game: Four 8 minute periods played between two teams.

 

It makes more sense when you see it live and it sounds easier than it is...those ladies are fast and tough! My favorite part of the whole production though is the players' names. For example, the Cherry Bombs have players that go by Alison Chains, Bully Jean, Honey Homicide, etc. Putas del Fuego players include Hell's Belle, Holly Peno, & Nicki Ticki Timebomb. Makes me wonder what my name would be if I was on a team....hmmmmm. Suggestions?! ;)

Definitely not planning on joining a league any time soon but I never pass up an opportunity to drink $5.25 beer, eat $6 nachos and watch women in skates knock over other women in skates! Goooooood times!